Moses’s Charge

Deuteronomy 31:23 “And he gave Joshua the son of Nun a charge, and said, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou shalt bring the children of Israel into the land which I sware unto them: and I will be with thee.”

Moses charged Joshua in this passage to be the leader that the children of Israel needed. Moses would soon be shown all the land of Canaan on the top of Mount Nebo and would die there. Yet God had already prepared Joshua to be the leader after him. He was faithfully mentored by Moses to be the man God wanted him to be. Joshua knew that leading the children of Israel would be difficult but not impossible. This charge that Moses gives to Joshua is what kept him going in the hard times and the good. He was assured of the fact that if he was strong and of a good courage he would see the children of Israel conquer the land of Canaan.

This passage applies so much to the lives of graduates but also to everyone else in this room. Life requires strength and courage. And we know where those two things are found.

2 Timothy 2:1 says, “Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”

Strength and courage is found only in him, Jesus Christ.

Let’s look at some key places in our lives where we need to be strong and of a good courage. I’ve got 5 points but I promise I’ll be quick.

So How do you have success in life?

1. Choose to be strong about the Bible

Be purposeful about spending time in God’s Word every day. David understood the value of talking and walking with God. His longest Psalm, Psalm 119 is all about God’s Word.

God’s Word keeps us from sin. Psalm 119:11 “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, That I might not sin against thee.”

God’s Word cleans us when we do sin. Ephesians 5:26 “That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,”

God’s Word guides us. Psalm 119:105 “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, And a light unto my path.”

2. Choose to be strong about Church

Pastor Jay has seen it time and time again where a teen gets out of church and goes down a path no one would wish upon him. God wants his people in church to fellowship and grow together.

Acts 2:46–47 “And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”

The Bible is also clear that the gifts he has given us are to be used in church.

1 Corinthians 14:12 “Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.”

I am grateful for a pastor who gives the young people a chance to serve and grow thereby.

3. Choose to be strong about friends

A friend will either make or break you. Proverbs is clear about the effect friends have upon you. I am so thankful I found good friends when I went to Bible college. In a few short weeks we will be heading up to DC where Ryan Delay and Nate Bonnell will be working with us to give the gospel there. Those two friends encouraged me, corrected me, and kept me on the right track while at college. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.

4. Choose to be courageous about sin

The world we live in has to qualms about participating in sin. Sin is something that is advertised and made to look apealing, because it is. The Bible is so clear that the pleasures of sin are only for a season.

I remember when we used to do teen yard-sales. They were a lot of fun for everyone and we’ve got story after story to tell about the experiences we had. One time, we had a guy come and buy something big, probably a couch or table. Dad told me later that he grew up with this man to which I was quite surpised. This guy was a rough looking fella and he looked so old compared to my dad. Dad explained to me that this man had lived a life of sin, which showed even on his body. I tell that story because it always stuck with me. I was given a vivid illustration of what my life could look life if I chose to go my own way and not follow God’s leading.

If we do not choose to follow God, we will live for ourselves and reap the consequences of it.

We need to be strong and courageous in our stand against sin.

5. Choose to be courageous about following God (wherever he may lead)

I am so thankful for our missionaries, the Kelley’s and how they chose to follow God to Indonesia. God wants to lead you somewhere in life. And it is different for every person. Joshua had to take a big dose of courage and strength to take on all of Canaan. Yet, at the same time, he had already experienced and seen God’s power in defeating the armies of Amalek. God had shown over and over again that he was capable of preserving his people. Our God is still the same today. He can be trusted with our lives. We must be courageous to follow God’s lead wherever He may lead. We should be about our father’s business.

George Whitefield said, “It is better to wear out than to rust out.”

Whitfield would be in one city one morning and preaching in another that same evening. He wore his body out serving God. George Whitefield died at the age of 55, soon after preaching an enthusiastic 2 hour sermon to the people there.

Aren’t you glad I am not going to preach for 2 hours.

The impact that George Whitefield upon the people of America is immeasurable.

God can and will use people who give their lives completely to Him.

If you want to have a life of success you need to

Choose to be strong about the Bible

Choose to be strong about Church

Choose to be strong about friends

Choose to be courageous about sin

Choose to be courageous about following God (wherever he may lead)

Let’s close in a word of prayer.

Father we are so grateful for the hard work of these graduates. Thank you for blessing this church with these young people. Help us to be a blessing to them and encourage them as they continue to move forward in life. We love you and are so thankful for your immense love for us. Help us to be strong and courageous about serving you. In Jesus name I pray, amen.