(Christian Living Sermon) Dumas 85, Hillside 6/95
Filename: JOSHUA

JOSHUA, AND EXAMPLE OF DEVELOPING LEADERSHIP

INTRODUCTION-- God's man comes in a variety of identities. Samson is at one end of the spectrum, bold and brash, while Gideon is at the other, shy and reluctant. God had use for both men.

LESSON-- Joshua shows how God's man grows into leadership.

1. He grew to leadership gradually.
   
   1. He accepted a task for which he was not trained, on the strength of the spiritual support of Moses. Exodus 17:8-13
      
   2. He attached himself as a servant to the leader of Israel. Exodus 24:12-13
      
   3. He stood loyally by Moses during the crisis of leadership at Sinai. Exodus 32:7-8, 15-20
      
   4. While still young, he was given charge of Moses' "Tent of Meeting." Exodus 33:7-11
      
   5. By the time Israel had journeyed to the border of Canaan, Joshua's growth as a leader made him the obvious choice to represent Ephraim among the "spies." Numbers 13:1-2, 8, 16
      
      1. He and Caleb bring the "minority" (hopeful) report. Numbers 14:6-9
         
      2. He and Caleb are rewarded with a promise. Numbers 14:26-30
         
      3. A plague kills the other spies. Numbers 14:36-38
         
   6. His leadership receives recognition. Numbers 27:18-23
      
2. Greater leadership brings on greater responsibility.
   
   1. Joshua is given the task of making equitable distributions of the Promised Land. Numbers 34:16-17
      
   2. He is given the task to win Canaan for Israel. Deuteronomy 1:38
      
3. When the time comes for independent leadership, Joshua is ready.
   
   1. At the death of Moses, Joshua's qualities of leadership are accepted by Israel. Deuteronomy 34:9
      
   2. God promises to be with him, conditionally, as he was with Moses. Joshua 1:1-9
      
   3. Joshua laid the same conditions on his survivors. Joshua 23:1-13
      
   4. He serves Jehovah to the last. Joshua 24:14-15

APPLICATION--

1. What a task comes, accept it. Philippians 2:12-13
   
2. Serve leaders to become a leader. 1 Timothy 3:13
   
3. Be loyal to leaders (when they are right). 2 Corinthians 12:14-15
   
4. Accept the larger responsibilities that come with growth as a leader. Luke 12:48b
   
5. Pass on leadership qualities to others. 1 Timothy 4:16