Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet

Be Strong and Courageous!

Bryan Schneider · December 11, 2021

Joshua 1

sharonrpc.org/sermons/be-strong-and-courageous

Summary

After Moses' death, Joshua receives the daunting commission to lead Israel across the Jordan and into the promised land.
Joshua's courage is grounded not in military resources or personal resolve but in God's promise: I will not leave you nor forsake you.
God's marching orders center on keeping the book of the law in Joshua's mouth, meditating on it day and night, and obeying it without turning aside.
The courage Israel needs is moral and spiritual as well as military, because the land's idolatry and their own sinful desires threaten covenant faithfulness.
Joshua points beyond himself to Jesus, the true and greater Joshua who perfectly kept God's law and fulfills the promises given to Abraham.
Believers have God's indwelling Spirit and Christ's promised presence, so their courage grows through union with Christ rather than self-confidence.
Christians face temptation and costly obedience by fixing their eyes on Jesus, dwelling in his Word, and trusting that he will never forsake his people.

Why would succeeding Moses have appeared overwhelming to Joshua?
What specific promises ground the repeated command to be strong and courageous?
Why does God emphasize meditation and obedience rather than military strategy in Joshua's commission?
What internal spiritual dangers would Israel face alongside the visible battles in Canaan?
How does Joshua's name and calling point forward to Jesus Christ?
In what ways is the believer's position under the new covenant better than Joshua's?
Why will willpower and motivation alone fail in the fight against sin?
Which present act of costly obedience requires courage grounded in Christ's presence?

Courage: Spirit-given resolve to obey God amid fear, temptation, opposition, or cost because he is present and faithful.
Promised land: The inheritance God swore to Abraham's descendants and commissioned Joshua to apportion among Israel.
Meditation on the law: Continual attention to God's revealed instruction so that it governs speech, thought, and conduct.
Covenant promise: God's reliable pledged word upon which his people may rest and act.
True Joshua: Jesus Christ, whose name corresponds to Joshua's and who perfectly obeys God, defeats his enemies, and brings his people into their inheritance.
Sanctification: God's continuing work of conforming believers to Christ as they put sinful desires to death and grow in obedience.