Living as Courageous Life Givers in Everyday Moments
Summary
Today, we gathered around the truth that our Father has everything we need, and He calls us to live as sent disciples—followers of Jesus who are on mission in our everyday lives. The focus was on what it means to be a “courageous life giver,” a disciple who steps into the needs of others with compassion and action, not just in grand, heroic gestures, but in the ordinary moments and contexts where God has placed us. We often think of courage as something reserved for the spectacular, but Jesus models a different kind of courage—one that is found in crossing boundaries, loving the outcast, and responding to the Spirit’s promptings in the small, everyday opportunities.
We explored the parable of the Good Samaritan, where Jesus challenges us to see our neighbor not as a distant concept, but as the person right in front of us who needs mercy. The religious leaders in the story, though knowledgeable and expected to help, were held back by fear—fear of inconvenience, fear of the unknown, fear of losing control, or simply fear of not being enough. These are the same fears that often keep us from stepping into the needs around us. Yet, the Samaritan acted within his own context, moved by compassion, and took practical steps to care for the wounded man, even bringing him into a community of support.
Courage, then, is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to step forward in faith despite it. It’s about putting on the “uniform” of the Holy Spirit, trusting in God’s perfect love that casts out fear, and remembering that we are not called to do everything alone. Each of us has a unique context, gifts, and opportunities to be life givers—restoring, supporting, and loving others as Christ has loved us. The call is to answer God’s invitation, to write new stories of courage, and to be part of a community that shines the light of Jesus into the world, bringing life where there is brokenness and hope where there is despair.
Key Takeaways
- Courage is found in ordinary, everyday obedience, not just in grand gestures. The Good Samaritan didn’t go out of his way to find a need; he responded to what was right in front of him, in his own context. God calls us to be attentive and responsive to the needs around us where we live, work, and play, trusting that He has placed us there for a purpose. [43:28]
- Fear is often the greatest barrier to courageous action, manifesting as anxiety about inconvenience, inadequacy, or loss of control. True courage is not the absence of fear, but the decision to move forward in faith, trusting that God’s love and presence are greater than our fears. When we put on the “uniform” of the Holy Spirit, we are empowered to act beyond our natural limitations. [49:55]
- Compassion is more than feeling sorry for someone; it is love in action. While passion may stir our emotions, it is compassion—rooted in God’s heart—that moves us to serve, sacrifice, and restore others. When our hearts break for what breaks God’s heart, we are compelled to step out of self-preservation and into self-giving love. [46:03]
- We are not called to be lone heroes; God places us in community for a reason. The Samaritan brought the wounded man to an innkeeper, symbolizing the church, where restoration happens through the gifts and support of many. Each of us has a unique role, and the mission of God is fulfilled as we work together, using our diverse gifts for the good of others. [54:18]
- Jesus is the ultimate courageous life giver, who crossed every boundary to rescue us from death and restore us to life. Our calling flows from His example and His victory over fear, sin, and death. The invitation remains open: to answer God’s call, face our fears, and join Him in writing new stories of restoration and hope in the lives of those around us. [01:06:11]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[23:17] - Opening Prayer and Introduction
[24:46] - What is a Sent Disciple?
