A Leader In Israel Joshua 1:16 I. Introduction. A. In order for the Lord's church to remain true, appropriate and dedicated leadership must exist. 1. Without sufficient guidance in religion and morals, only apostasy can result. 2. All departures from the Lord have involved improper or corrupt leadership. 3. The strength of the people of God depends on the strength of the leaders(elders, men, etc.) B. The Bible contains many examples of leadership among God's people. 1. There is one who stands out and exemplifies what God's people, in any age, need to have as a leader: Joshua 1:16. 2. This man started when he was young: Exodus 33:11. II. Body. Joshua, the son of Nun was.... A. A man of trust: Numbers 27:15-18. 1. He would lead the people to the promised land. 2. He would lead them into the promised land. 3. He would, with Caleb, divide the land as God directed: Numbers 34:17. 4. Note: Proverbs 3:5. 5. The apostles and early Christians were entrusted with the gospel. 6. We are to be trusted to deliver the gospel faithfully. B. A man of unwavering faith: Joshua 3:5. 1. Why? God was with him: Deuteronomy 31:3. 2. With Caleb, defended God's plan against the faithless: Numbers 14:6-8. a. Would be able to enter the promised land--as a leader. b. What is worth believing and practicing is worth defending. 3. The basis of our service--all service--is faith. 4. Paul is an example from the New Testament. C. A wise man: Deuteronomy 34:9. 1. He used that wisdom in battle, in dealing with the people and in solving problems. 2. Some possess--do not always use(Solomon). 3. Not this type: I Corinthians 3:19. 4. Leaders must make decisions, solve problems, and lead in the best way: that takes wisdom! 5. Remember: James 3:17. D. A man of courage: Exodus 17:8-9, 13. 1. Bible uses the expression "good" courage(opposite of foolhardy actions). 2. Paul had it: Acts 28:15(only time word appears in KJ). a. Others can inspire. b. Fear is also catching. 3. Original word means "good cheer." a. Verb form translated: confident. b. Courage is an attitude--followed by actions. E. One who was not tolerant of sin. 1. Cleansed the camp of evil: Recount(Joshua 7). 2. The Israelites always found trouble when they sinned. 3. Attitude for Christians: Ephesians 5:11. 4. When one begins to be tolerant toward sin, in oneself and in others, apostasy is not far away. F. Respected by the people: Joshua 4:14. 1. No leader can be effective without the confidence of those who would follow. 2. Tyrants force leadership; righteous people inspire others. 3. The multitudes followed Christ: Why? Matthew 7:29. 4. A leader must know something in order to lead. G. One who recognized the personal responsibility of humans: Joshua 24:15. 1. No leader among God's people can force one to become a disciple. 2. The power of choice always rests in the person. 3. Joshua would inspire that generation and the next--but he put the choice on their shoulders. 4. A leader should so live and lead as to influence others in the way of truth and right. III. Conclusion. A. Joshua's message to the people: Joshua 23:14. B. The Lord blessed the Hebrews; He blessed us by sending His Son: not one thing failed in the gospel plan.-jy