Welcome!
Today we begin our study in the book of Joshua. If you don’t have your optional Journal yet, I want to encourage you to pull out a notebook and use it to write out your thoughts and reflections on this week’s study.
Inside the journal it teaches you how to use the SOAK method to study the Bible. This is how the method works:
- S – The S stands for Scripture – Read the chapter for the day. Then choose 1-2 verses and write them out word for word. (There is no right or wrong choice – just let the Holy Spirit guide you.)
- O – The O stands for Observation – Look at the verse or verses you wrote out. Write 1 or 2 observations. What stands out to you? What do you learn about the character of God from these verses? Is there a promise, command or teaching?
- A – The A stands for Application – Personalize the verses. What is God saying to you? How can you apply them to your life? Are there any changes you need to make or an action to take?
- K – The K stands for Kneeling in Prayer – Pause, kneel and pray. Confess any sin God has revealed to you today. Praise God for His word. Pray the passage over your own life or someone you love. Ask God to help you live out your applications.
The goal is to SOAK God’s word into your heart everyday and let it transform your life, renew your mind and create a deeper intimacy with God.
Let’s take a look at the book of the Bible we are about to study.
The Book of Joshua Overview
This book is broken into two main parts. The first is a narrative of events surrounding the conquest of Canaan. The second part is the assignment and settlement of the land. It concludes with Joshua’s farewell speech.
Joshua was committed to obeying God and obedience is a central theme of the book. It is the central theme of Joshua’s life and his final charge (Joshua 24:15).
As we read the book of Joshua, lets make a commitment – a commitment to obey the Words of the Lord. Let’s commit to follow where He leads, and be the kind of leader that brings others into His Kingdom.
Purpose: To give the history of Israel’s conquest of the Promised Land.
Author: It is assumed Joshua wrote this entire book, except for the end. Commentaries say, that the high priest, who was an eyewitness of these events might, have written the ending.
Time Period: The precise time is not clear. An estimate is 1050 BC
Key Verse: Joshua 1:9
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Outline:
- Entering the Promise Land (1:1-5:12) – Joshua demonstrated his faith in God as he took up the challenge to lead the nation. Israel re-confirms their commitment to God and their obedience as they cross over the Jordan. For us, we need to cross from our old life, to our new life in Jesus Christ. We need to put off our old selfish desires and possess all God has planned for us. This will require us to conquer some strongholds in our life, just as Israel conquered the nations that were in the Promised Land. We need courage to live this life of faith.
2. Conquering the Promised Land (5:13-12:24) – Joshua and his army moved from city to city conquering the land and destroying evil. We too need to conquer the evil and strongholds in our lives.
- Dividing the Promised Land (13:1-24:33) – Joshua pleads with Israel to worship God alone and to follow the example that Joshua has left. They have seen the mighty hand of God at work but they were prone to wandering. We have seen God work in our lives, yet our hearts still wander. We must renew our commitment to love and obey Him above all else.
Themes:
Faith: The children of Israel demonstrated their faith in God daily to save and guide them. They looked at how God had been faithful in the past to help them stay focused in the present. We can have strength to follow God as we remember His promises. Faith starts with believing He can be trusted.
Leadership: Joshua is a clear picture of Jesus Christ. He is also an example of an excellent leader. He was confident in the Lord and obeyed His voice. To be a strong leader, we must be ready to listen and obey. Strong leaders are good followers of God.
Conquest: God commanded his people to conquer Canaan. This was to be a fulfillment of the promise that God made to Abraham. They were to do it completely but they never finished the task. We too need to be willing to conquer sin and evil in our lives, and continue to work at it until the job is finished.
Here’s This Week’s Bible Reading Plan
Monday – Joshua 1
Tuesday – Joshua 2
Wednesday – Joshua 3
Thursday – Joshua 4
Friday – Joshua 5
The Reflection Questions for the Week
{These questions are included inside the journal . If you do not have the journal, I encourage you to reflect on these questions and answer them in your notebook.}
Chapter 1
Throughout the reading, the Israelites are reminded to be strong and courageous.
What is something that you are dealing with today that requires you to be strong and courageous?
Chapter 2
Rahab stepped out in faith to help the spies.
Name a time you had to step out in faith for God.
Chapter 3
God used a miracle to show Joshua and all of Israel that He was with them.
How has God shown you that he is with you?
Chapter 4
The Israelites created a memorial, made of stones, to remind them of how God had helped them.
Do you have something you have held onto as a reminder of how God has helped you?
Chapter 5
Joshua asked the commander of the army of the Lord, what was required of him.
Have you humbled yourself under God’s direction? How have you sought out God’s will for your life?
The Verses of the Day
Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 2:11
For the Lord your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath.
Joshua 3:5
Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.
Joshua 4:24
That all the people of the earth may know that the hand of the Lord is mighty, that you may fear the Lord your God forever.
Joshua 5:14
Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to him, “What does my lord say to his servant?”
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Please share in the comments:
Are you joining us? Tell a little about yourself. What is your name, where are you from and anything else you would like to share.
If you have any questions – ask below.
I’ll see you back here this Friday as we wrap-up our week of Bible Study.
Johnathan
Thank you for posting this. It made me realize somethings about being strong and courageous.
Hi Kenneth! I’m so happy to hear that this post encouraged you. If you check back on Friday, I will be posting a whole devotion on the topic of being strong and courageous as men today.
I’m a 40 yr old male. Can I join this study. I am trying to learn more about what the Bible really has to say.
Hi Justin, I’m so glad you’re seeking to know the truth in a deeper way. We would be happy if you joined us!
Hello Jonathan,
Myself Jacob from India, currently working in Kuala Lumpur . Would like to join your bible classes as well.
My Wife is a follower of your aunty classes, hope to learn about the Word of GOD and praying Holy spirit will reveal the mysteries of heaven to me.
Thank you very much.
Hi Jacob,
Thanks so much for commenting. It’s always a huge encouragement to me. I always pray that God would affect people’s lives through what I write, and I pray the same for you!
Blessings from America,
Johnathan.
Now we know who the selnibse one is here. Great post!