Strength and Courage: Following God's Command Together
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into the book of Joshua, focusing on the lives of Joshua and Caleb, two men of great courage and faith. Their story is a powerful reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commands and the courage required to follow His lead. We are called to make disciples, baptize, and teach others about Jesus, embodying the Great Commission in our everyday lives. This mission transforms our ordinary lives into extraordinary ones, as we focus on introducing people to Jesus, helping them grow in their relationship with Him, and guiding them to become more like Him.
Joshua and Caleb's unwavering faith stands in stark contrast to the other spies who were fearful and disobedient. Their courage and trust in God's promises led them to push forward, even when others faltered. This narrative serves as a lesson for us: obedience to God is crucial, and it requires us to be strong and courageous. Just as God was with Joshua, He promises to be with us, providing the strength and courage we need to face our own giants.
The unity of command is another key theme. Joshua's leadership and the clear chain of command he established were vital for Israel's success. Similarly, in our church, Jesus is our commander, and we must unite under His direction. This unity, combined with a sense of urgency and obedience, is essential for fulfilling our mission.
The historical context of the tribes of Israel and their journey to the Promised Land underscores the importance of knowing our faith's history. It also highlights the significance of living in the "middle voice," where God moves first, and we respond. Our Christian walk is a team effort, requiring unity and diversity within the body of Christ.
Finally, the Israelites' response to Joshua's commands reflects a change of heart and a desire to obey God. This attitude is crucial for us as well. We must yearn to be obedient, understanding that God's presence with us is the key to our success. As we face our own challenges, we are called to be strong and courageous, trusting in God's promises and His unwavering love for us.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Great Commission as Our Mission: We are called to make disciples, baptize, and teach others about Jesus. This mission transforms our ordinary lives into extraordinary ones, as we focus on introducing people to Jesus, helping them grow in their relationship with Him, and guiding them to become more like Him. This is our primary focus and calling. [01:36]
2. Obedience and Courage: Joshua and Caleb's story teaches us the importance of obedience to God's commands and the courage required to follow His lead. Their unwavering faith and trust in God's promises led them to push forward, even when others faltered. We are called to be strong and courageous, knowing that God is with us. [06:06]
3. Unity of Command: Just as Joshua established a clear chain of command, we must recognize Jesus as our commander and unite under His direction. This unity, combined with a sense of urgency and obedience, is essential for fulfilling our mission. We must come together as a church, each playing our unique role in God's plan. [09:34]
4. Living in the Middle Voice: Our Christian walk is defined by living in the "middle voice," where God moves first, and we respond. We cannot be passive or overly controlling; instead, we must stand strong in the Lord and then take action. This balance is crucial for a faithful and effective Christian life. [19:13]
5. Desiring Obedience: The Israelites' response to Joshua's commands reflects a change of heart and a desire to obey God. This attitude is crucial for us as well. We must yearn to be obedient, understanding that God's presence with us is the key to our success. As we face our own challenges, we are called to be strong and courageous, trusting in God's promises and His unwavering love for us. [23:25]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:53] - Introduction to Joshua and Caleb
[01:36] - The Great Commission
[02:11] - Everyday Life as a Mission Field
[02:49] - Israel's Disobedience and Consequences
[03:22] - The Spies and the Anakite Giants
[03:57] - God's Punishment and Joshua's Leadership
[04:32] - Moses' Disobedience at Meribah
[05:03] - Joshua as a Foreshadow of Christ
[05:36] - God's Promises to Joshua
[06:06] - The Call for Courage
[06:34] - Leading with Courage
[07:03] - God's Presence with Joshua
[07:32] - Facing Modern Giants
[08:20] - Joshua's Command to the Officers
[09:08] - Unity of Command
[09:34] - Urgency in Obedience
[10:22] - The Challenge of Water Crossings
[11:18] - Remembering the Red Sea
[12:10] - The Jordan River Crossing
[12:35] - The Reubenites, Gadites, and Manasseh
[13:14] - Background from Numbers
[14:14] - The 12 Tribes of Israel
[15:12] - Joshua and Caleb's Lineage
[16:12] - Importance of Knowing Our Faith's History
[16:50] - Geography of the Promised Land
[17:39] - Brotherhood in Battle
[18:39] - Living in the Middle Voice
[19:44] - Following God as a Team
[20:47] - Israel's Response to Joshua
[21:19] - A Change of Heart
[22:17] - The Desire to Obey
[23:25] - God's Presence as Key to Success
[24:39] - The Penalty for Disobedience
[25:28] - Be Strong and Courageous
[26:28] - Trusting God and Responding to His Call
[26:56] - Choosing to Be Men of Good Courage
[27:28] - Prayer and Closing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 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."
2. Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV) - "And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.'"
3. Numbers 32:20-22 (ESV) - "So Moses said to them, 'If you will do this, if you will take up arms to go before the Lord for the war, and every armed man of you will pass over the Jordan before the Lord, until he has driven out his enemies from before him and the land is subdued before the Lord; then after that you shall return and be free of obligation to the Lord and to Israel, and this land shall be your possession before the Lord.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What were the three main tasks Jesus commanded in the Great Commission? ([01:36])
2. How did Joshua and Caleb's response to God's command differ from the other spies? ([03:22])
3. What was the significance of the chain of command established by Joshua? ([09:08])
4. How did the Israelites' attitude change from their parents' generation to their own response to Joshua's commands? ([21:19])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is the Great Commission described as transforming our ordinary lives into extraordinary ones? ([02:11])
2. How does the story of Joshua and Caleb illustrate the importance of obedience and courage in our faith journey? ([06:06])
3. What does it mean to live in the "middle voice" in our Christian walk, and why is it important? ([19:13])
4. How does the unity of command under Jesus Christ apply to our church today? ([09:34])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily life. How can you see your everyday activities as part of your mission field to make disciples? ([02:11])
2. Think of a situation where you need to show courage and obedience to God's command. What steps can you take to be strong and courageous in that situation? ([06:06])
3. In what ways can you contribute to the unity of our church under Jesus' command? Are there specific actions you can take to support this unity? ([09:34])
4. How can you balance between taking action and waiting on God's movement in your life, as described by living in the "middle voice"? ([19:13])
5. Identify a challenge you are currently facing. How can you trust in God's promises and His presence with you to overcome this challenge? ([23:25])
6. How can you cultivate a desire for obedience in your heart, similar to the Israelites' response to Joshua? ([22:47])
7. Think of a person in your life who needs encouragement. How can you help them be strong and courageous in their faith journey this week? ([06:34])
Devotional
Day 1: Transforming Ordinary Lives through the Great Commission
The Great Commission calls us to make disciples, baptize, and teach others about Jesus. This mission transforms our ordinary lives into extraordinary ones as we focus on introducing people to Jesus, helping them grow in their relationship with Him, and guiding them to become more like Him. This is our primary focus and calling. By embracing this mission, we align our daily activities with God's eternal purposes, turning mundane moments into opportunities for spiritual impact. As we engage in this mission, we experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from seeing lives transformed by the power of the Gospel. [01:36]
Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV): "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Reflection: Who in your life can you introduce to Jesus this week? How can you help them grow in their relationship with Him?
Day 2: Embracing Obedience and Courage
Joshua and Caleb's story teaches us the importance of obedience to God's commands and the courage required to follow His lead. Their unwavering faith and trust in God's promises led them to push forward, even when others faltered. We are called to be strong and courageous, knowing that God is with us. This means stepping out in faith, even when the path ahead seems daunting, and trusting that God will provide the strength and guidance we need. By following their example, we can face our own challenges with confidence, knowing that God is faithful to His promises. [06:06]
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 show more courage and obedience to God? How can you take a step of faith in that area today?
Day 3: Unity of Command under Jesus
Just as Joshua established a clear chain of command, we must recognize Jesus as our commander and unite under His direction. This unity, combined with a sense of urgency and obedience, is essential for fulfilling our mission. We must come together as a church, each playing our unique role in God's plan. When we work in harmony, we can accomplish much more than we could individually. This unity not only strengthens our community but also serves as a powerful witness to the world of God's love and order. [09:34]
Ephesians 4:15-16 (ESV): "Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love."
Reflection: How can you contribute to the unity and mission of your church this week? What specific role can you play in supporting Jesus' direction?
