I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU NOR FORSAKE YOU (What are the guarantees that the Lord will

do so) Joshua 1:1-9 (the Lords words to Joshua) Pastor Rodel Catuy

I.

Our Lords continuous provision (vv. 1-2a)

A. He will raise a leader for us (v. 1) B. He will renew our sense of purpose (v. 2a) - dead. Vs. NOW Arise

after the death of Moses > effectively links Pentateuch Joshua The death of Joshua What does this means? These notices link the books together in a continuous chain and suggest the continuity of the Lords dealing with his people Israel through key leaders. Example: The book of Kings > links to Judges (Josh. 24:29 Judges 1:1; 2:8)

The first section (vv. 19) contains the Lords words to Joshua, charging him to assume the leadership position opened up by Moses death. Moreover, just as Moses is called the servant of the Lord here (also Josh. 1:7, 13, 15; 8:31, 33; 11:12; 12:6; 13:8; 14:7; 18:7; 22:2, 4, 5) and in the record of his death (Deut. 34:5), Joshua will receive the same title of honor at the end of his life (Josh. 24:29; Judg. 2:8).

Joshua was among the 12 men sent to explore the land of Canaan (Num. 13:8). He alone joined Caleb in exhorting the people to trust God for victory (Num. 14:69)an act of faith for which only he and Caleb, among their generation, were allowed to enter the Promised Land. More than a mere assistant, Joshua was prepared by these and other experiences to become Moses successor. Near the time of his death, when Moses requested that a successor be appointed, the Lord instructed him to commission Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, before all the congregation (Num. 27:1819). Joshua was to be the one to

lead Israel into the Promised Land (Deut. 1:38; 3:28; 31:23) and to apportion it among the tribes (Num. 34:17). As the book of Joshua opens, Moses has died and the time has finally come for Joshuafull of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him (Deut. 34:9)to take the lead.

II. Our Lords challenging promises (vv. 2b 5a)

A. Our inheritance [patriarchal promise] (vv. 2b-4)

into the land that I am giving to them(v. 2) a. Progeny b. Blessing c. Land

Our responsibility (as the Lord sovereignly gives the land): NOW therefore Arise! go over this Jordan (v. 2b) NOW = No Opportunity Wasted (therefore) Arise! In the last days
Ro 13:11

And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. Illustration: Elijah House - Slumbering Spirit

Go over this Jordan!... (remember Josh 3 for 3rd point here) Go over this Jordan vv. 3-4 > Josh. 1:3 Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you. The fact that the Lord is sovereignly giving Israel the land does not negate their responsibility to step out in faith and take what is given (cf. vv. 9, 18). Result/Promise if we do

B. Our victory (v. 5a) - no man shall be able to stand before you all the days of

your life. Ang bumangga, giba!

Why no man shall be able to stand against us?...

III. Our Lords constant presence (vv. 5b-9)

Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you. (v. 5b) for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. (v. 9b)

Cf. > Rom. 8:31 If God is for us, who can be against us? What is the guarantee that the Lord will never leave us nor forsake us? Its simple. Hell be with us Past > just as I was with Moses (v. 5b) Present > with you wherever you go (v. 9b) Future > I am with you always, to the end of the age. (Matt. 28:20b) Illustration: 1. New Edition (1986) With You All the Way Cause Im with you all the way Ill never give up this dream, although it may seem Theres no way out today! Cause Im with you all the way

Whatever place in love might put us through, remember Im with you With you all the way!
2. Lo, I am with you always, to the end of the age. (Matt. 28:20)

Eternal promise: and they shall call His name! Emmanuel God with us! (Mt. 1:23b)