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COMMUNITY STRENGTH AND COURAGE

Text: Deuteronomy 31
17 August 2014

THE CALL TO “BE STRONG AND OF GOOD COURAGE”

When we read Joshua 1, we see Joshua being encouraged to find strength and courage to attempt and accomplish things for the Lord.

1. The Lord encouraged Joshua to be strong and of good courage Joshua 1:6, 7

2. The children of Israel urged Joshua also to be strong and courageous Joshua 1:18


A CALL TO THE COMMUNITY

This challenge to be strong and of good courage was not limited to Joshua. This same call was given to the children of Israel by Moses.

Then Moses went and spoke these words to all Israel.

Be strong and of good courage,
Do not fear nor be afraid of them;
For the LORD your God,
He is the One who goes before you.
He will be with you,
He will not leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:1, 6

1. The community in mind

a) All Israel

b) All who make up the community of believers

2. Be strong and of good courage

a) Community strength and courage

b) Collective strength and courage

3. Significance

a) It is not enough to have a strong and courageous leader

b) The whole community must stand with the leader anointed by God

c) It is only when we have the leader and the community sharing strength and courage that things can be done effectively


DRAWING STRENGTH AND COURAGE

From where may we draw great strength and courage? Let us ponder the following thoughts!

1. Through faith in the LORD our God

2. Through knowledge that the Lord goes before us

3. Through trust that He will not leave us nor forsake us

A STRONG AND COURAGEOUS CHURCH

Let us pray that we may be a strong and courageous church. We live in a world that is increasingly complex. There are many hidden dangers. There are many problems in life. Let us seek the Lord for that collective strength and courage!