Empowered by Encouragement: Embracing Identity and Courage
Summary
Today’s focus is on the power of encouragement, identity, and courage within the body of Christ. Gathering together as believers is not just a tradition, but a divine strategy for strengthening, building up, and encouraging one another. When we come together, we should leave with more courage, more strength, and a deeper sense of blessing than when we arrived. This is not just about feeling good; it’s about being equipped for the race set before us, a race that has a clear finish line and a purpose designed by God.
Expectation is a powerful force. Just as we make plans to go to the lake with certain expectations—whether to fish, swim, or relax—we should approach our time with God and with each other with expectation. God meets us at the level of our expectation. If we come expecting to hear from Him, to be changed, to be built up, He will not disappoint. Our faith is authored and finished by Jesus, and within that faith is the courage we need for every challenge.
The story of Gideon is a profound reminder that God calls us not according to our own estimation, but according to His. Gideon saw himself as the least, the runt of the litter, but God called him a mighty man of courage. Gideon’s journey shows us that it’s not about what we lack, but about believing what God says about us. We already have what we need inside us through Christ; the challenge is to believe it and act on it.
Comparison is a trap that leads to frustration and ineffectiveness. Just as a canoe isn’t meant for the open sea, we are not meant to live out someone else’s calling. Each of us is uniquely equipped for a specific purpose. When we try to be what we’re not, we end up frustrated and ineffective. Embracing our God-given identity and purpose is the key to fulfillment and fruitfulness.
Finally, the company we keep matters. Gideon’s victory came not with the largest army, but with the right people—those who were chosen by God and ready for the task. Our circles influence our faith, our courage, and our outcomes. When we surround ourselves with those who sharpen us and encourage us in the Lord, we are positioned for victory. God is a God of restoration, and He calls us to walk in victory, not defeat, knowing that we are more than conquerors through Christ.
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Key Takeaways
- The Power of Godly Community: Gathering with other believers is not just for fellowship, but for mutual strengthening, building up, and encouragement. When we leave the presence of God’s people, we should be more courageous and hopeful than when we arrived. This is a divine design for our growth and perseverance in the faith. [30:51]
- Expectation Determines Encounter: The level of expectation we bring to our time with God and His people shapes what we receive. If we expect only the ordinary, we may miss the extraordinary that God wants to do. But when we come hungry for revelation, direction, and transformation, God meets us at that place of faith. [35:26]
- Identity Precedes Action: Like Gideon, we often see ourselves through the lens of our limitations or past failures. Yet God calls us according to His purpose and equips us with everything we need. True courage is not self-confidence, but God-confidence—believing and acting on what He says about us, even when our feelings or circumstances say otherwise. [51:42]
- Comparison Breeds Frustration: Trying to live out someone else’s calling or measure up to their gifts leads to frustration and ineffectiveness. Just as a sundial is only useful in the sun, we are only fruitful when we embrace our unique God-given identity and purpose. Fulfillment comes from being who God created us to be, not who we wish we were. [46:30]
- Choose Your Circle Wisely: The people we allow closest to us shape our faith, our courage, and our destiny. Gideon’s victory required a smaller, but more committed and aligned group. Likewise, we must surround ourselves with those who sharpen us, encourage us, and point us to God’s promises, not those who drain our faith or distract us from our calling. [01:05:04]
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Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[30:51] - The Purpose of Gathering Together
[32:55] - Encouragement and Expectation
[34:27] - Setting Spiritual Expectations
[35:26] - God Meets Us at Our Expectation
[37:40] - Courage and the Race of Faith
[39:19] - Equipped for the Journey
[41:12] - The Finish Line and Living with Purpose
[42:26] - The Dangers of Comparison
[45:14] - Embracing Your Unique Calling
[46:30] - Chess, Checkers, and Knowing Your Moves
[48:41] - Gideon: Identity and Courage
[51:42] - God’s View vs. Our View
[53:54] - Unlocking What God Has Placed in You
[01:05:04] - Choosing Your Circle and Walking in Victory
[01:13:12] - Embracing God’s Strength and Word
[01:17:55] - Proclaiming Victory Before the Battle
[01:24:23] - Walking in Victory and Restoration
[01:28:47] - Final Blessing and Dismissal
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Power of Encouragement, Identity, and Courage in Christ
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### Bible Reading
- Hebrews 12:1-2
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
- Judges 6:11-16
(The story of Gideon’s calling, where the angel of the Lord calls him a “mighty man of courage” even though Gideon sees himself as the least.)
