Finding Courage Through Grace and the Holy Spirit
Summary
Recognizing our own limitations, we find everything we need in God. The Holy Spirit fills us with truth, hope, and faith, especially when we face spiritual, emotional, or physical struggles. Drawing inspiration from famous commencement speeches, we see how small actions can lead to significant changes. In the book of Joshua, God commands Joshua to be strong and courageous as he leads Israel into the Promised Land. Similarly, Jesus prepares His disciples for the challenges they will face, promising them the power to fulfill their calling. Jesus assures us that while the world brings tribulation, He has overcome it, offering us peace and courage.
Courage is not the absence of fear but the ability to persevere despite it. It is gained through grace, which empowers us to do what we cannot do on our own. Jesus prepared His disciples for the persecution they would face, reminding them of the power of grace. The apostles, despite facing martyrdom, demonstrated immense courage through their faith. The story of Paul, once a persecutor of Christians, illustrates the transformative power of grace and forgiveness.
Courage is also gained through the power of Pentecost. The Holy Spirit empowers us to endure difficulties and live the life God has for us. Peter's transformation from a cowardly disciple to a bold preacher on the day of Pentecost exemplifies this power. The Holy Spirit guides us into all truth, providing the courage we need.
Pain, though difficult, can also be a source of courage. Jesus uses the analogy of childbirth to illustrate how pain can lead to joy. Our trials produce endurance, maturity, and completeness. God works through our pain for good, creating compassion and empathy within us.
Finally, courage is gained through prayer and God's promises. Prayer connects us to the one who holds our future, providing strength and courage. God's promises offer us peace, joy, and eternal life. Jesus assures us that despite trials, He has overcome the world. We are never alone, as the Father is always with us. Through prayer and standing on God's promises, we find the courage to face life's challenges.
Key Takeaways:
- Courage Through Grace: Grace empowers us to do what we cannot do on our own. It is the power of God enabling us to face challenges and fulfill our calling. The apostles' courage in the face of persecution exemplifies the transformative power of grace. [09:27]
- Pentecost's Power: The Holy Spirit empowers us to endure difficulties and live the life God has for us. Peter's transformation from a fearful disciple to a bold preacher on Pentecost illustrates the courage that comes from the Holy Spirit. [17:51]
- Pain's Purpose: Pain, though difficult, can lead to joy and maturity. Jesus uses childbirth as an analogy to show how pain can produce endurance and completeness. God works through our pain for good, creating compassion and empathy within us. [24:32]
- Prayer and Promises: Prayer connects us to God, providing strength and courage. God's promises offer peace, joy, and eternal life. Despite trials, Jesus assures us that He has overcome the world, and we are never alone. [27:39]
- Eternal Relationship: The eternal relationship between the Father, Son, and Spirit assures us that we are never alone. Jesus' words on the cross remind us of God's constant presence and the promise of eternal life. [32:34]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [03:47] - The Greatest Commencement Speech
- [06:54] - Courage in the Face of Fear
- [09:27] - Grace Empowers Courage
- [14:24] - The Transformative Power of Grace
- [17:51] - Pentecost and the Holy Spirit
- [21:47] - Pain Leading to Joy
- [24:32] - The Purpose of Trials
- [27:39] - Prayer and God's Promises
- [32:34] - Eternal Relationship with God
- [46:49] - Communion and Remembrance
- [49:33] - Closing Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Joshua 1:1-9
2. John 16:33
3. Acts 2:1-4
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Observation Questions:
1. In Joshua 1:1-9, what specific instructions does God give to Joshua, and how many times does He repeat the command to be strong and courageous?
2. According to John 16:33, what does Jesus promise His disciples about the challenges they will face in the world?
3. In Acts 2:1-4, what significant event occurs on the day of Pentecost, and how does it transform the disciples, particularly Peter?
