Read through each chapter.
Ask God to show you what you need to see.
Discuss anything that seems interesting and see where it takes you.
As you read each new chapter, look for common themes, and also discuss how it relates to the others.

And finally ask yourself, “So what?”
Was this just some interesting information? Or is it life changing?
What are you going to do differently from now on?
What choices are you going to need to change?
How is this study going to influence your lifestyle?

How is your progress in pursuing the life Yahweh has called you to?
How much of that do you see as Yeshua’s responsibility?
How much is up to you?

Any particular gifts you feel you’ve been given for your Christian life? For your part in building the church?

What can you learn from these ancient battles to help you tackle the habits, mindsets, and obstacles that hold you back from achieving your full potential?


In chapter 6 we read of the first major victory: the fall of Jericho. A famous moment.
Many people heard this story before. But read it anyway and ask Yahweh to show you things.

How did they achieve victory in this battle?
Who did that? Them? Or Yahweh?
Or both?
How did marching around Jericho and blowing trumpets for seven days make the walls collapse?
How would you have felt if you were an Ai soldier and you saw that happen?
Why do you think they had to do it for seven days?
Why do you think Yahweh intervened in their first battle in such a miraculous way?

Think back to when you first became a Christian. Did some things change suddenly or fall into place without your effort? Did you realise that Yeshua was doing something powerful in your life that you couldn’t have achieved on your own?


Next in chapter 7 came the battle for the city of Ai.
Do you think the Israelites assumed they had conquered Jericho by their own strength? Or did they just not think they needed to bother Yahweh with this one because they thought Ai looked like it would be easy?

Either way, they sent just a few people.
How did that go?

Do you ever do that? Think “I’ve got this one” and not bother Yahweh with it.
How does that usually go for you?
How much would it bother him if you prayed something like, “This one looks easy to me, but if I’m missing something or relying too much on myself instead of you, could you please make that clear to me somehow?”

If you’re a teenager, this one is especially for you.
Maybe you’ve done some “grown up” stuff already.
But seriously, how annoyed would your parents be if you just asked them that sort of “check in” question before you went off on your first battle alone?
It won’t be long and they won’t mind at all that you don’t ask them, because they know you’ve become an adult and you’re relying on Yahweh directly. But until then, why not ask. They might even have something useful left to teach you.

Have you ever approached a life challenge thinking, “I’ve got this”, and didn’t put in the preparation or effort?
How long before you regretted that?

And, maybe for you, like the Israelites, you had done something you shouldn’t have. Taken something from Yahweh, or dishonoured him in some way first? (Especially as a young Christian that’s easy to do, thinking you know better, “how can it hurt to …”. “That’s so old school to insist on … these days we know better”.

Did you know that your sin can cause issues for your whole family, or church. Especially if you’re a leader.
If one of your goals is blocked, or a family goal, or church goal is blocked… check if anyone has done something to damage your relationship with Yahweh.

Have you held back something you should’ve committed to Yahweh? Time, finances, your future, your dreams?
Are you legalistically offering 10% while desperately clinging to the 90%? If everything is his, then are you truly giving — or are you more focused on the withholding?

The Israelites took this seriously. They adjusted, they made things right, and then they succeeded.
What do you need to realign so that your goals can move forward?


In chapter 8 they had dealt with the issue which was blocking their relationship with Yahweh, and they went again against Ai.
But this time they consult Yahweh first, and he advises, “Send everyone”. But also with a pretty cool twist which ironically takes advantage of the soldiers of Ai thinking, “These guys again! We’ve got this, let’s get them and teach them a lesson.”
Unfortunately for them it was “Lesson for Ai” day.

Have you seen Yahweh use this kind of irony in your life? To open up a goal that looked like you’d blown it?
Maybe he’s planning that right now.
Can’t hurt to ask him?

Sometimes a breakthrough does require your full force. But it also requires Yahweh’s direction. It needs to be not just your moment — it also needs to be his moment.


In chapter 9, Israel made a treaty with people who tricked them.
Did they pause to consult Yahweh first?
And as a result, they were bound by an agreement they should never have made.

Actually this is a really important thing to Yahweh.
Once you make an oath, you’re bound by it. Even if you realise you shouldn’t have made it. Unless the other party is willing to release you from it, you’re bound by it, and breaking it is sinful.

Have you ever made commitments that slowed or sabotaged your goals?
Partnerships or compromises that you now realise are holding you back?
Maybe you thought, “It’s not a big deal.” But now it’s costing you something.

What can you do about it?

Is there any area of life where you have “settled”, and made some agreement which is now holding you back?
Is there any way to renegotiate?
If you honour Yahweh by honouring your commitment, will that go better for you than breaking it to get what you want?


Several kings attacked at once in chapter 10. The Israelites had to fight a larger united force.
What things are teaming up against you to block your goals?
Maybe your own bad habits, procrastination, distraction, fear of failure, discouragement - all working together?

Is Yahweh saying to you: “Don’t be afraid. I’ve given them into your hands.”?
Can you imagine Yahweh causing time to stand still so you could finish what you started?
Maybe you need to interrupt your busy schedule and give priority to the things of God and leave other things undone for a while?
And finally get the victory you’ve been after.

“Be strong and courageous” isn’ just a motivational slogan. It’s your call to action. It’s Yahweh reminding you he’s on your team. You cannot lose.

Where are you holding back?
Where do you need to step up?
When are you going to start that?


And finally in chapter 11, we see all the remaining kings join forces for one last fight.

How would you feel if Yahweh told you: “Don’t be afraid. By this time tomorrow, your obstacles will all be gone. They’ll never bother you again.”?
Wouldn’t that be incredible!
He’s already taught you that having him on your side is what wins battles.
Victory isn’t about the size of your army. It’s about the will of Yahweh being behind you.

Are you try to achieve your goals purely by your own strength?
How can you align your goals with Yahweh’s goals and have more victory?


Joshua succeeded because he walked closely with Yahweh.
He also followed the teaching which had been passed down to him from Moses.
Did anyone mentor you? Who could you ask?

Have you ever mentored anyone? Have you passed on what you’ve learned? Helped others grow?
Do you need to be perfect before you can do that?
Or do you just have to be further along the path than they are?
Can you think of someone you could offer to mentor?


What do you need to change to achieve your goals?
What do you need to change to have Yahweh helping that happen?

What will it take for you to walk confidently in the life Yahweh is calling you to?
A life of achieving the goals he has placed in your heart?

Is it time to be strong and courageous?

READING
Joshua 6
Joshua 7
Joshua 8
Joshua 9
Joshua 10
Joshua 11