Courage      Part 2

1. Introduction

·  Heb 12:1-3 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls NKJV

· Endure=NT 5278= Hupomene=Calm steadfast courage

To remain unmoved, to refuse to withdraw or flee in the midst of troubles and difficulties

To persevere in holding faith in Christ in the face of setbacks and resistance

To endure and bear ill treatments bravely and calmly

· There is a great need for believers to show courage in the face of life’s difficulties

· We need courageous leaders, fathers, mothers, friends…people able to stand in adversity and not be moved

2. What is courage?

· The strength to stand when it is easier to quit or fall

· The will to maintain your integrity when it is easier to look the other way

· The will to move forward when it is easier to feel sorry for yourself and stay put

·  The will to shape your world rather than let others do it for you

· The will to pursue your dreams in spite of resistance of people or circumstances

· The strength to step forward and lead when it is easier to follow the crowd

·  The will to face your fears and push through them anyway

· The will to face issues in relationships and speak the truth

· The will to keep going even when you think that you can’t

· The will to hold onto your convictions when you have to stand alone

· The quiet voice at the end of your day that says I will try again tomorrow

· Paul Example Acts 20:22 And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, 23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. 24 But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. NKJV

3. 8x Ways that courage is Lost

· Negative pessimistic talk …………………….Dt.1:28

· Self Pity…focusing on yourself  …………..Mt.16:23

· Focusing on circumstances rather than trusting the faithfulness of God 1Sam. 17:24

· Accusations and judgments of people… Neh.6:9

· Witchcraft attack   ………………………………1Kg.19 1-3

· Continuing difficulties or resistance  ……..Num 21:4

· Compromise over small issues  ……………Song.2:15

· Grief over setbacks……………………………….. 1Sam.30:4-6

4. How  You can develop Courage

a) The part God plays

·  Rom 5:1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance(Courage); 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope.NKJV

· God preplans and uses circumstances as opportunity to develop courage

· God imparts grace for us to grow in courage if we turn to Him in adversity

· David’s Mighty Men: 2 Sam 23:8 These are the names of the mighty men whom David had: Josheb-Basshebeth the Tachmonite, chief among the captains. He was called Adino the Eznite, because he had killed eight hundred men at one time. 9 And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo, the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men with David when they defied the Philistines who were gathered there for battle, and the men of Israel had retreated. 10 He arose and attacked the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand stuck to the sword. The LORD brought about a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to plunder. 11 And after him was Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite. The Philistines had gathered together into a troop where there was a piece of ground full of lentils. So the people fled from the Philistines. 12 But he stationed himself in the middle of the field, defended it, and killed the Philistines. So the LORD brought about a great victory. NKJV

b) The part we must play

· 1 Sam 30:1Now it happened, when David and his men came to Ziklag, on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the South and Ziklag, attacked Ziklag and burned it with fire, 2 and had taken captive the women and those who were there, from small to great; they did not kill anyone, but carried them away and went their way. 3 So David and his men came to the city, and there it was, burned with fire; and their wives, their sons, and their daughters had been taken captive. 4 Then David and the people who were with him lifted up their voices and wept, until they had no more power to weep. 5 And David's two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the widow of Nabal the Carmelite, had been taken captive. 6 Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.NKJV

· David faced overwhelming setback with great courage…He strengthened himself internally to face it

· Acknowledge and resolve pain and discouragement before The Lord

· Meditate in the Word and promises of God (Josh1:8-9)

· Rest and be strengthened by waiting on God (Is.40:31-32)

· Remember how God has helped you before

· Face the situation fully and refuse to draw back in fear

· Pray for wisdom and strength and then take practical action

· Seek out support of good friends

c) The role of good friends

· 1 Sam 23:16 Then Jonathan, Saul's son, arose and went to David in the woods and strengthened his hand in God. 17 And he said to him,"Do not fear, for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you. You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you. Even my father Saul knows that." 18 So the two of them made a covenant before the LORD. And David stayed in the woods, and Jonathan went to his own house. NKJV

· Good friends affirm you, encourage with words and strengthen  your courage to stand and to press on

“I believe in you” “I know you can do it”

· Good friends stand with you and their loyal commitment encourages you

· Good friends are not afraid to tell you the truth

Challenge:  Where do you need to grow in courage?

                     What is eroding your courage?   How will you face and defeat it?

                      What do you need to do to develop your courage?