After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, 2 “Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel. 3 Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses. 4 From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun shall be your territory. 5 No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you. 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. 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. 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.”  Joshua 1:1-9

A.  Overcoming fear is a matter of obedience

1.  To all of God’s people without exception: Deuteronomy 31:1-6

2.  To all of God’s leaders without exception: Deuteronomy 31:7-8, 31:23, Joshua 1:1-9, 2 Tim. 1:6-7

B.  God’s promises direct and empower our obedience

1.  The place of promises in the Christian life: 2 Peter 1:3-4, Heb. 11:12.

2.  God’s specific promises in times we are afraid

a.  The promise of His conquering power:  Joshua 1:5a, Romans 8:31

b.  The promise of His comforting presence:  Joshua 1:5b, Psalm 46:1-2

c.  The promise of His constant faithfulness: Joshua 1:5c, 2 Timothy 2:13

 3.  Our responses necessary to enjoy God’s promises

  a.  Be diligent in obeying His commands: Joshua 1:7a, John 14:21, 1 John 2:3

   b.  Refuse to be distracted by the world: Joshua 1:7b, Heb. 12:1-2

   c.  Discipline yourself to know His commands and promises: Joshua 1:8, Psalm 119:97, Psalm 1:1-3