Embracing Courage and Obedience in God's Mission
Summary
### Summary
Today, we transitioned from the book of Numbers to the book of Joshua, focusing on the courage and obedience of Joshua and Caleb. These two men exemplified what it means to follow God's commands without hesitation. When God says "go," it's not a suggestion but a directive. This is a lesson for us as we strive to fulfill the Great Commission: to go, make disciples, baptize them, and teach them all that Jesus commanded. This mission is like a "sandwich," with Jesus, the Bread of Life, on either side, and our actions—going, baptizing, and teaching—in the middle.
We revisited the history of Israel, from God's covenant with Abraham to the liberation from Egypt, the wandering in the desert, and the eventual arrival at the Promised Land. Despite the challenges and the giants in the land, Joshua and Caleb remained steadfast in their faith. Their courage and obedience stand as a model for us today.
Joshua's name means "Savior," foreshadowing Jesus, who is our ultimate Savior. God’s command to Joshua to "go" into the Promised Land is a reminder that God’s promises are sure, but they require our active participation. The land was theirs, but it was occupied, necessitating effort and struggle. This mirrors our own lives, filled with battles and obstacles, but with God’s empowerment, we can overcome.
God’s instructions to Joshua were clear: be strong and courageous, obey the law, and meditate on it day and night. This obedience is not what saves us, but it shows our love for God and aligns us with His design. God’s promise to Joshua—that He would be with him always—is the same promise Jesus gives us. This assurance of God’s presence transforms our ordinary lives into extraordinary ones, filled with purpose and divine support.
### Key Takeaways
1. God’s Commands Require Immediate Obedience: When God directs us to go, it’s not a suggestion but a command. Just as Joshua and Caleb understood the urgency and importance of God’s directives, we too must act promptly and faithfully when God calls us to fulfill His mission. This obedience transforms our ordinary lives into extraordinary ones. [01:18]
2. God’s Promises Are Sure, But Require Our Participation: The Promised Land was given to Israel, but it was occupied and required effort to possess. Similarly, God’s promises in our lives often require us to step out in faith, face challenges, and actively participate in His plan. Our struggles and battles are opportunities to witness God’s faithfulness and power. [11:06]
3. Obedience Reflects Our Love for God: While the law itself does not save us, our obedience to God’s commands is a demonstration of our love and devotion to Him. Jesus said, "If you love me, you will obey my commands." This obedience aligns us with God’s design and brings success in His terms, not necessarily ease or comfort. [20:26]
4. Meditate on God’s Word Continually: To navigate life’s challenges and align with God’s will, we must immerse ourselves in His Word. Meditating on Scripture day and night ensures that our actions and decisions are guided by divine wisdom, leading to true prosperity and success as defined by God. [24:53]
5. God’s Presence is Our Ultimate Comfort and Strength: God’s promise to Joshua—that He would be with him always—is the same promise Jesus gives us. This assurance of God’s presence provides the courage and strength we need to face any challenge. Knowing that God is with us transforms our fear into faith and our ordinary lives into extraordinary testimonies of His love and power. [26:26]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:18] - The Great Commission: Our Mission
[02:40] - Reviewing Israel’s History
[05:09] - The Courage of Joshua and Caleb
[06:34] - Moses’ Legacy and Joshua’s Commission
[09:44] - God’s Command to Joshua: Go
[11:06] - The Promised Land and Our Participation
[14:09] - God’s Steadfast Love and Promises
[15:45] - God’s Assurance to Joshua
[17:21] - The Importance of Obedience
[20:26] - Meditating on God’s Word
[24:53] - God’s Presence: Our Ultimate Comfort
[26:26] - God’s Love and Zeal for Us
[27:57] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Joshua 1:1-9
2. Matthew 28:18-20
3. John 14:15
#### Observation Questions
1. What specific command did God give to Joshua in Joshua 1:2? How did Joshua respond to this command? [09:44]
2. According to the sermon, what are the three actions that make up the "sandwich" in the Great Commission? [01:18]
3. How did Joshua and Caleb's response to the giants in the Promised Land differ from the other spies? [05:09]
4. What promise does God give Joshua in Joshua 1:5, and how is this promise similar to what Jesus promises in Matthew 28:20? [15:45]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is immediate obedience to God's commands emphasized in the sermon? How does this relate to the Great Commission? [01:18]
2. How does the concept of God's promises requiring our participation apply to the challenges we face in our lives today? [11:06]
3. In what ways does obedience to God's commands reflect our love for Him, according to John 14:15 and the sermon? [20:26]
4. What does it mean to meditate on God's Word continually, and how can this practice impact our daily lives? [24:53]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God was directing you to take action. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? How can you ensure immediate obedience in the future? [01:18]
2. Identify a promise from God that you believe is relevant to your current life situation. What steps can you take to actively participate in fulfilling that promise? [11:06]
3. Consider your daily routine. How can you incorporate more time for meditating on God's Word? What specific changes can you make to ensure this practice becomes a habit? [24:53]
4. Think about a recent challenge or obstacle you faced. How did your faith and understanding of God's presence help you navigate that situation? How can you strengthen your awareness of God's presence in future challenges? [26:26]
