The Pulpit Commentary on Deuteronomy 1:21

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

Courage.

"Fear not, neither be discouraged" (cf. Joshua 1:7, Joshua 1:9).

I. GOD'S WORK NEEDS COURAGE.

1. The enemies are many.

2. The enemies are strong.

3. Humanly speaking, we are feeble in comparison with them.

Distinguishing between real and nominal Christianity, it might be plausibly held that there is today greater talent, intellectual power, wealth, rank, and social influence enlisted on the side of unbelief than on the side of faith. But the true citadel of unbelief is the evil heart; and what powers of our own are sufficient to storm that?

II. IN GOD'S WORK THERE IS EVERY REASON FOR COURAGE.

1. God is with us. Our cause is his cause.

2. He has promised victory, and he is able to keep his promise.

3. The past should encourage us.

The Church can never come through greater conflicts than those in which she has already proved herself victorious.—J.O.

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