Bible study by book

Joshua

Joshua records God's gift of the promised land and calls his people to courageous faith, covenant loyalty, and wholehearted service.

24 sermons · 61 devotions

Listen & learn

Sermons from Joshua

Browse all sermons

Audio

Tour of the Tombs

Bryan Schneider

August 12, 2022

Joshua 24:29-33

Today we are going to take a "Tour of the Tombs..." First, we will visit the tomb of Joshua, who left behind a wonderful legacy and bears the honorable title of "the servant of the Lord." Second, we will come to a tomb in Shechem. By faith, when Joseph died in Egypt, he knew that his people would return to Canaan; and he commanded his bones to be carried back and buried there. So as the remains of Joseph were laid to rest in Shechem, we are reminded of how the Lord was faithful to His promise. Then there is the tomb of Eleazar. This was the first high priest's tomb in the Promised Land, and it was a monument of God's faithfulness in giving a high priest to His people. Not far away, there was a tomb that originally made for a rich man – but a poor Man was buried there instead! And that tomb is now empty!! You can go and visit this tomb, but you will not see the earthly remains of a king or a high priest, because our King and High Priest lives and reigns in heaven! This tomb really does not matter, for the One Who was buried there is alive! What will our tombstone say? Will our obituary say that we served the Lord? What is our highest goal in life? What legacy will we leave behind? How can we enter into that heavenly rest which is described in Hebrews 4? By faith in Jesus! And how do we show that faith? By loving and serving Him and others. He is risen; let us pray for grace to follow Him and be His servants!

Audio

Passing the Torch

Bryan Schneider

July 22, 2022

Joshua 23

Joshua was an elderly man now, and he knew that he was on death's doorstep. But he called together all the leaders of the tribes of Israel and reminded them that all the heavy lifiting of the work of conquest was over, and that the victory was certain for them if they continued to obey the Lord. The people of Israel were Jehovah's people – as they were reminded by the frequent reference made here to "Jehovah your God." And Joshua wanted to assure them that Jehovah would not stop fighting for His people just because he himself was passing on. The Lord always remains the same and His promises never die. But if the people turned away from Him, they would be headed for disaster. It would take a lot of courage to obey the Lord's Commandments. There would be a lot of social pressures that would entice the people of Israel to cave in to the culture around them and break the Lord's Covenant. This pressure still exists for God's people today. We must follow the Lord exclusively and cling to Him as tightly as we can – loving Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. If we ally ourselves with the heathen, it will end up being a constant pain to us. The Lord will not allow us to give His glory to another rival in our hearts. He wants all or nothing from us. We cannot simply focus on His grace and mercy to the exclusion of His justice and holiness. The truth is, we fall far short of God's standard. So what hope do we have? The only hope for us is in the Lord Jesus! God sent His Covenant-Keeper in human flesh; our King has come and kept the law perfectly and did for us what we could never do for ourselves! Let's pray for grace to cling tightly to Christ alone!

Audio

Unity and Faithfulness

Bryan Schneider

July 15, 2022

Joshua 22

Joshua

Audio

A Gracious and Covenant-Keeping God

Bryan Schneider

July 8, 2022

Joshua 21

Throughout the Book of Jsohua, we are reminded over and over again that the Levites did not receive any portion of land as Canaan was being divided among the tribes, for the Lord God was their inheritance. Nevertheless, they still needed to sustain themselves, and the Lord graciously provided for them. Given Israel's track record in the past, this situation could have turned out very differently; but the Lord put it in the hearts of the rest of the people to give the Levites cities throughout the land where they could live. Hence they were scattered across the whole land so that they could be held accountable in their work for the Lord, and also so that they could teach the people from the Book of the Law. They lived as permanent sojourners in the land so that they could be a living picture to the people of Who God is and what He had done for them. The heartbeat of this passage – and of the whole Book of Joshua – is that God made a promise, and He also faithfully fulfilled it! And since He was faithful to His people, they were now called to live in faith to Him. He keeps His Covenant and is true to His Word. Jesus has promised He is coming back and He will certainly do so. The land of Canaan was to be a picture pointing us to Christ, Who has done everything faithfully to give us rest; and now we are called to walk by faith toward Him. Even when we fail, He is still so good and faithful to His promises!