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the command to be strong and courageous in Joshua 1 relate to the challenges faced by the disciples in John 16? What does this suggest about the nature of courage in the face of spiritual challenges? [06:54]
2. Jesus assures His disciples that He has overcome the world. How does this assurance impact the way believers should view their own struggles and tribulations? [27:39]
3. The transformation of Peter from a fearful disciple to a bold preacher is highlighted in Acts 2. What role does the Holy Spirit play in this transformation, and what does it teach us about the source of true courage? [17:51]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a current situation in your life where you need courage. How can you draw strength from God's command to Joshua to be strong and courageous? [06:54]
2. Jesus promises peace despite tribulation. How can you cultivate a sense of peace in your life when facing trials? What practical steps can you take to remind yourself of Jesus' victory over the world? [27:39]
3. Consider the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to guide and strengthen you in your daily life, especially in moments of fear or doubt? [17:51]
4. Pain is described as having a purpose in producing endurance and maturity. Can you identify a painful experience in your life that has led to personal growth or increased empathy for others? How can you use this experience to encourage someone else? [24:32]
5. Prayer is a source of strength and courage. How can you incorporate more intentional prayer into your daily routine to connect with God and seek His guidance? [27:39]
6. Reflect on the eternal relationship between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. How does this relationship assure you that you are never alone, and how can this assurance change the way you approach challenges? [32:34]
7. Identify one promise of God that you can hold onto this week. How will you remind yourself of this promise daily, and how can it influence your actions and decisions? [27:39]
Devotional
Day 1: Grace as the Source of Courage
Grace empowers us to do what we cannot do on our own. It is the divine strength that enables us to face challenges and fulfill our calling. The apostles, despite facing persecution and martyrdom, demonstrated immense courage through their faith, which was fueled by grace. This transformative power of grace is evident in the life of Paul, who went from being a persecutor of Christians to one of the most courageous apostles. Grace is not just a passive gift but an active force that propels us to act with courage and conviction. [09:27]
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Reflection: Identify a challenge you are currently facing. How can you rely on God's grace to find the courage to overcome it today?
Day 2: The Transformative Power of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit empowers us to endure difficulties and live the life God has for us. Peter's transformation from a fearful disciple to a bold preacher on the day of Pentecost exemplifies the courage that comes from the Holy Spirit. This power is not just for the apostles but is available to all believers, guiding us into all truth and providing the courage we need to face life's challenges. The Holy Spirit is our advocate, comforter, and source of strength, enabling us to live out our faith boldly. [17:51]
Acts 1:8 (ESV): "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
Reflection: Reflect on a situation where you need boldness. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to empower you in this area today?
Day 3: Finding Purpose in Pain
Pain, though difficult, can lead to joy and maturity. Jesus uses childbirth as an analogy to show how pain can produce endurance and completeness. Our trials are not without purpose; God works through our pain for good, creating compassion and empathy within us. This process of transformation through suffering is a testament to God's ability to bring beauty from ashes. Embracing this perspective allows us to find meaning in our struggles and trust in God's redemptive plan. [24:32]
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: Think of a painful experience you have gone through. How can you see God's hand in using that pain for growth and empathy?
Day 4: Strength Through Prayer and God's Promises
Prayer connects us to God, providing strength and courage. God's promises offer peace, joy, and eternal life. Despite trials, Jesus assures us that He has overcome the world, and we are never alone. Through prayer and standing on God's promises, we find the courage to face life's challenges. This connection with God through prayer is a lifeline that sustains us, reminding us of His faithfulness and the hope we have in Him. [27:39]
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Reflection: What is one promise from God that you can hold onto today? How can you incorporate prayer into your daily routine to strengthen your faith?
Day 5: Assurance in Eternal Relationship
The eternal relationship between the Father, Son, and Spirit assures us that we are never alone. Jesus' words on the cross remind us of God's constant presence and the promise of eternal life. This assurance gives us the courage to face life's uncertainties, knowing that we are held in the loving embrace of the Trinity. Our relationship with God is not just for this life but extends into eternity, providing us with hope and security. [32:34]
John 14:16-18 (ESV): "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you."
