Fight Night Joshua 1:9

This week's Fighter Verse is Joshua 1:9, 
"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.”

To help with memorizing and meditating upon this verse consider its three parts

the question, which is marked by a question mark

the commands, which are marked by clear imperative statements.  

the reason, which begins with the word "for."

The question helps set up some context leading up to this verse.

In Deuteronomy 31:6, Moses tells all the people of Israel to be strong and courageous.

In Deuteronomy 31:7, Moses tells Joshua to be strong and courageous.

In Deuteronomy 31:23, God tells Joshua to be strong and courageous.

In Joshua 1:6 and 7, before verse 9, God tells Joshua twice to be strong and couageous.  

The commands are two identity statements and two prohibition statements.

Identity statements:  Be strong and Be courageous.

Prohibition statement:  Do not be frightened.  Do not be dismayed.

The reason to be strong and courageous is theological.

In Deuteronomy 31:6, Moses tell the people to be strong and courageous because "it is the Lord who goes with you.  He will not leave you or forsake you."

In Deuteronomy 31:7, Moses tells Joshua to be strong and courageous because God has promised the Israelites this land.  "It is the Lord who goes before you.  He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you." (Joshua 1:8)

In Deuteronomy 31:23 and Joshua 1:6, God tells Joshua to be strong and courageous because God had promised the Israelites the land

THE REASON we should be strong and courageous is GOD.

Be strong and courageous because of who God is!

Be strong and courageous because of what God has done for you!

Be strong and courageous.

TRUE STRENGTH, COURAGE AND FEARLESSNESS come from God!

Not from within yourself!

Bible memorizing, meditation and learning should lead to life transformation and this Old Testament command contains a great principle that need to be considered and lived out.
However, before developing this principles into practical, life change, consider the "be strong and courageous" task in the Great Commission and the power behind it.  
Matthew 28:19 and 20 contain some impossible tasks that should cause great fear in us, if it were not for the reality that Jesus is "with you always, to the end of the age."

“…All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

I posted about the Great Commission last week - Impossible Task, Incredible God.

Takeaway: Remember, your story needs to focus on God and what He has done.

Someone who has been saved by God will want to live for God and God’s glory.


In our prayers, we need to remember this life is about God's glory and not our comfort.
In our evangelism, we need to remember it is God who saves. 
In our church life, we need to remember our church family meets together to glorify God and edify/encouragement others to glorify God.  It is not about our entertainment.
In our difficulties, we need to remember who God is and what he has done, is doing and will do during these times.

Additonal resources
Have you seen my dad? video
Look at the Book:  Matthew 28:18-20 video

For more about the Fighter Verses go to www.drodgersjr.com/p/fighter-verses.html