EXPLORE THE TEXT
We can encourage the kingdom work of others by supporting them and partnering with them.
16 They answered Joshua,
“Everything you have commanded us we will do,
and everywhere you send us we will go.
17 We will obey you,
just as we obeyed Moses in everything.
Certainly the Lord your God will be with you, as he was with Moses.
18 Anyone who rebels against your order and does not obey your words in all that you command him,
will be put to death.
Above all, be strong and courageous!”
To help understand the serious response of the Israelites,
share this from pages 16-17 of the PSG:
When the Israelites came to the land east of the Jordan River,
the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of the tribe of Manasseh requested of Moses
to allow them to settle on that side of the river.
Moses granted their request (Num. 32:1-42; Deut. 2:26-3:17).
However, Moses required them to help the other nine and a half tribes in conquering the land
on the other side of the Jordan.
Therefore, as the people prepared to cross the Jordan, Joshua reminded the two and a half tribes
of their promise to help with the conquest (Josh. 1:13-15).
They replied to Joshua by saying they would obey everything he commanded them to do
just as they had obeyed Moses.
The commitment voiced by the tribes east of the Jordan River was shared by the entire nation.
To emphasize the significance of their commitment,
the tribes promised to hold themselves accountable, even to the point of putting rebels to death.
Discuss how believers, like the Israelites, often make promises to God but fail to keep them.
Discuss the difference between intent and action.
Emphasize the importance of holding one another accountable.
Review these points from Apply the Text on page 18 of the Personal Study Guide:
Remind adults that while this session focused on God’s promises to Joshua thousands of years ago, we serve the same God today. Emphasize that the God who kept His promises to Moses and Joshua still keeps His promises today.
Guide the group to discuss the second question set on page 18 of the PSG. Lead a brief discussion of specific promises found in Scripture and the impact those promises can have on our lives as
Christ followers.
Distribute index cards and pens. Direct adults to record an area in which they need strength and courage on one side of the card. As they are working, play the song “Promises” by Maverick City Music. On the other side of the card, encourage them to write a prayer related to what they wrote on the front of the card. Give them a moment of silent prayer. Challenge them to continue using Pack Item 9 (Handout: Praying Scripture in Joshua, Judges, Ruth) to pray through these issues this week.
Email the group to let them know that you are praying for them to stand strong and courageous for God this week. Share one of your favorite promises from God and ask them to share one of their favorite promises from Scripture. Direct them to reflect on and respond to the first question set on page 18 of the PSG. Encourage them to suggest ways the group can partner with other believers in the days ahead.
The Holy Bible is a perfect treasure of divine instruction. (See Deuteronomy 4:1-2; 2 Timothy 3:16-17.)
Note repeated words and phrases to gain additional insights.
Biblical writers sometimes used repetition of key words or phrases to emphasize a theme or message. Identify and examine the repeated message or challenge in Joshua 1:6,7,9,18. Who was the speaker in each instance? Who was the recipient of the challenge in each verse? Think about what this phrase’s repetition helps communicate in Joshua 1:1-18. What message does the repeated phrase convey to Bible readers today?