The Preparation Joshua 1: /02/2007 Dr. Dane Boyles

The Preparation  Introduction Israel’s long period of wanderings had ended. For forty years they suffered. But now they were getting ready to follow Joshua’s leadership and enter in.

The Preparation  The Preparation for Physical Needs. 10 So Joshua ordered the officers of the people: (Joshua 1:10, NIV)

The Preparation 11 “Go through the camp and tell the people, ‘Get your supplies ready. Three days from now you will cross the Jordan here to go in and take possession of the land the LORD your God is giving you for your own.’” (Joshua 1:11, NIV)

The Preparation Joshua gave his first command to the people. They were to prepare food supplies. This was a command that had to be obeyed in faith. We need to prepare for our journey to victory as well.

The Preparation 12 In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! (Heb 5:12, NIV)

The Preparation  The Preparation for Obedience. 12 But to the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh, Joshua said, 13 “Remember the command that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you: ‘The LORD your God is giving you rest and has granted you this land.’ (Joshua 1:12-13, NIV)

The Preparation 14 Your wives, your children and your livestock may stay in the land that Moses gave you east of the Jordan, but all your fighting men, fully armed, must cross over ahead of your brothers. You are to help your brothers (Joshua 1:14, NIV)

The Preparation 15 until the LORD gives them rest, as he has done for you, and until they too have taken possession of the land that the LORD your God is giving them. After that, you may go back and occupy your own land, which Moses the servant of the LORD gave you east of the Jordan toward the sunrise.” (Joshua 1:15, NIV)

The Preparation Joshua’s specific instruction to the Reubenites, Gaddites, and half the tribe of Manasseh. 23 “But if you fail to do this, you will be sinning against the LORD; and you may be sure that your sin will find you out. (Num 32:23, NIV)

The Preparation 5 It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it. (Eccl 5:5, NIV) Don’t settle for second best.

The Preparation  The Preparation for Victory. The people responded to Joshua’s direction. Listen to their response. 16 Then they answered Joshua, “Whatever you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. (Joshua 1:16, NIV)

The Preparation They reassured Joshua that they would follow his leadership. They agreed on the consequences for disobedience. 18 Whoever rebels against your word and does not obey your words, whatever you may command them, will be put to death. Only be strong and courageous!” (Joshua 1:18, NIV)

The Preparation  Conclusion Joshua was prepared now, the people were prepared now, and in three days they would enter into the land God had promised them. Victory requires some preparation. We must prepare to possess all that God has for us. Let’s not be willing to settle for second best!

The Preparation Joshua 1: /02/2007 Dr. Dane Boyles