Today’s Scripture Reading 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Real Christians Are COURAGEOUS 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Wizard of Oz “What have they got that I ain’t got? COURAGE!

A Needed Character Trait Truly, courage is one of the most necessary of all of the character traits for true Christians. The Lord intends for us to be people of great boldness and strength. It might can be said that He intends us to be people of audacity. Satan is not bashful nor a coward. To stand up to his attacks, real Christians must be COURAGEOUS

Some Admirable People of Genuine Courage Abraham: Who had the courage to go where God said to go without asking questions or doubting.

Some Admirable People of Genuine Courage Hananiah Mishael Azariah Who, though given pagan names, refused to bow to pagan gods.

Some Admirable People of Genuine Courage Daniel: Who trusted and obeyed God all the days of his life, even when his very life was at stake.

Some Admirable People of Genuine Courage Gideon Who was from the least family in the least clan in the least tribe of Israel. He was called by God while hiding in a wine press, yet delivered the nation from oppression through the power of God.

Some Admirable People of Genuine Courage Deborah Who, though a woman, understood her position as a judge over Israel and led its army to victory while Barak cowered behind her.

Some Admirable People of Genuine Courage Jael: Who courageously drove a tent peg through Sisera’s head to deliver Israel.

Some Admirable People of Genuine Courage Peter: Who actually got out of the boat to walk on water with Jesus.

Some Admirable People of Genuine Courage Stephen: Who spoke the truth of the gospel even knowing it would cost him his life.

Some Admirable People of Genuine Courage Paul: Who endured punishment, torture and eventually death so that the gospel could be preached in all its purity.

Some Encouragement to be Courageous Deuteronomy 31:6– Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."

Deuteronomy 31:23 The LORD gave this command to Joshua son of Nun: "Be strong and courageous, for you will bring the Israelites into the land I promised them on oath, and I myself will be with you.“ c.f. Joshua 1:6,7,9,18.

David Charged Solomon to be strong and courageous 1 Chronicles 28:20 David also said to Solomon his son, "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the LORD is finished.

Paul Encouraged Timothy to be Strong For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7

Paul commanded the Church to be Courageous 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 -- Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.

The Early Church Prayed for Boldness Acts 4:29-30 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. 30Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus."

The Curse of the Cowardly But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death." Revelation 21:8

We Were Called To Be Righteous Hebrews 10:37-39 For in just a very little while,    "He who is coming will come and will not delay.    But my righteous one will live by faith.    And if he shrinks back,       I will not be pleased with him." But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved. The Lord Takes No Pleasure In Cowards

Real Christians Are: A Final Review  FAITHFUL GODLY LOVING JOYFUL PEACEFUL PATIENT KIND GOOD GENTLE COMPASSIONATE SELF-CONTROLLED HUMBLE FORGIVING THANKFUL PERSEVERING KNOWLEDGEABLE HONEST CLEAN TALKERS COURAGEOUS