Be strong and courageous

Text: Joshua 1

1:1 Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass, that the LORD spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ minister, saying,

2 Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all these people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel.

3 Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses.

4 From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your coast.

5 There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

6 Be strong and of good courage: for unto these people shall thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.

7 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.

8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

10 Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying,

11 Pass through the host, and command the people, saying, Prepare you victuals; for within three days ye shall pass over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land, which the LORD your God giveth you to possess it.

12 And to the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to half the tribe of Manasseh, spake Joshua, saying,

13 Remember the word which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, saying, The LORD your God hath given you rest, and hath given you this land.

14 Your wives, your little ones, and your cattle, shall remain in the land which Moses gave you on this side Jordan; but ye shall pass before your brethren armed, all the mighty men of valor, and help them;

15 Until the LORD have given your brethren rest, as he hath given you, and they also have possessed the land which the LORD your God giveth them: then ye shall return unto the land of your possession, and enjoy it, which Moses the LORD’s servant gave you on this side Jordan toward the sun rising.

16 And they answered Joshua, saying, All that thou commandest us we will do, and whichever thou sendest us, we will go.

17 According as we hearkened unto Moses in all things, so will we hearken unto thee: only the LORD thy God be with thee, as he was with Moses.

18 Whosoever he be that doth rebel against thy commandment, and will not hearken unto thy words in all that thou commandest him, he shall be put to death: only be strong and of good courage.

Introduction

Leadership and learning are mutually beneficial. One factor that the world requires right now is leadership. Joshua was a fantastic general, soldier, and leader. His life is worth studying just for those reasons. He is the only biblical leader who was ever commanded by God to cease prayer and do something else instead. When the mighty man is found on his knees praying following a humiliating combat defeat, it is in Joshua 7:10. It’s difficult to put yourself in the shoes of a great leader. Joshua did not have it easy — he had to take over the leadership role of Moses, one of the greatest leaders of all time, and his life exemplifies key leadership principles for us. BOLDNESS IS REQUIRED TO ATTAIN ALL THAT GOD HAS TO OFFER. THIS STUDY ENCOURAGES EVERYONE TO HAVE THE COURAGE TO CROSS RIVERS, FACE GIANTS, AND RECEIVE THEIR FULL INHERITANCE. We are to be brave and powerful.

God commissions Joshua to lead the people well in the first chapter of Joshua. He tells Joshua three times to be brave and strong. Joshua 1:9 states, “Be strong and courageous.” Don’t be afraid or disheartened; the Lord, your God, will always be with you.” He calls us to be leaders in particular. This starts with confidence in God, since if the Almighty is with you and watching out for you, you will have nothing to fear. God will protect and provide for you.

This enables you to be brave and strong while also positively leading others.

Examining the text

What was the LORD’s command to Joshua? (verses 1 & 2)

What was the size of the promised territory to Israel? (verses 3 and 4)

What was the LORD’s promise to Joshua in terms of being with him? (verse 5)

What was Joshua supposed to do in order to prosper and succeed? (verses 6-9)

What were the Reubenites, Gadites, and half of Manasseh to do? (verses 12-15)

What was Joshua’s first act as leader of the people of Jacob/Israel? (verses 2–5)

How would God manifest His presence near Joshua? (verse 5)

What was Joshua’s responsibility? (verse 6)

Why? (verse 8)

What does God mean by “being powerful” in verse 9?

(Verse 9) What does it mean to be courageous in God’s eyes?

(Verse 9) Is it then possible to be powerful and courageous?

(Verse 9) Where would Joshua get his strength?

What was Joshua’s first command to the Israelites (verses ten and eleven)

Did they intend to follow Joshua’s orders? (16-18 verses)

What task did God assign to Joshua?

What promises did God make to Joshua in verses 5-9?

What requirements did Joshua have to fulfill?

Why had Israel failed to enter Canaan the first time, according to Numbers 13&14?

What are your impressions of Joshua?

What do we learn about Joshua as a result of this?

Numbers 27:12–23

Deuteronomy 34:9

Deuteronomy 1:37

Numbers 13

What did God promise Joshua?

What role did God’s word have in Joshua’s life and leadership? 8th Verse

Joshua is to be strong and courageous, not scared or discouraged, as God commands.

How does the Lord’s presence “everywhere he goes” help him?

Is it enough to simply be aware of this? 9th verse of Joshua Chapter 1.

