Embracing Courageous Faith Through Obedience to God
Summary
In the journey of faith, we are often confronted with challenges that seem insurmountable, with fears that threaten to paralyze us, and with questions that demand answers beyond our human understanding. Yet, in these moments, God's directive remains unchanged: be strong and courageous, grounded in His Word, and obedient to His commands. This is the essence of the message I shared with you, drawn from the life of Joshua and the promises of God.
Joshua, faced with the daunting task of leading Israel into the Promised Land, was commanded not to rely on his military might or strategic acumen but to adhere unwaveringly to God's law. Success in the Christian life is not contingent upon our talents or abilities but upon our obedience to God. When contemplating life's significant decisions, such as marriage, we must not be swayed by the failures and heartaches we observe around us. Instead, we must immerse ourselves in God's Word, allowing it to guide and sustain us.
God's promises do not expire with the passing of His servants. The power and presence of God that were with Moses continued with Joshua, and they continue with us today. The loss of a leader does not diminish God's ability to work through His people. As we face our own giants and walled cities, we must remember that it is not by our strength that we overcome but by the power and presence of God.
Courageous faith is required of us. Three times God commanded Joshua to be strong and courageous, for although God could accomplish His purposes without us, He invites us to participate in His work through faith and courage. Our confidence is not in our flesh but in the God who promises to be with us as we step out in obedience.
Now, let us reflect on the key takeaways from this message:
1. Success in the Christian life is not a product of human effort or intellect but a result of obedience to God's Word. When we align our lives with Scripture, we position ourselves for God's blessing and victory over the challenges we face. This obedience is not passive but active, requiring us to engage with God's Word daily. [01:03:09]
2. The power of God is not confined to the past nor dependent on human leaders. His promises are eternal, and His power is available to every believer. We must not fear the future or the loss of human leadership, for God's presence is a constant assurance in our lives. [01:05:38]
3. The presence of God is indispensable in our Christian walk. We must resist the temptation to substitute genuine fellowship with God for a mere adherence to rules. Our greatest fear should not be external challenges but the prospect of living without the power and presence of God. [01:13:46]
4. God's timing is perfect, and He provides clear direction for our lives. When we are uncertain about the "when" and "where" of God's call, we can trust that He will reveal His plan to us in His timing. Our role is to wait on Him and be ready to move when He says "now." [57:39]
5. Courageous faith is not optional but essential in the life of a believer. We are called to face our fears and engage in the battles God sets before us, not in our strength but with the assurance of His power and presence. This faith is active, requiring us to step out and trust God for the outcome. [01:18:57]
May these insights fortify your faith and embolden you to live a life marked by obedience, trust in God's promises, and courageous faith.
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Joshua 1:1-9
2. Deuteronomy 34:7-9
3. Genesis 1:26
#### Observation Questions
1. What specific command did God give Joshua three times in Joshua 1:1-9? Why do you think this command was repeated? [46:53]
2. According to Deuteronomy 34:7-9, what was the condition of Moses at the time of his death, and how did the people of Israel respond? [45:43]
3. In Genesis 1:26, what responsibility did God give to man over the earth and its creatures? How does this relate to the concept of leadership discussed in the sermon? [40:15]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is obedience to God's Word emphasized as the key to success in Joshua 1:8? How does this principle apply to modern Christian life? [51:31]
2. How does the promise of God's presence in Joshua 1:5 provide assurance to Joshua and to believers today? [01:08:48]
3. What does the transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua teach us about God's continuity and faithfulness in His promises? [45:43]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a significant challenge. How did you respond, and what role did your faith play in that situation? How can Joshua's example encourage you to be strong and courageous in future challenges? [46:53]
2. In what ways can you actively engage with God's Word daily to ensure you are aligning your life with Scripture? What specific steps can you take this week to immerse yourself more deeply in the Bible? [01:03:09]
3. How do you handle the fear of failure in your personal or professional life? What practical steps can you take to trust in God's promises and presence more fully? [50:59]
4. Think about a time when you felt God's clear direction in your life. How did you discern His timing and guidance? What can you do to be more attuned to God's leading in your current circumstances? [57:39]
5. Identify a "giant" or "walled city" in your life that you are currently facing. How can you apply the principle of courageous faith to confront this challenge? What specific actions will you take this week to step out in faith? [01:18:57]
6. How can you ensure that your Christian walk is characterized by genuine fellowship with God rather than mere adherence to rules? What changes might you need to make in your daily routine to prioritize God's presence? [01:13:46]
7. Reflect on a leadership transition you have experienced, whether in church, work, or another context. How did it affect you, and what did you learn about God's faithfulness during that time? How can this understanding help you support current or future leadership transitions? [45:43]
Devotional
Day 1: Obedience Over Human Effort
Obedience to God's Word is the cornerstone of a successful Christian life. It is not by our own intelligence or strength that we achieve spiritual victories, but by aligning our actions with the teachings of Scripture. This obedience is not a passive stance; it requires a daily commitment to engage with the Bible, to study it, and to apply its principles to every aspect of our lives. It is through this active engagement that we open ourselves to God's blessings and find the courage to face life's challenges. As we immerse ourselves in God's Word, we become equipped to make significant decisions, such as those regarding relationships and marriage, with divine wisdom rather than human reasoning. [01:03:09]
"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." - Joshua 1:7
Reflection: What is one decision you are currently facing where you can choose to rely on God's wisdom instead of your own understanding?
