A True Spiritual Leader

   

Intro: Joshua is regarded by the Lord as the type of a faithful, humble, deserving, wise leader.  Rahab is said to have become Joshua's wife and they had a family together according to Jewish history. Joshua was one of the 12 spies sent out by Moses to check out the Promised Land. Only he and Caleb brought back a good report about the Promised Land and encouraged the Israelites to enter in. Joshua is a good example of a true spiritual leader and guide, one who loves and cares for others.

I. God chose Joshua. Joshua 1:1-3 (NKJV) 

¹ After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, it came to pass that the Lord spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' assistant, saying:
² "Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them--the children of Israel.
³ Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses. After Moses was dead, God addressed Joshua to confirm him as the Israelites' new spiritual leader. God chose Joshua to lead His people to the Promised Land.

  a. Dad, God has chosen and confirmed you through His word to be the spiritual leader of your household and lead them in the ways of God. Ephesians 5:23 (NKJV) ²³ For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. Ephesians 6:4 (NKJV)  And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord. Dad, you are responsible for your families spiritual condition.

II. God gave instructions to Joshua. (Joshua 1:7-9)

  a. The instructions.  

    1. Joshua 1:7 (NKJV) Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left. Dad, God’s has given you instructions that His word is to be your guide for decisions that you have to make, at all times through all circumstances, situations and trials of this life. You are not to turn from it to the right or the left, if you are to be a good spiritual leader for your family, the church and your nation. God promises that if you follow His word you will prosper (flourish, thrive, succeed) wherever you go.

     2. Joshua 1:8 (NKJV)  This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. Dad, be careful what you say, you are to speak God’s word over every situation.  God’s word must be read and meditated on day and night to be able to fully comprehend and use it in everyday circumstances of life. Through God’s word we find the best way to lead our families. If speak God’s word, meditate on it day and night, and do what it says, then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

     3. Joshua 1:9 (NKJV)  Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed. Dads, God has commanded you to be strong and of good courage in the Lord. You are to be afraid or dismayed, but minister to your family in the power of God’s Spirit. Your strength and courage come from the Lord our God, because the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

 IV. Joshua was a true spiritual leader. Joshua 24:14-15 (NKJV) 

¹⁴ "Now therefore, fear the Lord, serve Him in sincerity and in truth, and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River and in Egypt. Serve the Lord!
¹⁵ And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

  a. Joshua encouraged people to serve the Lord. (V:14) You dad are to encourage your family and others to serve the Lord. A true spiritual leader wants what is best for everyone. There is an abundant life, blessings, and rewards for those serving the Lord out of a pure heart.

  b. Joshua was a good example to others. (v:15) You are to set the good example for your family and others also. These are the things a sincere, true spiritual leader will do for those he leads and cares for.

Invitation: Dad are you being a true spiritual leader for your family and those around you? Do your children know Jesus as their personal Savior and Lord? If not, be a true spiritual leader and talk to them about their relationship with Jesus and God. Do you dad have your own personal relationship with Jesus and the Father God? If not, now is the time to repent of your sins and ask Jesus to forgive your sins against God. Then invite Him into your heart to take charge of your life and become the true spiritual leader God chose you to be! dad, don't just take your children to church, but go with them and worship God as a family!