Joshua understood AUTHORITY.

Exodus 17:11 (NKJV)

11 And so it was, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.

Joshua understood the victory was not won by the most effort, it is won by being under the right authority.

2. Joshua was a man of FAITH.

Numbers 14:7-9 (NKJV)
7 and they spoke to all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying: “The land we passed through to spy out is an exceedingly good land. 8 If the Lord delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us, ‘a land which flows with milk and honey.’ 9 Only do not rebel against the Lord, nor fear the people of the land, for they[a] are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the Lord is with us. Do not fear
them.”

Moses was called to get the Children of Israel out of Egypt. Joshua was called to get the Egypt mindset out of the children of Israel.

You can’t help people that are addicted to their pain.

3. Joshua was a SERVANT.

Joshua 1 (NKJV)
1 After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, it came to pass that the Lord spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, saying:

If you are too BIG to serve than you are too small to lead.

God gives Joshua 3 promises.

1. You will be a PIONEER
Joshua 1:3 (NKJV) Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you

2. You will be UNCONQUERABLE
Joshua 1:5 (NKJV) No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life

3.`You will not be ALONE
Joshua 1:9 (NKJV) …for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

God gives Joshua 4 principles for

1. Be Strong and Courageous. (v6,7,9)


2. Speak the Law. (v8)


3. Meditate on the Law. (v8)


4. Observe the Law. (v7)

How to GROW in your wilderness season.

1. Be Strong and Courageous.


2. Speak God’s word


3. Grow in your knowledge of God’s word.


4. Practice what God’s word teaches.

Discussion Questions:

Do I have good understanding of God’s authority in my life? Have you ever had a time in your life when you tried to operate in your own strength outside of God’s authority? Moses had Aaron and Hur by his side to hold up his arms in the battle against the Amalekites, who do you have in your life to hold up your arms when you are weary?


In Numbers 14 Joshua and Caleb saw opportunity and the other spies saw destruction. Why are we so prone to have a lack of faith? Is there an area of your life that you want to grow in your faith this year? Share with the group and pray for one another.


Joshua was a servant; do you currently serve at a local church or in the community? Why or why not? How does serving make us more like Christ?


God gives Joshua 3 promises that we also have for our life. We are pioneers, unconquerable and not alone. Do you see yourself as a pioneer in culture? Jesus calls us to be salt and light to the world, what does that look like practically? Have you ever felt like people stood in the way of God’s call in your life? Loneliness is the silent killer of leaders, do you feel alone right now? How do we overcome loneliness in our lives?


Joshua is told to speak the law, mediate on the law and observe the law. How does the word of God transform our lives? What is your favorite scripture and why? Memorization is the lowest form of learning and application is the highest form. What scriptures are you applying to your life right now?


Family Discussion: This week talk to your children about loneliness, share with them a time in your life that you felt alone but knew God was with you. Ask them if they have ever experienced or are experiencing a moment of loneliness and pray together.