[27:20] - Rethinking Courage: Everyday Acts
[31:38] - The Struggle with Fear
[40:16] - Personal Fears and Serving Others
[43:28] - The Good Samaritan: Courage in Context
[44:18] - Mission in Everyday Life
[46:03] - Compassion vs. Passion
[49:55] - Overcoming Fear with God’s Love
[54:18] - Community and the Body of Christ
[01:04:58] - The Call to Be a Lighthouse
[01:06:11] - Jesus, Our Courageous Life Giver
[01:07:10] - The Lord’s Prayer and Closing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: “Courageous Life Givers”
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### Bible Reading
Luke 10:25-37 (The Parable of the Good Samaritan)
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### Observation Questions
1. In the parable, what reasons might the priest and the Levite have had for passing by the wounded man instead of helping him? ([31:38])
2. According to the sermon, what fears did the religious leaders possibly experience that kept them from helping? ([31:38])
3. What specific actions did the Samaritan take to care for the wounded man? ([31:38])
4. How did the Samaritan involve others in the process of helping the wounded man? ([54:18])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon suggests that courage is not just about big, heroic acts but about responding in everyday situations. How does the story of the Good Samaritan challenge our usual ideas of what it means to be courageous? ([27:20])
2. The religious leaders in the parable knew the law and what was expected of them, but still chose not to help. What does this say about the difference between knowing what is right and actually doing it? ([31:38])
3. The Samaritan was “moved by compassion.” How is compassion different from just feeling sorry for someone, according to the sermon? ([46:03])
4. The sermon mentions that the Samaritan brought the wounded man to an innkeeper, symbolizing the church. What does this teach about the importance of community in restoring and supporting others? ([54:18])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon talked about fears that keep us from stepping into the needs around us—like fear of inconvenience, fear of not being enough, or fear of losing control. Which of these fears do you most relate to, and how has it held you back from helping someone? ([31:38])
2. Think about your own “context”—where you live, work, or play. Can you identify a recent situation where you noticed a need but hesitated to act? What stopped you? ([43:28])
3. The pastor shared a story about feeling anxious when prompted to help someone in need. Have you ever felt a similar prompting from God but struggled with fear or anxiety? What did you do? ([40:16])
4. The sermon said, “Courage is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to step forward in faith despite it.” What is one small, practical step you could take this week to move through your fear and help someone in your context? ([49:55])
5. Compassion is described as “love in action.” Is there a person or group in your life that God is breaking your heart for? What would it look like to move from feeling compassion to taking action? ([46:03])
6. The Samaritan didn’t try to do everything alone—he brought the wounded man to a place of community. Are you trying to help others all by yourself, or are you inviting others (like your church or small group) to join you? How could you involve community more? ([54:18])
7. Jesus is described as the ultimate courageous life giver who crossed every boundary to rescue us. How does remembering what Jesus has done for you give you courage to step into the needs of others? ([01:06:11])
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God to help you see the needs around you, to give you courage to step forward in faith, and to fill you with compassion that leads to action. Pray for your group to be a community that supports and restores others, shining the light of Jesus in your everyday lives.
Devotional
Day 1: Courage in Everyday Contexts
Courage is not reserved for grand, heroic acts but is often found in the small, everyday moments where we respond to God’s prompting within our own context—where we live, work, play, and learn. The Good Samaritan did not go out of his way to find someone to help; he simply responded to a need he encountered on his usual path. In the same way, God places opportunities for courageous love and service right in front of us, inviting us to see our daily lives as the mission field. You don’t have to travel far or wait for a dramatic moment—God calls you to be courageous right where you are, using the influence and resources He’s already given you. [44:18]
Luke 10:25-37 (ESV)
And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” And he said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.” But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.”
Reflection: Where in your daily routine is God prompting you to notice and respond to someone in need today?
Day 2: Compassion That Moves to Action
True compassion is more than feeling sorry for someone; it is a deep, God-shaped love that moves us to act on behalf of others, even when it is inconvenient or uncomfortable. The Good Samaritan was moved by compassion to cross boundaries of race, religion, and comfort to help a hurting person, reflecting the very heart of God. Compassion is not just an emotion but a verb—love in action—that compels us to step out of our self-interest and into the needs of others, just as Jesus did when He saw the crowds and healed their sick. When God’s love shapes our hearts, we begin to care about what He cares about, and our compassion leads us to serve and restore those around us. [49:55]
Matthew 14:14 (ESV)
When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.
Reflection: Who in your life is God inviting you to see with His compassion, and what specific action can you take to show them love today?
