Anchor My Faith

Lesson Title: Be Strong and Courageous: Crossing into God’s Promise

Section 1: Joshua 1:1–9 – God Commissions Joshua

Overview:
After Moses’ death, the Lord speaks directly to Joshua, commissioning him to lead Israel into the Promised Land. God assures Joshua that just as He was with Moses, He will be with him. The promise of land given to Abraham is reaffirmed, and Joshua is commanded to be strong and courageous. Success will come not through military strength alone but through faithful obedience to the Book of the Law. God’s presence and Word are the foundation of Joshua’s leadership and Israel’s victory.

Theological Themes:

• God’s faithfulness to His covenant promises.
• The necessity of courage rooted in God’s presence.
• Obedience to God’s Word as the key to success.
• Leadership empowered by divine assurance.

Key Verse:
Joshua 1:9 – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. Why does God repeatedly tell Joshua to be strong and courageous?
   Answer: Because the task ahead was overwhelming, but courage comes from trusting God’s presence and promises.
2. What role does the Book of the Law play in Joshua’s success?
   Answer: Meditation and obedience to God’s Word would guide his leadership and ensure spiritual prosperity.
3. How does God’s promise to be with Joshua encourage believers today?
   Answer: It reminds us that God’s presence accompanies us in every calling and challenge.

Section 2: Joshua 1:10–18 – The People Prepare to Cross

Overview:
Joshua immediately acts in obedience, commanding the officers to prepare the people to cross the Jordan within three days. He reminds the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh of their commitment to help their brothers conquer the land before settling in their own inheritance east of the Jordan. The people respond with loyalty and unity, pledging to follow Joshua just as they followed Moses. The transition of leadership is affirmed, and Israel stands united for the mission ahead.

Theological Themes:

• Unity and cooperation among God’s people.
• Faithfulness to commitments within the covenant community.
• God’s orderly transition of leadership.

Key Verse:
Joshua 1:16–17 – “All that you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. Just as we obeyed Moses in all things, so we will obey you.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. Why was unity important before entering the land?
   Answer: Conquering the land required cooperation and shared commitment to God’s mission.
2. What does the response of the eastern tribes teach about faithfulness?
   Answer: Even after receiving their inheritance, they honored their promise to support their brothers.
3. How can believers demonstrate unity in God’s work today?
   Answer: By supporting one another, honoring commitments, and working together for God’s purposes.

Section 3: Joshua 2:1–14 – Rahab and the Spies

Overview:
Joshua sends two spies secretly to Jericho, where they lodge at the house of Rahab, a prostitute. When the king of Jericho seeks to capture them, Rahab hides the spies and declares her faith in the God of Israel. She acknowledges that the Lord has given Israel the land and asks for protection for her family. Her courageous faith demonstrates that God’s saving grace extends beyond Israel to those who trust in Him.

Theological Themes:

• Faith in the one true God.
• God’s grace extended to outsiders.
• Courageous trust amid risk.

Key Verse:
Joshua 2:11 – “For the LORD your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. What does Rahab’s confession reveal about her faith?
   Answer: She believed in God’s sovereign power and trusted Him despite her background and circumstances.
2. Why is Rahab’s story significant in redemptive history?
   Answer: She becomes part of Israel and is later included in the lineage of Christ (Matthew 1:5).
3. What can we learn about God’s grace from Rahab?
   Answer: God welcomes all who turn to Him in faith, regardless of past sin or nationality.

Section 4: Joshua 2:15–24 – The Scarlet Cord

Overview:
Rahab lowers the spies through her window and secures a promise of protection for her family. The spies instruct her to tie a scarlet cord in the window as a sign. The agreement reflects both mercy and faithfulness. The spies return to Joshua confident that the Lord has given them the land, strengthened by Rahab’s testimony and God’s evident work ahead of them.

Theological Themes:

• Covenant mercy and faithfulness.
• A visible sign of deliverance.
• Confidence grounded in God’s promise.

Key Verse:
Joshua 2:24 – “Truly the LORD has given all the land into our hands. And also, all the inhabitants of the land melt away because of us.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. What is the significance of the scarlet cord?
   Answer: It served as a sign of protection and faith, symbolizing salvation through trust in God’s promise.
2. How did Rahab demonstrate genuine faith?
   Answer: By acting in obedience and aligning herself with God’s people.
3. How did this mission strengthen Israel’s confidence?
   Answer: It confirmed that God was already working ahead of them in the land.

Section 5: Joshua 3:1–17 – Crossing the Jordan

Overview:
Joshua leads Israel to the Jordan River at flood stage. The priests carry the Ark of the Covenant ahead of the people. As soon as their feet touch the water, the river stops flowing and stands in a heap, allowing the nation to cross on dry ground. The Ark, representing God’s presence, stands in the middle of the river until all Israel passes over. This miraculous crossing parallels the Red Sea event and confirms that the living God is among them.

Theological Themes:

• God’s presence leading His people.
• Faith expressed through stepping forward in obedience.
• God’s power to remove impossible obstacles.
• Continuity of God’s saving acts (Red Sea to Jordan).

Key Verse:
Joshua 3:5 – “Then Joshua said to the people, ‘Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you.’”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. Why did the priests step into the river before it parted?
   Answer: God required faith-filled obedience; the miracle followed their step of trust.
2. What does the Ark’s central role signify?
   Answer: God’s presence is central to victory and guidance.
3. How does this crossing strengthen Israel’s faith?
   Answer: It confirms that the same God who delivered them from Egypt is still working powerfully on their behalf.