- Proverbs 27:17
"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."
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### Observation Questions
1. In Hebrews 12:1-2, what does it say we should do with “every weight and the sin that so easily besets us”? What is the reason given for this instruction?
2. When the angel of the Lord appears to Gideon in Judges 6, what title does he give Gideon, and how does Gideon respond? ([51:42])
3. According to the sermon, what are the three things believers are supposed to do for each other when they gather together? ([30:51])
4. In Proverbs 27:17, what is the result of one person sharpening another? How does this relate to the people we choose to keep close? ([01:10:59])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon says that God calls us according to His estimation, not our own. Why do you think God called Gideon a “mighty man of courage” even when Gideon felt like the least? What does this reveal about how God sees us? ([51:42])
2. The pastor talked about expectation—how God meets us at the level of our expectation. What does it mean to come to God or to church with expectation, and how might that change our experience? ([35:26])
3. The message warns against the trap of comparison, using the example of a canoe and a speedboat. What are some dangers of trying to live out someone else’s calling instead of embracing your own? ([42:26])
4. Why did God reduce Gideon’s army from thousands to just 300 men? What does this teach us about the kind of people we should surround ourselves with? ([01:05:04])
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### Application Questions
1. When you gather with other believers—whether at church, in a small group, or just with Christian friends—do you usually leave feeling encouraged and built up? If not, what could you do differently to help create that kind of environment? ([30:51])
2. Think about your own expectations when you come to church or spend time with God. Are you expecting God to speak, to move, or to change you? If your expectations have been low, what is one way you could raise them this week? ([35:26])
3. Gideon struggled to believe what God said about him. Is there an area in your life where you are believing your own limitations instead of what God says about you? What would it look like to act on God’s word instead? ([51:42])
4. The sermon talked about comparison being a trap. Can you think of a time when comparing yourself to someone else led to frustration or feeling ineffective? What is one step you can take to embrace your unique calling? ([46:30])
5. Who are the people closest to you right now? Are they building your faith and courage, or are they draining you? Is there someone you need to spend more or less time with to help you walk in victory? ([01:05:04])
6. The pastor said, “You already have what you need inside you through Christ.” Is there a challenge you’re facing where you need to trust that God has already equipped you? What is one action you can take this week to step out in courage? ([53:54])
7. Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Who is someone in your life that sharpens you? How can you be intentional about encouraging and sharpening them this week? ([01:10:59])
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Closing Thought:
God has called you for a purpose, equipped you with everything you need, and placed you in a community to be strengthened and encouraged. Let’s choose to believe what He says, expect Him to move, and walk in the courage He’s given us!
Devotional
Day 1: Encouragement and Strength in Christian Community
When believers gather together, there is a divine purpose at work: to strengthen, build up, and encourage one another. Just by being present, you offer strength to others, and in turn, you are built up and leave with renewed courage. The body of Christ is designed so that no one walks alone; each person’s presence and words can be a source of blessing and encouragement. When you leave a gathering of believers, you should feel more courageous, not discouraged, because God’s kingdom is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Let your expectation when coming together be to receive and give encouragement, knowing that God meets you at your level of expectation. [32:55]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Reflection: Who is one person in your church family you can intentionally encourage today, either with a word, a note, or a prayer?
Day 2: Jesus—The Author and Finisher of Our Faith
Jesus is both the author and the finisher of our faith, meaning He initiates and completes the work of faith within us. As you run your race, you are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, and you are called to lay aside every weight and sin that hinders you. Your journey is not aimless; there is a finish line, and Jesus has already equipped you with the courage and strength needed to endure. Faith is not something you muster on your own—it is a gift from God, empowered by His love, and it is sustained by keeping your eyes fixed on Jesus, who endured the cross for the joy set before Him. [37:40]
Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 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: What is one “weight” or distraction you need to lay aside today so you can run your race with greater focus on Jesus?