Day 2: God's Power Beyond Human Leadership
The power of God is not limited to the past nor reliant on the presence of certain leaders. His promises are everlasting, and His strength is accessible to all believers, regardless of the time or circumstances. We should not be intimidated by the future or the departure of human leaders, for God's presence is a steadfast assurance in our lives. The same power that accompanied Moses and Joshua is available to us today, reminding us that God's ability to work through His people is unchanging. [01:05:38]
"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" - Psalm 27:1
Reflection: How can you lean on God's eternal power in a current situation where you feel the absence or loss of human leadership?
Day 3: The Indispensable Presence of God
The Christian walk is not about adhering to a set of rules but about cultivating a genuine relationship with God. It is His presence that empowers us to overcome obstacles and to live a life of purpose and impact. The greatest fear should not be external challenges but the possibility of existing without the guidance and power of God. This relationship with God is nurtured through prayer, worship, and the study of His Word, which together foster a deep and abiding fellowship with the Divine. [01:13:46]
"For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly." - Psalm 84:11
Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a deeper fellowship with God to ensure His presence is central in your life?
Day 4: Trusting God's Perfect Timing
Understanding God's timing is a vital aspect of faith. While we may not always know the "when" and "where" of God's plans, we can trust that He will reveal His direction at the perfect moment. Our responsibility is to wait patiently on Him, to remain attentive to His voice, and to be prepared to act when He signals it is time to move. This requires a heart that is both expectant and obedient, ready to respond to God's call with immediacy and trust. [57:39]
"Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!" - Psalm 27:14
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you need to practice patience and trust in God's timing, and how can you actively wait on Him?
Day 5: The Necessity of Courageous Faith
Courageous faith is not an option for believers; it is a requirement. We are called to confront our fears and to engage in the spiritual battles that God places before us. This courage is not rooted in our own abilities but in the assurance of God's power and presence with us. Active faith compels us to step out into the unknown, trusting that God will handle the outcome. It is this kind of faith that enables us to face giants and conquer fortified cities, not by our might, but by the strength of the Lord. [01:18:57]
"Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong." - 1 Corinthians 16:13
Reflection: What is one fear you need to confront with courageous faith, and what is the first step you can take today to do so?
Quotes
1) "Success in the Christian life is never based on Talent, it's not based on skill, it's not based on smarts, it's not based on any other physical ability; success in the Christian Life is based on obedience." [01:03:09] (Download) 2) "The power of God didn't die when Moses died, nor did the promises of God die when Moses died... God is alive and he is well and his word and Promises we can still claim today." [01:05:38] (Download) 3) "We'd rather have nothing but have God than have everything and have no God... the presence of God can never be substituted." [01:11:28] (Download) 4) "God required courageous faith... God could have said now listen Joshua you and your people just sit here... and I'll tell you when everybody's gone and then you can go rushing in... but that's not what he did." [01:14:58] (Download) 5) "Our fears and our anxieties, the things that we're afraid of, are nothing before an almighty God... it is very likely that God will lead us to have to face some of those things with boldness and with courage." [01:17:09] (Download) 6) "God gives clear direction... many times those who fear failure... need step-by-step instructions to help them... God is more than capable of doing that." [54:03] (Download) 7) "The promise of his presence... I can climb any mountain, I can trek through any valley, I can swim across any water so long as the Lord is with me." [01:09:24] (Download) 8) "God's power would be upon them, but they were going to have to march onto the battlefield... they were going to have to prove God by faith which is why God told Joshua to be strong and to be courageous." [01:16:39] (Download) 9) "God led him to know when... God led him to know where... God led him to know how... God is more than capable of making it as clear as it is humanly possible to know what it is that God wants us to do." [59:17] (Download) 10) "The cities that were walled 39 years ago, they were still walled... the Giants that lived in those cities, they hadn't moved out... all of the fears... were still there... nothing had changed." [01:00:57] (Download)
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