The Courage to Overcome Fear

The Courage to Overcome Fear

Joshua 1:1~9

□ Praise and Sharing

Hymn # 347 In the new land that God have given me

How did you spend last week?

Song-gu Yeongsin (old and new) service

plane crash

President's arrest warrant request

 

New situations such as a break in a relationship, marriage, retirement, moving, or changing jobs cause great stress. The people of Israel are also in a state of extreme tension. This is because Moses, the leader who led the Israelites until now, has died, and they must now enter the land of Canaan, where another nation has established its home. It is a scary and anxious situation. In particular, Joshua, who was appointed as the new leader, must be obsessed with fear, wondering, ‘Will I really be able to accomplish this?’ At that time, God gives Joshua and the Israelites the words they need.

 

□ Words and Sharing

1. God wants to send the Israelites into the promised land (verses 1-4).

1) When and where does God speak (verses 1-2)?

1 After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD spoke to Joshua son of Nun, Moses' attendant, saying,

2 Moses my servant is dead; now arise, you and all this people, and go across this Jordan to the land which I am giving them, even to the children of Israel.

 

After Moses died, God spoke in front of the Jordan River.

2) To whom does God speak to give the land to the Israelites (verse 1)?

1 After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD spoke to Joshua son of Nun, Moses' attendant, saying,

God speaks to Joshua, son of Nun, Moses' attendant.

 

<Sharing 1> With the death of Moses, the Israelites were facing a new situation. Joshua, the new leader, had to fulfill his role in helping Israel take possession of the land. Let’s talk about what new roles you will take on or continue to play in the new year at home, work, or church.

 

First, my wife and I pray for the complete salvation of our family and relatives and for their desire for the word of God. We must not irritate our children, but we must raise and teach them well with the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

And I pray that I can lead the Morning Star Church and MIC Mission well, and that I can handle the church ministry, Sunday school ministry, hospital ministry, correctional ministry, and foreign ministry together with my family, believers, and missionaries, like Paul and Timothy. You must be faithful and handle it well.

 

2. God commands, promises, and demands Joshua (verses 5-9).

1) What command did God repeat to Joshua three times (verses 6, 7, 9)?

6 Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 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. 9 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.”

 

God commands Joshua three times to “Be strong and courageous.”

 

2) What is the promise that God repeated twice to Joshua (verses 5, 9)?

5 No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life; just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you.

9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or dismayed; for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.

God said to Joshua, “I will not leave you. I will be with you,” he promises twice.

 

3) What did God require of Joshua (verses 7-8)?

7 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. 8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

God asks Joshua, “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.”

<Sharing 2> Joshua must have had a vague fear that he was not suitable as a spiritual leader of Israel or a military leader to occupy the land of Canaan.

Do you have fears about your role or position? If so, let's talk about the reason.

 

<Sharing 3> God commands Joshua to meditate on the law and keep it so that he can overcome his fear. The intention is to give him strength and courage every day through the Word. Let’s share our experience of overcoming fear through the Word.

 

I was once bitten by a large dog that was not on a leash in one of the dormitories during the foreign worker ministry, and I have a bit of fear when I go to the dormitory every week. Every time, I repeat the words of God, “Be strong and courageous, I will be with you,” and go forward with courage, fending off the barking dog, entering the dormitory, and singing praises and studying the Bible with the Cambodian and Thai brothers in the dormitory.

 

□ Let's pray together

Lord, help us overcome the fear that comes from time to time through Your Word!

 

In the new year, please help us faithfully fulfill the roles entrusted to us at home, work, and church!

 

Please protect the peace of the country and all the nations and raise up leaders who fear God and love the people!

 

May missionaries and local workers in all countries cooperate to carry out the mission given by the Lord!

 

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