Leave an Inheritance of Boldness and Leadership (Joshua 1:9; Joshua 24:14-15, 31)

Sermon on 12 October 2025 by Pastor Justin Chia

Introduction

Proverbs 13:22 tells us that a good man will leave an inheritance to his children’s children. The bible is not referring to an inheritance of material wealth. We are interested in an inheritance of moral and spiritual value.

Message

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. - Joshua 1:9

The book of Joshua begins with the death of Moses. What Joshua inherited from Moses was not material wealth, but courage. The apostle Paul tells us - who can be against us, if God is for us (Romans 8:31)? Hebrews 13:6 tells us that the Lord is our helper; what can man do to us?

“Now therefore, fear the Lord, serve Him in sincerity and in truth, and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the river and in Egypt. Serve the Lord! And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the river, or the gods of the amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” - Joshua 24:14-15

Choose life, choose blessing. We can only be loyal to one - either God or mammon (deceitful riches). There is no such thing as saying that we worship God but still chase after money. If we choose God, we never need to worry about not having enough.

Israel served the Lord all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua, who had known all the works of the Lord which he had done for Israel. - Joshua 24:31

Bold leadership begins with God’s promises and is nurtured through obedience and faith from generation to generation. The courage of Joshua begins with the promises of God. His faith strengthens because of his obedience. Faith and obedience are two sides of the same coin.

Godly leadership is about boldness

Stand firm, turn fear into boldness. Demonstrate faith under pressure. Let people see your strength and courage.

Godly leadership is about leading by example, not by position

Lead by the presence of Christ in your life. Live by every word of God. Be a do-er of His Word (James 1:22-25). We cannot tell others to live a certain way unless we do it ourselves. Leadership begins at home. Lead by example within the family before guiding and influencing children’s minds (Proverbs 22:6; 2 Timothy 3:15). Teach diligently to your children (Deuteronomy 6:7).

Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. - Proverbs 22:6

And that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. - 2 Timothy 3:15

Godly leadership is about inspiring a generational renewal

A true and bold leader multiplies leaders (Matthew 28:20). Who will carry on our mission after we are gone?

Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ. - 1 Corinthians 11:1

Closing

Leave an inheritance of bold leadership that will outlive your ministry! Bold leadership requires standing firm. Bold leadership starts at home - shape the hearts at home. Bold leadership is about multiplying leaders who will carry on God’s work from generation to generation.

Lead your family toward a deeper spiritual commitment. Guide them through every opportunity and challenge so that their lives reflect Christ, inspiring others to follow Christ!