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The Character of Courage

By Richard Krejcir
For the week of July 29, 2002


Into Thy Word -  

The Character of Courage

Is the Character of Courage working in you? Here is how you can find out. Take a careful look at this character and fruit of Courage from God’s most precious Word by examining the passages below. Now ask yourself:

  1. How do I exhibit Courage in my daily life?
  2. What can I do to develop a better attitude of Courage?
  3. What can block Courage from operating from my life?
  4. How can I make Courage function better, stronger and faster even in times of uncertainly and stress? 

Courage (Deuteronomy 31:6; Josh. 1:9; Psalm 23:4; 31:24; Proverbs 28:1; Phil. 4:13; 2 Tim. 1:7; 1 John 4:4; 18) realizes that God has given us the strength to face any situation, trial, or peril. It is the ability to react, knowing that God is in control, that He who is in me is greater than he who is against me.  

Fear and Cowardice are the opposites. Running from our call because we get some resistance, whether it is sharing the faith or exercising our gifts, dishonors our Lord Jesus Christ! 

·        Here are positive examples from Scripture (1 Sam. 17:33-37; Dan. 3:16-18; 6:10-24; Acts 4:13-21)

·        Here is are negative examples from Scripture (Num. 13:27-33; Matt. 26:69-74; John 19:12-16) 

Further Questions 

  1. How would you define Courage?

 

  1. What are the things that cause you to have fear, especially with others?

 

  1. How do fear, and being biased, counteract Courage?

 

  1. What happens to our relationship with God and with others when we are cowardly with others, refusing to take a chance even if it hurts us?

 

  1. When have you been filled with Courage the most?

 

  1. In what situation did you fail to be Courageous when you should have?

 

  1. What issue is in your life that would improve with more Courage?

 

  1. Think through the steps you need to take to put Courage into action in a specific instance. Such as, how can you do something you are called to do that causes you dread, such as witnessing to a stranger? Consider how much you can grow and learn when you are willing to take a chance now and then, and how much that can influence others around you who struggle with fear!

 

Courage for the Christian is the motivation to say and do the right thing, regardless of the consequences. We are fueled with courage because God promises to help us and save us because of what Christ has done for us! It is allowing Him to work in us with strength, power, and conviction. Because of our saving faith, we should have the response of gratitude, willing to tell others about what He has done for us and what He can do for them. Fear and trepidations will not go away, but when we lean on Him, He will give us the courage for evangelism and teaching.  

Remember; Courage is crucial for sharing the faith, and teaching the truth of Christ. Jesus told us this would not be easy, that we will meet resistance. However, He will give us the faith and courage to prevail (Matt. 24:9; Acts 20:29-30; 2 Tim. 4:3-4)! All of these characters work together, so being courageous will be within the parameters of love, kindness, and self-control… Being courageous means not doing things stupidly or taking unnecessary chances!  

© 2002 R. J. Krejcir Into Thy Word Ministries www.intothyword.com  

 

Here is an excerpt of:  

CHRISTIAN COURAGE

By John Piper

Where then shall we get this courage? Consider these pointers.

FROM BEING FORGIVEN AND BEING RIGHTEOUS - "The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion". "Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralytic, 'Take courage, son; your sins are forgiven'" (Matthew 9:2).

FROM TRUSTING GOD AND HOPING IN HIM - "Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in the LORD" (2 Corinthians 3:12).

FROM BEING FILLED WITH SPIRIT - "They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness" (Acts 4:31).

FROM GOD'S PROMISE TO BE WITH YOU - "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9).

FROM KNOWING THAT THE ONE WITH YOU IS GREATER THAN THE ADVERSARY: -"Be strong and courageous . . . for the one with us is greater than the one with him. With him is only an arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles" (2 Chronicles 32:7).

FROM BEING SURE THAT GOD IS SOVEREIGN OVER THE BATTLES - "Be strong, and let us show ourselves courageous for the sake of our people and for the cities of our God; and may the LORD do what is good in His sight" (2 Samuel 10:12).

THROUGH PRAYER - "On the day I called, You answered me; You made me bold with strength in my soul" (Psalm 138:3; see also Ephesians 6:19-20).

FROM THE EXAMPLE OF OTHERS - "Most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear" (Philippians 1:14).

 




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