Be Courageous In Faith
Week Three
Joshua 1:1-9
9 I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
Joshua1:1-9
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God’sCommissiontoJoshua
1AfterthedeathofMosestheservantoftheLord,theLordspoketoJoshua sonofNun,Moses’sassistant,saying,2“MyservantMosesisdead.Now proceedtocrosstheJordan,youandallthispeople,intothelandthatIam givingtothem,totheIsraelites.3Everyplacethatthesoleofyourfootwill treaduponIhavegiventoyou,asIpromisedtoMoses.4Fromthewilderness andtheLebanonasfarasthegreatriver,theRiverEuphrates,allthelandof theHittites,totheGreatSeainthewestshallbeyourterritory.5Nooneshall beabletostandagainstyouallthedaysofyourlife.AsIwaswithMoses,soI willbewithyou;Iwillnotfailyouorforsakeyou.6Bestrongandcourageous, foryoushallleadthispeopletopossessthelandthatIsworetotheir ancestorstogivethem.7Onlybestrongandverycourageous,beingcarefulto actinaccordancewithallthelawthatmyservantMosescommandedyou;do notturnfromittotherighthandortotheleft,sothatyoumaybesuccessful whereveryougo.8Thisbookofthelawshallnotdepartoutofyourmouth;you shallmeditateonitdayandnight,sothatyoumaybecarefultoactin accordancewithallthatiswritteninit.Forthenyoushallmakeyourway prosperous,andthenyoushallbesuccessful.9Iherebycommandyou:Be strongandcourageous;donotbefrightenedordismayed,fortheLordyour Godiswithyouwhereveryougo.”
What Does A Leader Do Will Following A Great Leader ?
Joshua 1:10-11
10 Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, 11 “Pass through the camp and command the people, ‘Prepare your provisions, for in three days you are to cross over this Jordan, to go in to take possession of the land that the Lord your God gives you to possess.’ ”
Courage – The ability to act in faith despite fear or adversity, trusting in God's strength (Deuteronomy 31:6).
1. Faith – Complete trust in God’s promises, even when circumstances seem uncertain (Hebrews 11:1).
2. Obedience – Following God’s commands and direction, even when it is challenging (John 14:15).
3. Strength – The divine empowerment given by God to overcome difficulties (Isaiah 40:31).
4. Leadership – The act of guiding others with wisdom, humility, and trust in God’s plan (Proverbs 3:5-6).
5. Introduction
After Moses’ death, Joshua was appointed by God to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. This was a monumental task, requiring great courage and faith. God commanded Joshua to be strong and courageous, reassuring him of
His presence. In Joshua 1:1-9, God’s instructions highlight the importance of obedience, trust, and bold leadership. These principles apply to anyone seeking to lead with humility and faith, whether in ministry, the workplace, or personal life.
Telling the Bible Story
Joshua 1:1-9 marks the transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua. God’s charge to Joshua contains key themes:
Verse 1-2: God commissions Joshua to lead the Israelites into the land promised to them.
Verse 3-5: God assures Joshua of victory and His unending presence, emphasizing that no enemy will stand against him.
Verse 6-7: The command to be strong and courageous is repeated, with an emphasis on obedience to the Law.
Verse 8: Meditation on God’s Word is essential for success and prosperity.
Verse 9: God’s final encouragement Joshua must not be afraid, for God is with him.
What Does A Leader Do Will Following A Great Leader ?
Joshua 1:10-11
10 Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, 11 “Pass through the camp and command the people, ‘Prepare your provisions, for in three days you are to cross over this Jordan, to go in to take possession of the land that the Lord your God gives you to possess.’ ”
These verses parallel other scriptures:
Deuteronomy 31:6 – Moses’ charge to Israel and Joshua to be strong and courageous.
Psalm 27:1 – Confidence in God as the source of strength.
Isaiah 41:10 – God's promise to uphold His people in difficult times.
Bible Study Questions
1.Why do you think God emphasized courage and strength multiple times to Joshua?
2.How does meditating on God’s Word lead to success and prosperity in leadership?
4.What challenges did Joshua face, and how do they compare to leadership challenges today?
5. How can we ensure that we are leading with faith rather than fear?
Godly leadership requires faith, obedience, and courage. Just as Joshua was called to trust God’s plan, we too are called to step forward in faith when facing uncertainty.
A Story of Courage in Leadership:
Consider the story of William Wilberforce, the British politician who fought to end the slave trade. Despite opposition and failure, he remained steadfast in his mission, relying on God’s strength. Like Joshua, Wilberforce exhibited courageous faith, knowing that leadership is not about personal gain but about fulfilling God's purpose.
Reflection Questions
1.What areas in your life require you to step out in faith and courage?
2.How can you remind yourself daily that God is with you in your leadership journey?
3.What fears are holding you back from fulfilling God’s call, and how can you overcome them?
Closing Prayer
Loving God, we thank You for the example of Joshua, who trusted You despite the challenges ahead. Help us to be strong and courageous in our faith and leadership. Remove any fear or doubt and remind us that You are always with us. May we lead with humility, obedience, and unwavering trust in Your promises. Guide us in every step, and may our leadership bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.