In verses 16-18, what pledge do the people make to Joshua?

How could this promise cause Joshua to be concerned?

What did they say they expected of Joshua?

Explanation:

Have you ever been afraid of something?

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the enormity of what you have to do and wondered how you will ever do it?

That’s exactly how Joshua feels. God’s instructions and encouragement, on the other hand, help him deal with his fear.

Joshua hears the following from God: “My servant Moses is no longer alive. Then make ready, you and these people, to cross the Jordan River into the land I’m about to give them — the Israelites.” (1:2)

Regardless of Where You Step (1:3-4)

“As I promised Moses, I would provide you every area where you set foot.” (1:3)

“Every location where you set your foot will be yours: Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the Euphrates River to the western sea,” God reminds Joshua. (Deuteronomy 11:24)

“On that day, Moses swore to me, ‘The land on which your feet have trod will be your heritage and that of your children forever, because you have completely followed the Lord my God.'” (14:9, citing Deuteronomy 1:36)

This method can also be used in other areas of our lives. We want everything handed to us on a silver platter, but God tells us that we must go out and claim it. Then God will make it available to us. We want to develop spiritually. How are we going to pull this off? Passively? No. We grow through believing God’s promises and working hard to see them fulfilled in our own lives.

He’ll hand it over to us, but we’ll have to figure out how to accompany him. “We don’t want you to grow lazy,” the author of Hebrews adds, “but we want you to imitate those who, by faith and patience, inherit what has been promised.” (Hebrews 6:12 )

“From the desert to Lebanon, and from the huge river, the Euphrates — all the Hittite nation — to the Great Sea in the west,” God says. (1:4).In fact, during Joshua’s time, they never stepped foot on any of this. By the time of David and Solomon, most of the lands were already under Israel’s authority, but they had been lost again due to disobedience and unbelief.

God would give you enormous areas of “land” that the adversary now controls. They aren’t a part of the opposition. You are free to keep them. God bestowed them upon you. “Possession is nine-tenths of the law,” as the phrase goes in legal circles. Only “squatter’s rights” apply to the opponent. You can possess your inheritance and enjoy its benefits when you force the enemy off it with God’s help.

Joshua 1:3 In what ways does God’s promise to Joshua, “I will grant you any location where you lay your foot,” become conditional?

God never abandons us, never abandons us. (1:5)

“I will never leave you nor forsake you,” the Bible promises. (1:5)

It’s also found in Deuteronomy 31:6, Hebrews 13:5, and Matthew 28:20.

We don’t deserve to be in God’s presence. We’ve all sinned and come short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). But God has placed our sins on Jesus on the cross and punished them there. He has filled us with his Spirit and now dwells with us. What a miraculous event! What majesty!

We sin, but God never abandons us. He corrects us, yet he does not abandon us. God be praised!

“I will never abandon you,” he promises.

“I will never leave you nor forsake you,” God promises, and it’s both a promise of support and a guarantee of discipline. God intended for this to be a source of encouragement for Joshua on the day his leadership began in earnest.

(Joshua 1:5) Why is God’s promise to always be with Joshua so vital to him? Why is this commitment so essential to you right now? What are your limitations when God is with you?

God intends that we develop a “pushing ahead” faith that actively pursues God’s plan, as stated in the scripture “I will provide you every place where you lay your foot” (1:3)

“I will never abandon you,” says the narrator. God has promised to be with us in all situations, including those in which we are scared (1:5)

God wants us to “be strong and extraordinarily courageous” (1:6–8), despite our fears and misgivings.

Meditating on God’s Word helps us grow in faith and boldness as disciples (1:7-8).

Application:

Our greatest regrets are frequently “inaction regrets.” Is this something you’ve noticed in your own life?

If that’s the case, give an example of how fear has prevented you from doing something you really wanted to do.

Similarly, many churches allow fear to keep them where they are rather than where they should be. Why is this so frequently the case? How have you witnessed this in the church?

“BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS,”. Take a look at Joshua 1:1-5. What were some of the roadblocks that might have slowed their progress?

How did God try to empower Joshua and give him the confidence he needed to keep going? Remember COURAGE IS…created through vision and faith.

Take a look at Joshua 1:6. Despite the fact that ten of the spies saw the same thing and returned afraid, Joshua never lost his image of what life may be like on the other side of the river (Numbers 13-14). On the other hand, Joshua and Caleb let what they saw to be shaped by what God said. Are you more motivated by “good reasons” to avoid doing something or by “God’s promises”?