Reflection: How does the assurance of God's eternal presence impact your daily life? What steps can you take to deepen your relationship with Him today?
Quotes
"I recognize this morning, God, I got nothing in me, but I have everything in you. Holy Spirit, would you fill us fresh and new through the words of the Son of God. Flood and fill our minds with your truth, with hope and faith. God, I pray for everyone who's struggling spiritually, emotionally, maybe physically." [00:00:34] (36 seconds)
"In Joshua, the book of Joshua, chapter 1, God gives a commencement speech, so to speak, to Joshua because Moses had passed away and God was passing the torch of leading Israel to Joshua. Three times in chapter 1, in the first nine verses, he tells him to be strong and courageous. Be strong and courageous, that he was going to need courage to lead the children of Israel into the promised land." [00:04:03] (33 seconds)
"Jesus ends the chapter with, in verse 33, he says, these things I have spoken to you so that in me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation. But take courage. Say that with me. Take courage. I have overcome the world. I love the honesty of Jesus. He never says we're going to have a cushy life following him. He says, listen, this world is broken, but I've overcome. I've overcome for you." [00:05:57] (31 seconds)
"Courage is the quality of mind and heart that enables us to face difficulty, danger, and pain in spite of our fear. Courage is not the absence of fear. It's the wherewithal to persevere in spite of our fear, in spite of our fear. So we're going to talk about courage. Each one of these messages have had one word titles. John 13 was love. 14 was comfort. Last week was abide today is courage." [00:06:26] (34 seconds)
"Grace is the power to do what you could never do on your own. It's the enabling power of God on your life to do what you could never do on your own. We're saved by grace because none of us can save ourselves. None of us have that ability to save ourselves. Here's what Jesus starts out with. These things I have spoken to you so that you may be kept from stumbling." [00:07:40] (27 seconds)
"Grace is the power to do what you could never do on your own. Jesus is preparing these guys for the suffering they were going to experience for the gospel. The persecution they were going to experience for advancing the kingdom of God. When you look at church history and how all the apostles but John all died brutal martyrs' death. They were all killed for advancing the kingdom of God." [00:08:43] (30 seconds)
"Paul experienced the power of grace and forgiveness. Here's what he told Timothy. It is a trustworthy statement. Deserving full acceptance that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. Yet for this reason, I found mercy so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate his perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in him for eternal life." [00:14:25] (57 seconds)
"Courage comes from the power of the Holy Spirit upon us. Jesus told the disciples in Acts 1 .8, he says, The Holy Spirit will come upon you and you will receive power. You will receive the power to endure the difficulties. You will receive the power to live the kind of life that I have for you. Think about pre -resurrection Peter and pre -Pentecost Peter." [00:17:51] (29 seconds)
"And then on the day of Pentecost, Peter is filled with the Holy Spirit. And there are people from the ends of the earth. The Jews had been scattered for years, and they all came to celebrate the day of Pentecost. And people heard the gospel in their own language. And Peter stands up, and he preaches in Acts chapter 2 what Jesus had done. And 3 ,000 people came to a saving faith in Jesus. The church was birthed. The church was birthed. He was bold. He had courage. And he had power because of the Holy Spirit." [00:20:23] (39 seconds)
"The half -brother of Jesus, James, he says this, consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its full effect so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing. And I, by no means, in this point, am trying to set a, poo -poo someone's pain, right? Hey, just get over it. No pain, no gain. No way." [00:25:12] (37 seconds)
"But what I do know is God wants you to hold on to him and trust him to take that pain and work it for good, to somehow work it for good. Romans 8, 28, and we know in all things God works together for the good of those who love him and have been called according to his purpose. Your pain, he will work for good. God did not cause your pain." [00:25:55] (24 seconds)
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