Be strong and courageous

Text: Joshua 1

1:1 Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass, that the LORD spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ minister, saying,

2 Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all these people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel.

3 Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses.

4 From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your coast.

5 There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

6 Be strong and of good courage: for unto these people shall thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.

7 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.

8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

10 Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying,

11 Pass through the host, and command the people, saying, Prepare you victuals; for within three days ye shall pass over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land, which the LORD your God giveth you to possess it.

12 And to the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to half the tribe of Manasseh, spake Joshua, saying,

13 Remember the word which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, saying, The LORD your God hath given you rest, and hath given you this land.

14 Your wives, your little ones, and your cattle, shall remain in the land which Moses gave you on this side Jordan; but ye shall pass before your brethren armed, all the mighty men of valor, and help them;

15 Until the LORD have given your brethren rest, as he hath given you, and they also have possessed the land which the LORD your God giveth them: then ye shall return unto the land of your possession, and enjoy it, which Moses the LORD’s servant gave you on this side Jordan toward the sun rising.

16 And they answered Joshua, saying, All that thou commandest us we will do, and whichever thou sendest us, we will go.

17 According as we hearkened unto Moses in all things, so will we hearken unto thee: only the LORD thy God be with thee, as he was with Moses.

18 Whosoever he be that doth rebel against thy commandment, and will not hearken unto thy words in all that thou commandest him, he shall be put to death: only be strong and of good courage.

Introduction

Leadership and learning are mutually beneficial. One factor that the world requires right now is leadership. Joshua was a fantastic general, soldier, and leader. His life is worth studying just for those reasons. He is the only biblical leader who was ever commanded by God to cease prayer and do something else instead. When the mighty man is found on his knees praying following a humiliating combat defeat, it is in Joshua 7:10. It’s difficult to put yourself in the shoes of a great leader. Joshua did not have it easy — he had to take over the leadership role of Moses, one of the greatest leaders of all time, and his life exemplifies key leadership principles for us. BOLDNESS IS REQUIRED TO ATTAIN ALL THAT GOD HAS TO OFFER. THIS STUDY ENCOURAGES EVERYONE TO HAVE THE COURAGE TO CROSS RIVERS, FACE GIANTS, AND RECEIVE THEIR FULL INHERITANCE. We are to be brave and powerful.

God commissions Joshua to lead the people well in the first chapter of Joshua. He tells Joshua three times to be brave and strong. Joshua 1:9 states, “Be strong and courageous.” Don’t be afraid or disheartened; the Lord, your God, will always be with you.” He calls us to be leaders in particular. This starts with confidence in God, since if the Almighty is with you and watching out for you, you will have nothing to fear. God will protect and provide for you.

This enables you to be brave and strong while also positively leading others.

Examining the text

What was the LORD’s command to Joshua? (verses 1 & 2) 

What was the size of the promised territory to Israel? (verses 3 and 4)

What was the LORD’s promise to Joshua in terms of being with him? (verse 5)

What was Joshua supposed to do in order to prosper and succeed? (verses 6-9)

What were the Reubenites, Gadites, and half of Manasseh to do? (verses 12-15)

What was Joshua’s first act as leader of the people of Jacob/Israel? (verses 2–5) 

How would God manifest His presence near Joshua? (verse 5) 

What was Joshua’s responsibility? (verse 6) 

Why? (verse 8) 

What does God mean by “being powerful” in verse 9? 

(Verse 9) What does it mean to be courageous in God’s eyes? 

(Verse 9) Is it then possible to be powerful and courageous?

 (Verse 9) Where would Joshua get his strength?

 What was Joshua’s first command to the Israelites (verses ten and eleven)

Did they intend to follow Joshua’s orders? (16-18 verses)

What task did God assign to Joshua?

What promises did God make to Joshua in verses 5-9?

What requirements did Joshua have to fulfill?

Why had Israel failed to enter Canaan the first time, according to Numbers 13&14?

What are your impressions of Joshua?

What do we learn about Joshua as a result of this?

Numbers 27:12–23 

  Deuteronomy 34:9

Deuteronomy 1:37

Numbers 13 

Numbers 13  

What did God promise Joshua?

What role did God’s word have in Joshua’s life and leadership? 8th Verse

Joshua is to be strong and courageous, not scared or discouraged, as God commands. 

How does the Lord’s presence “everywhere he goes” help him?

Is it enough to simply be aware of this? 9th verse of Joshua Chapter 1.

In verses 16-18, what pledge do the people make to Joshua?

 How could this promise cause Joshua to be concerned?

What did they say they expected of Joshua?

Explanation: 

Have you ever been afraid of something? 

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the enormity of what you have to do and wondered how you will ever do it? 

That’s exactly how Joshua feels. God’s instructions and encouragement, on the other hand, help him deal with his fear. 

Joshua hears the following from God: “My servant Moses is no longer alive. Then make ready, you and these people, to cross the Jordan River into the land I’m about to give them — the Israelites.” (1:2) 

Regardless of Where You Step (1:3-4)

“As I promised Moses, I would provide you every area where you set foot.” (1:3)

“Every location where you set your foot will be yours: Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the Euphrates River to the western sea,” God reminds Joshua. (Deuteronomy 11:24)

“On that day, Moses swore to me, ‘The land on which your feet have trod will be your heritage and that of your children forever, because you have completely followed the Lord my God.'” (14:9, citing Deuteronomy 1:36)

This method can also be used in other areas of our lives. We want everything handed to us on a silver platter, but God tells us that we must go out and claim it. Then God will make it available to us. We want to develop spiritually. How are we going to pull this off? Passively? No. We grow through believing God’s promises and working hard to see them fulfilled in our own lives.

He’ll hand it over to us, but we’ll have to figure out how to accompany him. “We don’t want you to grow lazy,” the author of Hebrews adds, “but we want you to imitate those who, by faith and patience, inherit what has been promised.” (Hebrews 6:12 )

“From the desert to Lebanon, and from the huge river, the Euphrates — all the Hittite nation — to the Great Sea in the west,” God says. (1:4).In fact, during Joshua’s time, they never stepped foot on any of this. By the time of David and Solomon, most of the lands were already under Israel’s authority, but they had been  lost again due to disobedience and unbelief.

God would give you enormous areas of “land” that the adversary now controls. They aren’t a part of the opposition. You are free to keep them. God bestowed them upon you. “Possession is nine-tenths of the law,” as the phrase goes in legal circles. Only “squatter’s rights” apply to the opponent. You can possess your inheritance and enjoy its benefits when you force the enemy off it with God’s help.

Joshua 1:3  In what ways does God’s promise to Joshua, “I will grant you any location where you lay your foot,” become conditional?

