Embracing Strength and Courage in Faith
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gather to celebrate the joy and privilege of doing life together as a church family. We are reminded of God's goodness and His intimate, fatherly love for each of us. Our focus is on the powerful message from Joshua 1:9, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." This verse has been a cornerstone in my life, especially during times of doubt and fear.
Reflecting on my journey, I shared a personal story from 15 years ago when I felt overwhelmed and inadequate to lead our youth ministry. In a moment of despair, I reached out to friends who reminded me of God's calling. It was then that God led me to Joshua 1:9, a verse that has since been my anchor. This scripture calls us to strength and courage, not in our own abilities, but in God's promises and presence.
We explored the importance of being strong and courageous in various aspects of life. Strength is often built in private moments of discipline and perseverance, not just in public displays. Courage is not the absence of fear but the willingness to step forward despite it, knowing that God is already there, preparing the way.
In today's world, we are often bombarded with messages of safety and comfort, but true faith requires stepping out of our comfort zones. Faith is not about being safe; it's about trusting God and taking bold steps in partnership with Him. We are called to lead our families, live with integrity, and pursue God's purposes with unwavering courage.
Finally, we acknowledged the challenges many face with earthly father figures and the impact this can have on our perception of God. Yet, God is the perfect Father who never leaves us or forsakes us. He is always with us, guiding and supporting us through every trial and triumph.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Command to Be Strong and Courageous: The call to be strong and courageous is not a suggestion but a command from God. It signifies that there are territories to conquer and generational chains to break. This strength and courage come from relying on God's promises and His presence in our lives. [09:19]
2. Strength is Built in Private: True strength is developed in private moments of discipline and perseverance. Just as athletes train away from the public eye, our spiritual strength grows through daily, unseen acts of faithfulness and commitment to God. [11:58]
3. Courage is Stepping Forward Despite Fear: Courage is not the absence of fear but the ability to move forward regardless. When God calls us to take bold steps, He is already there, preparing the way and providing everything we need. [18:44]
4. Faith is Not About Safety: Living a life of faith in Christ is not about seeking safety and comfort. True faith involves taking risks and stepping out of our comfort zones, trusting that God is with us and will guide us through every challenge. [22:31]
5. God as the Perfect Father: Our earthly experiences with father figures can impact our view of God, but He is the perfect Father who never leaves us or forsakes us. He is always present, loving, and faithful, guiding us through every aspect of our lives. [32:37]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Opening Prayer and Introduction
[02:27] - Honoring Fathers and God's Love
[03:58] - Personal Story of Doubt and God's Call
[05:13] - Overcoming Insecurity and Fear
[06:36] - Support from Friends and God's Word
[07:55] - God's Command to Be Strong and Courageous
[09:19] - The Importance of Strength and Courage
[11:58] - Building Strength in Private
[13:25] - Personal Training Story
[16:25] - Strengthening Weak Areas
[18:44] - Courage to Step Forward
[19:57] - Taking Bold Steps in Faith
[21:10] - The Culture of Safety vs. Faith
[22:31] - Faith is Not About Safety
[23:37] - Partnership with God in Faith
[24:37] - Overcoming Fear and Discouragement
[27:36] - Understanding God as Our Father
[29:41] - God's Presence and Faithfulness
[31:13] - The Role of Fathers in Society
[32:37] - God Will Never Leave Us
[35:11] - Invitation to Know God
[36:24] - Prayer for Healing and Restoration
[37:22] - Invitation to Accept Christ
[38:34] - Closing Prayer and Celebration
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Joshua 1:9 (NIV): "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
#### Observation Questions
1. What command does God give Joshua in Joshua 1:9, and what assurance accompanies this command?
2. In the sermon, what personal story did the pastor share about feeling inadequate and how did Joshua 1:9 play a role in that moment? [03:58]
3. According to the sermon, how is true strength developed, and what analogy was used to illustrate this? [11:58]
4. What does the pastor say about the relationship between faith and safety? How does this relate to the concept of courage? [22:31]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God emphasizes the need for strength and courage in Joshua 1:9? How does this apply to the challenges we face today?