Audio

God is Just

Bryan Schneider

June 24, 2022

Joshua 20

"Justice" is a big word today. But without a just God, justice doesn't make sense. Everything He does is just; justice flows from Him (Deuteronomy 32:4). Sometimes, even when we seek justice, we may face an unjust judge who loves being in office more than being truly just. But that is not the case with the Lord. God clearly laid out laws of justice for people who accidentally killed another person. He provided cities of refuge in the Promised Land to protect them from the avenger of blood. But even though they could find safety and justice in one of these cities, they could never live down the fact that they had taken a human life, even if it was unintentional. These cities were a place of the Lord's mercy, but they also showed that He does care about the sanctity of human life. The only reason we are still alive is because God is merciful to us, even though our hearts are evil. Jesus taught that even hating our neighbor or getting angry with him puts us on the same level as a murderer. We all have real guilt, and so we need a City of Refuge to flee to! The good news is that Jesus died in our place. He – the Just One – suffered for us who are unjust. And because the Lord laid our sins upon Him, we may now walk in the freedom and liberty that He has bought for us by His death and resurrection!

Audio

The Land of the Seven Tribes

Bryan Schneider

June 10, 2022

Joshua 18

The Lord made all the promises and provisions for His people of Israel, but they weren't willing to do the work. They were no longer a people who were wandering around in the wilderness. The Tabernacle was permanently set up in their midst. But seven of the tribes did not yet have their inheritance, and they were basically sitting around doing nothing. It is sad but true that many are barred from entering the heavenly Canaan and enjoying the blessings of a relationship with God because of their own slackness and failure to make an effort to take possession of them. How often do we get satisfied with the things of this life instead of storming the gates of heaven? Joshua sent 21 surveyors to make a record of the rest of the land that was yet to be divided. They brought this record to Shiloh, where the presence of the Lord dwelt among His people; and there Joshua cast lots for the rest of the tribes so that the Lord's choice would determine who received what portion of land. Hundreds of years after the fact, the Lord was still being faithful to His promise to Abraham and fulfilling His Word for His people! After all the tribes had received their inheritance, Joshua asked for and was given a humble piece of property for his own personal possession. He could have demanded the best lots available in Canaan; but instead, like Jesus, he challenged the people to act, yet he himself went before and set the example. The Lord's promises are meant to be stimulants, not sedatives. Heaven and a relationship with God are within our reach... will we stretch out our hand to take possession of them?

Audio

Joseph's Inheritance

Bryan Schneider

May 27, 2022

Joshua 16

The Israelites were receiving their inheritance from the Lord, by faith. But why were they even there in the first place? The Lord had promised this land to them over four centuries before. But as they conquered the land of Canaan, they were not to make any agreements with any of the people of the land. The Israelites were God's holy people and special treasure, and they were being called to live as such. The Lord keeps His vows to His people, and now they were being expected to keep theirs. But Israel did not fulfill this commandment of the Lord all the way. They fell short of the mark and made the people of the land serve them as forced laborers. And then the people of the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh complained to Joshua that they had not been given enough room in their land. But the real reason for this was because they feared the Canaanites and their iron chariots. We wonder why the people of Israel didn't get their act together and just get rid of the enemies in their land. But we often act in a similar manner when we say our sins are too great for us to conquer. However, as in the case with the Israelites, the Lord did not give us giIants to conquer alone in our own strength – for Christ has already defeated them! Here we see just how much we need a Champion Who does keep all the commandments of the Lord. We are full heirs of the heavenly inheritance, where everything that is wrong and broken on this earth will be made right again. But how do we receive our inheritance? By faith in Jesus, Who is faithful – despite our unfaithfulness! How thankful we should be that God fixed our problem! Let's pray for grace to walk by faith and keep our eyes on our Savior.

