Joshua 1: How to Succeed For God

Joshua 1 shows God’s call to courage through His presence and Word, fulfilled in Christ who leads believers into eternal rest and salvation.

Introduction

Joshua 1 records God’s commissioning of Joshua after the death of Moses. The Lord calls Joshua to lead Israel into the Promised Land with courage and faith. God assures him of His presence and commands him to meditate on the law day and night. This chapter is significant because it shows how God equips His servant for a daunting task by His promises and His Word. For believers today, it reminds us that God calls us to walk by faith, strengthened by His presence and guided by His Word (Hebrews 13:5; Matthew 28:20).

Doctrine

This chapter teaches that God equips His servants with His presence, His promises, and His Word. The Lord tells Joshua, “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you” (Joshua 1:5). God’s presence is the guarantee of success in His calling. He commands Joshua to meditate on the book of the law and obey it (Joshua 1:8). This shows that success in God’s work comes not from human strength but from faithfulness to God’s Word. The same truth applies to believers today, for Christ commands us to abide in His Word to bear fruit (John 15:7-8). The Spirit empowers believers to walk in obedience and courage (2 Timothy 1:7).

Reproof

This passage rebukes fear, doubt, and neglect of God’s Word. Joshua was tempted to fear the overwhelming task before him. God repeats three times, “Be strong and courageous” (Joshua 1:6, 7, 9). Fear contradicts trust in God’s promises. Neglect of God’s Word leads to disobedience and failure. Believers who rely on their own strength rather than God’s Word and presence are reproved by this passage. Jesus rebuked His disciples for fear in the storm, asking, “Where is your faith?” (Luke 8:25).

Correction

The remedy for fear and weakness is faith in God’s promises and obedience to His Word. God instructs Joshua to meditate on His Word continually and obey all that is written (Joshua 1:8). The believer corrects wrong thinking by remembering God’s faithfulness and by clinging to His Word. Instead of doubting, we trust His presence. Instead of leaning on self, we depend on Christ’s strength (Philippians 4:13). Instead of neglecting Scripture, we hide it in our hearts to direct our steps (Psalm 119:11).

Instruction

Believers should cultivate courage through daily meditation on God’s Word. God told Joshua not to turn from the law to the right hand or to the left (Joshua 1:7). This requires discipline in study, prayer, and obedience. We are to let the Word dwell richly within us (Colossians 3:16). God’s presence strengthens us to face challenges with confidence. As Joshua led Israel forward, believers must step forward in obedience to Christ’s commission, relying on His power and promises (Matthew 28:19-20).

Encouragement and Hope

This chapter encourages believers with the assurance that God never forsakes His people. His repeated call to courage is grounded in His promise of presence (Joshua 1:9). Just as God was with Joshua, He is with us through Christ. The risen Lord promises to be with His church until the end of the age (Matthew 28:20). This gives hope and strength for every trial and mission.

Invitation

This passage points to the greater Joshua, Jesus Christ, who leads His people into the eternal inheritance. Joshua was called to bring Israel into the land, but Christ brings His people into eternal rest (Hebrews 4:8-10). Yet sin keeps us from God’s presence and blessings. We deserve death, but Christ died in our place, bearing our penalty on the cross (1 Peter 2:24). His blood satisfies God’s justice against our sins, and His resurrection guarantees eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). To be saved, you must change your mind about sin and self-righteousness, and call on the Lord in faith. Trust in Christ’s finished work, believing that He paid for your sins and rose again. “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13).