2. How does the pastor's personal story of doubt and fear illustrate the importance of relying on God's promises rather than our own abilities? [05:13]
3. What does the pastor mean when he says that "faith is not spelled S-A-F-E"? How does this perspective challenge our modern-day comfort zones? [22:31]
4. How can understanding God as the perfect Father, who never leaves us or forsakes us, change our perception of our own worth and purpose? [32:37]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed or inadequate. How did you respond, and how might Joshua 1:9 have provided comfort or guidance in that situation? [03:58]
2. The pastor mentioned that true strength is built in private moments of discipline and perseverance. What are some private disciplines you can commit to in order to build your spiritual strength? [11:58]
3. Courage is stepping forward despite fear. Identify a specific area in your life where you need to take a bold step of faith. What is holding you back, and how can you move forward knowing that God is with you? [18:44]
4. The sermon highlighted that faith involves taking risks and stepping out of our comfort zones. What is one risk you feel God is calling you to take, and how can you trust Him more in this process? [22:31]
5. How has your experience with earthly father figures impacted your view of God? What steps can you take to deepen your understanding of God as the perfect Father who is always with you? [32:37]
6. The pastor shared about the importance of having a support system during times of doubt. Who are the people in your life that you can reach out to for support and encouragement in your faith journey? [06:36]
7. Reflect on the idea that faith is a partnership with God. How can you actively involve God in your daily decisions and challenges, ensuring that you are not relying solely on your own strength? [23:37]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Command to Be Strong and Courageous
God's command to be strong and courageous is a directive that signifies the importance of relying on His promises and presence. This strength and courage are not about our own abilities but about trusting in God's unwavering support. When we face challenges, doubts, or fears, we are reminded that God is with us, guiding us through every step. This command is a call to action, urging us to conquer new territories and break generational chains, knowing that God is our constant companion. [09:19]
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: What is one area in your life where you need to rely more on God's strength and courage? How can you take a step of faith in that area today?
Day 2: Strength is Built in Private
True strength is developed in the private moments of discipline and perseverance. Just as athletes train away from the public eye, our spiritual strength grows through daily, unseen acts of faithfulness and commitment to God. These private moments of prayer, study, and obedience are where our character is formed and our faith is strengthened. It is in these hidden places that God prepares us for the public challenges we will face. [11:58]
Matthew 6:6 (ESV): "But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."
Reflection: What private spiritual discipline can you commit to this week to build your strength in the Lord? How can you ensure consistency in this practice?
Day 3: Courage is Stepping Forward Despite Fear
Courage is not the absence of fear but the ability to move forward regardless. When God calls us to take bold steps, He is already there, preparing the way and providing everything we need. This means that even in the face of fear, we can trust that God has gone before us and is with us. Courage involves trusting in God's plan and stepping out in faith, knowing that He will support and guide us through every challenge. [18:44]
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: What is one fear that has been holding you back from taking a bold step of faith? How can you trust God to help you move forward despite that fear?
Day 4: Faith is Not About Safety
Living a life of faith in Christ is not about seeking safety and comfort. True faith involves taking risks and stepping out of our comfort zones, trusting that God is with us and will guide us through every challenge. This means that we are called to live boldly, pursuing God's purposes with unwavering courage, even when it means facing uncertainty or discomfort. Faith is about trusting in God's plan and His presence, rather than seeking a life of ease. [22:31]
Hebrews 11:8 (ESV): "By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you have been seeking safety and comfort instead of stepping out in faith? How can you take a risk for God in that area this week?
Day 5: God as the Perfect Father
Our earthly experiences with father figures can impact our view of God, but He is the perfect Father who never leaves us or forsakes us. He is always present, loving, and faithful, guiding us through every aspect of our lives. Understanding God as our perfect Father helps us to trust in His unwavering love and support, even when we face challenges or feel alone. God’s fatherly love is a source of strength and comfort, reminding us that we are never truly alone. [32:37]
Psalm 68:5-6 (ESV): "Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation. God settles the solitary in a home; he leads out the prisoners to prosperity, but the rebellious dwell in a parched land."
