Overview:
Joshua 1:1–9
“Familiarity breeds contempt” is an old cliché because it’s nearly always true. However, before contempt, familiarity also breeds complacency—that ho-hum attitude keeping us way too comfortable with the status quo. Complacency is in the same troublesome family as cynicism, a kissing cousin of contempt.
Overexposure to spiritual things can both dampen our enthusiasm and damage our awe for God. That’s what happened to the ancient Israelites before they entered the Promised Land. Daily miracles became ho-hum experiences as God’s people grew more complacent, cynical, and contemptuous. But God had a stern word for them . . . and for us: Sustain your enthusiasm or you may pay a heavy price.
Message Summary:
In this motivating message, Chuck Swindoll defines enthusiasm not as a bubbly personality or empty hype, but as a deep-seated spiritual reality. Drawing from the Greek roots en and theos, meaning “God within,” Chuck argues that true enthusiasm is a byproduct of the Holy Spirit’s presence in a believer’s life. This “God-within-ness” provides the internal fuel necessary to stay the course when outward circumstances are discouraging. Using the life of Joshua as a primary example, the sermon illustrates how a leader can sustain passion and purpose even when stepping into the massive shadow of a predecessor like Moses.
The message focuses on the transition of leadership in Joshua chapter 1, where God commands Joshua to be “strong and courageous” as he prepares to lead Israel into the Promised Land. Chuck emphasizes that enthusiasm is sustained by a preoccupation with God’s presence rather than an obsession with the “final score” or public opinion. By focusing on the promise that God will never leave nor forsake His people, believers can maintain a contagious spirit of hope. The sermon concludes with a call to play the “game of life” to the fullest, ending the race exhausted but filled with gratitude and a heart that remains vibrant for the things of God.
Message Key Facts:
- The Etymology of Enthusiasm: Chuck breaks down the word’s origin (en theos), explaining that it describes a person who is “possessed by God.” It is an internal fire fueled by the Spirit, not an external display of emotion.
- The Transition from Moses to Joshua: Following the death of Moses, Joshua faced the daunting task of leading millions. God’s primary encouragement was not a strategy session, but a reminder of His constant presence: “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you.”
- The 1969 “Miracle” Mets: Chuck uses the story of the underdog New York Mets to illustrate how a team with enthusiasm and belief can overcome impossible odds, eventually winning the World Series against the powerhouse Baltimore Orioles.
- Don Meredith’s Perspective: Chuck recalls the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback’s observation that many people focus too much on the scoreboard. He suggests that we should instead focus on the “play” at hand, trusting God with the ultimate outcome.
- The Three-Fold Command: Chuck highlights the repeated command in Joshua 1: “Be strong and courageous.” He notes that this isn’t a suggestion but a necessity for anyone looking to sustain enthusiasm in a cynical world.
Message References:
- Joshua 1:1–9: The foundational text where God commissions Joshua and promises His presence as the source of strength and success.
- 1 Corinthians 10:1–12: A warning from Israel’s history about the dangers of losing focus and falling into complaining or idolatry.
- Numbers 13–14 (Reference): The backstory of Joshua’s early faithfulness as one of the two spies who believed God could conquer the land.
- Psalm 16:11: A reference to the “fullness of joy” found in God’s presence.
- 2 Timothy 1:7: The reminder that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.