5. Reflect on your obedience to God's commands. Are there areas in your life where you struggle to obey? How can you demonstrate your love for God through obedience in those areas? [20:26]
6. The sermon mentioned that God's presence transforms our ordinary lives into extraordinary ones. Can you identify a specific area of your life where you need to invite God's presence more fully? What steps will you take to do this? [26:26]
7. How can you apply the lesson of Joshua and Caleb's courage in your own life? Identify a situation where you need to step out in faith and face a "giant." What practical steps will you take to move forward with courage? [05:09]
Devotional
Day 1: Immediate Obedience to God’s Commands
When God directs us to go, it’s not a suggestion but a command. Just as Joshua and Caleb understood the urgency and importance of God’s directives, we too must act promptly and faithfully when God calls us to fulfill His mission. This obedience transforms our ordinary lives into extraordinary ones. [01:18]
Joshua and Caleb exemplified what it means to follow God's commands without hesitation. Their immediate obedience to God's directive to enter the Promised Land, despite the daunting challenges, serves as a powerful lesson for us. When God says "go," it is not a suggestion but a directive that requires our prompt and faithful action. This kind of obedience is transformative, turning our ordinary lives into extraordinary testimonies of faith and courage.
In our own lives, we are often faced with moments where God calls us to step out in faith. These moments may not always be convenient or easy, but they are opportunities to demonstrate our trust in God's plan. By responding immediately to God's commands, we align ourselves with His will and open the door for His power to work through us. This kind of obedience is not just about following rules; it is about expressing our love and devotion to God through our actions.
Joshua 1:9 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you felt God prompting you to take action. Did you respond immediately, or did you hesitate? How can you practice immediate obedience in your daily life starting today?
Day 2: Active Participation in God’s Promises
The Promised Land was given to Israel, but it was occupied and required effort to possess. Similarly, God’s promises in our lives often require us to step out in faith, face challenges, and actively participate in His plan. Our struggles and battles are opportunities to witness God’s faithfulness and power. [11:06]
God's promises are sure, but they often require our active participation. The Israelites were given the Promised Land, but it was occupied by formidable enemies. Joshua and Caleb understood that possessing the land would require effort, struggle, and unwavering faith in God's promises. This mirrors our own lives, where God's promises often come with challenges that test our faith and perseverance.
Our struggles and battles are not signs of God's absence but opportunities to witness His faithfulness and power. When we step out in faith and actively participate in God's plan, we experience His provision and strength in ways we never could on our own. This active participation is a partnership with God, where our efforts are met with His divine empowerment, leading to victories that glorify Him.
Deuteronomy 31:6 (ESV): "Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you."
Reflection: Identify a promise from God that you are currently waiting on. What steps can you take to actively participate in seeing this promise fulfilled, even if it requires effort and facing challenges?
Day 3: Obedience as an Expression of Love
While the law itself does not save us, our obedience to God’s commands is a demonstration of our love and devotion to Him. Jesus said, "If you love me, you will obey my commands." This obedience aligns us with God’s design and brings success in His terms, not necessarily ease or comfort. [20:26]
Obedience to God's commands is not about earning salvation but about expressing our love and devotion to Him. Jesus emphasized this when He said, "If you love me, you will obey my commands." Our obedience is a tangible way to show our commitment to God and align our lives with His design. It is through this alignment that we experience true success, which may not always equate to ease or comfort but to fulfilling God's purpose for our lives.
This kind of obedience requires a heart that is fully surrendered to God. It is a daily choice to prioritize His will over our own desires and to trust that His ways are higher than ours. As we obey God's commands, we grow in our relationship with Him and become more attuned to His voice, leading to a life that reflects His love and grace to those around us.
John 14:15 (ESV): "If you love me, you will keep my commandments."
Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where you struggle with obedience to God's commands. How can you shift your perspective to see obedience as an expression of your love for God?
Day 4: Meditating on God’s Word Continually
To navigate life’s challenges and align with God’s will, we must immerse ourselves in His Word. Meditating on Scripture day and night ensures that our actions and decisions are guided by divine wisdom, leading to true prosperity and success as defined by God. [24:53]
Meditating on God's Word is essential for navigating life's challenges and aligning ourselves with His will. Joshua was instructed to meditate on the law day and night, ensuring that his actions and decisions were guided by divine wisdom. This practice is just as crucial for us today. By immersing ourselves in Scripture, we allow God's truth to shape our thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors, leading to a life that reflects His character and purposes.
True prosperity and success, as defined by God, come from living according to His Word. This doesn't necessarily mean material wealth or a trouble-free life, but a life marked by spiritual growth, peace, and fulfillment in God's presence. Meditating on Scripture helps us stay grounded in God's promises and equips us to face challenges with faith and confidence.
