When and how have you had to show courage in your life? Everyone share a story about courage.
I am really grateful for our military men and women, who are the most courageous of us all! Do you have someone like that in your life?
Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do.
Joshua 1:7–9 (NLT)
Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.
This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
I know we talked about this a lot on Sunday, but what is about to happen in this section of Scripture? How long had Joshua and the people of Israel waited for this moment?
Moses had just passed away. It was the end of an era. How must that have felt to Joshua?
In this passage, the people of Israel are about to take hold of the land that God has given into their hands. Moses had led them for more than 40 years, and now it was Joshua’s turn. Can you imagine the courage Joshua would need to lead at this unique time in the history of God’s people? While Joshua had many reasons to be nervous and afraid, he had far greater reasons to take courage. The God who gave the promise of the land would be with Israel wherever they went
What has God called us to today? Hint:
You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”
-Jesus, Matthew 22:37-39 NLT
Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18–20 (NLT)
God calls each of us to follow these commands in a specific way. How has God called you to love God, love others, and share His name with the world?
Though the call upon our lives may be different than Joshua’s or another person’s, why will we always need the courage God supplies to do all God asks us to do?
I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
-Jesus, John 16:33 NLT
What assurance and hope does Jesus give to those who courageously obey Him?
I promise you what I promised Moses: ‘Wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you—4 from the Negev wilderness in the south to the Lebanon mountains in the north, from the Euphrates River in the east to the Mediterranean Sea in the west, including all the land of the Hittites.’ 5 No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you.
Joshua 1:3-5 NLT
What is the first source of courage God identified for Joshua? How does this source of courage apply to us in our struggles with obedience?
Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.
Joshua 1:8 NLT
The second source of courage is God’s Word. When is a time God’s Word has given you the comfort and courage to obey Him?
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT
What is the Word of God uniquely able to do that nothing else can? Why is courage contingent upon obedience to God’s Word?
Is there something God is asking you to do right now that you lack the courage to follow through on? How do we rely on His courage instead of our own? Why is this often easier said than done?
What fears do you have about your calling? How can we point one another back to God and courageously pursue His call in our lives together?
What are the consequences of not following Jesus with courageous obedience?