BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS: EVERYDAY LEADERSHIP FROM JOSHUA

8

© 2014 LifeWay

It’s time to lead. Be strong and courageous. When you hear the word “leader,” what face or name comes to mind? An entrepreneur or CEO? A pastor? A coach? A general? Let me add one more entry to that list: you. Do you think of yourself as a leader? You are. You may not lead a business, a church, a team, or a military unit, but you’re still called to lead. A husband becomes a leader when he says, “I do.” Parents become leaders as soon as their baby is born. Employees who have responsibility for others are leaders in the workplace. Church members are leaders when they serve guests in the parking lots, teach children and students, or serve on the financial team. So what’s your blueprint for leading? We have a great model of leadership in Joshua, the man called by God to move His people from wandering in the wilderness to conquering their own land. Throughout the Book of Joshua, God has given us a blueprint on how to be godly and effective leaders. So let’s explore leadership from God’s Word. Think of the leadership role God has given you. Picture in your mind the faces of the people you lead and influence. Open your heart to what God can do by His power through available servants and leaders like you. Let’s walk through this door together and be changed into the leaders God desires.

Paul Jimenez Paul Jimenez is senior pastor at Taylors First Baptist Church in Taylors, South Carolina. Paul served on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., before God called him to seminary and service in the local church. He is married to his best friend, Cheri, and together they deeply love and parent a daughter and a son. Most of all he wants to see the kingdom of God break through in his family, his church, and throughout the world.

© 2014 LifeWay

BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE

9

SESSION 1 ACCEPT YOUR LEADERSHIP ROLE

10

SESSION 1

© 2014 LifeWay

The Point As you lead, submit to God’s authority and direction.

The Passage Joshua 1:1-9

The Bible Meets Life Leadership takes many forms, and we’re all leaders in one way or another. Whether leadership is carried out in the business world, the home, the playing field, or the church, how we lead is ultimately a reflection of our relationship with Christ. Ultimately, our leadership and influence are to be carried out under the leadership and influence of God’s Spirit in our lives.

The Setting God had used Moses to lead His people for a lengthy and eventful time—from enslavement in Egypt, through the 10 plagues, out of Egypt, across the Red Sea, and for 40 years in the wilderness. Moses had been at the helm through the giving of the Law, the surveyal of the promised land, and the construction of the tabernacle. Though some had challenged Moses’ leadership, most of those alive had known no other. Now Joshua had to fill those shoes.

© 2014 LifeWay

BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE

11

What does the Bible say?

Joshua 1:1-9 (HCSB) Recite (v. 8)—The Hebrew term means “to meditate,” as in Psalm 1:2. The modern idea of rehearsing something through repetition captures the meaning of “recite” perfectly. Prosper (v. 8)—This term does not mean to make money, but rather to accomplish God’s directives and goals for us as revealed in His Word. Succeed (v. 8)—This word is similar to “prosper” but emphasizes developing the ability to see and to do things God’s way, resulting in a Godhonoring lifestyle.

1 After the death of Moses the LORD’s servant, the LORD spoke to Joshua son of Nun,

who had served Moses: 2 “Moses My servant is dead. Now you and all the people prepare to cross over the

Jordan to the land I am giving the Israelites. 3 I have given you every place where the sole of your foot treads, just as I promised Moses. 4 Your territory will be from the wilderness and Lebanon to the great Euphrates

River—all the land of the Hittites—and west to the Mediterranean Sea. 5 No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. I will be with you, just

as I was with Moses. I will not leave you or forsake you. 6 “Be strong and courageous, for you will distribute the land I swore to their fathers

to give them as an inheritance. 7 Above all, be strong and very courageous to carefully observe the whole instruction My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or the left, so that you will have success wherever you go. 8 This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to recite it day

and night so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do. 9 Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

12

SESSION 1

© 2014 LifeWay

THE POINT

As you lead, submit to God’s authority and direction.

GET INTO THE STUDY

10 minutes

ENHANCEMENT: Use Pack Item 1, “Be

Notes

Strong and Courageous,” to introduce the major theme of this study, along with the specific focus of each session. DISCUSS: Question #1 on page 9 of the Personal Study Guide (PSG): “When have you wondered, ‘Am I ready for this?’” ACTIVITY (OPTIONAL): People often think of leadership as a weight—as something they need to carry around on top of their regular responsibilities. Ask for a volunteer to help you lead the group in visualizing this weight. Prior to the group meeting, inflate 10-20 ballons of a good size. During the meeting, ask your volunteer to carry a balloon back and forth across the meeting space. Each time he or she completes a lap, add another balloon. The object lesson ends when the volunteer drops the balloons or successfully carries everything you inflated. Note: You can add an extra element of fun to this activity by asking group members to guess how many balloons the volunteer will be able to carry before he or she begins. GUIDE: Call attention to “The Point” at the top of page 10 of the PSG: “As you lead, submit to God’s authority and direction.” GUIDE: Direct group members to “The Bible Meets Life” on page 10 of the PSG. Introduce the topic of leadership and leading well by reading or summarizing the text—or by encouraging group members to read on their own. PRAY: Transition into the Scripture discussion by affirming your role as the leader of your group. Ask for wisdom and clarity as you guide the discussion.

