Unit 1 LESSON 1

September 7, 2025

Study Text: Joshua 1:1 through 4:24

Central Truth: God blesses those who obey Him.

KEY VERSE: Joshua 1:6 Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them (KJV).

"Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead 

these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them"(NLT).

LET'S GET STARTED

The actor Dwayne Johnson once said, "Great success breeds a lot of things, including sequels." But have you noticed that sequels rarely live up to the original? When it comes to biblical heroes and legends of the faith, Moses is near the top of the list. So just imagine the pressure Joshua must have felt when God appointed him to take Moses' place! How would he live up to the original? God had been preparing Joshua for this assignment. He had military experience (Exodus 17:8-16) and spiritual leadership training (Number 11:24-30). Most importantly, he was "full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him" (Deuteronomy 34:9).

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PART 1- Joshua Responds to God's Call

"Be Strong and Courageous"        Joshua 1:1-9

After Moses' death, it was time for Joshua to lead God's people into Canaan. In commissioning him for leadership (verses 2-9), God laid out what might be called battle plans." Joshua was to lead the people across the Jordan to possess the land. While carrying out these tasks, he was not to neglect spiritual matters. God commanded him to obey the instructions Moses had passed on to the people. He was to study and meditate on the Law, being careful to put into practice. God assured Joshua, "I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you." God's command to "be strong and courageous" because he was walking out an ancient promise given to Abraham around six centuries earlier (Genesis 12:1-3). Things may be less different today for God's people than you might think. Of course, we face different challenges than the Israelites. But we can be strong and courageous like Joshua, not because of who we are but because of Who we trust. By humbly obeying God and meditating on His Word, we can operate in the power of the Spirit and walk in victory.

?  What battles are you facing right now? What would it look like to be strong and courageous as you deal with those challenges?

"He Has Given You This Land"                     Joshua 1:10-18

Joshua issued a charge to the Israelites: Get ready to cross the Jordan in three days (Joshua 1:10-11). He then addressed the tribes of Reuben and Gad, along with the half-tribe of Manasseh. (verses 12-15). They had already received their inheritance, yet their warriors were required to join the other tribes as they battled for the Promised Land. Read the people's response to Joshua charge (verses 16-18). This new generation trusted him fully as their leader, even demanding unanimous allegiance. They echoed God's words to Joshua, reminding him to "be strong and courageous" because the Lords was with him (1:18). In many ways, God's people still engage in battles as we anticipate the fulfillment of His promises. But we never fight alone. God is with us. He has established the Church, in part, so we can help and strengthen our fellow believers in the fight (Hebrews 10:23-25).

 Discuss?  How do we help one another fight spiritual battles? Why is it so important that we help one another?

Part 2-- Rahab Protects Israel's Spies

Recognizing the One True God           Joshua 2:1-14

Before invading Canaan, Joshua sent two spies to scout the land around their first target: the walled city of Jericho. Breaching the city, the spies in the house of the prostitute Rahab. However, the king of Jericho got word they were there and sent messengers to demand that Rahab hand them over (Joshua 2:1-3). rabab admitted to the king's messengers that the Israelite men had been there, but she insisted they had already left. In actuality, she had hidden the spies on her roof (verses 4-8). After the king's messengers left, Rahab went to the spies and explained why she had risked her life to save them (verses 9-14). Everyone in Canaan feared the Israelites and their God. But for Rahab, fear of God led to faith in God (verse 11). Rahab knew the Israelites would be victorious (Joshua 2:13), so she made a pact with the spies. in return for protecting them, Rahab and her family would be spared when the armies of Israel conquered Jericho (verse 14).

DISCUSS? Why do you think Rahab was able to have faith in the one true God, despite being part of a culture that worshipped many gods?

                Heping the Spies Escape         Joshua 2:15-24                    

Locked behind Jericho's wall, the spies needed help to leave the city. "rahab's house was built into the town wall" (Joshua 2:15), allowing them to escape without detection by being lowered out through a window. Before leaving, the spies told Rahab to gather her family inside her home. She was to mark the location by hanging a scarlet rope out the window. When the Israelites saw the rope, the people inside that home would be spared (verses 17-21). The spies kept their oath. God preserved Rahab and her family, and they served Him and lived among the Israelites ((verses 17, 22-25).

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DISCUSS? What does Rahab's example teach you about applying your faith to real-life situations?

      Part 3- God Parts the Jordan River

        Crossing the River      Joshua 3:1-17

As the Israelites prepared to cross the Jordan River and enter Canaan, Joshua sent instructions throughout the camp (Joshua 3:1-5). a procession of priests carrying the ark of the covenant would lead the people. The Israelites were to stay about half a mile behind the ark. He also told the people to "purify yourselves" in preparation for what God was about to do (verse 5). God miraculously demonstrated His presence with the Israelites and His choice of Joshua as their leader (verse 7). Passing on the message he had received from God, Joshua explained to the people exactly what was about to happen (verses 9-13). God would stop the flow of the Jordan the moment the priests carrying the ark touched the water, that is precisely what happened (verses 14-17). The river near the Israelites dried up, allowing them to cross easily on dry ground. This explains the similarities between this miracle and the crossing of the Red Sea in Exodus 14 and 15. In both cases, God displayed His power over nature and confirmed His choice of leader (Exodus 14:31). Both miracles glorified God and affirmed His presence among the people. Both miracles marked the beginning of something new, whether freedom from slavery or conquest of the Promise Land. And both miracles are metaphors of salvation. By God's grace, He delivers us from the bondage of sin and ushers us into new life.

Discuss?  Often, God does not share the details of His plan before they unfold. Why do you think He led Joshua in this instance to explain to the people exactly what was about to happen?

Building a memorial                 Joshua 4:1-24

Joshua 4 begins and ends with instructions for building memorials: (1) Verses 1-9 outlined the process. One person from each tribe collected a stone from the river, and the stones were stacked to build a memorial. Future generations would ask about the stones and learn what God had done there. (2). Verses 19-24 emphasized that this miracle was for the nations as well as for the Israelites--so they would "know that the LORD'S hand is powerful, and so you might fear the LORD your God forever" (verse 24). Verses 10-18 describe how the Israelites crossed the Jordan on dry ground. "That day the LORD made Joshua a great leader in the eyes of all the Israelites, and for the rest of his life they revered him as much as they had revered Moses" (verse 14).

Discuss? What are some practical ways to memorialize how God has blessed us?

WHAT IS GOD SAYING TO US?

From the beginning, God intended that all people would have the opportunity to know Him and be reconciled to Him. Part of His plan for redeeming humanity was demonstrating His goodness and faithfulness to --and through--the people of Israel. Joshua played an integral role in that plan. Although he may have been intimidated to take on such a task, God commanded him to be strong and courageous. He would never be alone. The same is true for us.

LIVING IT OUT

Think of someone who is struggling to be strong and courageous. Pray for him or her and reach out to offer encouragement and provision as you are able.

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               DAILY BIBLE READING

           Monday: Crossing the Red Sea. Exodus 14:13-22

                         Tuesday: Consecrating Themselves. Exodus 19:10-14

         Wednesday:  Blessed by God. Isaiah 54:1-10

                         Thursday:  Don't Doubt the Lord. Matthew 14:25-33

   Friday. Comforted by Faith. Romans 1:8-17

            Saturday. Be Strong in Faith. Romans 4:16-25

Gospel Publishing House. 1445 N. Boonville Ave. Springfield, Missouri 65802 Volume 107 Number 1. Sep. Oct. Nov 2025