Reflection: How has your view of God been influenced by your earthly father or father figures? How can you embrace God’s perfect fatherly love and allow it to transform your relationship with Him?
Quotes
1. "God is so good. He is better than you could ever imagine. And if you're here, you've come out of just a sense of wanting to sort of port your family, or you've been invited by a mate saying, hey, you should come. We just want to say how good it is to have you here. Trust that you can know that you can just be yourself, but to know that there is a God who's not distant and far off, but actually the Bible reveals Him as a Father, an all-loving Father, the perfect Father." [01:10] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "What our world needs right now is not comfort. What it needs not now is a settling in self. What it needs right now is people who know the love of the Father and would be strong and courageous. And I love it because it starts with this. Have I not commanded you? Have I not commanded you? This isn't a suggestion. What He's saying to you, and I as He's saying, did you know that there are things that I want to lead you into? Did you know that there's territories I want you to take?" [09:19] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Come on, we've got a world that keeps telling, believe in yourself. It's all about your strength. You can do it. But I'm here to say, no, no, it's all about His Spirit enabling you to live a life of strength. Because at some point, we will fail ourselves if we haven't seen that in our lives today already. Have I not commanded you? Have I not commanded you?" [10:38] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Be strong and courageous. Believe again, stand again, go again, pray again, rise again, be strong and courageous. Come on, there's things that are going to take the reality to number one, be strong. We've got to be strong. I was thinking about this, you know, why would he tell him to be strong and courageous if he didn't need to be strong and courageous? Right? Like it's a simple, you kind of think, oh yeah, that's so simple." [11:58] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Come on, don't be weak. Open up your story. Boast in your weakness so God can then be strong. Allow somebody to get alongside you. Allow someone to hear from God and encourage you. Allow somebody. Oh, but that just seems like so small. I'll tell you what, it's the small step sideways that stabilises that now I can run further forward than I could before. I don't know, stack me up with the big weights. Come on, we don't need the big weights. We just need to be diligent." [17:30] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Courage is basically not the absence of fear, it's the ability to step in something regardless. But you've got to realise where God is instructing you to go, He's already there. When Jesus said to Peter in the boat, get out of the boat, He didn't say go, He said come. When God is calling us to do courageous things, you've got to understand God is outside of time. He's not limited to the parameters that we're limited to." [18:44] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Faith is not spelled S-A-F-E. If you want safe and you want to be safe, you want it, then really what you're saying is I want to settle. Oh, but I don't know. It doesn't sound safe. I just say, the same one who called you out of the boat, keep your eyes on him when you're out of the boat. Keep listening to his voice. Keep talking to him, asking him, including him." [22:31] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Faith equals Father and I. Father and I taking hold. Father and I enabling this marriage to be restored. Father and I enabling our prodigal son to come home. Father and I believing that these waters will part. Father and I believing, come on, these broken bones, these broken heart will be restored again. Father and I declaring that might be the diagnosis, but that's not our declaration. Come on, there's got to be a partnership with the One who paid the price and made a way." [23:37] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "The reality is, as I was with Moses, so I'll be with you, right? This is God speaking this. We've got to get a perspective that He's your God. See, the greatest thing we can hear on this day is that you and I are actually sons and daughters of God. Like if we actually caught a revelation in that, lately I've been dwelling around that and looking at that and been in a sort of a mini conference around that and I found myself just naturally calling Him Father more than I do have ever before." [27:36] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "You've got a heavenly Father who says, and I will be with you wherever you go. I will never leave you nor forsake you. You're going to hear it. God's not someone who's waiting for the moment to step away from your life. He's the one that's always right there beside you. He's the one that's always going before you. He's always the one that says, my righteousness. His hand will carry you and it will protect you and it will guide you and it will enable you. You've got a heavenly Father. He's not going anywhere." [32:37] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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