Joshua 1:1-9 (Men's Breakfast)

True Courage

It takes courage to live knowing that you will not live forever.

“After the death of Moses”—As impactful as Moses was, he would not live forever.

“God buries His workmen, but His work goes on.”

Moses generation had perished in the wilderness, and Joshua followed him.

He would lead the new generation into the promised land.

He would take up the banner of Moses and lead the people, but how would he lead?

How had he seen Moses lead? He had obeyed God’s commands, even when it was difficult he led the people according to God’s commands.

What if Moses had been a selfish leader—no, he wasn’t perfect. But, what if he believed he was the star of the show. He would not have lived his last days in such a way that recognized Joshua.

Are you living in view of the next generation? If so, how? How can you improve?

It takes courage to live in dependance of another.

Joshua was commanded by God to “arise, go over the Jordan, into the land [God] would give to the people of Israel.”

v.3—Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses (Deut 11).

v.5—No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you.

The lives of men God has used in his kingdom have been marked by dependance.

Abraham – God would make him a father of many nations

David – God made him King in spite of his failures.

Apostles – God called them to a life of dependence in Christ.

“He would make them fishers of men.

Paul – (2 Cor 12:17-10) [In light of some visions] to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Are you aware of your weaknesses? If so, how do they lead you to a life of dependence? Do others know your weaknesses, and have you welcomed them to encourage you in them?

Where does true courage and strength come from?

Joshua 1:6-9—Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

God did not call Joshua to be a touch guy, and influential guy, but a word guy, a dependent guy, and if he would then he would be sucessful where he went, he would be prosperous, and God would be with him.

True courage comes from knowing and depending on God as he has revealed himself in his word.

Where are you finding your courage and strength?

Where do you find the desire to invest in the next generation? What deposits are you making in them?

Where do you find the strength and courage to admit your have weaknesses?

Where do you find courage and strength to carry out the task God has called you as men, sons, husbands, dads, fathers, and grandfather to carry out?

Are you trying to be strong and courageous in yourself, or are do you find strength and courage from God’s promises (His word) that he is with his you?