God never abandons us, never abandons us. (1:5)

“I will never leave you nor forsake you,” the Bible promises. (1:5)

It’s also found in Deuteronomy 31:6, Hebrews 13:5, and Matthew 28:20.

We don’t deserve to be in God’s presence. We’ve all sinned and come short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). But God has placed our sins on Jesus on the cross and punished them there. He has filled us with his Spirit and now dwells with us. What a miraculous event! What majesty!

We sin, but God never abandons us. He corrects us, yet he does not abandon us. God be praised!

“I will never abandon you,” he promises.

“I will never leave you nor forsake you,” God promises, and it’s both a promise of support and a guarantee of discipline. God intended for this to be a source of encouragement for Joshua on the day his leadership began in earnest.

(Joshua 1:5)  Why is God’s promise to always be with Joshua so vital to him? Why is this commitment so essential to you right now? What are your limitations when God is with you?

God intends that we develop a “pushing ahead” faith that actively pursues God’s plan, as stated in the scripture “I will provide you every place where you lay your foot” (1:3)

“I will never abandon you,” says the narrator. God has promised to be with us in all situations, including those in which we are scared (1:5)

God wants us to “be strong and extraordinarily courageous” (1:6–8), despite our fears and misgivings.

Meditating on God’s Word helps us grow in faith and boldness as disciples (1:7-8).

Application:

Our greatest regrets are frequently “inaction regrets.” Is this something you’ve noticed in your own life?

 If that’s the case, give an example of how fear has prevented you from doing something you really wanted to do. 

Similarly, many churches allow fear to keep them where they are rather than where they should be. Why is this so frequently the case? How have you witnessed this in the church?

“BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS,”. Take a look at Joshua 1:1-5. What were some of the roadblocks that might have slowed their progress?

 How did God try to empower Joshua and give him the confidence he needed to keep going?   Remember COURAGE IS…created through vision and faith. 

Take a look at Joshua 1:6. Despite the fact that ten of the spies saw the same thing and returned afraid, Joshua never lost his image of what life may be like on the other side of the river (Numbers 13-14). On the other hand, Joshua and Caleb let what they saw to be shaped by what God said. Are you more motivated by “good reasons” to avoid doing something or by “God’s promises”? 

How has God’s word influenced the bulk of your life? 

 Joshua 1:7-9.In His instructions, God gives Joshua no military advice. Instead, God told Joshua to study the Bible. What was the significance of Joshua “meditating on it day and night,” and how does this apply to us today? 

Please describe how you use this discipline on a regular basis. 

Reading the same Bible together helps God’s people get on the same page. Israeli dissension would be the most significant impediment to triumph. The book of Joshua (1:12-18). Why were the instructions to the two and a half tribes so crucial back then, and how do they pertain to our current situation? To obtain what God desires for us, we must be courageous. God did not bring us out of “Egypt” to wander in the “wilderness.” Regardless, we often opt to live on the wrong side of the river.

One of the central themes of the book of Joshua is God’s faithfulness in keeping all of His “good promises,” particularly the promise of the land He “swore to their fathers to give them.” ( Joshua 1:6). List all of the references in Chapter 1 regarding God giving them the land.

What is God’s special promise to Israel? To Joshua, perhaps?

How do God’s sovereign supply and His admonition to be “strong and extremely courageous” (verse 7, and Deuteronomy 31:6-8) interact as the Israelites take possession of the Promised Land?

What function does knowing scripture play in diligently serving God, according to verses 7-8?

After reading verses 12-15, write a description of Joshua’s response to God’s command.

What does it mean to be successful? 

What do we mean when we say “success” in our own lives?

 What does success entail for you? 

What impact would this concept of success have on our daily lives?

In 1:6-9, did the Lord use the word “success”? What exactly is the location? What do you believe he meant given the context? ‘To induce a person to be smart, understanding, or prosperous,’ says the Hebrew for success.’ The presumption is that if a person fully comprehends a situation, he will be successful. Prosper literally means to “cause someone to surge ahead or advance.”

Give three examples of successful people in the Bible and three examples of unsuccessful people. What was it that made such a difference in their lives?

Why do you think the Lord stressed the word, “Be strong and courageous!” So much? 

What did the Lord ask Joshua to do? 

Consider the circumstances. What qualities do you need to be a powerful person?

Is it true that the vast majority of people are fearful or timid? So, what are your thoughts on the subject? Name one or two things that make you nervous or afraid. What effect does fear have on your decision-making process?

Look at Joshua 1:6 in detail. Why doesn’t God simply command him to conquer the land rather than hand it up to them as a gift?

God teaches Joshua on how to handle the law in Joshua 1:7. What legal framework is in place? What happens if you follow the law?

What else does God advise Joshua to do in regard to Holy scripture in verse 1:8?

What exactly does it mean to meditate? 

 What is the distinction between eastern and biblical mediation?

Read Psalm 1:2 in conjunction with Joshua 1:8. How would you explain Bible meditation to a new Christian? What distinguishes it from memorization?

How significant is meditation in the life of a Christian? How would you explain the significance of Joshua’s statements to a new believer?

Why is it that meditation is so vital to a Christian’s success? What is the significance of this? What happens during a good meditation session?

What role does biblical meditation have in your life? Do you meditate on a regular basis? Tell us how frequently you do it and how you go about doing it.

In Joshua 1:9, what is God attempting to accomplish? How is God attempting to scare or intimidate him? Is mentioning His presence truly necessary?

Many Christians feel that God is unconcerned about their everyday lives. What are your thoughts on the matter? After reading verses (Joshua 1:6-9) would you say that God was active in the lives of the Israelites?

Finally, do you believe that God wants you to succeed in your life? What does this mean in terms of application? How important are meditation and obedience to your success?

.

Challenges/ Actions:

Pray to rid yourself of whatever concerns you may have. 

Pray to receive the courage that God has bestowed to you.

Name three things we can learn from these verses to better serve God.

In what ways can you apply God’s promises to Joshua in verses 5 and 9 to your own life? Take one as an example.

Memory and meditation verses

“No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Joshua 1:5, NIV)

“Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” (Joshua 1:8, NIV)

Prayer:We all have events that can make us panic and overwhelm us, Father. Assist us in being bold and strong. Encourage us to spend time praying and contemplating your Word. Please, In Christ’ name,  Amen.

Bible Study Leadership Principle 1: 

Be strong and courageous

Text: Joshua 1

1:1 Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass, that the LORD spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ minister, saying,

2 Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all these people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel.

3 Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses.

4 From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your coast.

5 There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

6 Be strong and of good courage: for unto these people shall thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.

7 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.