Day 4: Living in the Middle Voice
Our Christian walk is defined by living in the "middle voice," where God moves first, and we respond. We cannot be passive or overly controlling; instead, we must stand strong in the Lord and then take action. This balance is crucial for a faithful and effective Christian life. By recognizing God's initiative and responding in obedience, we align our actions with His will, allowing His power to work through us. This approach fosters a dynamic and responsive relationship with God, where we are attentive to His leading and ready to act in faith. [19:13]
Philippians 2:12-13 (ESV): "Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure."
Reflection: In what ways can you better respond to God's leading in your life? How can you balance being proactive with being receptive to His guidance?
Day 5: Desiring Obedience and Trusting God's Presence
The Israelites' response to Joshua's commands reflects a change of heart and a desire to obey God. This attitude is crucial for us as well. We must yearn to be obedient, understanding that God's presence with us is the key to our success. As we face our own challenges, we are called to be strong and courageous, trusting in God's promises and His unwavering love for us. By cultivating a heart of obedience and trust, we can navigate life's difficulties with confidence, knowing that God is with us every step of the way. [23:25]
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 is one challenge you are currently facing? How can you trust in God's presence and promises as you navigate this challenge?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We're to go do something, and we know that we're to go make disciples. And so this disciple-making thing is something we remind ourselves of regularly, but we're not going to do it. We're going to do it by reading the Great Commission that God gave us. Going to make disciples is important because we think of it often like a sandwich. We want to be able to remind ourselves each day. You think about the bread of a sandwich at the top and the bottom, and Jesus being the bread of life." (25 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When we're born again into a new life in Christ, this is the new standard by which we measure ourselves. We're no longer, we're no longer worried about making money or making friends or any of that stuff. We're focused instead on making disciples. That is where our eyes are fixed around our everyday, ordinary life. And that's what transforms our lives, regardless of how mundane of a job we might have." (24 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "God promises to be with Joshua just as he was with Moses. To never leave him. To never forsake him. And that's going to be key to Joshua carrying out his orders. That God is with his people. And as we learned, we received that exact same promise. It's that bottom slice of bread we just talked about. That God is with us, too." (23 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "God loves us. So we have hope. We will prevail. But we must obey him. And of course, why wouldn't we? We're to be of good courage because God is with us." (12 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We must desire to be obedient. It all starts with our desire. And then they say, only may the Lord your God be with you as he was with Moses. And perhaps as much as anything else that they say here, this point highlights a true change of heart among this next generation. Because they appear to finally get that the key to their future success is that God is with his people." (27 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "So when you think about this role of our commission in our lives, it really boils down to us, first and foremost, introducing people to Jesus, second then, helping them grow in their relationship to Jesus, and then finally, helping them become actually more like Jesus. And the cool thing about that is, as we disciple other people, we are also being discipled. We grow deeper in our discipleship." (24 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Taking hold of God's promise requires obedience to him. So Moses doesn't get to lead Israel into the Promised Land, Joshua does. And as we learned last week, Joshua's name actually means Savior. So he is the one who saves Israel by leading them into the Promised Land. And he will foreshadow Christ's work as the Savior of the world." (24 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "In order to accomplish what we've been called to do, we also need to be of good courage. And of course, implicit in being of good courage is that you lead those around you. To also be of good courage. So you see, it's not just on us. It's on us to encourage everyone around us to have that same bold, courageous mindset." (22 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Carrying out our commission, it takes an entire village. The church, every one of us, is required to move out if we're going to go make these disciples. It's so important that we see the uniqueness of every single person in our church. God has given each of us our own distinct set of skills, knowledge, and behaviors. There's never been anyone like you before. There won't ever be anyone like you again. We are all different. We're diverse. However, there must be unity in diversity." (32 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Those who don't trust God, they don't respond when God says, let's go. They refuse. They rebel. They're disobedient. Some of us are sitting there right now, today. But those who do trust God, they do follow Him. When He says, let's go, they say, no problem. Whatever you need, I'm all in. Let's go. So which one are we going to be this week? Are we going to be like those dry bones up there? Or are we going to be like those two men of good courage?" (36 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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