Audio

Judah's Inheritance

Bryan Schneider

May 20, 2022

Joshua 15

Why is Judah listed as the first tribe to receive their inheritance in the land of Canaan? Judah wasn't the firstborn son of Jacob; but his three older brothers were passed over, and he was the one who received the blessing of the firstborn in Genesis 49. Judah was the brother who swore to protect Benjamin and bring him home in safety to his father. Judah was the tribe that marched first when the children of Israel moved in the wilderness. And it was hundreds of years later that David, the shepherd boy from Judah, would be anointed as the king of God's people. But it wasn't until David's time that the Israelites drove out the inhabitants of Jersualem, the Jebusite fortress. We often know by sad experience what it is like to have an imperfect conquest of the strongholds of sin in our hearts. However, there was one village in the tribe of Judah – Bethlehem – that was so small that it wasn't even mentioned in the lists of the cities belonging to that tribe! The prophet Micah foretold that one day, a King would come from that village, and all the world would bow before Him! This is why Judah is listed first. And although the people of that tribe were not able to conquer the Jebusite stronghold, our Jesus has indeed conquered – riding triumphantly through the gates of Jerusalem and defeating sin, death, and hell. And now we have an inheritance that is so much better than the dozens of cities that belonged to the inheritance of Judah in the land of Canaan. We are full heirs of Christ's Covenant!

Audio

Caleb's Faith

Bryan Schneider

May 13, 2022

Joshua 14; Joshua 15:13-19

Joshua 13 gave us a hint that all was not well with the people of Israel in Canaan; they had grown complacent. It is often all too easy for us to become complacent in our spiritual life – either through laziness or fear. But Caleb gives us a shining example of faithfulness to the Lord! He recalls his past life and remembers the time when he and Joshua – almost at the cost of their lives – showed faith in God when the other 10 spies gave a bad report of the Promised Land. And Caleb said that during the 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, his faith in God had remained strong. Strong faith requires a devotion to the Lord, even at the cost of standing alone in this world. However, as was the case with Caleb, the Lord stands by us and gives us strength. Just as He told Joshua, He tells us to be strong and very courageous, for He will never leave us nor forsake us. The anchor for Caleb's soul was the promises of God, and not his own faithfulness. He knew that the Lord had promised to defeat the Canaanite giants, and he was prepared to take Him at His Word and run the race with perseverance and take down the giants. Moreover, by Caleb's example, he spurred on the next generation to face the challenge and have faith in the Lord and His promises as well. This is a story of God's faithfulness to His promises, reminding us how we must cling to those promises and walk by faith in light of them. Will the Lord Jesus be enough for us as we cut across the grain and take a stand for Him?

Audio

Look to God

Bryan Schneider

May 6, 2022

Joshua 13:8-33

In this chapter, there are three main points that draw our attention to... 1) Look to God and what He has done already 2) Beware of looking to prosperity 3) Look to God as our ultimate inheritance The mention of the names of the kings that were already defeated in battle was intended to be an encouragement to the people as they remembered what the Lord had done on their behalf in the past. They needed these reminders because they were a forgetful people – just like we are. That is why Jesus has told us to observe the Lord's Supper so that we will remember His works of love and kindness that He has done for us. But there was a real danger. When the Israelites entered the Promised Land, they grew comfortable and they failed to drive out all the enemies that they were supposed to destroy. Prosperity is often a bigger snare to us than suffering; we need to pray that we may never allow the good things of this world to crowd the Lord out of our lives. We need to make sure that the Lord is our inheritance! What is better: a comfortable life here on earth, or the enjoyment of God in the Kingdom of Heaven forever? Our inheritance is not sod on this earth; it is Christ Himself! The world will try to sell us a bill of goods; let's pray for grace to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus as our inheritance!