8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

10 Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying,

11 Pass through the host, and command the people, saying, Prepare you victuals; for within three days ye shall pass over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land, which the LORD your God giveth you to possess it.

12 And to the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to half the tribe of Manasseh, spake Joshua, saying,

13 Remember the word which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, saying, The LORD your God hath given you rest, and hath given you this land.

14 Your wives, your little ones, and your cattle, shall remain in the land which Moses gave you on this side Jordan; but ye shall pass before your brethren armed, all the mighty men of valor, and help them;

15 Until the LORD have given your brethren rest, as he hath given you, and they also have possessed the land which the LORD your God giveth them: then ye shall return unto the land of your possession, and enjoy it, which Moses the LORD’s servant gave you on this side Jordan toward the sun rising.

16 And they answered Joshua, saying, All that thou commandest us we will do, and whichever thou sendest us, we will go.

17 According as we hearkened unto Moses in all things, so will we hearken unto thee: only the LORD thy God be with thee, as he was with Moses.

18 Whosoever he be that doth rebel against thy commandment, and will not hearken unto thy words in all that thou commandest him, he shall be put to death: only be strong and of good courage.

Introduction

Leadership and learning are mutually beneficial. One factor that the world requires right now is leadership. Joshua was a fantastic general, soldier, and leader. His life is worth studying just for those reasons. He is the only biblical leader who was ever commanded by God to cease prayer and do something else instead. When the mighty man is found on his knees praying following a humiliating combat defeat, it is in Joshua 7:10. It’s difficult to put yourself in the shoes of a great leader. Joshua did not have it easy — he had to take over the leadership role of Moses, one of the greatest leaders of all time, and his life exemplifies key leadership principles for us. BOLDNESS IS REQUIRED TO ATTAIN ALL THAT GOD HAS TO OFFER. THIS STUDY ENCOURAGES EVERYONE TO HAVE THE COURAGE TO CROSS RIVERS, FACE GIANTS, AND RECEIVE THEIR FULL INHERITANCE. We are to be brave and powerful.

God commissions Joshua to lead the people well in the first chapter of Joshua. He tells Joshua three times to be brave and strong. Joshua 1:9 states, “Be strong and courageous.” Don’t be afraid or disheartened; the Lord, your God, will always be with you.” He calls us to be leaders in particular. This starts with confidence in God, since if the Almighty is with you and watching out for you, you will have nothing to fear. God will protect and provide for you.

This enables you to be brave and strong while also positively leading others.

Examining the text

What was the LORD’s command to Joshua? (verses 1 & 2) 

What was the size of the promised territory to Israel? (verses 3 and 4)

What was the LORD’s promise to Joshua in terms of being with him? (verse 5)

What was Joshua supposed to do in order to prosper and succeed? (verses 6-9)

What were the Reubenites, Gadites, and half of Manasseh to do? (verses 12-15)

What was Joshua’s first act as leader of the people of Jacob/Israel? (verses 2–5) 

How would God manifest His presence near Joshua? (verse 5) 

What was Joshua’s responsibility? (verse 6) 

Why? (verse 8) 

What does God mean by “being powerful” in verse 9? 

(Verse 9) What does it mean to be courageous in God’s eyes? 

(Verse 9) Is it then possible to be powerful and courageous?

 (Verse 9) Where would Joshua get his strength?

 What was Joshua’s first command to the Israelites (verses ten and eleven)

Did they intend to follow Joshua’s orders? (16-18 verses)

What task did God assign to Joshua?

What promises did God make to Joshua in verses 5-9?

What requirements did Joshua have to fulfill?

Why had Israel failed to enter Canaan the first time, according to Numbers 13&14?

What are your impressions of Joshua?

What do we learn about Joshua as a result of this?

Numbers 27:12–23 

  Deuteronomy 34:9

Deuteronomy 1:37

Numbers 13 

Numbers 13  

What did God promise Joshua?

What role did God’s word have in Joshua’s life and leadership? 8th Verse

Joshua is to be strong and courageous, not scared or discouraged, as God commands. 

How does the Lord’s presence “everywhere he goes” help him?

Is it enough to simply be aware of this? 9th verse of Joshua Chapter 1.

In verses 16-18, what pledge do the people make to Joshua?

 How could this promise cause Joshua to be concerned?

What did they say they expected of Joshua?

Explanation: 

Have you ever been afraid of something? 

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the enormity of what you have to do and wondered how you will ever do it? 

That’s exactly how Joshua feels. God’s instructions and encouragement, on the other hand, help him deal with his fear. 

Joshua hears the following from God: “My servant Moses is no longer alive. Then make ready, you and these people, to cross the Jordan River into the land I’m about to give them — the Israelites.” (1:2) 

Regardless of Where You Step (1:3-4)

“As I promised Moses, I would provide you every area where you set foot.” (1:3)

“Every location where you set your foot will be yours: Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the Euphrates River to the western sea,” God reminds Joshua. (Deuteronomy 11:24)

“On that day, Moses swore to me, ‘The land on which your feet have trod will be your heritage and that of your children forever, because you have completely followed the Lord my God.'” (14:9, citing Deuteronomy 1:36)

This method can also be used in other areas of our lives. We want everything handed to us on a silver platter, but God tells us that we must go out and claim it. Then God will make it available to us. We want to develop spiritually. How are we going to pull this off? Passively? No. We grow through believing God’s promises and working hard to see them fulfilled in our own lives.

He’ll hand it over to us, but we’ll have to figure out how to accompany him. “We don’t want you to grow lazy,” the author of Hebrews adds, “but we want you to imitate those who, by faith and patience, inherit what has been promised.” (Hebrews 6:12 )

“From the desert to Lebanon, and from the huge river, the Euphrates — all the Hittite nation — to the Great Sea in the west,” God says. (1:4).In fact, during Joshua’s time, they never stepped foot on any of this. By the time of David and Solomon, most of the lands were already under Israel’s authority, but they had been  lost again due to disobedience and unbelief.

God would give you enormous areas of “land” that the adversary now controls. They aren’t a part of the opposition. You are free to keep them. God bestowed them upon you. “Possession is nine-tenths of the law,” as the phrase goes in legal circles. Only “squatter’s rights” apply to the opponent. You can possess your inheritance and enjoy its benefits when you force the enemy off it with God’s help.

Joshua 1:3  In what ways does God’s promise to Joshua, “I will grant you any location where you lay your foot,” become conditional?

God never abandons us, never abandons us. (1:5)

“I will never leave you nor forsake you,” the Bible promises. (1:5)

It’s also found in Deuteronomy 31:6, Hebrews 13:5, and Matthew 28:20.

