Go! And Be Strong and Courageous - Joshua 1:9 (NLT)
INTRODUCTION:
I want to talk to you today about courage. But not the kind of courage the world talks about — self-reliance, bravado, or pretending all is well. No, I want to talk about God-given courage. Courage rooted in the promises of God. Courage that stands not because we are strong, but because He is with us. The message is simple, powerful, and timely:
“Go! And Be Strong and Courageous.”
Let’s begin with our key verse Joshua 1:9 (NLT): “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
1. CONTEXT AND EXEGESIS
Joshua 1 is a pivotal moment in Israel’s history. Moses has died. The mantle of leadership has fallen on Joshua. And before Joshua stands the Jordan River, the fortified cities of Canaan, and a people still prone to fear and forgetfulness.
Let’s break down this powerful command:
“Be strong” — Hebrew: chazaq (?????)
It means to fasten upon, to seize, to strengthen. This is not mere emotional fortitude; it’s a gripping tight to God’s promises.
“And courageous” — Hebrew: amats (?????)
It means to be alert, brave, and solid. God is saying, “Face what’s ahead — not because you are able, but because I am with you.”
“Do not be afraid or discouraged” — God addresses two of our biggest spiritual battles: fear and dismay.
“For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” — The foundation of our courage is not in self. It’s in the presence of God. That’s the Gospel message even here — we need a Saviour with us, not just a strength within us.
As Tim Keller once said, “The essence of Gospel humility is not thinking more of myself or less of myself, but thinking of myself less because I am so preoccupied with Christ.”
Church, courage begins when Christ is our focus.
2. GOD’S PRESENCE = OUR CONFIDENCE
Isaiah 41:10 (NLT): “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”
Isaiah echoes Joshua’s promise — I am with you.
In both Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament, God makes it clear: His presence is our confidence.
Hebrew Word: yare’ (?????) — “to fear, to be terrified.”
But Scripture continually teaches: when God is near, fear must flee.
Charles Stanley once said: “Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him.”
What does that mean for you and me? It means we don’t need all the answers — we just need to trust the One who is the answer. The cross reminds us that God does not abandon His people — not in Egypt, not in the wilderness, and not on the cross.
3. JESUS: THE ULTIMATE SOURCE OF COURAGE
John 16:33 (NLT): “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
The Greek word here for “take heart” is tharseo (?a?s??) — to be of good courage, to have boldness. Jesus doesn’t hide the battle — He highlights the victory!
John Piper says: “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.”
Our courage isn’t just about endurance. It’s about joyfully trusting that the One who defeated sin, death, and hell is still with us today!
4. THE GOSPEL COURAGE WE NEED
Let me remind you of the greatest act of courage in history: the cross of Christ.
Romans 5:8 (NLT): “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.”
1 Corinthians 15:3–4 (NLT): “Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day.”
The courage of Jesus wasn’t in avoiding suffering — it was in embracing the will of the Father for the sake of our redemption.
Greek word: paradidomi (pa?ad?d?µ?) — “to hand over, to give up.” Jesus handed Himself over so we could be set free.
Max Lucado wrote, “God never said that the journey would be easy, but He did say that the arrival would be worthwhile.”
If Christ faced the cross with courage for our sake, then we can face the future with courage for His sake.
5. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: COURAGE FOR TODAY
Church, courage is not the absence of fear. It is faith in the presence of God. You may be facing a Jordan River — a broken relationship, a financial crisis, a health challenge, or a ministry opportunity. But God says:
“Be strong and courageous! For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Analogy #1:
Imagine receiving a deed to a new home, but never moving in because you’re afraid of the unknown. That’s what many believers do spiritually — we hold God’s promises, but we stay stuck on the wrong side of the Jordan. Church, it’s time to cross over!
Analogy #2:
A prisoner sits on death row. A pardon is signed. But if he never accepts it, he still faces execution. The Gospel is your pardon — but you must receive it. Don’t let fear, pride, or apathy keep you from eternal life.
THE GOSPEL CALL:
Friend, Jesus Christ lived a sinless life, died a sacrificial death, and rose again victorious — so that you could be forgiven, restored, and filled with His Spirit. But you must respond.
Repent — turn from sin.
Believe — trust in Christ alone.
Receive — the gift of eternal life.
CALL TO ACTION
If you’re a believer: step forward in bold obedience.
If you’re not yet saved: today is your day. Turn to Jesus and be saved.
As D.L. Moody said, “The world has yet to see what God can do with a man fully consecrated to Him.”
Why not let that person be you?
BENEDICTION / EXHORTATION:
Go now, strong and courageous!
Not in your might, but in His mercy.
Not in your wisdom, but in His Word.
Not in your strength, but in His Spirit.
The Lord your God is with you — wherever you go!
