Courageous Follower of Christ

Turn With Me to Joshua 1:1-9

They say in times of economic and domestic uncertainty Superhero Movies do extremely well at the box office

While I grew up watching Batman, Superman, Spider man, The Incredible Hulk, Wonder Woman, and even the Greatest American Hero and

Weather you prefer Marvel or DC comics we are seeing a great number of superhero movies in recent years.

In Webster's Dictionary 1828, a hero is defined as a man of distinguished valor, intrepidity, or enterprise in danger.

The True Hero must be strong and courageous in the face of battle.

Discuss Sammy Lee Davis and Flag in Wallet

Sammy Lee Davis, a recipient of the Medal of Honor, enlisted in the United States Army from Indianapolis, Indiana, in 1965. He is known for his bravery and heroism during the Vietnam War. He earned the Medal of Honor for his actions at Support Base Cudgel on November 18, 1967, where he single-handedly rescued wounded soldiers under heavy enemy fire, ignoring his own serious injuries. 

Davis's Heroic Actions:

Ignoring his injuries: Davis was already wounded when he performed his heroic acts. He had a broken back and other injuries, but he continued to act despite the pain and risks. 

Crossing the river: He crossed a river under intense enemy fire to rescue three wounded American soldiers, using an air mattress because he couldn't swim due to his broken back. 

Firing the howitzer: Davis took control of a burning howitzer and fired it, despite his own injuries and the danger. 

Protecting casualties: He protected two remaining casualties until he could safely pull them across the river. 

Refusing medical attention: He refused medical treatment and continued to support the unit until the enemy withdrew. 

Continued support: He later joined another howitzer crew and continued firing until the enemy broke contact. 

Impact and Recognition:

Medal of Honor: His actions earned him the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration. 

Other awards: He also received the Silver Star and Purple Heart. 

Continued service: Davis continues to serve his community and is known for his mentorship and sharing his story. 

Inspiration for Forrest Gump: His story, along with footage of the Medal of Honor ceremony, was used as inspiration for the film Forrest Gump. 

I. Expect Challenges (Joshua 1:1-6)

While Joshua was told

To Be Strong and of a Good Courage

He surely realized that

he was not just going to walk in without a fight

God and Joshua both knew

that there would be challenges

Battles with the enemies

Grips and complaints from the Israelites

Death, Disappointment, and uncertainty were ahead

Thinking that life’s challenges means

you are out of the will of God

Can Sidetrack us from the Adventure God has for us.

Following God’s will creates

challenges and difficulties

Moses was blocked at the Red Sea

Joseph ended up in Jail

Daniel Faced the Lions Den

John the Baptist was Beheaded

Paul was beat numerous times

All of the Disciples were Martyred except one

Romans 1:16–17 NASB95

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “But the righteous man shall live by faith.”

Many men owe the grandeur of their lives to their tremendous difficulties.

Charles Spurgeon

II. Exercise Spiritual Strength (Joshua 1:7-8)

In the Army my drill instructor used two phrases a lot

All Pain is, is weakness leaving the body

No Pain, No Gain

In order to build muscle

you have to push the limits

The same is true of our Spiritual Muscles

We Grow stronger in our Spiritual Walk

When we work our spiritual muscles

Beyond their Normal Routine

God Reminds Joshua to:

Obey His Commands and

Read the Scripture and Memorize Verses

These combined with Prayer

is our Spiritual Workout

To Face life’s difficulties.

Concept of Meditating on the Bible

Meditate translated “to murmur” or

speak to ones self

Have you ever said, “I can’t read the Bible”

I can’t understand the Bible

Satan has filled our meditations with lies.

2 Corinthians 10:4–5 NASB95

for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ,

When I take Captive every thought and

Replace Satan’s Lies with God’s Word

Psalm 27:1 NASB95

The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread?

My Spiritual Muscles grow stronger

So I can Face Life’s Challenges

We shall discover that the secret of Joshua’s victories was not his skill with the sword but his submission to the Word of God (Josh. 1:8) and to the God of the Word (5:13–15).

Warren W. Wiersbe

III. Examine God’s Goodness (Joshua 1:9)

When we look back on our lives

We can see God moving in our lives

Take courage. We walk in the wilderness today and in the Promised Land tomorrow.

Dwight Lyman Moody (Evangelist)

Hebrews 13:5 NKJV

Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

We are content because we know and have seen

The hand of God at Work around us

Psalm 91:1–2 NASB95

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!”

Paul Teaches us the Art of Thanksgiving in

Ephesians 5:18–20 NASB95

And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father;

1 Thessalonians 5:18 NASB95

in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

He knew the power of a Grateful Heart.

Paul was honest with God about:

His Doubts, Disappointments,

Loneliness, Grief and Despair

However Paul Focused on

How Good God had been to him.

Gratitude puts our focus on a faithful and Holy God

And not on our daily disappointments.

Philippians 4:8 NASB95

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.

Conclusion:

We must be strong and courageous as we follow Christ in this day and age.

Joshua is to take the Word of God in one hand and a sword in the other. He is to move out by faith. God encourages him again to be strong and courageous.

J. Vernon McGee