We don’t deserve to be in God’s presence. We’ve all sinned and come short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). But God has placed our sins on Jesus on the cross and punished them there. He has filled us with his Spirit and now dwells with us. What a miraculous event! What majesty!

We sin, but God never abandons us. He corrects us, yet he does not abandon us. God be praised!

“I will never abandon you,” he promises.

“I will never leave you nor forsake you,” God promises, and it’s both a promise of support and a guarantee of discipline. God intended for this to be a source of encouragement for Joshua on the day his leadership began in earnest.

(Joshua 1:5)  Why is God’s promise to always be with Joshua so vital to him? Why is this commitment so essential to you right now? What are your limitations when God is with you?

God intends that we develop a “pushing ahead” faith that actively pursues God’s plan, as stated in the scripture “I will provide you every place where you lay your foot” (1:3)

“I will never abandon you,” says the narrator. God has promised to be with us in all situations, including those in which we are scared (1:5)

God wants us to “be strong and extraordinarily courageous” (1:6–8), despite our fears and misgivings.

Meditating on God’s Word helps us grow in faith and boldness as disciples (1:7-8).

Application:

Our greatest regrets are frequently “inaction regrets.” Is this something you’ve noticed in your own life?

 If that’s the case, give an example of how fear has prevented you from doing something you really wanted to do. 

Similarly, many churches allow fear to keep them where they are rather than where they should be. Why is this so frequently the case? How have you witnessed this in the church?

“BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS,”. Take a look at Joshua 1:1-5. What were some of the roadblocks that might have slowed their progress?

 How did God try to empower Joshua and give him the confidence he needed to keep going?   Remember COURAGE IS…created through vision and faith. 

Take a look at Joshua 1:6. Despite the fact that ten of the spies saw the same thing and returned afraid, Joshua never lost his image of what life may be like on the other side of the river (Numbers 13-14). On the other hand, Joshua and Caleb let what they saw to be shaped by what God said. Are you more motivated by “good reasons” to avoid doing something or by “God’s promises”? 

How has God’s word influenced the bulk of your life? 

 Joshua 1:7-9.In His instructions, God gives Joshua no military advice. Instead, God told Joshua to study the Bible. What was the significance of Joshua “meditating on it day and night,” and how does this apply to us today? 

Please describe how you use this discipline on a regular basis. 

Reading the same Bible together helps God’s people get on the same page. Israeli dissension would be the most significant impediment to triumph. The book of Joshua (1:12-18). Why were the instructions to the two and a half tribes so crucial back then, and how do they pertain to our current situation? To obtain what God desires for us, we must be courageous. God did not bring us out of “Egypt” to wander in the “wilderness.” Regardless, we often opt to live on the wrong side of the river.

One of the central themes of the book of Joshua is God’s faithfulness in keeping all of His “good promises,” particularly the promise of the land He “swore to their fathers to give them.” ( Joshua 1:6). List all of the references in Chapter 1 regarding God giving them the land.

What is God’s special promise to Israel? To Joshua, perhaps?

How do God’s sovereign supply and His admonition to be “strong and extremely courageous” (verse 7, and Deuteronomy 31:6-8) interact as the Israelites take possession of the Promised Land?

What function does knowing scripture play in diligently serving God, according to verses 7-8?

After reading verses 12-15, write a description of Joshua’s response to God’s command.

What does it mean to be successful? 

What do we mean when we say “success” in our own lives?

 What does success entail for you? 

What impact would this concept of success have on our daily lives?

In 1:6-9, did the Lord use the word “success”? What exactly is the location? What do you believe he meant given the context? ‘To induce a person to be smart, understanding, or prosperous,’ says the Hebrew for success.’ The presumption is that if a person fully comprehends a situation, he will be successful. Prosper literally means to “cause someone to surge ahead or advance.”

Give three examples of successful people in the Bible and three examples of unsuccessful people. What was it that made such a difference in their lives?

Why do you think the Lord stressed the word, “Be strong and courageous!” So much? 

What did the Lord ask Joshua to do? 

Consider the circumstances. What qualities do you need to be a powerful person?

Is it true that the vast majority of people are fearful or timid? So, what are your thoughts on the subject? Name one or two things that make you nervous or afraid. What effect does fear have on your decision-making process?

Look at Joshua 1:6 in detail. Why doesn’t God simply command him to conquer the land rather than hand it up to them as a gift?

God teaches Joshua on how to handle the law in Joshua 1:7. What legal framework is in place? What happens if you follow the law?

What else does God advise Joshua to do in regard to Holy scripture in verse 1:8?

What exactly does it mean to meditate? 

 What is the distinction between eastern and biblical mediation?

Read Psalm 1:2 in conjunction with Joshua 1:8. How would you explain Bible meditation to a new Christian? What distinguishes it from memorization?

How significant is meditation in the life of a Christian? How would you explain the significance of Joshua’s statements to a new believer?

Why is it that meditation is so vital to a Christian’s success? What is the significance of this? What happens during a good meditation session?

What role does biblical meditation have in your life? Do you meditate on a regular basis? Tell us how frequently you do it and how you go about doing it.

In Joshua 1:9, what is God attempting to accomplish? How is God attempting to scare or intimidate him? Is mentioning His presence truly necessary?

Many Christians feel that God is unconcerned about their everyday lives. What are your thoughts on the matter? After reading verses (Joshua 1:6-9) would you say that God was active in the lives of the Israelites?

Finally, do you believe that God wants you to succeed in your life? What does this mean in terms of application? How important are meditation and obedience to your success?

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Challenges/ Actions:

Pray to rid yourself of whatever concerns you may have. 

Pray to receive the courage that God has bestowed to you.

Name three things we can learn from these verses to better serve God.

In what ways can you apply God’s promises to Joshua in verses 5 and 9 to your own life? Take one as an example.

Memory and meditation verses

“No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Joshua 1:5, NIV)

“Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” (Joshua 1:8, NIV)

Prayer:We all have events that can make us panic and overwhelm us, Father. Assist us in being bold and strong. Encourage us to spend time praying and contemplating your Word. Please, In Christ’ name,  Amen.

https://voca.ro/1786lckw3aSF Audio

The gravity of greed: We rely on greed and it becomes our GOD: I prefer the term “Greedership.”

PROVERBS chapter 28 verse 25 states that  The greedy stir up conflict, but those who trust in the Lord will prosper.

Money is not inherently bad; rather, it is our excessive and overwhelming desire for it that eventually governs and distorts our lives. Some of us amass wealth and possessions in order to feel more secure. Others of us gather to demonstrate our importance. Jesus invites us to be set free from the shackles of money, greed, and an unhealthy relationship with our possessions. Only then will we be able to emulate him, generously using everything we have and are for the cause of love.

