Embracing Courage: Lessons from Joshua's Journey
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Liberty! It's a joy to be back preaching after a brief hiatus due to some health issues. I appreciate all your prayers and support. Today, we are diving into a new series on the book of Joshua, focusing on the theme "Be Strong and Courageous," a phrase repeated four times in the first chapter alone. This message is particularly relevant as we honor our graduates today.
Before we delve into Joshua, I want to remind you about some important upcoming events. Kids Week is scheduled for June 24th to 27th, and it's crucial for reaching our children early with the gospel. We also have student camp from July 8th to 12th, a life-changing week where many are called to ministry. If you can, please consider sponsoring a student who can't afford to go.
Now, let's turn to Joshua. Joshua's journey is a testament to the power of faith and courage. He started as a slave in Egypt and ended up leading the nation of Israel. His life teaches us five key areas where we see courage: hardship, mentorship, worship, partnership, and leadership.
First, courage through hardship. Joshua's early life was marked by suffering and oppression. Unlike Moses, who was raised in Pharaoh's palace, Joshua was born into slavery. Despite these hardships, he held onto God's promises. Hardship is often the training ground for courage. It prepares us for the next season of our lives.
Second, courage through mentorship. Joshua was mentored by Moses, who became his spiritual father. Moses' mentorship was crucial in shaping Joshua into the leader he became. True leadership often grows in the soil of humility and patience. Joshua learned to serve before he could lead, and this period of waiting was not wasted time.
Third, courage through worship. Joshua knew the importance of being in God's presence. He would stay in the tent of meeting even after Moses had left, captivated by the presence of God. Worship is not just an activity but a way of life. It strengthens us and keeps us focused on God's promises.
Fourth, courage through partnership. Joshua understood that he couldn't accomplish God's plan alone. He needed the help of others. True leadership is about helping others find and fulfill God's purpose for their lives. It's about running together, not alone.
Finally, courage through leadership. God gave Joshua a mission and promised him victory. He assured Joshua that He would be with him just as He was with Moses. This promise is also for us. God has given us the Great Commission and promised that the gates of hell will not prevail against us.
As we conclude, I want to remind you that real success is finding and fulfilling God's purpose for your life. It's not about power, popularity, or prosperity. It's about being strong and courageous, knowing that God is with you wherever you go. Let's embrace the hardships, seek mentorship, engage in worship, build partnerships, and lead with courage.
### Key Takeaways
1. Courage Through Hardship: Joshua's life began in slavery, a stark contrast to Moses' princely upbringing. This hardship prepared him for leadership. Hardship is often God's training ground, shaping us for future challenges and responsibilities. Embrace your hardships as they prepare you for the next season of your life. [43:49]
2. Courage Through Mentorship: Joshua was mentored by Moses, who became his spiritual father. This mentorship was crucial in shaping Joshua into a leader. True leadership often grows in the soil of humility and patience. Seek out mentors who can guide you, and be patient in your journey. [51:22]
3. Courage Through Worship: Joshua learned the importance of being in God's presence. He would stay in the tent of meeting even after Moses had left, captivated by the presence of God. Worship is not just an activity but a way of life. It strengthens us and keeps us focused on God's promises. [57:28]
4. Courage Through Partnership: Joshua understood that he couldn't accomplish God's plan alone. He needed the help of others. True leadership is about helping others find and fulfill God's purpose for their lives. It's about running together, not alone. Build partnerships that help you and others achieve God's plans. [01:02:52]
5. Courage Through Leadership: God gave Joshua a mission and promised him victory. He assured Joshua that He would be with him just as He was with Moses. This promise is also for us. God has given us the Great Commission and promised that the gates of hell will not prevail against us. Lead with courage, knowing that God is with you. [01:05:41]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[38:22] - Upcoming Events: Kids Week and Student Camp
[39:41] - Introduction to the Book of Joshua
[40:59] - Be Strong and Courageous
[42:24] - Courage Through Hardship
[43:49] - Joshua's Early Life and Hardships
[45:24] - God's Promises and Man's Response
[46:47] - Deliverance, Development, and Destiny
[48:12] - Fighting From Victory
[49:40] - Transition and Leadership
[51:22] - Courage Through Mentorship
[52:50] - Joshua's Humility and Patience
[54:19] - Waiting and Growth
[55:58] - Moses' Prayer and God's Answer
[57:28] - Courage Through Worship
[58:53] - Meditating on God's Word
[01:00:06] - Prosperity and Success
[01:01:27] - The Year of Miracles
[01:02:52] - Courage Through Partnership
[01:04:16] - The Importance of Community
[01:05:41] - Courage Through Leadership
[01:07:15] - God is Doing a New Thing
[01:08:43] - Responding to God's Call
[01:10:15] - The Story of the Bible
[01:12:57] - The Future and Eternity
[01:14:33] - Perspective on Heaven
[01:15:08] - The Meaning of Joshua's Name
[01:16:13] - Prayer and Commitment
[01:17:05] - Prayer for Graduates
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Joshua 1:1-9 (ESV)
> After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' assistant, “Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses. From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your territory. 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. 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.”
