Embracing Courage: From Physical Defense to Spiritual Boldness
Summary
In reflecting on the events of the past week, I shared a story about one of our pastors who courageously intervened in a situation where an elderly man was being attacked. This story serves as a metaphor for the courage we often display in physical situations but lack in spiritual ones. We might be quick to defend someone physically, yet hesitate to share the gospel with someone who might not know Jesus. This discrepancy highlights a spiritual cowardice that many of us, including myself, struggle with.
Revelation 21:7-8 challenges us by listing the cowardly alongside the faithless and immoral, emphasizing the gravity of spiritual cowardice. This passage struck me deeply, as it calls us to be conquerors in our faith, standing firm even in the face of adversity. The courage to share our faith, even when it might lead to rejection or persecution, is a testament to our commitment to Christ.
I recounted a powerful story from my recent trip to Korea, where I met a pastor who had been imprisoned by the Taliban. Despite the dire circumstances, he and his fellow captives found a profound closeness to Jesus, a bond forged in suffering for the gospel. This story illustrates the peace and intimacy with Christ that can come from standing firm in our faith, even in the face of suffering.
The book of Philippians offers insight into the joy and bond that comes from being co-workers in the gospel. Paul’s deep affection for the church in Philippi was rooted in their shared mission of spreading the gospel. This partnership creates a bond that transcends mere attendance at church services. It challenges us to move from being consumers of church to active participants in the mission of Christ.
As we prepare to take communion, we are reminded of the ultimate act of courage displayed by Jesus. Despite the agony of the cross, He chose to endure it for our salvation. This act of love and courage is what we are called to emulate. Communion is not just a ritual; it is a proclamation of our commitment to follow Jesus courageously and to share His message with the world.
Key Takeaways:
- Courage in the physical realm often does not translate to spiritual courage. We may defend someone physically but hesitate to share the gospel, revealing a spiritual cowardice that needs to be addressed. [05:06]
- Revelation 21:7-8 challenges us to be conquerors in our faith, emphasizing that cowardice in spiritual matters is as serious as other sins. This calls us to stand firm and be bold in sharing our faith. [06:40]
- The story of the Korean pastor imprisoned by the Taliban illustrates the peace and intimacy with Christ that can come from suffering for the gospel. It challenges us to find joy and strength in standing firm in our faith. [13:23]
- The book of Philippians highlights the joy and bond that comes from being co-workers in the gospel. This partnership creates a deep connection that goes beyond mere church attendance, urging us to be active participants in Christ’s mission. [18:38]
- Communion is a reminder of Jesus’ ultimate act of courage on the cross. It calls us to emulate His courage and commitment, proclaiming our faith boldly and sharing His message with the world. [41:49]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:13] - Story of Courage
- [02:39] - Physical vs. Spiritual Courage
- [05:06] - Revelation's Challenge
- [09:32] - Courage in Suffering
- [13:23] - Korean Pastor's Story
- [18:38] - Partnership in the Gospel
- [24:19] - Co-workers vs. Customers
- [29:06] - Paul's Prayer for Courage
- [35:02] - Advancing the Gospel
- [37:49] - Praying for Courage
- [38:43] - Communion's Significance
- [41:49] - Proclaiming the Gospel
- [43:16] - Call to Action
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Revelation 21:7-8
2. Philippians 1:3-7
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#### Observation Questions
1. What actions did the pastor take when he witnessed the elderly man being attacked, and how did the public react? [01:35]
2. How does Revelation 21:7-8 categorize the cowardly, and what is their fate according to this passage? [06:40]
3. What was the unique way the Korean missionaries maintained their faith while imprisoned by the Taliban? [11:14]
4. How does Paul describe his relationship with the church in Philippi in Philippians 1:3-7? [17:19]
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why might the pastor have felt a sense of shame if he had not intervened in the physical altercation, and how does this relate to spiritual courage? [03:07]
2. In what ways does the story of the Korean pastor illustrate the concept of finding peace and intimacy with Christ through suffering? [13:23]
3. How does the partnership in the gospel create a deeper bond among believers, according to the sermon and Philippians 1:3-7? [18:38]
4. What does the act of communion symbolize in terms of courage and commitment to Christ, as discussed in the sermon? [41:49]
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you hesitated to share your faith. What held you back, and how can you overcome this hesitation in the future? [05:19]
2. Consider the courage displayed by the Korean pastor. How can you find strength in your faith during challenging times, and what steps can you take to deepen your relationship with Christ? [13:23]
3. How can you move from being a consumer of church services to an active participant in the mission of Christ? Identify one specific action you can take this week. [21:56]
4. Think about a person in your life who may not know Jesus. What practical steps can you take to engage them in a conversation about faith? [04:52]
5. How can you emulate the courage of Jesus in your daily life, especially when facing rejection or persecution for your beliefs? [41:49]
6. Reflect on your current relationships within the church. How can you foster deeper connections with fellow believers through shared mission and service? [18:38]
7. What is one specific way you can proclaim your faith boldly this week, perhaps in a setting where you have previously been hesitant? [42:22]
Devotional
Day 1: Spiritual Courage vs. Physical Courage
In our daily lives, we often find ourselves ready to act courageously in physical situations, such as defending someone in need. However, when it comes to spiritual matters, we may hesitate to share our faith or speak about Jesus, revealing a spiritual cowardice that needs to be addressed. This discrepancy challenges us to examine our priorities and to seek the same courage in spiritual matters as we do in physical ones. Revelation 21:7-8 reminds us of the seriousness of spiritual cowardice, placing it alongside other significant sins. We are called to be conquerors in our faith, standing firm and boldly sharing the gospel, even when it might lead to rejection or persecution. [05:06]
2 Timothy 1:7-8 (ESV): "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you hesitated to share your faith. What held you back, and how can you prepare to respond differently next time?