When a person fights greed, he or she loses the peace and joy that God meant for us to have. The most tragic aspect of this struggle is that the majority of selfish individuals are completely oblivious of their activities. Everyone around them, on the other hand, does…and greed is frequently a stumbling block in such connections. Authority, protection, provision, and pleasure are some of today’s temptations.

Today’s temptations include authority, protection, provision, and pleasure. We trust and treat money as if it were a deity because of its glorious promises and secure refuge. Money can control you whether you have a lot or a little. This is meant to make us think about our connection with money and possessions, and to see if the all-powerful dollar has taken the place of the all-powerful God in our lives.  “An unquenchable want for more” is defined as greed.

Breaking the ties of injustice, abolishing workplace exploitation, releasing the oppressed, and cancelling debts are the kinds of days I wish to see.

I’d like to see us share our food with the hungry, invite the homeless poor into your homes, and dress the shivering unclothed…”

“We need to get rid of unfair practises, quit blaming victims, stop gossiping about other people’s faults, if we are kind with the hungry and start offering ourselves to the down-and-out, our life will begin to sparkle in the darkness…,”  

We’ll construct the foundations of our former life using the old wreckage from previous incarnations.

We’ll be known as the ones who can fix anything, repair old ruins, rebuild and refurbish, and make the neighbourhood liveable again.

Greed is an almost universally despised behaviour. In today’s political climate, the poor criticise the rich of being too greedy with their own money, while the rich blame the poor of being too greedy with money that isn’t their own. Greed, as mentioned in Colossians  chapter 3 verse 5 and 1 Corinthians chapter 6 verses 9 to 11, is idolatry, which is bad enough to keep us from heaven. How can we tell whether we’re greedy or not?

Greed is a termite in disguise. It’s hidden from view, yet it irritates our hearts. It doesn’t draw notice because it erodes our ability to provide. Because Jesus advised us to be on our guard, we might presume we are already afflicted with greed. Here’s a picture of what it looks like.

Hoarding: This kind of avarice thrives in the hearts of people who are conscientious, disciplined, and well-organized. It preys on a person’s ability to meticulously save money and add to it on a regular basis. This is, of course, something we should all be doing. A hoarder’s greed, on the other hand, leads him to assume that he can’t be generous with his money until he’s saved enough to retire comfortably.

The hoarder is concerned about his or her future. His decision to put his fate in the hands of money rather than God leads him to ignore the needs of others. His first priority, he says, is to amass enough money to ensure a stable future.  However, a hoarder falls into the trap of spending all of his riches to benefit just himself.

Overspending

This type of greed is easy to incorporate into the life of someone who is impatient. The over-spender confuses needs with wants and, as a result, spends more than her income allows, resulting in debt. She desires immediate gratification and is willing to pay with credit to avoid having to wait.

Comparison

Greed feeds the competitive idea that it’s necessary to equal someone else’s lifestyle. It motivates you to spend and spend more in order to demonstrate that you are on par with a neighbour, friend, co-worker, or relative. This type of greed is strongly related to jealousy.

Entitlement

But greed preys on everyone, regardless of their financial situation. When you believe the myth that abundance comes through your belongings, you will find greed lurking in the shadows. A sense of entitlement, or the belief that someone else owes you something, is the result of greed. “I don’t have the money for it, so someone else should buy it for me,” an entitled person believes. After all, I deserve everything–and I don’t even have to work for it.” This face of avarice is always devoid of gratitude and frequently exhibits fury. People who feel entitled go on a binge-eating spree. It’s easy to believe that the wealthy are the ones who are greedy.

“While few men swallow coins, millions of individuals are sickened by money and consumerism. The Bible teaches that money is the source of all evil, causing people to lose trust in God and pierce themselves with many sorrows. Take stock of your situation. Are you sacrificing a lot of time with your family and church to make ends meet? Are you sacrificing sleep for the sake of a job? “Are you putting in too much effort for monetary gain?” God wants us to be dedicated to our work and offers us the ability to prosper. However, He does not want you to work yourself to death in order to become wealthy. Have the foresight to exercise restraint.

A couple named Ananias and Sapphira is mentioned in Acts chapter 5 verses 1 to 11. We’re informed they sold a piece of property and left a portion of the money at the apostles’ feet to be utilised for charitable gifts to the poor. They did, however, conspire to distort the transaction’s truth.

Ananias appears first and hands over the money. Ananias dies suddenly after Peter reveals the deceit. A few hours later, his wife Sapphira appears before the apostles, unaware of her husband’s collapse, and she repeats the false narrative about the money. She gets killed as well. The amount of money people contributed had no impact on the outcome. According to verse, they were free to do anything they chose with their property. The error resulted in the decision. In Acts chapter 4, they are contrasted with Barnabas, who was titled after the apostles for his church service. He also gave the proceeds from one of his estates to the underprivileged. Ananias and his wife wanted Barnabas’ reputation but not his personality.The deaths of Ananias and Sapphira came as a shock. There is no question that we are to regard it as a divine judgement, and it is delivered to frighten us  as stated in verses 5 and 11. To comprehend it, we must first comprehend the gravity of the sin.

The crimes of greed, hypocrisy, and lying stand out. Riches are not necessarily bad, but they can be harmful to our souls. Paul warns in Ephesians chapter  5 that no one who is greedy will enter God’s kingdom. You can give to the church or to charity both of which are admirable for showy reasons. The Lord Jesus criticised the Pharisees for being greedy despite their charitable contributions.

Their hypocrisy exposes the couple’s greed. They wanted to appear to be more generous than they actually were. It must have been difficult for them to donate without gaining recognition. The warning here is about their intentions. God is not easily mocked.

They planned to deceive guys because they craved their admiration. They were, however, ignorant of God. God despises lying lips, and the devil is the parent of lies, according to the Bible. Peter mentions that Satan filled Ananias’ heart in verse 3. The devil is deceitful, and so will those who are under his control. The devil is deceitful; so will those be under his influence.

However, Ananias and his wife were not hidden from the Holy Spirit as they devised the scheme to deceive the apostles.

