Joshua 1
To be used by God, one must be faithful, have a distinct call, and indwell in the Word of God.
Chuck Smith emphasizes that to be used by God, one must first be faithful and willing to serve, as exemplified by Joshua, who was content in his role as Moses' minister. He highlights the importance of being called by God rather than seeking power for personal gain, and that true effectiveness comes from a deep relationship with God and a commitment to His Word. Smith encourages believers to embrace their training periods, as they prepare them for God's purposes, and to meditate on Scripture to strengthen their spiritual lives. Ultimately, he reassures that when God is ready, He will call those who are faithful and filled with His Word.
Text
"THE MAN GOD USES"
Intro: We all desire to be used by God, to be an instrument in His hand, to be called
upon by God for some special task. Wrong concept - talented men.
I. FIRST QUALIFICATION-FAITHFULNESS VS. 1.
Minister)
A. He was Moses "minister."
1. Word minister - servant.
2. He was content to play second fiddle to Moses.
a. Most people are too big for God to use.
b. Too full of their own schemes.
c. They have their own way of doing things.
B. He was a long time in training.
1. 40 yrs. in Egyptian bondage.
2. One of the spies; Endured wilderness led in defeat of Amelekites.
3. After eighty years of faithful behind the scenes service God said "Moses
my servant is dead" vs.2.
4. Who can know what God is preparing you for?
a. We often complain over our present service.
b. We think we are capable of more & bigger things.
5. This time of training is essential.
a. We must serve before we can reign.
b. We must descend before we can ascend.
c. God's will never comes through big things. If we will be faithful
in the smallest tasks. Hallow them.
6. Jesus an excellent example.
a. Thirty years in obscurity.
1. Worked in carpenters shop.
2. Attended church every Sabbath.
dead.
b. One day He stepped forth & was baptized, "This is my beloved Son
in whom I am WELL PLEASED."
II. THE SECOND - A DISTINCT CALL VS. 5 - 6.
A. Joshua knew perils ahead of them.
1. A man who is called is invincible.
B. The supreme question for your fulfilling any office or place of service:
1. Not are you qualified.
2. Are you called?
C. Are you seeking a place of power & prominence?
1. You better get right with God. (Simon)
2. We need men broken in Spirit whose only desire is to serve for the glory
of God.
D. If God will give us humble men broken In spirit but assured of their call.
1. Rivers in front of us, God will dry them up.
2. High wall cities, God will bring down the walls.
3. Giants, God will drive them out before us.
E. Christ was certain of His call.
1. I came not to do my own will, etc.
2. "I delight to do They will O God."
3. My meat is to do the will of Him that sent me.
III. THIRD -THE INDWELLING OF THE WORD OF GOD VS. 8.
A. Thou shalt meditate therein day & night (no shortcut to holiness).
1. No leader is more effective than when he is alone with God on his knees.
2. More is accomplished behind closed doors than out in open. (more
victories won in closet than on the battlefield..
B. Jesus manifested rich knowledge of Word.
1. His life permiated with God's Word.
a. Used it to prove arguments.
b. To resist temptations.
c. To guide the conduct of lift.
d. To illustrate truth.
Do you desire God to use your life? Be faithful fill yourself with the Word & when He
is ready, you will hear a call.
Sermon Outline
- The Man God Uses points: - Faithfulness - Long time in training - Essential for God's use
- A Distinct Call points: - Invincible when called - 'Supreme question: are you called?' - Seeking power and prominence? Get right with God
- The Indwelling of the Word of God points: - Meditate day and night - No shortcut to holiness - Jesus' rich knowledge of the Word
Key Quotes
“We must serve before we can reign.” — Chuck Smith
“We must descend before we can ascend.” — Chuck Smith
“God's will never comes through big things. If we will be faithful in the smallest tasks, He will hallow them.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- Be faithful in the smallest tasks, and God will hallow them.
- Spend time alone with God, meditating on His Word, to be effective in His service.
- Trust in God's power and provision to overcome obstacles and challenges in your service.