By Bryan D. Gill, D.Min.
Director of the Office of Faith, Learning and Vocation, Samford University
A FAITH ROOTED IN GOD’S WORD
Joshua 1:1–9, 16–18
I live in an area where the soil in my garden is mostly clay. Clay soil is dense and holds too much water for most plants to thrive. I must amend the soil, adding nutrients, fertilizer and organic matter so the clay softens and the environment improves for the plants to take root. Most of the time this works well, and the plants grow big and healthy.
Our soul is the soil that is hardened and dense. We must amend our souls with God’s Word, covering ourselves in prayer and Scripture daily so that our faith can be rooted in fertile ground.
Our faith benefits from the example of others. (1–5)
Every Christian should have a person or several people to look up to in the faith.
Mentors in the faith are essential for us to learn from so that our faith can be strengthened. I have several men in my life whom I call upon when life is difficult. These men aren’t perfect, but they encourage my faith by always pointing me back to God.
Our lesson for today focuses on Joshua’s faith. Joshua had the benefit of learning from Moses as Joshua observed Moses’ leadership in the desert.
While Moses was not perfect, God was with Moses. Joshua 1:5 tells us, “No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. I will be with you, just as I was with Moses. I will not leave you or abandon you.”
Joshua was not supposed to be a clone of Moses; God had a different mission for Joshua.
However, the faith that Moses showed by continually relying on God would be the same faith that was passed down to Joshua.
Our faith should be centered in God’s Word. (6–9)
While it is vital to have great mentors in the faith, people will always make mistakes. Some people are great but only Jesus was perfect. It is important that we hold our faith heroes up against the backdrop of God’s Word so that if they stumble, our own faith isn’t shaken.
There may be times when our faith mentors seem far away and it feels like we are all alone in our walk with God, but God’s Word gives us courage to persevere. (See v. 7.) God knew the road Joshua would travel was going to be hard and scary. However, in verses 6–9, God encourages Joshua by repeating the phrase “be strong and courageous” three times and the phrase “do not be afraid” another time. The world was about to be fearsome for Joshua, but God’s Word would be his strength.
Our faith should set an example for others. (16–18)
When we are obedient to God’s Word, we strengthen the faith of others. Moses’ faith strengthened Joshua’s faith, and Joshua’s faith strengthened the faith of a nation. Your faith mentors had faith mentors as well.
There is a long line of faithfulness you’re a part of that can be traced back through history all the way back to Joshua. That’s amazing to think about.
And it’s even more amazing to think about the faithful generations to come because of your faithfulness. But we must “be strong and courageous,” just as Joshua was.
EDITOR’S NOTE — The Sunday School lesson outlines are provided by Lifeway.
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