Day 2: Conquerors in Faith
Revelation 21:7-8 challenges believers to be conquerors in their faith, emphasizing that cowardice in spiritual matters is as serious as other sins. This passage calls us to stand firm and be bold in sharing our faith, even when faced with adversity. The courage to share the gospel, despite potential rejection or persecution, is a testament to our commitment to Christ. It is a call to move beyond fear and to embrace the power and love that God has given us to be His witnesses in the world. [06:40]
Joshua 1:9 (ESV): "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Reflection: Identify one person in your life who needs to hear the gospel. How can you courageously share your faith with them this week?
Day 3: Finding Peace in Suffering
The story of the Korean pastor imprisoned by the Taliban illustrates the peace and intimacy with Christ that can come from suffering for the gospel. Despite the dire circumstances, the pastor and his fellow captives found a profound closeness to Jesus, a bond forged in their suffering. This story challenges us to find joy and strength in standing firm in our faith, even in the face of suffering. It reminds us that true peace and intimacy with Christ often come through trials and that our faith can be strengthened in adversity. [13:23]
1 Peter 4:12-13 (ESV): "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you faced a trial or suffering. How did it impact your relationship with Christ, and what did you learn about His presence in your life?
Day 4: Partnership in the Gospel
The book of Philippians highlights the joy and bond that comes from being co-workers in the gospel. Paul’s deep affection for the church in Philippi was rooted in their shared mission of spreading the gospel. This partnership creates a bond that transcends mere attendance at church services, urging us to be active participants in Christ’s mission. It challenges us to move from being consumers of church to active participants, working together to advance the gospel and build His kingdom. [18:38]
Philippians 1:3-5 (ESV): "I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now."
Reflection: Consider your role in your church community. How can you actively participate in the mission of spreading the gospel and supporting your fellow believers?
Day 5: Emulating Christ's Courage
Communion is a reminder of Jesus’ ultimate act of courage on the cross. Despite the agony He faced, Jesus chose to endure it for our salvation. This act of love and courage is what we are called to emulate. As we partake in communion, we proclaim our commitment to follow Jesus courageously and to share His message with the world. It is a call to live out our faith boldly, reflecting the courage and love of Christ in our daily lives. [41:49]
Hebrews 12:2 (ESV): "Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
Reflection: As you prepare for communion, reflect on Jesus' courage on the cross. How can you emulate His courage in your own life, particularly in sharing His message with others?
Quotes
My point is it's weird how we can be so courageous in the physical world with physical things but then when it comes to something spiritual and something that really matters we're cowards we are we we we won't speak up because well that might hurt my reputation or or he may you know reject me or he may not you know listen to what I have to say so I I don't even want to say anything. [00:05:00]
Revelation 21:7 he says the one who conquers will have this Heritage I will be his God and he will be my son verse 8 but as for the Cowardly the faithless the detestable as for murderers the sexually immoral Sorcerers idolators and all liars their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur which is the second death. [00:06:21]
I refuse to be a coward I just I I don't want to be that I don't want to be that person that backs down when I was in Korea a couple weeks ago I have so much to tell you about that trip because it was one of those that has learned so much but I got to have dinner with this guy. [00:09:32]
He says team members will come up to me and say I was so close to Jesus when I was in that prison cell and I tried to get that back and it just just not the same I really wish I were back there there was this intimacy as I drew near to Jesus that I can't find in anything else and there's something about when we're willing to suffer for the sake of the Gospel. [00:13:19]
The reason why Paul had such a bond with the people in his church was they were co-workers with him they were Partners in the gospel and so much of church nowadays and understand this is a new phenomena that's going on right now where church is filled with customers this is something like Todd was talking about that we created in the last few decades. [00:21:02]
The church used to be a gathering of people who had spent the whole week passionately spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ because they had heard a good news that was so good that's that's all they did all week and then they would get together regularly with the other people who were spending all week out there sharing the gospel and they get together and there's a bond. [00:22:01]
Paul says in verse 12 he goes I want you to know brothers that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel so it's become known throughout the the the whole Imperial Guard and to the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ and most of the brothers having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment are much more bold to speak the word without fear. [00:35:02]
I want everyone walking out today thinking through what am I am I a partaker in this gospel am I a partner in this Gospel of this this you live to tell people about Jesus or are you a customer because that was what this is something we created the last few years that says Let Me Entertain You To Death let me keep the service is short. [00:37:49]
Communion is something you did everywhere and I want to encourage you you know what do you even have the boldness to take of communion when you're at a restaurant and say you know what I don't care you guys think this is weird we're going to pass the this piece of bread and and break it into pieces we're going to drink of this cup together even though we're having a nice dinner at this restaurant. [00:42:49]
I want to be a coworker with me and a partner with me in the gospel and if so then take of the bread take of the cup and remember what it represents and if you need prayer and you want to get baptized or anything there'll be some pastors up here by the prayer room. [00:43:16]
I want you to think about this because some of you guys hear this message and you go but it's hard for me to tell people about Jesus yeah and it's real easy for the rest of us don't you understand the message behind communion don't you understand what Jesus did in the garden remember his prayer Jesus did not feel like going to the cross in fact he was begging the father is there any other way. [00:38:43]
I want to be courageous Jesus did not back down and thank God he did not I'm so grateful I have a savior who did not back down and I want to draw near to a savior who didn't back down and this bread and cup he says you do this remembrance of me but what else does he say he goes this is how you'll Proclaim this is how you'll declare my gospel until I return. [00:41:49]
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