A Strategy For Success

Introduction

Joshua 1:1-9

Some time ago I was channel surfing when I ran across an interesting program. It was a roast. The person being roasted was Hugh Hefner. In the eyes of the world Hugh Hefner is a successful man. In fact those who spoke of him spoke of his success and how it had impacted their lives. Hefner himself mentioned his self-proclaimed success as he bragged about his young, blonde girlfriends who accompanied him to the event. I guess if you define success only on the basis of the things we can acquire in this life then Hefner is a success - Even if it comes at the expense of the exploitation of women - Even if it comes at the expense of appeal to the base nature of man.

The question is, "What do you have to show for it when this life is done?" Psalms 49: 16-20, "Do not be afraid when one becomes rich, when the glory of his house is increased; for when he dies he shall carry nothing away; his glory shall not descend after him. Though while he lives he blesses himself (for men will praise you when you do well for yourself.) A man who is in honor, yet does not understand, is like the beast that perishes."

The psalmist says to define success simply by what we have acquired in this life is futile. Not only is it futile for eternity it doesn't satisfy now. Today, I want to begin a series of messages outlining "a strategy for success."

If you will be honest, you want to be successful. You want to be successful in your walk with God, your key relationships and other important areas of your life. You don't want to be successful any more than God wants you to be successful. He gives to us a strategy in the Book of Joshua. Joshua tells us what God has done. Joshua also tells us what God will do. It is more than history. 1 Corinthians 10:11 says, "All these things happened to them as examples and they were written for our admonition."

God tells us in Joshua how to experience success. Look in Joshua 1: 1-9 and learn today what it takes to achieve success.

I. There Is A Plan Verses 3-4

A. God's Plan Involves Freedom

God has delivered this people from Egypt, through the wilderness and now to Canaan. Egypt represents the dominion of the unsaved person. The Pharaoh represents Satan. God delivered the people by a miracle; the death of the Passover lamb. Wilderness. The new Christian is a babe in Christ and must go through the wilderness. Stay too long there and you are called carnal by the scriptures. Canaan. A place of victory. We think of it as heaven but it really is not. There is warfare in Canaan; there is sin; and you can go in and out of Canaan. The world talks about freedom, but have you noticed that often the world's idea only means bondage. There have been some subtle, though quiet, revolts against the "God bless America" phrase in public places. One atheist group says they feel left out, ostracized, by all the focus on God. Freedom is living in God's will for your life; being at home w/ your relationship with God.

B. God's Plan Involves Freshness.

The food source in the wilderness had been manna. 3x a day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks out of the year they had eaten manna. They finally got to the point they said, "Our soul loathes this light bread." Are you tired of being bored with your Christian life? God wants to do something new in your life. God wants to get you out of a spiritual rut.

C. God's Plan Involves Being Fruitful

The people had heard about this special place. Now they could experience it. Do you want what you hear in here on Sunday to become reality in your life during the week?

Does preaching become experience for you, or is it just another sermon?

D. God's Plan Involves Being Faithful

Faithful to claim what he has already given to you. Notice verse 3. "Every place you walk I have already given to you." God has already provided us success; it is our job to possess it.

II. There Is A Promise Verse 5

A. There Is The Promise of Power To Be Successful

God gives you the power to do everything He asks you to do. There are things that will have to be conquered in order to be successful. Israel had to cross rivers, tear down massive walls, and battle big giants. God gave them the power to do this. Israel had been at this point before, but they felt the battle too great, so they continued to wander in the wilderness. What is there in your life you need to conquer?

1. Fear That Paralyzes You?

2. Some Sin That Imprisons You

3. Some Hang Up That Haunts You?

B. God Promises Us A Partnership

He promises to never leave you or forsake you in your journey. Wherever He leads He goes. When you have His power and his partnership you have what it takes.

III. There Is Personal Preparation Verse 7

A. There Must Be Training

1. You Need Strength

2. You Need Courage

3. You Need Obedience

B. There Must Be A Trainer

We talk about having Christ. The big question is, "Does Christ have you?" God said, "don't detour to the right or the left." In order to stay on course we need a trainer who accompanies us. That trainer is the Holy Spirit.

C. We Have To Decide What Concerns Us The Most

1. Our Way

2. The world's way.

3. God's Way

IV. There Is A Planner Verses 8-9

A. You Must Be Devoted To The Planner

The planner is God's word. Forget the planner you will be at a loss.

B. You Must Dwell On The Planner

1. Meditate Upon The Truth

2. Ponder It As It Applies To Your Life

C. You Must Do What's In The Planner 1. John 14:21

You want direction, then follow the directions. You can delight in God's word. Vs. 8-9 You will have good success. God wants you to be successful. As you delight in His way success will come to you.