10 Reasons Why We’re Preaching Joshua to Young People

We just finished our study through Colossians. And over the next 16 weeks, we’re preaching through the book of Joshua to our teenagers. Some have already asked the question about why we teach this way. Why not teach more relevant subject matters? Why not preach on the topics teens are dealing with (sex, drugs, dating, etc…)?

The truth is that I’ve been down that road. I’ve taught hot topics, relevant issues, and “teen talk” classes. And those classes have been fun, informative and popular. You can see portions of our Hot Topics content here.

But here is why I’ve personally concluded preaching through Joshua (or any book in Scripture) is the best/most effective way for me to teach.

1. Here’s the thing. In 4 months, we’ll graduate a class of seniors – 18-year-olds who will be unleashed into the real world. And when they get out on their own, they probably won’t care to remember their youth minister’s stance on any particular subject or “relevant” issue. What they will remember will be the Savior & Source for redemption of truth in all life’s matters.
2. God’s Word was written to give us unchanging, unfading, unending, undying truth. Young people need to know the Source of lasting truth for the latest trend, Scripture. Joshua prized, preached and treasured “the Book of the Law” in all He did.
3. Young people also need to know their Savior – that knowing Christ & His divine power is everything. That knowledge grants us all things pertaining to life & godliness. 2 Peter 1:3
4. In particular, the book of Joshua points us forward to Jesus. Joshua paints the perfect picture of Christ – a strong leader/warrior/savior, an obedient, humble, man of prayer, who shows grace, punishes sin, points people to God’s Word, & ultimately pilots God’s chosen ones to victory and rest in the Promise Land.
5. This book drives boys to aspire to be like men Joshua – men who pick up their pants, pull out their swords, push forward by the promise & protection of God.
6. This book is a young lady’s treasure chest of traits they should seek in their future husbands – responsible young men who they can trust to get off the couch, read their Bible, and fight for their family’s entrance to the Promised Land.
7. In a young world & culture of weak role models and phobia-filled schools, Joshua teaches the fundamental principle of strength and courage found in the presence of God & His people.
8. Young people braving the damage of divorce, abuse, dishonesty, & broken promises, need to know the God of Joshua, who protects and keeps his promises. He keeps his covenant like a divine “spit-shake”. Instead of spitting & shaking hands, God sealed the contract envelope of his promises/blessings with the blood that flowed from the hands of His Son.
9. The sins of sex, prostitution and homosexuality are rampant in culture today. The guilt on the shoulders of churched and un-churched young people need to hear of the saving grace extended to the harlot Rahab. They also need to hear of the judgment/punishment brought on the sinning, unrepentant, unbelieving Canaanites.
10. Joshua is the needle that threads the supremacy and steadfastness of God through our heritage as His people. Based on our past history, we’re compelled as the newest generation to respond, obey and worship His continuing faithfulness.

Tonight we start Chapter 1 for our students at Spring Meadows called VICTORIOUS: The Epic Conquest of God’s People in Joshua. From this grand account of Joshua, we plan to show he prepared the way for the glory and power and rest found in the gospel of Jesus Christ.