Courageous Living Joshua 1:1-18

What risks are involved in living a Christ-like life in the U.S.? Have you experienced persecution because of your Christian beliefs?

DISCUSSION GUIDE 1. What is the literal meaning of Joshua’s name? The Lord is Salvation.

DISCUSSION GUIDE 2. Why did Moses rename him from Hoshea to Joshua? Hoshea simply means ‘he has saved.’ Moses specified the Lord as the source of salvation.

DISCUSSION GUIDE 3. Search the following references to Joshua to gain some understanding into his character:   a. (Exodus 24:13) Joshua was willing to serve b. (Exodus 32:17) Joshua was discerning c. (Exodus 33:11) Joshua held a special place in Moses’ eyes d. (Numbers 14:30, 38) Only Joshua and Caleb were spared e. (Numbers 27:18-23) Moses commissioned Joshua to lead the people

DISCUSSION GUIDE 4. Outline the book of Joshua using Joshua 1:2-5:   Verse 2 Describes the crossing of the Jordan (1:1- 5:12) Verse 3 Outlines the conquest (5:13-12:24) Verse 4 Implies the distribution of the land (13:1- 22:34) Verse 5 The end of Joshua’s life (23:1-24:33)

DISCUSSION GUIDE 5. Why would Joshua be prepared to lead the Israelites to the Promise Land?

DISCUSSION GUIDE 6. Who has been a significant mentor in your life? Who have you mentored?

DISCUSSION GUIDE 7. What could “crossing the Jordan” symbolize for Christians? That we should not live in the wilderness, for God desires us to live victoriously.

The land was already theirs; all they had to do was possess it. DISCUSSION GUIDE What is the significance of the phrase, “I have given it to you” in verse 3? The land was already theirs; all they had to do was possess it.

They will be victorious, but they will have conflict. DISCUSSION GUIDE How is verse 5 both a promise and a warning? They will be victorious, but they will have conflict.

DISCUSSION GUIDE 10. God tells Joshua to “be strong and courageous” three times in verses 6-9. Why did He emphasize this so much?

11. What would be their source of strength and courage? (verse 8) DISCUSSION GUIDE 11. What would be their source of strength and courage? (verse 8)

DISCUSSION GUIDE 12. What promises are made at the end of each verse?   a. Verse 7 Have success wherever you go b. Verse 8 Make your way prosperous and have success c. Verse 9 God is with you wherever you go

13. How can these promises give you confidence today? DISCUSSION GUIDE 13. How can these promises give you confidence today?

DISCUSSION GUIDE 14. What principles of leadership did Joshua portray in verses 10-15?   Verse 10 He acted immediately Verse 11 He planned logistically gathering provisions Verse 12-15 He reminded them of their responsibilities abiding by the law

DISCUSSION GUIDE 15. How can you utilize these principles when you are thrust in a leadership position?

16. How did the people respond to Joshua’s leadership? (verses 16-18) DISCUSSION GUIDE 16. How did the people respond to Joshua’s leadership? (verses 16-18)

17. What was the penalty for not obeying? (verse 18) DISCUSSION GUIDE 17. What was the penalty for not obeying? (verse 18)

18. How does this speak to the importance of teamwork? DISCUSSION GUIDE 18. How does this speak to the importance of teamwork?