How has God’s word influenced the bulk of your life?

Joshua 1:7-9.In His instructions, God gives Joshua no military advice. Instead, God told Joshua to study the Bible. What was the significance of Joshua “meditating on it day and night,” and how does this apply to us today?

Please describe how you use this discipline on a regular basis.

Reading the same Bible together helps God’s people get on the same page. Israeli dissension would be the most significant impediment to triumph. The book of Joshua (1:12-18). Why were the instructions to the two and a half tribes so crucial back then, and how do they pertain to our current situation? To obtain what God desires for us, we must be courageous. God did not bring us out of “Egypt” to wander in the “wilderness.” Regardless, we often opt to live on the wrong side of the river.

One of the central themes of the book of Joshua is God’s faithfulness in keeping all of His “good promises,” particularly the promise of the land He “swore to their fathers to give them.” ( Joshua 1:6). List all of the references in Chapter 1 regarding God giving them the land.

What is God’s special promise to Israel? To Joshua, perhaps?

How do God’s sovereign supply and His admonition to be “strong and extremely courageous” (verse 7, and Deuteronomy 31:6-8) interact as the Israelites take possession of the Promised Land?

What function does knowing scripture play in diligently serving God, according to verses 7-8?

After reading verses 12-15, write a description of Joshua’s response to God’s command.

What does it mean to be successful?

What do we mean when we say “success” in our own lives?

What does success entail for you?

What impact would this concept of success have on our daily lives?

In 1:6-9, did the Lord use the word “success”? What exactly is the location? What do you believe he meant given the context? ‘To induce a person to be smart, understanding, or prosperous,’ says the Hebrew for success.’ The presumption is that if a person fully comprehends a situation, he will be successful. Prosper literally means to “cause someone to surge ahead or advance.”

Give three examples of successful people in the Bible and three examples of unsuccessful people. What was it that made such a difference in their lives?

Why do you think the Lord stressed the word, “Be strong and courageous!” So much?

What did the Lord ask Joshua to do?

Consider the circumstances. What qualities do you need to be a powerful person?

Is it true that the vast majority of people are fearful or timid? So, what are your thoughts on the subject? Name one or two things that make you nervous or afraid. What effect does fear have on your decision-making process?

Look at Joshua 1:6 in detail. Why doesn’t God simply command him to conquer the land rather than hand it up to them as a gift?

God teaches Joshua on how to handle the law in Joshua 1:7. What legal framework is in place? What happens if you follow the law?

What else does God advise Joshua to do in regard to Holy scripture in verse 1:8?

What exactly does it mean to meditate?

What is the distinction between eastern and biblical mediation?

Read Psalm 1:2 in conjunction with Joshua 1:8. How would you explain Bible meditation to a new Christian? What distinguishes it from memorization?

How significant is meditation in the life of a Christian? How would you explain the significance of Joshua’s statements to a new believer?

Why is it that meditation is so vital to a Christian’s success? What is the significance of this? What happens during a good meditation session?

What role does biblical meditation have in your life? Do you meditate on a regular basis? Tell us how frequently you do it and how you go about doing it.

In Joshua 1:9, what is God attempting to accomplish? How is God attempting to scare or intimidate him? Is mentioning His presence truly necessary?

Many Christians feel that God is unconcerned about their everyday lives. What are your thoughts on the matter? After reading verses (Joshua 1:6-9) would you say that God was active in the lives of the Israelites?

Finally, do you believe that God wants you to succeed in your life? What does this mean in terms of application? How important are meditation and obedience to your success?

Challenges/ Actions:

Pray to rid yourself of whatever concerns you may have.

Pray to receive the courage that God has bestowed to you.

Name three things we can learn from these verses to better serve God.

In what ways can you apply God’s promises to Joshua in verses 5 and 9 to your own life? Take one as an example.

Memory and meditation verses

“No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Joshua 1:5, NIV)

“Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” (Joshua 1:8, NIV)

Prayer:We all have events that can make us panic and overwhelm us, Father. Assist us in being bold and strong. Encourage us to spend time praying and contemplating your Word. Please, In Christ’ name, Amen.

Bible Study Leadership Principle 1:

Be strong and courageous

Text: Joshua 1