BELIEFS THAT MAKE US STRONG AND COURAGEOUS 1 Cor. 15:55-58 Courage has been called the keystone in the arch of character. It gives strength and stability to all other qualities that we might posses. If we are not courageous, then of what use is our desire for honesty, our hunger for purity, or our concern for righteousness? Courage is strength of heart; and it is necessary in order to give an edge to our conscience, force to our convictions, and realization to our ideals. This attribute is necessary, not only for emergencies; but it is equally essential for our ordinary daily living. We should at all times have the courage to speak the truth, courage to pick up the broken fragments of life and use again the things that the world has trampled on, and courage to help bear the burdens of those who are too weak to bear their burdens alone. But as desirable as this virtue is, it is not a subject that we always like to hear discussed objectively. When we are putting up a stiff fight, against great odds and may be in the midst of physical pain, we do not always appreciate hearing some speaker, who is perhaps more favorably situated than we are, suggest that he can have anything that he wants if he only has the courage to claim it. The thoughtful and conscientious speaker, therefore, should make it plain that he is as much in need of strength and courage as any one to whom he speaks. In Psalms 27:13-14 David says I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. 14 Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. In Ephesians 6:18-20 Paul says 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. 19Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. David and Paul, men who are always thought of as being very courageous, but did you hear what they said in these few verses? Their point is that no one can be strong and courageous who does not wait for the Lord. But when that is done there are beliefs which always strengthen our courage. I want to look at four of them this morning. - 1 -
First BELIEF IN OURSELVES This belief is such a vital factor in the development of a strong and courageous character that we want to give it first place in point of importance. It puts iron in the soul. A poem puts it this way: It matters not how strait the gate, how charged with punishment the scroll, I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul. Benjamin Disraeli realized the truthfulness of this proposition when, upon being jeered down during his first speech in Parliament, he cried to his critics The time will come when you will hear me. With that superb confidence in himself and his cause, Disraeli rose to become Queen Victoria s beloved prime minister. He was the first and only Jewish Prime Minister. While emphasizing the importance of this factor in character building, we must not fail to realize that such confidence is something more than the feeling of being so assured of ourselves that we feel completely self-reliant. 2 Cor. 2:14-16 But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. 15For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. 16To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task? There are some people who spend a great deal of time discussing whether or not they can believe in God; but if they would reverse the question and ask whether or not they are the kind of people in whom God can believe, it would help them in getting a grip on him. Acts 21:7-14 We continued our voyage from Tyre and landed at Ptolemais, where we greeted the brothers and stayed with them for a day. 8Leaving the next day, we reached Caesarea and stayed at the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the Seven. 9He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied. 10After we had been there a number of days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11Coming over to us, he took Paul's belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, "The Holy Spirit says, 'In this way the Jews of Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.' 12When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. 13Then Paul answered, "Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus." 14When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, "The Lord's will be done." When a person is so faithful to his own best judgment and highest ideals that God can trust him, when he comes to realize that a divine eye is watching over him and a divine purpose is working through him, then there comes surging through him a strength which serves to - 2 -
make him courageous. This is exactly what gave the Apostle Paul the strength that he had. Secondly, we want to talk about the BELIEF OF OTHERS IN US. It is a magnificent sight to see a person bravely stand against the world, sustained by his belief in himself as God s servant; yet courage, if it is continue, needs to be nourished by the faith of others in us. It is difficult to say how long personal courage could survive in complete isolation. History tells us that Socrates was uplifted by the loyalty of his students when he defied to the death the authorities of Athens. We all know how much it means to us to have loved ones and friends behind us encouraging us when things get tough. We can all think of situations where we others believed in us and gave us support and encouragement. 2 Timothy 4:16-17 At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. 17But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion's mouth. Here is a good example of a situation where Paul was counting on others to support, encourage, and believe in him. In this case that did not happen and I believe Paul was at least somewhat discouraged, although his faith in the Lord gave him the strength he needed. I came upon the following that talks about, among other things, the encouragement of others and what it can do. If a child lives with criticism, HE learns to condemn. If a child lives with hostility, HE learns to fight. If a child lives with ridicule, HE learns to be shy. If a child lives with shame, HE learns to feel guilty. If a child lives with tolerance, HE learns to be patient. If a child lives with encouragement, HE learns confidence. If a child lives with praise, HE learns to appreciate. If a child lives with fairness, HE learns justice. If a child lives with security, HE learns to have faith. If a child lives with approval, HE learns to like himself. If a child lives with acceptance and friendship, HE learns to find love in the world. Barnabas is great example of someone who believed in the Apostle Paul. Acts 9:26-28 When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. 27But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. 28So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. Who knows what might have happened had not Barnabas stood up for Saul (Paul) in this situation. Saul s courage was built up by the fact that Barnabas believed in him. - 3 -