© 2014 LifeWay

TIP: Commit to start and end each session on time. This communicates the value you place on studying God’s Word together.

BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE

13

5 minutes

STUDY THE BIBLE Joshua 1:1-6

Notes 1

After the death of Moses the LORD’s servant, the LORD spoke to Joshua son

of Nun, who had served Moses: 2 “Moses My servant is dead. Now you and all the people prepare to cross over the Jordan to the land I am giving the Israelites. 3 I have given you every place where the sole of your foot treads, just as I promised Moses. 4 Your territory will be from the wilderness and Lebanon to the great Euphrates River—all the land of the Hittites—and west to the Mediterranean Sea. 5 No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. I will be with you, just as I was with Moses. I will not leave you or forsake you. 6 Be strong and courageous, for you will distribute the land I swore to their fathers to give them as an inheritance.” RECAP: Call attention to the first paragraph on page 12 of the PSG: Do you see yourself as a leader? You are. Everybody leads in some capacity. Even if your influence only touches the life of one other person—adult, student, or child—that is leadership! That’s why the Book of Joshua is for you. Its encouraging message is that God is in control even as we stand on the banks of our most difficult leadership challenges. READ: Joshua 1:1-6 on page 11 of the PSG. Read the text out loud or ask a volunteer to do so. Note: Use the Commentary on page 15 of this Leader Guide to find explanations and background information for Joshua 1:1-6. Commentary material is connected to every Scripture passage printed in this resource. ALTERNATE QUESTION: What do you find most encouraging in verses 5-6? Why?

DISCUSS: Question #2 on page 12 of the PSG: “Where in your past can you see evidence of God’s faithfulness?” Note: It often takes people up to 30 seconds to consider a deeper-level question and come up with an answer. Therefore, don’t be afraid to allow some silence while your group members think. TRANSITION: As we move to verses 7-8, we see God continue to encourage Joshua, as well as directing him to a critically important resource: the Scriptures.

14

SESSION 1

© 2014 LifeWay

THE POINT

As you lead, submit to God’s authority and direction.

Joshua 1:1‑6 Commentary [Verses 1‑2] The Book of Joshua begins with a somber reminder that Moses had died. The phrase after the death of Moses and the statement “Moses My servant is dead” remind us that God’s work goes on even after we experience the loss of a great leader. But who fills the leadership void? The first part of the answer is found in the title used of Moses: the Lord’s servant. Leadership voids are filled by people who are willing to serve. The second part of the answer is to realize that God selects another person to undertake the leadership position before the current leader is off the scene. Joshua son of Nun aided Moses during the exodus from Egypt, having been mentioned as early as Exodus 17:9‑14 in reference to the defeat of Amalek. Appropriately, the leader God chose to replace Moses was himself a servant; Joshua was described as the one who had served Moses. [Verse 3] The Lord guaranteed Joshua and the Israelites every place where the sole of your foot treads. The word your is a plural pronoun and includes all the people. The Hebrew verb given indicates an accomplished action, even though God was declaring the action before Joshua and the Israelites had taken their first steps into the promised land. This assurance corresponded with the phrase just as I promised Moses. Joshua and the Israelites could trust God precisely because He was good for His word. Everyone called by God to lead can have this assurance. [Verses 4-5] The Lord mentioned specific boundaries for the promised land. He had a plan in place. What’s more, the phrase just as I was with Moses reminded Joshua of everything Moses had accomplished through God’s power—and reminded him that Moses’ true greatness was bound up in his relationship with God. The promise that no one would be able to stand against Joshua was not a guarantee of no opposition. In fact, Joshua faced many adversaries. The Lord’s promise referred to the ultimate failure of all such opponents. [Verse 6] The Lord had commanded Joshua and the people to prepare to cross over the Jordan (Josh.  1:2). Obeying the command would involve crossing a flooded river (3:15-16; 4:16) and facing many hostile kingdoms. Such natural and human obstacles could dissuade anyone. Therefore, God commanded Joshua to be strong and courageous. Earlier, the Lord through Moses had given the command to be strong and courageous three times—once to Joshua and the people (Deut. 31:6) and twice to Joshua in particular (vv. 7,23). So also in Joshua 1:6-9, the Lord thrice commanded Joshua to be strong and courageous. Even the people got in on the act, promising to obey Joshua and commanding him to be strong and courageous (Josh. 1:18). The best way for Joshua to demonstrate godly leadership was to be strong in the conviction of God’s presence and guidance and be courageous in implementing His prescribed actions. © 2014 LifeWay

BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE

15

10 minutes

STUDY THE BIBLE Joshua 1:7-8

Notes 7

“Above all, be strong and very courageous to carefully observe the whole

instruction My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or the left, so that you will have success wherever you go. 8 This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to recite it day and night so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do.” DO: Direct group members to complete the activity “Leadership Associations” on page 13 of the PSG. If time permits, encourage volunteers to share words and images they associate with the term “Leader.” What words or images come to mind when you hear the term “Leader”? Record them in the space below. (Feel free to create a list of words, draw a picture, or both.)

Who are some leaders in your life who exemplify the qualities you listed above?

ALTERNATE QUESTION: What are the benefits and challenges of regularly memorizing God’s Word?

READ: Joshua 1:7-8 on page 11 of the PSG. GUIDE: Use the second and third paragraphs on page 14 of the PSG to help group members understand what it means to recite or meditate on God’s Word. Note: The fourth paragraph on page 17 of this Leader Guide provides more information on the meaning of these terms. DISCUSS: Question #3 on page 14 of the PSG: “What obstacles hinder us from making the most of God’s Word in our lives?” TRANSITION: God’s final words in verse 9 are inspirational and encouraging— both for Joshua and for us.

16

SESSION 1

© 2014 LifeWay

THE POINT

As you lead, submit to God’s authority and direction.

Joshua 1:7-8 Commentary [Verse 7] For the second time in two verses, the Lord commanded Joshua to be strong and very courageous. The adverb very renders the Hebrew term for “exceedingly”; it intensifies the command. The command is further clarified by linking it to faithful obedience of God’s teaching. To be an effective leader, Joshua had to carefully observe the whole instruction God gave to Moses. God would equip Joshua with His Word. The phrase carefully observe renders two Hebrew verbs indicating ongoing action. Carefully meant “to guard” or “to keep.” The word implies showing great attentiveness to the Lord’s instruction and knowing it thoroughly. The second term, observe, renders the Hebrew word meaning “to do.” It is never enough merely to learn about God’s instruction; we must obey it. We fall short when the study of God’s Word has no impact inside our hearts or outside our churches. The phrase whole instruction included all the ordinances, commands, and injunctions God provided for Israel through Moses. In fact, the term translated instruction is actually the Hebrew word torah, which is associated with the first five books of the Old Testament. We cannot pick and choose what aspects of God’s Word fit our self-chosen lifestyles and then ignore the rest. The initial phrase above all emphasizes the importance of Joshua’s keeping the whole instruction. The command for Joshua to not turn from God’s instruction renders a Hebrew verb meaning “to turn aside” from something in an attempt to evade it. Rather than avoiding God’s guidance, Joshua was to seek it out. No turning was acceptable, whether to the right or the left. The command is couched in positive terms. Keeping God’s whole instruction would lead to success wherever Joshua went. In this context, success refers to victory in conquering the promised land. [Verse 8] Joshua was to consistently think and talk about God’s instructions. When Joshua spoke words of instruction to Israel, his mouth was to declare advice from God’s book of instruction. Joshua was also instructed to recite the book day and night. The Hebrew verb translated recite indicates thoughtful deliberation, or going back and forth over God’s written instructions with a view toward becoming well versed in what He wants, how He leads, and what He expects of His people. Why rehearse God’s Word? The goal was for Joshua’s words and thoughts to reflect God’s wisdom. The purpose of God’s prescription is indicated by the words so that. By thoroughly rehearsing God’s Word, Joshua could carefully observe everything written therein, just as the Lord had commanded him (Josh. 1:7). Reading and meditating on God’s Word is the prerequisite for obeying His instruction. As a result, God promised Joshua would prosper and succeed with regard to God’s enterprise of leading His people into the promised land. © 2014 LifeWay

BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE

17

15 minutes

STUDY THE BIBLE Joshua 1:9

Notes 9

“Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or

discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” READ: Joshua 1:9 on page 11 of the PSG. DISCUSS: Question #4 on page 15 of the PSG: “What does it look like for a believer to be strong and courageous in today’s culture?” Note: Group members may focus on a negative perspective when answering this question—what it looks like to be strong and courageous in resisting persecution and hostility from today’s culture. Encourage them to also consider the question from a positive perspective. Meaning, what does it mean to be strong and courageous as we obey what God has called us to do? GUIDE: Call attention to the numbered list on page 15 of the PSG. You and the members of your group are commanded to be strong and courageous:

ALTERNATE QUESTION: When has God’s presence given you the courage to lead?