We must remember that everything comes from God. God is the supreme ruler of all things, both in heaven and on earth. Whatever a creature possesses is due to His indulgence. Everyone must seek God’s blessing on whatever they possess. Money has a tendency to govern men, limiting God’s authority over them. We have nothing but God’s permission.This text serves as a cautionary tale on the nature and strength of sin. “It is the missing of the mark,” the essence of sin. It is a violation. It’s a revolt. It is a crime. It is only and completely nasty. It’s foolishness, the polar opposite of wisdom. It’s a fabrication, the polar opposite of truth. It makes a man unmanly. It creates a barrier between God and his creation. It initiates hell. It exiles people from the highest society, heaven. It cannot be remedied by finite power or human means.” The walk of faith is to live according to the revelation we have received in the midst of riddles we cannot understand. What happens when you give your everything and it goes unnoticed because Greed is a leader who wears sheep’s clothing and seems to care about humanity?

Henry Ford, the founder of Ford Motor Company, is said to have asked a young auto engineer what his primary responsibility was. The young man stated that his main ambition was to become tremendously wealthy. Later, Mr. Ford surprised the employee with a small gift. He opened the box to find a set of metal-rimmed eyeglasses, but the lenses were replaced with a pair of silver dollars.  “Put those on,” Ford said, and the young man did. Ford asked, “What do you see now?” “Nothing,” said the engineer. “The cash is obstructing my vision.” “Perhaps you should re-evaluate your ambition,” Ford replied as he walked away.

Greed results in the demise of families, reputations, friendships, wealth, health, and everlasting damnation. Greed is a terrible sin against God and a major cause of death. We may believe that greed affects only the wealthy, yet God’s word states it affects everyone. • How much of the time are we satisfied with our current situation? • How much of the time do we feel like we could use a little more? • It begins when we are children—what we see on television, we believe we must have? Are you parents? As we become older, this doesn’t usually improve. We believe we need something larger, better, whatever.

Aren’t expenses always rising to keep up with income?  It is not the subject or even the desire itself that is evil, as with the other seven deadly sins. God instilled unique desires in us that must be realised in the way He intended. Wanting sex, food, a home, or even money is not immoral. When such desires go out of balance and out of bounds, they lead me to pursue them in sinful, borderline ways. So, at what point does a desire for money become greed? “Wanting something so badly that you lose your faith in God,” says John Piper.

Greed is the belief that you must have this or that in order to be happy. I need God and blank in order to thrive. You’ll be on the road to unbelief once you’ve filled in the blank. God is no longer sufficient to satisfy your soul. It is not necessary to be wealthy to be greedy. Anyone can believe that something other than Jesus can fulfil their spiritual needs. Greed is a temptation that we all face, and greed will lead to our demise. It leads to attitudes and pursuits that are destructive to ourselves and others.  The gospel is the cure to greed.

Control, strife, confusion, and corruption surround greed. Greed wants to be in charge. It’s about someone storing grain to inflate the price and exploit his community. He wants to take advantage of individuals when they are most vulnerable. Because you have power over them and are looking for a financial edge. You may be someone’s boss, taking advantage of your workers to improve yourself while leaving them behind. You may be the lender of anything from your garage, knowing that your neighbour requires it but intending to keep them in your debt so that you can take advantage of them later.

You could be on a board and, because your administrator earns more than you, you utilise your position to prevent them from rising up the ranks. You could be a family member who refuses to share what you have because you believe you earned it. The righteous are willing to put their own interests ahead of the community’s; the wicked will put their own interests ahead of the community’s. Jesus put himself in a position to help us. He freely gave. A greedy person causes trouble, but whoever relies in the Lord prospers, according to Proverbs chapter 28 verse 25. A greedy individual does not respect limits; instead, he or she violates them and takes from others because they are unhappy with their current situation.

You kill because you want something you don’t have. You want something and can’t get it, so you battle and argue.James chapter 4 verse 2 states  You don’t have anything because you don’t ask for it. According to Proverbs chapter 11 verse 18, The wicked are paid deceptively, but those who sow righteousness reap a definite harvest. This is about confusion. Greed’s lure is that if you have what you want, you’ll be happy. But it’s a fabrication. Proverbs chapter 20 verse 23 mentions Uneven weights are an abomination to the Lord, as are fraudulent scales.

This is about corruption. Unjust commercial practises are an atrocity in God’s eyes. Sexual sin is regarded an immorality in the Bible. Cheating on individuals for financial gain is considered a sort of sexual sin. It’s a crime to owe someone money and fail to repay them. Borrowing something and not returning it is a sin. Paul wrote in Ephesians chapter  4 verse 28, “The thief is no longer allowed to steal. Instead, he must do honest work with his own hands to help anyone who is in need. Greedy people pay a high price and lose what is most important to them, whereas generous people benefit in substantial ways.

We frequently associate greed with a desire for more money, but we can also be greedy for things like power, possessions, and passion. Greed is when you desire something more than God and are willing to sin in order to obtain it. In the case of Adam and Eve, they longed to be more like God and believed that disobedience would help them reach their goal.

Today’s avarice, like that of Adam and Eve, is often motivated by a desire to be more like God. We seek the glory that belongs to Him, so we grab what isn’t really ours.

Although the Bible contains many stories, one in particular seems to repeat itself. God bestows power on someone, and they are called to serve their people, but instead they serve themselves, and their self-glorification ultimately leads to their demise.

Samson chased his own lusts rather than serving the people, King Solomon’s heart went away from God due to his many wives and immense wealth, and Nebuchadnezzar boasted of his greatness many times before being humbled and turning into a beast.

Rather than using others to get what we want, we are encouraged to share what we already have in order to benefit others. If you want to be great, you must first learn to serve. As you will see, this is directly tied to what Jesus taught about greed and eternal treasure in the Sermon on the Mount.

During the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus addresses greed directly and offers a better option:

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

“The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!

“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”

Matthew chapter 6 verses 19 to 24

Jesus instructs us to be a light in the darkness. Putting people first and living generously with your time, talent, and fortune will brighten the lives of everyone you meet in a world dominated by greed and pride.

It’s not easy to preach against greed. Almost everyone acknowledges that greed is a negative trait. So they take a seat and say, “Amen!” We’re opposed to it. Brother, preach it!” We’re also ready to pass judgement on others’ greed: “Did you see that pricey new car that so-and-so was driving?” With all the desperate refugees in the globe, how can he justify that?” But few of us confess, “I have a problem with greed.”

Sexual immorality can certainly be a god or an idol- Ephesians chapter 5 verse 5. There is never enough. The exhilaration eventually wears off however People are looking for something more adventurous and interesting. The same may be said of sexuality.

Proverbs chapter1 verses 8 to 19  

8 Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching, 9 for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck. 10 My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. 11 If they say, “Come with us, let us lie in wait for blood; let us ambush the innocent without reason; 12 like Sheol let us swallow them alive, and whole, like those who go down to the pit; 13 we shall find all precious goods, we shall fill our houses with plunder; 14 throw in your lot among us; we will all have one purse”— 15 my son, do not walk in the way with them; hold back your foot from their paths, 16 for their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed blood. 17 For in vain is a net spread in the sight of any bird, 18 but these men lie in wait for their own blood; they set an ambush for their own lives. 19 Such are the ways of everyone who is greedy for unjust gain; it takes away the life of its possessors.