Another example, which also involves Barnabas, is found in the book of Acts. In Acts 13 we see John Mark on the 1st missionary journey, but he turns back at Pamphylia. In Acts 15:36-39 when Paul & Barnabas are ready to go on the 2nd MJ, Barnabas wants to take John Mark but Paul refuses. What was the result of Barnabas' encouragement of John Mark? He went on to write the Gospel of Mark. 2 Tim. 4:11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry. Even Paul later recognized his usefulness. Obviously John Mark derived courage from the belief that Barnabas had in him. Thirdly, we want to talk about the BELIEF IN THE GREATNESS OF THOSE WHO HAVE GONE BEFORE US. There are times when we are tempted to see only the fingerprints of evildoers; but we must balance that view by looking at the footprints of goodness on the sands of time. We cannot, of course, choose our physical ancestors, but we can certainly choose our spiritual ancestors; and when that is done it will have a tremendous effect on our characters. We should remember that we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, and that we can be inspired and encouraged by those who have gone before. Hebrews 12:1 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. Notice that chapter 12 begins with the word "Therefore." That connects it with the previous chapter. And in chapter 11 the writer gives a long list of people who have been found faithful. In Hebrews 11:1-12 By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. 9By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. 10For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. 11By faith Abraham, even though he was past age and Sarah herself was barren was enabled to become a father because he considered him faithful who had made the promise. 12And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore. Abraham was called from his home in Ur of Chaldees to a place that God would lead him; Abraham, who in his old age was told that he & Sarah would conceive & bear a son; Abraham, who was told to take this precious son to the top of the mountain & offer him as a sacrifice. This Abraham passed every test. So when you become discouraged, here is Abraham whispering in your ear. "Listen," he says, "if you follow God, the world will probably think you are crazy because God s ways are not their ways. But listen carefully to what He tells you, follow in His steps, & be true to His will." - 4 -
Genesis 6:11-22 11 Now the earth was corrupt in God's sight and was full of violence. 12 God saw how corrupt the earth had become, for all the people on earth had corrupted their ways. 13 So God said to Noah, "I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. I am surely going to destroy both them and the earth. 14 So make yourself an ark of cypress wood; make rooms in it and coat it with pitch inside and out. 15 This is how you are to build it: The ark is to be 450 feet long, 75 feet wide and 45 feet high. 16 Make a roof for it and finish the ark to within 18 inches of the top. Put a door in the side of the ark and make lower, middle and upper decks. 17 I am going to bring floodwaters on the earth to destroy all life under the heavens, every creature that has the breath of life in it. Everything on earth will perish. 18 But I will establish my covenant with you, and you will enter the ark you and your sons and your wife and your sons' wives with you. 19 You are to bring into the ark two of all living creatures, male and female, to keep them alive with you. 20 Two of every kind of bird, of every kind of animal and of every kind of creature that moves along the ground will come to you to be kept alive. 21 You are to take every kind of food that is to be eaten and store it away as food for you and for them." 22 Noah did everything just as God commanded him. When we think of patience we normally think of Job. But did you ever stop and think about the patience of Noah? He did everything just as God commanded him and preached and worked for 120 years before the flood actually came. Think about that, 120 years! That brothers and sisters is patience. I sometimes lose patience if I have to wait 5 minutes in the drive through line at McDonalds. We should be encouraged and strengthened when we think about the patience of Noah. How about the self-control of Daniel? Daniel 1:8-21 But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. 9 Now God had caused the official to show favor and sympathy to Daniel, 10 but the official told Daniel, "I am afraid of my lord the king, who has assigned your food and drink. Why should he see you looking worse than the other young men your age? The king would then have my head because of you." 11 Daniel then said to the guard whom the chief official had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, 12 "Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. 13 Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see." 14 So he agreed to this and tested them for ten days. 15 At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food. 16 So the guard took away their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead. 17 To these four young men God gave knowledge - 5 -
