Category: Courage
Subject: Courage
Grace Teaches Us
Paul wrote to Titus, “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us…” (Titus 3:11-12a). It is a simple principle. God has granted His great mercy to us, and we are so blessed by this extended grace. We learn from this largesse that He loves us, He is good, He is omnipotent, He is eternal. Knowing Him by His grace, we are aware of our own obligations to be who He desires for us to be. Consider the following: Continue reading “Grace Teaches Us”
Serenity Prayer
The prayer is rather famous. It has taken various similar forms from the 1930’s, and was apparently adopted by Alcoholics Anonymous in the 1940’s. It is called the serenity prayer.
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
It seems that the prayer has three very important and true sentiments. Let’s consider them in turn.
First, we need serenity – the state of being calm, peaceful and untroubled. Our serenity is tied to the loving provision of our Master. Paul wrote, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7). We do not need to be concerned about things beyond our control, because God is in control of all! Even against the most powerful of forces, “The Lord of hosts has sworn, saying, ‘Surely as I have thought, so it shall come to pass, and as I have purposed, so it shall stand…’” (Isaiah 14:24).
Second, we need courage – strength in the face of pain, grief or hardship. There is much we can actually do with God’s help, especially spiritually. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). Sometimes hard decisions have to be made – sacrifices, changes, repentance. Many are unwilling to make those decisions. An example were the rulers of the Jews who believed in Jesus, but because of the Pharisees were unwilling to confess him, “lest they should be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God” (John 12:42-43). It is always important to do what is right in the sight of the Lord God, no matter the consequence.
Finally, we need wisdom – the soundness of an action or decision with regard to the application of experience, knowledge, and good judgment. In the Bible, this wisdom comes from a knowledge of God’s word, experience, and prayer. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5). Here our wisdom allows us to know when to act, and when to leave our troubles with God. As Jesus said, don’t worry, “for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things” (Matthew 6:32). We understand that since God knows and cares, He will act to protect us and provide what we need.
It may be that the Serenity Prayer is misused or misunderstood by some. But it contains truths to embrace!
Sermon: Paul’s Indomitable Approach to Life
The apostle Paul, even while in prison, was positive in outlook, and in his determination to minister to others.We can learn from his example.
Sermon: Courage Needed
In the presence of a hostile and intolerant culture, the Christian needs the spirit of power, love and a sound mind to boldly proclaim the gospel of our Lord
A Brave Man
In a recent Bible study our group was discussing Acts 14. The chapter covers the efforts of Paul and Barnabas on Paul’s first missionary journey. It relates the experiences of the men in Antioch of Pisidia, Iconium, Lystra and Derbe.
In Iconium, certain Jews and Gentiles in the city joined together, and threatened to stone them (5). So, Paul and Barnabas fled to Lystra. The problem is, the Jews who opposed Paul’s preaching in both Antioch of Pisidia, and Iconium followed Paul and Barnabas to Lystra. They incited a multitude, and managed on this occasion to stone Paul (they thought to his death!) (19). But, Paul rose up and again left, this time to Derbe. Their preaching was successful there, as they “made many disciples” (21).
Finally, they went back to the places where they were persecuted… Lystra, Iconium and Antioch. Why would Paul do such a thing? First, to strengthen “the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith” (22). Second, to appoint “elders in every church” (23). It was important to Paul to minister to his brethren, no matter the danger.
At the end of the study, one man remarked, “Paul was a very brave man!” Yes, he was. Paul’s recognition of the importance of the work emboldened him in the work he did. (And, of course, we can say the same of Barnabas, and Philip, and Stephen, and all of the apostles). Too, Paul knew the promise of His Lord. “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer… Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10).
Sermon: What Can the Righteous Do?
From Psalm 11 we see that the instinct to run and hide in the face of persecution and conflict is misguided. God is in control, and He protects those who are His. If we please Him, we can rejoice in our hope!
The Mob Mentality
We live in harrowing times. The present pandemic is becoming more and more intrusive in the world. Not only have many died from the COVID-19 virus, but there is a growing panic in America and throughout the world.
It is hard to know whether things are as bad as they seem to be. The virus is actually fairly mild compared to others, but it is new, and seems to be easily spread. Regardless, it is being covered by the media 24/7, and is resulting in major lifestyle changes in America.
Sermon: Valiant Gideon
The lesson is a textual examination of Judges 6-8, which records the life and person of Gideon, a valiant man of God. Several applications that are germane to us can be made.
Let Your Conduct be Worthy
In his letter to the Philippians, the apostle Paul gave them this charge, “Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ” (1:27). He also noted of what that worthy walk consists.
- “That you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.” This was important to Paul, and he wrote about it often. In 1 Corinthians, he made the same call to the brethren there, “that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1:10).
This unity of mind has the common purpose of serving the Lord. We work together for the faith. This is why unity can only be based upon God’s revealed will. This is why the concept of unity in diversity (agree to disagree) is so misguided. Our one mind must be centered on the gospel of our Lord.
- That you “not in any way [be] terrified by your adversaries” (28). Such fear of those who oppose right can discourage and even defeat our will to walk in a worthy way. Jesus said, “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28).
Put simply, a worthy walk is found in working together with other Christians in obedience to God, no matter the obstacles and enemies that might seek to prevent it. To do this is to secure salvation!
To see The Patternists Page on Facebook, click here, and Like!
Sermon: David’s Mighty Men
Sermon preached by Jonathan Hinds.
Lessons learned from David’s mighty men, as revealed in 1 Chronicles 11.
Sermon: The TRUE Daniel Plan
There is a new diet book out called, The Daniel Plan. It references a passage from Daniel 1:8, where Daniel refused the diet of the king of Babylon. There is a true plan found in the book of Daniel, which if followed, will bring spiritual benefits and health.
Sermon: Caleb Followed the Lord Fully
Numbers 13 & 14 reveal the faithfulness of Caleb. He followed the Lord his whole life, with his whole heart, despite the opposition and danger that accompanied his service. He serves as a wonderful example to us.
Sermon: King David’s Charge
The text of 1 Kings 2:1-4 is examined, clause by clause. King David’s charge to his young son Solomon, as he neared his death, is one that has applicable principles for us today.
“Be Strong and of Good Courage”
When Moses was 120 years old he called Israel together, and told them that their sojourn in the wilderness was coming to an end. Because of his sin at Kadesh (cf. Numbers 20), Moses would not be allowed to lead the people into the promised land. After promising the people that God was with them, he anointed Joshua as the new leader of the fledgling nation. He told Joshua in the presence of the people, “Be strong and of good courage, for you must go with this people to the land which the Lord has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall cause them to inherit it. And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed” (Deuteronomy 31:7-8).
Sermon: Admonitions to Young Preachers – 4
In this final of four lessons on the subject, the sermon discusses Paul’s admonition to Timothy to contend for the truth as a young preacher.