Generosity is like a river, with God as its headwaters, who pours benefits and resources into our life. He wants us to distribute part of those riches and blessings to others downstream. “Make yourself a river. Why should you remain a Dead Sea with no outlet because of your greed?”

The Greed of Power is the insatiable desire for more material goods and the power that comes with them. In this type of greed, earthly goods are primarily a means to an end, which is power and influence. Money, real estate, and automobiles are simply means of achieving, wielding, and displaying personal power.

Wealth is frequently used to intimidate or bribe others, to confirm one’s own illusions about what matters, or to instil a sense of success in oneself.

The Parable of the Rich Fool in Luke 12 is a good example of this type of greed.

The Fearful Greed—the fearful desire to stockpile surplus goods for an unknown time of need—the proverbial “rainy day”

Fear is a poor motivator of virtue but a fantastic motivator of greed. Gluttony is simply the desire to have so much that we will never run out. We may lose our jobs or health, we may be sued, but if we accumulate enough stock, real estate, or T-bills, we believe we will be safe from hunger. There is no perfect way to prevent hunger.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus mentions those who hoard treasure for themselves in  Matthew chapter 6, verse 19.

Acquisition Greed—the desire for more earthly goods for their own sake? These are the people who reduce themselves to a small and cold desire to accumulate more just to have more, such as electronic equipment or trading cards. More money, more antiques or other collectibles? “Money is like seawater in that the more you drink, the thirstier you become.”

According to King Solomon, people who seek more earthly goods for their own sake… “Whoever loves money will never have enough of it”; “Whoever loves wealth will never be satisfied with his income ” says   Ecclesiastes chapter 5 verse 1. Collecting items for the sake of accumulating things is one of our culture’s major vices today.  

There was a lot of sexual immorality during the time of the New Testament, and it’s not much different today. In fact, Ephesians 5:1 and 2 state that even mentioning what the disobedient do in private is shameful.

Proverbs Chapter 5 verses 1 to 9 speaks about this  May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth. May her breasts satisfy you forever, and may her love enchant you. Proverbs chapter  5 verse 20 states Why should an adulteress captivate you, my son? Why embrace the breasts of another man’s wife?

Sex is akin to a fire. Many of you have fireplaces in your homes, and when the fire is contained within that structure, it provides warmth and entertainment. If the fire from the fireplace escapes, it can quickly become uncontrollable and burn down your house. Many people enjoy seeing how far they can go in this area. What is the upper limit? Don’t mess with sexual temptation. It may seem fun at first, but it will eventually burn you and others. Is it possible for a man to scoop fire into his lap without getting his clothes burned? Is it possible for a man to walk on hot coals without getting burned?

greed for power

There are people who enjoy having people obey their commands. Some people are obsessed with titles and positions of power. They love the place of honour at banquets and the most important seats in synagogues; Matthew chapter 23 verses 7 and 8 they love to be greeted in the marketplaces and to have men call them ‘Rabbi.’ “However, you are not to be addressed as ‘Rabbi,’ because you have only one Master and are all brothers.

According to Ephesians chapter 5 verse 7, we could walk away with nothing if we are willing to give up the good stuff. We have a decision to make. I’m not saying the decision is always easy, but it is ours.

Freedom exists where the Lord’s Spirit resides.

“And He said to them, Guard yourselves and keep free from all covetousness excessive desire for wealth, greedy desire for more”

Luke 8, verse 14

And as for what fell among the thorns, these are [the people] who hear, but they are choked and suffocated by life’s anxieties, cares, riches, and pleasures as they go, and their fruit does not ripen (come to maturity and perfection).

When we see something that we desire for our body, soul, or spirit, our hearts begin to cry out, “Give me; give me!” Even the youngest of the children says it. As Eve, our race’s mother, reached for the forbidden fruit, he extends this hand to take it.

The desire to possess can be “much” or “much more.” It can, however, be a desire for the “best”; anything less is insufficient. Many children and adults have eyes that are bigger than their stomachs. They pile more food on their plates than they can consume, and they always choose the best piece. This desire for more or especially good food is frequently strong. We’ve seen how effective this is in times of war and famine. People lose their dignity and violate all ethical rules in order to satisfy their desires.

Furthermore, we are all aware of how much we crave sleep and comfort. Sleep addiction can be so strong that we will forego even the most basic necessities of life, such as prayer time, in order to sleep more. Many things pique our interest, such as modern clothing, more money, greater comfort, and convenience. But in all of our hearts, there is not only greed for visible goods, but also for things that satisfy the soul, such as other people’s attention, respect, and love.

“Am I ruled by greed, and do I use godliness to gain something?” Have you ever been greedy for anything, and how has that affected your outlook on life? Were you willing to compromise truth in order to obtain what you thought would feed your greed? Did it cause discord, factions, envy, and strife among others? Was there unrest because you were greedy for something? Were you willing to use your godliness to get what you desired? Things to be greedy for could include anything other than money. We may be greedy for attention, fame, fortune, good feelings, power, prestige, relationships, or anything else that we believe will bring us happiness. Knowing this truth is valuable because we can use it to guard our hearts and find contentment in Christ.

Instead of being greedy, we should be consumed with godliness and God’s kingdom. With God’s help, that is what we will be in Jesus Christ, and those are the types of leaders we will seek in God’s family.

What are the disguises that greed wears in order to entice even believers? We live in a society that believes it is smarter than previous generations. Unfortunately, this is frequently manifested by a cultural contempt for what many consider antiquated values or characteristics that previous generations commonly agreed were sins, such as lust, envy, pride, and greed.

When we are slow or silent in renunciating greed, it can even sneak in as a snake and transform us, according to the Bible. It is critical that the Body of Christ put aside our desire to deliver a pleasant message and return to living and communicating the truth that greed leads to spiritual death, relationship death, and effective witness for Christ.

Paul exhorts Timothy to cultivate contentment and warns that “those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, as well as many foolish and harmful lusts that drown men in destruction and perdition.”First Timothy chapter 6 verse 9.

Greed is not limited to money. When he had an adulterous affair with Bathsheba, King David appears to have been greedy for conquest. To conceal his greed and betrayal, the king used deception, attempted trickery, and ultimately orchestrated Bathsheba’s husband’s death on the battlefield. As Nathan’s parable about the man with many, many sheep who took the poor man’s solitary sheep illustrated, the affair was more than just lust. It was, at its core, a greedy act. In Hebrews 13:5, it says, “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with what you have.”