### Observation Questions
1. What were the circumstances surrounding Joshua's early life, and how did they differ from Moses' upbringing? ([43:49])
2. How many times is the phrase "Be strong and courageous" repeated in Joshua chapter 1, and why is it significant? ([40:59])
3. What role did Moses play in Joshua's development as a leader? ([51:22])
4. How did Joshua demonstrate his commitment to worship and being in God's presence? ([57:28])
### Interpretation Questions
1. How did Joshua's hardships prepare him for his future role as a leader? ([43:49])
2. In what ways did mentorship from Moses shape Joshua's leadership style and abilities? ([51:22])
3. Why is worship described as a source of strength and focus for Joshua, and how can this be applied to our lives today? ([57:28])
4. How does the promise of God's presence ("I will be with you") impact Joshua's courage and leadership? ([01:05:41])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced significant hardship. How did it prepare you for future challenges? ([43:49])
2. Who has been a mentor in your life, and how have they influenced your spiritual growth and leadership? If you don't have a mentor, who could you seek out for guidance? ([51:22])
3. How can you incorporate worship into your daily routine to strengthen your faith and focus on God's promises? ([57:28])
4. Think about a current challenge you are facing. How can the promise of God's presence ("I will be with you") give you courage to move forward? ([01:05:41])
5. Identify a specific area in your life where you need to be "strong and courageous." What steps can you take this week to act on this courage? ([40:59])
6. How can you build partnerships within your community or church to help fulfill God's purpose for your life and others? ([01:04:16])
7. What does true success look like for you, and how can you align your goals with God's purpose for your life? ([01:00:06])
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace Hardship as God's Training Ground
Joshua's life began in slavery, a stark contrast to Moses' princely upbringing. This hardship prepared him for leadership. Hardship is often God's training ground, shaping us for future challenges and responsibilities. Embrace your hardships as they prepare you for the next season of your life. Joshua's early life was marked by suffering and oppression. Unlike Moses, who was raised in Pharaoh's palace, Joshua was born into slavery. Despite these hardships, he held onto God's promises. Hardship is often the training ground for courage. It prepares us for the next season of our lives. [43:49]
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: Think of a current hardship you are facing. How can you see this as a training ground for future growth and leadership in your life?
Day 2: Seek Mentorship for Growth
Joshua was mentored by Moses, who became his spiritual father. This mentorship was crucial in shaping Joshua into a leader. True leadership often grows in the soil of humility and patience. Seek out mentors who can guide you, and be patient in your journey. Joshua learned to serve before he could lead, and this period of waiting was not wasted time. Mentorship is a powerful tool for growth, and it often requires humility and patience. [51:22]
Proverbs 27:17 (ESV): "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another."
Reflection: Identify someone in your life who could be a mentor to you. How can you approach them and seek their guidance in your spiritual journey?