Day 3: Overcoming Fear with God’s Perfect Love
Courage is not the absence of fear but the willingness to step forward in faith despite fear, trusting in God’s perfect love to cast out anxiety and doubt. The Good Samaritan faced real risks—danger, inconvenience, and uncertainty—yet he acted anyway. Scripture reminds us that perfect love drives out fear, and when we rest in God’s love and presence, we are freed from the need to perform for approval or to be paralyzed by what might go wrong. God does not call us and then abandon us; He equips us with His Spirit, authority, and peace to face whatever comes. When fear rises, put on the “uniform” of the Holy Spirit, remembering that God is with you and His love is greater than your fears. [52:30]
1 John 4:18 (ESV)
There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.
Reflection: What fear is holding you back from serving or loving someone today, and how can you invite God’s perfect love to help you take a step forward?
Day 4: Serving Together in Community
God does not expect you to carry out His mission alone; He places you in a community—the body of Christ—where each person’s gifts, resources, and presence are needed to bring restoration and life. The Good Samaritan did what he could, then brought the wounded man to the innkeeper for further care, modeling how we are called to serve as part of a team. Each of us has a unique role, and when we work together, the church becomes a powerful force for healing and hope. Don’t believe the lie that you are too old, too young, or not enough—your presence and participation matter deeply, and the mission suffers when any part is missing. [56:10]
Romans 12:4-6 (ESV)
For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them.
Reflection: What is one way you can use your gifts or resources to support someone in your church or community this week?
Day 5: Answering the Call to Be a Life-Giver
Jesus is the ultimate courageous life-giver, who crossed every barrier to rescue us and calls us to follow His example by giving life to others. The story of the Good Samaritan is ultimately about Jesus, who laid down His life so that we, left helpless and hopeless by sin, could be restored. He now invites us to “go and do likewise”—to answer His call, face our fears, and write new stories of courage and restoration. The pen is still in your hand; God’s grace is sufficient, and He is still calling you to be a lifeguard and a lighthouse in your context, bringing others from darkness into His wonderful light. [01:04:58]
John 10:10 (ESV)
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
Reflection: What step can you take today to answer God’s call to be a courageous life-giver in your family, workplace, or neighborhood?
Quotes
I mean Jesus said he's this is my mission John 10 10 he says the thief comes only to steal and destroy I came that they may have life and have it abundantly not only is Jesus saying what his mission is about and what he's done but he also calls us to it at the end of the parable what does he say in verse 37 you go and do likewise. [01:03:44] (29 seconds)
God is the ultimate life giver he is given he has all that we need he loves to give in abundance and generously in the Bible God says fear not 365 times God tells you every day of the year fear not you have a verse for every day for your daily reminder from God to fear not God is at hand God is with you. [00:56:23] (39 seconds)
Jesus never called us the passion in fact what does he say love love is the emotion we have love is a verb love is an action if i love you it moves me to action and then i move into action and guess what happens when i love something i love someone and it moves me to action and i care for it and i provide for it and i oversee it and that love is there that guess what happens there is passion. [00:49:21] (33 seconds)
We tend to be focused as a church that gathers, but we gather in order to be sent out on mission, to join Jesus in the mission. I mean, a measure of the greatness of a church is not how many we gather on Sunday, it's how we are sent the other six and a half days of the week. [00:24:18] (17 seconds)
See, the thing is, just like this good Samaritan, we lack the vision to see and be sent. He was sent. He understood. He is part of God's work, part of his mission. And so when he saw the person there, he saw it in the lens of the mission of God, not his life. [00:45:01] (25 seconds)
I mean I wonder how many stories have never been written because we are fearful it didn't answer the call that came to us I mean the good news is the pen's still in your hand the good news is God is still calling you he's full of patience and grace he's not abandoned you and he's calling you today he's calling you to the face those fears he's calling you to act and overcome those fears he's calling you to write a new story of a courageous life -giver that restores lives to Jesus. [01:04:22] (35 seconds)
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