Psalm 1:2-3 (ESV): "But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers."
Reflection: Set aside a specific time each day this week to meditate on a passage of Scripture. How does this practice impact your perspective and decisions throughout the day?
Day 5: God’s Presence as Our Ultimate Comfort and Strength
God’s promise to Joshua—that He would be with him always—is the same promise Jesus gives us. This assurance of God’s presence provides the courage and strength we need to face any challenge. Knowing that God is with us transforms our fear into faith and our ordinary lives into extraordinary testimonies of His love and power. [26:26]
God's promise to Joshua that He would be with him always is a powerful assurance that extends to us today. Jesus echoed this promise when He assured His disciples of His continual presence. This divine presence is our ultimate source of comfort and strength, enabling us to face any challenge with courage and faith. Knowing that God is with us transforms our fear into faith and our ordinary lives into extraordinary testimonies of His love and power.
In moments of doubt or difficulty, we can draw strength from the knowledge that we are never alone. God's presence is a constant reminder of His love and faithfulness, providing the support we need to persevere. This assurance empowers us to step out in faith, take risks for His kingdom, and live lives that reflect His glory.
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Reflection: Recall a time when you felt God's presence in a challenging situation. How did His presence provide you with comfort and strength? How can you remind yourself of His continual presence in your daily life?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "When God says we got to do something we got to get after it and we got to do it and so we need to follow after them in our footsteps when God tells us to go make disciples that's that mission that we read every single week together as a church because it's a reminder that we need to do this hopefully by now it's burned into the canvas of our hearts." [01:18](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Joshua is the one who's going to save the people by bringing them into the promised land. Incidentally, do you know what the New Testament Greek word is for Savior? It's Jesus. That's what Jesus means, to save his people. And so Joshua is going to foreshadow Jesus in the New Testament as the Savior of the world." [09:44](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "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 no man man even those superhuman anachite giants are going to be able to stand before you not just now but all the days of your life and I hope you hear that because that's the same thing he's saying to us." [15:45](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Do you know that about yourself if you've been born again to a new life in Christ that God is actually in you every single minute of every single day if we just had an awareness of that can you imagine what would change in our lives they would change indeed from everyday ordinary to everyday extraordinary that no matter what you do no matter what you say no matter how you feel on any given day he will never leave you and he will never forsake you." [17:21](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "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. So God commands Joshua to be strong and courageous, of good courage. He reminds him yet one more time. That means don't ever waver in your devotion to God, no matter what comes your way. Never fear, never be dismayed, be strong and courageous." [24:53](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "So at the end of these 40 years, Israel's up at Moab, up there east of the promised land, up there at Mount Nebo, as you see up there on the graphic, where Moses is finally able to look out across the promised land, but it's as close as he's ever going to get. Because God then tells Moses to now commission Joshua. And this isn't how God describes Joshua, a man in whom is the spirit. And so Joshua is going to be commissioned to, to lead the sons and daughters of Israel to conquer these giants that their parents were so afraid of." [06:34](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So God starts by giving Joshua his marching orders. He says, Now as we've learned, whenever we see an order anywhere in Scripture, we want to look for the action verb because that tells us what it is that we need to do. And once again, we see that Joshua is to go, to go into the land, to cross over this Jordan. The last time God said, go to Joshua, he and his buddy Caleb, they're ready to go. But the rest of Israel wasn't, which is why they got stuck out in the desert for 40 years and why all of them died off during that time." [08:05](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So Israel is now comprised of the children of this faithless, grumbling generation of Israel. And now they have a new leader, Joshua. Now do you know what his name means in the Old Testament Hebrew? It means Savior. So Joshua is the one who's going to save the people by bringing them into the promised land. Incidentally, do you know what the New Testament Greek word is for Savior? It's Jesus. That's what Jesus means, to save his people. And so Joshua is going to foreshadow Jesus in the New Testament as the Savior of the world." [09:44](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "So you see, we can't take liberties with God's law, where we take some parts and we disregard others. No, God actually makes it clear that we can't turn from the right or from the left. We have to stay focused on exactly what he tells us. But if we follow it to a T, then we'll actually be in step with Almighty God and how he designed things to be. So we'll have good success wherever we go and whatever we do." [22:03](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So God commands Joshua to be strong and courageous, of good courage. He reminds him yet one more time. That means don't ever waver in your devotion to God, no matter what comes your way. Never fear, never be dismayed, be strong and courageous. Why? For the Lord your God, not just any God, but your God, your personal loving God. He's with you wherever you go. You see, we tend to go with, we hang out with, we want to be in the presence with the people that we love in life. And that's why God's choice of desiring to be with us is His way of expressing to us that He loves us, that He has zeal for us, that He's actually madly in love with us." [26:26](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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