Day 3: Worship as a Way of Life
Joshua learned the importance of being in God's presence. He would stay in the tent of meeting even after Moses had left, captivated by the presence of God. Worship is not just an activity but a way of life. It strengthens us and keeps us focused on God's promises. Worship is a powerful tool that keeps us grounded and focused on God's promises. It is not just an activity but a way of life that strengthens us. [57:28]
Psalm 27:4 (ESV): "One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple."
Reflection: How can you incorporate worship into your daily routine, not just as an activity but as a way of life?
Day 4: Build Partnerships for God's Plan
Joshua understood that he couldn't accomplish God's plan alone. He needed the help of others. True leadership is about helping others find and fulfill God's purpose for their lives. It's about running together, not alone. Build partnerships that help you and others achieve God's plans. True leadership involves building partnerships and helping others fulfill God's purpose for their lives. It's about running together, not alone. [01:02:52]
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV): "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"
Reflection: Who in your life can you partner with to fulfill God's purpose? How can you support each other in this journey?
Day 5: Lead with Courage Knowing God is with You
God gave Joshua a mission and promised him victory. He assured Joshua that He would be with him just as He was with Moses. This promise is also for us. God has given us the Great Commission and promised that the gates of hell will not prevail against us. Lead with courage, knowing that God is with you. God has given us a mission and promised His presence and victory. Lead with courage, knowing that God is with you just as He was with Joshua. [01:05:41]
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: What mission has God given you? How can you lead with courage, knowing that God is with you every step of the way?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "What would you attempt for God if you knew you would not fail? God has promised to be with you. And God has promised that the gates of hell won't prevail against us." [49:40]
2. "How many of you need a miracle today? Listen, we're claiming 2024 as the year of miracles. And I believe that God can do it in relationships. I believe that God can do it in your finances. I believe God can do it in our health. I believe that God is still a God of miracles." [48:12]
3. "God's process for every believer mirrors the process with Israel. It starts with deliverance, and then there's development, and then there's destiny. Deliverance is salvation. He delivers you from the world. He delivers you from the bondage of sin, the slavery of sin. Oh, but listen, it's one thing to get out of Egypt. It's another to get Egypt out of you." [46:47]
4. "Worship is not something you do on an hour on Sunday morning. Worship is a way of life. So these same songs that we're singing and that God's given us to, and the Bible says in Psalms, Isaiah, and Revelation, sing a new song. Especially when he's doing a new work." [01:07:15]
5. "Real success is finding God's purpose for your life and fulfilling it. So, I'm telling you, get in the word. Spend time in the word." [01:01:27]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Hardship is the training ground that God is using to get you the courage you're going to need for the next season. Number two, we see courage through mentorship. Look back at verse one. I haven't even got out of verse one yet. Joshua, the son of none, is Moses' assistant. He was a good assistant. Wherever God put him, he rose to the assignment." [51:22]
2. "Joshua's life was shaped by the mentorship of Moses. His biological father was none, but his spiritual father was Moses, and what a leader Moses was. You think about it. True leadership often grows in the soul of humility and patience. He was called to serve, called to learn, be mentored, but God was getting him ready for a greater role." [55:58]
3. "You will never find happiness in selfishness. You want to be a leader? Then you are concerned about others getting their inheritance. You want to be a leader? You want to see other people find God's purpose? God's will for their lives and help them accomplish what God's called them to do." [01:04:16]
4. "Joshua meditated on the Word of God. I was reading in my one-year Bible, Psalm 119. If you're going through the one-year Bible, you've been reading it too. And the Bible is called the Word of God. It's God's words, His promises, His love. His law to us, His precepts, His decrees, His commands." [01:00:06]
5. "God's plan for Joshua was so big he could never accomplish it by himself. He needed others. He needed his brothers. And I'm just telling you, there's a great word here about partnership. I know. This is the individualistic mindset we have. I can do it. You can't do it. Get out of my way." [01:04:16]
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