Because He Himself has stated, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Our lack of greed attests to God’s provision. “There is one who scatters, yet increases more; and there is one who withholds more than is right, but it leads to poverty,” says Proverbs chapter 11 verse 24. Greed is once again partnered with a partner because sin multiplies.

Proverbs chapter 21 verse 26 says, “He covets greedily all day long, but the righteous gives and does not spare.” And Proverbs chapter 11 verse 28 describes greed as the polar opposite of trust in God, saying, “He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like foliage.”

In Second Kings chapter 5, Elisha heals Naaman of leprosy. Elisha refuses to accept payment for this healing, but his servant, Gehazi, believes otherwise. He pursues Naaman and accepts gifts in exchange for healing. Elisha’s heart is broken by Gehazi’s greed, and as a result, Gehazi and his descendants are cursed with leprosy for all time. Elisha didn’t wink or shrug at Gehazi’s greed, even though the items given were likely of little importance to Naaman. Elisha recognised that greed was a dangerous path that many of God’s leaders, teachers, and priests had taken, leading to corruption, exploitation, and other evils.

“For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father, but of the world,” says the first chapter of John. Where we direct our attention can often help or hinder us in dealing with the sin of greed. If we fill our eyes with everything the world says is fine and good, when we look at our lives, we will only see what we lack. If we fill our eyes with what God says is good and right, we will make room for the Holy Spirit to convict us of the tiny seeds of greed that may take root and choke out the life of Christ we desire to grow in us.

We have more chances for God to instil in us contentment and generosity.

Let us examine ourselves to see where we stand in terms of greed:

1) Do I consider my money and possessions to be my own or God’s?

2) If I knew I was going to die in a year, how would I manage God’s resources differently?

3) What makes me want more money? Do I want more in order to better provide for my family? That could be true. But if I want more just to buy bigger and better things that I don’t really need, I may be succumbing to greed.

4) Am I more concerned with making money than with my eternal fate?

We have more chances for God to instil in us contentment and generosity.

Let us examine ourselves to see where we stand in terms of greed:

5) Is my security derived from money or from God?

6) How much do I lament the loss of money and possessions?

7) Do I cling to my possessions or am I generous and willing to share?

8) Do I compromise my godly character or priorities in order to make money?

9) Am I prone to quick-rich schemes?

10) Am I enslaved by credit cards and debt?

How can we overcome  our greed?

We must purge ourselves of all greed, beginning with our thoughts. In light of having Christ and finding joy and contentment in Him, we acknowledge God as the owner of all we have and see ourselves as the manager who must account to Him. We adopt the Owner’s priorities: His kingdom objectives. Consider why we require additional items. Resist sales pressure. Before making  purchases, pray about them. Get rid of everything that isn’t absolutely necessary, and then try to live as simply as possible. We may need to create and stick to a budget. Learn to walk in the Spirit so that His fruit of self-control takes precedence over your desires.

To get rid of greed, we must also make a faith commitment to give generously to the Lord’s work. Gratefulness is the drain plug for greed.

Are we happy with what we have, or is our soul being destroyed by greed? The most serious greed a man suffers from is the greed of keeping himself for himself rather than surrendering to a God who wants to give you the contentment that comes from knowing that heaven is your home and salvation is your true treasure.

No man can serve two masters at once. Nobody can seek both earthly and eternal wealth. Those looking for earthly treasures will be denied eternal riches. Anyone who seeks God’s Kingdom, on the other hand, will be granted eternal glory above, as well as all of his earthly needs. Matthew 6, verse 33

We must make a choice! Through His sacrificial death, Jesus, who chose the path of deprivation and loss for our sake, has gained this new way of thinking for us.

Oh lord, my Master! You have given up everything for me. Your contentment and satisfaction, your willingness to give everything away, are now mine. You paid the ultimate price on Calvary. I am free of the grip of greed. Your love will only allow me to have one desire: to attain heavenly, eternal glory.

Amen.

Characteristics of Godly Leadership (Acts 20:17-21)
Leadership is the act of influencing and serving others out of Christ’s interests in their lives in order to accomplish God’s goals for and through them.
Obey and submit to your leaders, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will account for them. Allow them to do it joyfully rather than with sadness, as this would be counterproductive to your interests. Everyone wants to be respected, but most of the time, it has to be earned.
The four models of Christian leadership that will be discussed are all found in the Bible from numerous leaders:

(1) servant-leadership,

2) moral leadership,

(3) spiritual leadership,

and (4) transformational leadership.

How does a servant know when to refuse requests made by others?
How transparent should a leader be about his personal flaws and failures?

Is openness synonymous with revealing everything?
What steps may we take to improve our humility?
Can love and kindness coexist with unwavering adherence to God’s truth? How? What happened to biblical balance?

Read Titus 1:5-9 and 1 Timothy 3:1-13.
Make a list of all the qualities that God expects from a leader, overseer, elder, and deacon.

Which of these traits do you possess the most?

Which ones are the most vulnerable and in need of improvement?

1 Samuel 16:1-13 should be read.
What qualities did Samuel look for in a leader when he went to Jesse’s house to anoint a king?

Why did both Samuel and Jesse neglect David?

What did the LORD want to find?

What criteria do you look for in a leader for your church, neighborhood, business, or  government? Please be specific.

What traits does God appreciate in a leader in your family, church, community, and workplace?

1 Kings 11:1-8 should be read.

King Solomon is remembered in the Bible for his wisdom, as well as his accomplishments in business, poetry, and literature. The LORD, on the other hand, vows to “take the kingdom away” from him. Why?

What caused Solomon’s betrayal of the LORD?

How can a man’s devotion to God in today’s world be divided?

In what aspects of your life do you have conflicting loyalties?

Read James 4:4-9 to learn more.
How does friendship with the world make us enemies of God?
Do you have any worldly ties or friendships that could turn you against God?

Explain what it means to be spiritually “double-minded” in your own words.

What rewards does God bestow on people who stand firm against Satan?

What do you need in order to get closer to God?

What does God expect about you in order so you can be exalted?

Read Isaiah 40:10-15.

Describe God’s dependability, power, and ability to maintain yourself as a leader with your own words

Next steps/reflection:

1. What does God want you to put an end to?
2. What is God inviting you to begin?
3. What is God calling you to do in order to slow down?
4. How is God challenging you to be more intentional?
5. What is your discipleship approach and plan?
6. How will you encourage others to lead biblically?
7. How will you protect yourself from sin?