Audio

A Future Promised

Bryan Schneider

April 29, 2022

Joshua 13:1-7

Joshua was growing old, and yet there was still much land to conquer in Canaan; and there were even enemies to fight. That is similar to our imperfect state while we still remain on this earth. Some of us have fought great spiritual battles and have even slain many giants; but it seems that as soon as we put our feet on the necks of one of our enemies, another springs up for battle. But our inheritance is far better than that which the Israelites were taking possession of! We get God Himself, and Jesus has gone to prepare a heavenly mansion for us – the New Jerusalem, where we will no longer be able to sin! The Lord told Joshua to go ahead and cast lots for the division of the land that was yet to be conquered. He guaranteed that He Himself would chase Israel's enemies out of the land. We will go through hard times in life; but our Savior has gone before us in triumphant victory, and we can live in light of that promise! He is faithful, and His Word and promises are true and endure forever.

Audio

One King Victorious

Bryan Schneider

April 22, 2022

Joshua 10:28

As we read of the Israelites' conquest of the land of Canaan, we see how He alone was the Victorious One Who was giving the land and the kings into His people's hands. Moses warned them to not think they were the heroes of the story, because it was the Lord Who hardened the hearts of the Canaanites so that they would fight Israel and be defeated. The awfulness of the bloody battles that are recorded here show us just how ugly sin is and how seriously God takes it. Indeed, the only reason none of us are struck down for our sins is because of our Lord's mercy. The Israelites won these battles successfully because the God of Israel was fighting for them; for they themselves were weak, idolatrous, and sinful – just as we are. But Jesus Chirst is our Joshua! It is He Who crushes our giants and leads us in obedience to the Lord. The Book of Joshua is given to us so that we will realize that Jesus can conquer anything, and we are promised victory through Him!

Read, watch & apply

Coffee & Devotions in Joshua

Browse all Joshua devotions

Joshua

Chapter 24

Joshua 24:29-33

The book closes with Joshua's death and burial, Joseph's bones being buried at Shechem, and Eleazar's death and burial. Israel remains faithful throug...

Read Devotion

Joshua

Chapter 24

Joshua 24:1-28

At Shechem, the Lord recounts his gracious covenant history from Abraham through the conquest. Joshua calls Israel to put away idols and choose the Lo...

Read Devotion

Joshua

Chapter 23

Joshua 23

In his farewell speech, Joshua reminds Israel's leaders that the Lord fought for them and fulfilled every good promise. They must courageously keep hi...

Read Devotion

Joshua

Chapter 22

Joshua 22:10-34

An altar built beside the Jordan looks like idolatrous rebellion and nearly causes civil war. A careful delegation hears the eastern tribes' testimony...

Read Devotion

Joshua

Chapter 22

Joshua 22:1-9

Reuben, Gad, and half-Manasseh faithfully complete their promise to fight beside their brothers. Joshua blesses and sends them home with spoil and a c...

Read Devotion

Joshua

Chapter 21

Joshua 21:43-45

The Lord has faithfully given Israel the land, rest, and victory he swore to their fathers. Though unfinished work and remaining enemies qualify the s...

Read Devotion

Joshua

Chapter 21

Joshua 21:1-42

Discover how God provided for the Levites in Joshua 21. Learn about their role, their cities, and what this teaches us about generosity and faith. ...

Read Devotion

Joshua

Chapter 23

Joshua 23

Stay Strong in the Lord

In his farewell to Israel's leaders, Joshua recounts how the Lord fought for them and urges the next generation to remain courageous, obey Moses' law,...

Read Devotion

Joshua

Chapter 22

Joshua 22:10-34

Reconciliation Through Faith

An altar built by the eastern tribes appears to be rebellion and nearly sparks civil war. Israel sends a delegation, hears that the altar is only a me...

Read Devotion

Joshua

Chapter 24

Joshua 24:1-28

Choose to Serve the Lord

At Shechem, Joshua recounts God's covenant faithfulness from Abraham through the exodus and conquest, then calls Israel to put away idols and serve th...

Read Devotion

Joshua

Chapter 20

Joshua 20

God appoints six accessible cities of refuge on both sides of the Jordan. Someone who killed unintentionally could flee there, receive shelter from th...

Read Devotion

Joshua

Chapter 19

Joshua 19:49-51

After every tribe receives its inheritance, Israel gives Joshua his requested city according to the Lord's word. Joshua receives his portion last, mod...

Read Devotion