Mars Hill Fellowship

MESSAGE |

Be Courageous

SERIES |

Just Do It

SCRIPTURE |

Joshua 1:1-9

SPEAKER |

Pastor Joseph Ardayfio

KEY THEME |

Fear is an ever-present reality in this world, but God has equipped us with the tools to overcome our fears. We are delivered from fear by courageously walking in faith according to God’s Word.

I. Joshua 1 tells the story of how God built Joshua’s faith, courage, and strength so that he could effectively lead the children of Israel to the promised land.

II. Joshua faced several obstacles to succeeding in the Lord’s calling. We can infer that Joshua’s biggest obstacle was fear and timidity. What were some of the fears that Joshua was dealing with?

1. Fear of acceptance. Will people follow his leadership?
2. Fear of identity. Why did God select Joshua for the task? Was God aware of Joshua’s flaws?
3. Fear of the unknown. What would Joshua encounter in the promised land?
4. Fear of failure. What would happen if Joshua couldn’t lead the people like Moses led?
5. The good news for Joshua and believers in this present age is that God understands the reality of fear – but he also gives us the ability to overcome that fear.

III. We have to be delivered from fear. Deliverance is a process that starts with an active decision to trust God’s ways rather than our own ways.

IV. 1 – The antidote to fear is faith (in God)

1. When fear is present, it is an opportunity for faith in God. In Mark 4:35-41, Jesus rebuked the disciples because their fear caused them to lose faith in God’s ability. Jesus was very aware of the tumult of the storm, but He wanted the disciples to build their trust in Him.
2. We don’t have to feel weak because of the presence of fear, but we have to be careful that we do not let our fear outweigh our faith in God.
3. There is a difference between faith and faith in God. Faith is something that everyone can possess but the object of our faith makes a big difference. We must be careful that we are truly placing faith in God rather than placing ultimate faith in ourselves, other people, tangible resources, luck, or karma.

V. 2 – We build our faith in God by meditating on the word of God

1. We have to realize that faith is not a magic pill that we swallow, but it is developed within us through our continual trust in God. The faith to overcome our fears comes from hearing and meditating on the Word of God (Romans 10:17)
2. We meditate on the word of God by1) knowing what the Word says; 2) finding multiple ways to allow the Word of God to dwell within us and  3) paying attention to what we allow to come into our hearts and minds.

VI. 3 – Walking in faith requires courage

1. We tend to think of courage as the strength to do supernatural feats but it takes courage to live according to your faith. Courage is our ability to make the right decision according to guiding principles regardless of the immediate consequences. The command to “Be Strong and Courageous” applies to the everyday task of living a Godly life.

Scripture Index:

Joshua 1:1-9
Mark 4:35-41
Psalms 34:4
Romans 10:17
Jude 1:2
Exodus 11:24-25
Deutoronomy 31:8