'How To'
Instructions in Righteousness
Lesson 4: Be strong and courageous to do
according to the law.
Key verse: Josh 1:7
Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest
observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant
commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the
left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.
Josh 1:6-8
"Not to depart out of the mouth," is to be constantly in the mouth. The
law is in our mouth, not only when we are incessantly preaching it, but
when we are reading it intelligently for ourselves, or conversing about
it with others. To this there was to be added meditation, or reflection
upon it both day and night (vid., Ps 1:2). haagaah (OT:1898) does not
mean theoretical speculation about the law, such as the Pharisees
indulged in, but a practical study of the law, for the purpose of
observing it in thought and action, or carrying it out with the heart,
the mouth, and the hand. Such a mode of employing it would be sure to be
followed by blessings. "Then shalt thou make they way prosperous," i.e.,
succeed in all thine undertakings (vid., Deut 28:29), "and act wisely"
(as in Deut 29:8).
(from Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament: New Updated
Edition)
Josh 1:7-8
Observe to do according to all the law. The fourth command was to keep
watch or be careful to practice the whole Mosaic law, not merely the
letter of the Law, but the spirit of it as well (cf. Matt 5:27-28,
etc.). 8. Meditate therein day and night. Haga, "recite in an
undertone." The LXX uses (meletao), denoting the meditative pondering
and audible practice of orators. Joshua's courage, hope of victory, and
wisdom necessary for success were dependent upon his constant attention
and inflexible adherence to the written Law (tora), "instruction,
teaching").
(from The Wycliffe Bible Commentary)
Joshua 1:7 is talking about the natural blessings that come from being
immersed in the Law. Our strength and courage come from confidence
in the Law. If we are immersed in the Law of God via reading,
practical study and meditation, we gain strength and courage. In
meditation, the Holy Spirit imparts knowledge and wisdom and here we
link the Law with word, action and deed. That is, the Law is now a
part of our heart. We can now invoke the power of the Law in what
we say, think and do. In this is strength and courage. One
begets the other and this becomes habit. We develop a sense of how
it works and we are compelled to keep ourselves immersed in the law.
When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie
down, and thy sleep shall be sweet. Be not afraid of sudden fear,
neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. For the
LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.
–Prov 3:24-26
In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall
have a place of refuge. –Prov 14:26
According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our
Lord: In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith
of him. Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations
for you, which is your glory. For this cause I bow my knees unto
the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. –Eph
3:11-14
The law is powerful. It converts the soul and enlightens the eyes
(Ps 19:7-9). It gives
understanding (Proverbs 28:4-5).
Those who look into the law [immerse themselves
into it by study and meditation] are blessed in their deeds.
(James 1:25)
Instructions – Be strong and courageous to do
according to the law.
1) Immerse yourself in the Word of God
2) Read the Law.
3) Engage in practical study of it. Study the linkage between Law
and deed.
4) Meditate on the Law.
5) Invoke the power of the Law in the form of the Godly principles the
Law points to (Gal. 5:22-23).
6) Allow the Law to give you strength and courage.
7) Invoke that strength and courage to do the Law.