and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds. 18 At the end of the time set by the king to bring them in, the chief official presented them to Nebuchadnezzar. 19 The king talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered the king's service. 20 In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom. 21 And Daniel remained there until the first year of King Cyrus. How easy it would have been for Daniel to just give in and go with the flow, but he had the self-control to resolve not to defile himself with the royal food and wine. What an example for us to follow. How often in life are we met with situations that cause our faith to waver or tempt us to give in the world around us? How about the courage of Elijah? You remember Elijah. He was one of the great prophets of the OT. He is the one who stood before wicked King Ahab & looked him eyeball to eyeball & said, "Ahab, if you don t straighten up the heavens will be sealed & there will be no more rain on our land." Someone described Elijah as a "blood & guts" prophet. Elijah is the one who climbed to the top of Mt. Carmel for a "call-down-fire-from-heaven" showdown with the priests of Baal, & who said to the people of Israel, "Who are you going to worship, Baal or Jehovah? Let s settle it once & for all." You remember Elijah. When his life s work was over he was the one who was caught up in the whirlwind & a chariot of fire sent by God. And when Jesus was on the earth, Elijah & Moses were the ones whom God chose to meet & talk with Jesus on the Mt. of Transfiguration. We could go on and on. Think about the meekness of Moses, the zeal of Paul. These men are just a few of the many who have walked before us that can serve to strengthen and encourage us by the example he set. These people are there to keep company with us; and in that way they inspire us to greater faith and efforts. Longfellow wrote Lives of great men all remind us, we can make our lives sublime, And, departing, leave behind us, footprints on the sands of time. Lastly, BELIEF IN A PURPOSEFUL FUTURE This is a time of intense activity, and a pertinent question is Where is all our modern frenzy leading us? It is not enough just to be busy; thoughtful people want to what will count most. They are willing to make a sacrifice, if they can know that it will be worthwhile. - 6 -
In the great faith chapter of Hebrews 11 the deeds of faith of Noah, Issac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses and many others are detailed for us. That chapter closes with the following words: 32And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets, 33who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, 34quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. 35Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. 36Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. 37They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated 38the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground. 39These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. 40God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect. One lesson we should learn is that God links the generations together in the working out of his purposes. Fathers do not reap the fruits of their labors; instead, if we are to meet our true obligations, we must think about our children s welfare. I came across the following poem by Will Allen Dromgoole. An old man going a lone highway came in the evening cold and gray, to a chasm vast and deep and wide. The old man crossed in the twilight dim, the sullen stream had no fears for him, But he stopped when safe on the other side and built a bridge to span the tide. Old Man, said a fellow pilgrim near, you are wasting your strength with building here; Your journey will end with the ending day, You never again will pass this way, You ve crossed the chasm deep and wide, why build you this bridge at evening tide? The builder lifted his old gray head, Good friend, in the path I have come, he said, - 7 -
There followeth after me today, A youth whose feet must pass this way. This chasm which has been as naught to me, to that fair-haired youth might a pitfall be. He, too, must cross in the twilight dim, Good friend, I am building the bridge for him. If we can believe in a purposeful future and be big enough to be concerned with the triumph of the cause and the help and encouragement of our fellow man, rather than with personal triumph and the getting of credit for ourselves, we will soon reach the condition described by the Apostle Paul in Romans 5:1-5 1Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Let us all pray that we will be able to grasp and hold on to the beliefs we discussed this morning so that we become the strong and courageous Christians our father in heaven would have us to be. If you are not a Christian we would urge you to give your life to Christ without delay. You must have faith, you must believe in Christ. Hebrews 11:6 says And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. You must change your life or repent as it is called in the scriptures. Luke 13:3 says I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. You must confess the basis of our faith, the fact that Jesus is the Son of God. Romans 10:9-10 That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. Finally, you must be baptized for the remission of your sins. Acts 2:37-39 37When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" 38Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus - 8 -
Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off for all whom the Lord our God will call." If there is someone here who is a Christian but is in need of the prayers of the church, we are here to assist. If you have strayed from the path of right and duty you have an avenue of reconciliation. You must repent of your sins and confess them before men. We will pray with you and for you. If you are here and simply need the prayers and encouragement of your brothers and sisters, please come while we stand and sing the invitation song. - 9 -