Joshua 1:1-6 How God Makes His Life Possible for Us who Believe

Joshua is presented as God’s new commander and God guarantees him victory because He would be with him.  Theology follows this portrayal of him.  Joshua’s responsibility was to be strong and courageous (v. 6).  Life in the Promised Land contains similarities to our Christian life.  Like those who followed Joshua, those who follow Christ by faith are able to enjoy God’s unlimited spiritual protection and provision.  On the cross, God did to Jesus what He said He wouldn’t do to the Israelites (cf. v. 5 “I will not...forsake you”) and this secures our victory.  In the application, before we talk about the need for a strong and courageous faith (following Joshua’s positive example), it is important to highlight that what Joshua did for Israel, Jesus does for those who believe.  Then Believers can be strong and courageous in the fight for holiness.