Courage Esther 4:9-17

Abraham Lincoln “To sin by silence when they should protest makes cowards out of men”

James A. Garfield “If there be one thing upon earth that mankind love and admire better than another, it is a brave man– a man who dares to look the devil in the face and tell him he is the devil.”

William H. Danforth “Lines of least resistance make crooked rivers and crooked men”

Great Acts of Courage We’ve all seen them Overcome physical disabilities Exhibit fortitude and boldness

Courage Necessary To stand for what is right To act on conviction even if wrong “Act like men” (1 Corinthians 16:13) Not lukewarm (Revelation 3:16)

Abraham Great courage –Left home and security (Genesis 12:1) –Faith in God’s power (Romans 4:18) –Trusted even when hard to understand (Genesis 22:9)

Gideon Another man of courage –Fought an overwhelming enemy (Judges 7:2, 4-7, 12, 16, 19) –Trusted God’s judgment –Did not let the size of the work hinder him

Esther Courageous woman –First reasoned from consequence (Esther 3:13; 4:13) –Later from conviction (Esther 4:14-16) –Faith evident by her praying and fasting

Paul Profile in courage –In danger often (2 Corinthians 11:23-28) –Worked through obstacles (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)

Jesus Perfect example of courage –Came to face rejection (Isaiah 53:3) –Took on the religious establishment –Accepted the terms of the Father (Matthew 26:42)

The Unconquerable Seem that way at least –Face our challenges (2 Timothy 1:7) –Courage to give up the world (1 John 2:15-17; James 4:4)

The Uncomfortable Give up what is comfortable –Like Abraham –Accept rest in Christ (Matthew 11:28) –Speak out against evil (Ephesians 5:11)

The Ridicule Speak what is right –Fighting a spiritual battle (1 Timothy 6:12) –Will suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12) –Trust our weapon (Ephesians 6:17)

The Devil Must be resisted –After our souls (James 4:7) –Often stand alone (2 Timothy 4:16-18) –Courage to be peculiar (Titus 2:14)

Conclusion Courage must be demonstrated Refuse to “follow the crowd” Right will conquer