1. When you consider the great task in front of you. 2. So you can respond diligently to the Word of God. 3. As you move forward. GUIDE: The second-to-last paragraph on page 19 of this Leader Guide offers further application and challenges in terms of obeying God’s call to lead well. DISCUSS: Question #5 on page 15 of the PSG: “In what area of your life do you need to step up and lead?” Note: This question has the potential to be personal in nature. Therefore, consider dividing your group into smaller subgroups of two or three people as a way of helping everyone feel more comfortable in answering. GUIDE: Refer back to “The Point” of this session: “As you lead, submit to God’s authority and direction.” As time permits, encourage group members to share any final thoughts and questions.

18

SESSION 1

© 2014 LifeWay

THE POINT

As you lead, submit to God’s authority and direction.

Joshua 1:9 Commentary [Verse 9] Our final verse provides another reminder that Joshua needed to be strong and courageous, here presented in a rhetorical question demanding an affirmative answer. Notably, God repeatedly told Joshua to be strong and courageous. But why did God tell him so frequently? The answer might be revealed in the additional command, “Do not be afraid or discouraged.” We reasonably can assume Joshua was afraid of the task before him. Fear often makes people retreat to the safety of anonymity. Individuals usually prefer situations with little stress or risk. That wasn’t the case in this passage. Leading a band of former slaves against fortified cities and trained armies constituted a daunting task for Joshua. How could the Lord expect him to step out of Moses’ shadow and lead the people in so difficult an undertaking? Yet, it was for a good reason that God commanded Joshua to be strong and courageous and to avoid being afraid or discouraged. Namely, Joshua could be brave, courageous, unafraid, and encouraged because of this promise: “The Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” This assurance demonstrated the power of God’s presence in His peoples’ lives. In Joshua 1:5, the Lord promised to be with Joshua as He was with Moses. When we consider Moses delivering the Hebrews from Pharaoh, the parting of the Red Sea, the provisions in the wilderness, and the divinely-wrought military victories, we understand the full potential of the words the Lord your God is with you. The final phrase wherever you go assured Joshua that God’s presence would be with him, precisely what (and who) he needed to succeed in claiming the promised land. What about you? Are you ready to accept your leadership role? A commitment to lead means submitting to God’s authority and direction. As you consider the leadership principles gleaned from Joshua 1:1-6, ask yourself whether God has called you to be a leader. Ask the Lord to renew your faith in the reliability of His Word, trusting Him to equip you with His Word (Josh. 1:7-8). Commit to studying His Word day and night, and to implementing its teachings in your daily life. As you enter the leadership enterprise, be assured of God’s abiding presence (v. 9). Just as He was with Moses and Joshua, He will be with you also. Providing godly leadership is a great way to tell God, “I love You.”

© 2014 LifeWay

BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE

19

5 minutes

LIVE IT OUT GUIDE: Direct group members to page 16 of the PSG. Encourage them to consider the

Notes

following suggestions for applying the truths of Joshua 1 to their own lives as leaders:

>> Acknowledge your role. Spend several minutes writing down the different

areas of life in which you lead others or influence people. Own your role as a leader.

>> Memorize. Recite Joshua 1:8 each day until you know it by heart. Allow its truth to strengthen and encourage you.

>> Make connections. Connect with others who lead in the same places and

in the same ways as you. Be intentional about giving and receiving support as you engage with others.

Wrap it Up TRANSITION: Read or restate the conclusion from page 16 of the PSG: “Am I ready for this?” It’s okay to ask that question. We all feel overwhelmed at one time or another. Yet you don’t have to be overwhelmed. You don’t have to worry, either. God is in control and He is with you. Therefore, be strong and courageous. PRAY: Conclude by acknowledging again that everyone in the room with you will have chances to lead in the days to come. Commit to seeking out God’s authority and direction so that you can lead well.

20

SESSION 1

© 2014 LifeWay

My group's prayer requests

Additional suggestions for specific groups (women, men, boomers, and singles) are available at BibleStudiesForLife.com/blog. And for free online training on how to lead a group visit MinistryGrid.com/web/BibleStudiesForLife.

Lessons from a Mentor I am writing this column about one week after I learned that one of my professional mentors has announced his retirement. As his friend and coworker, I have watched him live his faith in his home and in his ministry. He is for me what a mentor ought to be: someone who so walks with God that you want to be like him. I have learned so much from him that it’s difficult to limit my comments, but here are three lessons he has taught me.

To continue reading “Lessons from a Mentor” from Mature Living magazine, visit BibleStudiesforLife.com/articles.

© 2014 LifeWay

BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE

21