Day 3: Embracing Your God-Given Identity and Purpose
God calls you to embrace the unique identity and purpose He has given you, not to compare yourself with others or believe lies about your worth. Like Gideon, you may feel inadequate or like the “runt” of the litter, but God sees you as a mighty hero and equips you with everything you need to fulfill your calling. Your strengths and gifts are already inside you through Christ, and it is your choice to believe what God says about you rather than what the world or your own doubts declare. When you accept your true identity in Christ, you can walk in victory, knowing you are fearfully and wonderfully made for a purpose. [53:54]
Judges 6:12-16 (ESV)
And the angel of the Lord appeared to him and said to him, “The Lord is with you, O mighty man of valor.” And Gideon said to him, “Please, my lord, if the Lord is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all his wonderful deeds that our fathers recounted to us, saying, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt?’ But now the Lord has forsaken us and given us into the hand of Midian.” And the Lord turned to him and said, “Go in this might of yours and save Israel from the hand of Midian; do not I send you?” And he said to him, “Please, Lord, how can I save Israel? Behold, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.” And the Lord said to him, “But I will be with you, and you shall strike the Midianites as one man.”
Reflection: What is one negative belief about yourself that you need to replace with God’s truth about your identity today?
Day 4: Choosing Your Circle Wisely
The people you surround yourself with have a profound impact on your faith journey. Just as Gideon had to reduce his army to those who were truly ready, you must choose friends and companions who sharpen you, encourage you, and align with God’s purposes. The right circle will help you walk in victory and keep you focused on God’s calling, while the wrong circle can lead you astray or keep you spiritually dull. Be intentional about your relationships, seeking those who build you up in Christ and challenge you to grow in faith, love, and purpose. [01:10:59]
Proverbs 27:17 (ESV)
Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.
Reflection: Is there a relationship in your life that is dulling your spiritual edge? What step can you take today to seek out or invest in relationships that sharpen your faith?
Day 5: Walking in Victory by Faith and Action
Victory in the Christian life comes not just from believing God’s promises, but from acting on them in faith. Like Gideon and his 300, you are called to trust God’s word, step out in obedience, and claim victory even before you see it with your eyes. God’s strength is found in His word, and when you walk by faith—standing on what He has spoken—you will see Him fight your battles and bring about outcomes you could never achieve on your own. Remember, you are more than a conqueror through Christ, and your victory is assured as you choose to believe, act, and walk in the identity and calling God has given you. [01:24:23]
1 John 5:4 (ESV)
For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.
Reflection: What is one area where God is calling you to take a step of faith today, trusting Him for the victory even before you see the results?
Quotes
I don't fight fire with fire, I just fight with the Word of God, and it moves every mountain, it never returns void, it's always alive, and it always works, and it has to operate out of love, it's the only way. [01:22:02] (21 seconds)
So Peter walked by faith, and by faith it was what? The Word. What's the Word God told you? And you, and you, you gotta know what that, what is that Word He told you? See, not all the disciples got out of the boat. And walked on the water. But Jesus told Peter, come. So what did Peter walk on? The Word, come. He didn't walk on water. He walked on the Word, come. [01:13:56] (40 seconds)
You don't got to go find your Goliath. Your Goliath's going to find you. Think about it. So many times people will try to go find their Goliath. You live your life, don't worry. It'll find you. That's why God has equipped you with every talent, every tool, and every capability to be more than a conqueror. To be able to stand in a place of victory all through Jesus Christ. True courage. [00:48:25] (30 seconds)
He already has the capability and the means to do what God's called him to do. He doesn't have to sit there and go, all right, Lord, you got to give it to me. No, you already have what God's called you to do. You don't got to sit there and beg and plead and get all built up. You already have it. You just got to unlock it. And how do you unlock it? Believe it. You got to know that you know that you know. [00:54:10] (27 seconds)
Above and not beneath. More than a conqueror. Blessed coming in and blessed going out. He's called you to be victorious. He's called you to be strong. He's called you to be a person of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, meekness, gentleness. He's called you. That is your purpose, to worship God, love God, share the kingdom of God. You got to choose to believe that. [01:01:48] (26 seconds)
Where is God's strength? It's in his word. In his word is where you find his strength. Let there be what? Light, and there was what? Tell me that's not strong. Lazarus, come forth. What is that? That is strength. There's strength in his word. There's strength in his word. There's strength in his word. [01:13:03] (18 seconds)
The Bible says, vengeance is mine, says the Lord Don't go try to fight your battles, I'll fight them for you I'll lead you and guide you in all truth And the truth shall set you free Sometimes it's us we've got to be set free from Gideon was that guy I'm the run on the letter But he chose to believe God He chose to walk in victory He chose to go ahead and make sure the circle around him was the right people He made sure that, hey, I got the belief and the power And I believe in it and I'm going to act in it I'm going to do it And so what happens in that final thing Is Gideon is walking in victory You got to walk in victory Knowing that you are standing in a place of victory [01:24:23] (52 seconds)
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