Of Whom Shall I Be Afraid?

I. Courage through faithful obedience

Obedience leads us in successful Christian living and causes us to be courageous

1 Chronicles 22:11–13 ESV

“Now, my son, the Lord be with you, so that you may succeed in building the house of the Lord your God, as he has spoken concerning you. Only, may the Lord grant you discretion and understanding, that when he gives you charge over Israel you may keep the law of the Lord your God. Then you will prosper if you are careful to observe the statutes and the rules that the Lord commanded Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Fear not; do not be dismayed.

Obedience in faith allowed Abraham to be courageous even though he didn’t know where he was going....

See also 1 Ch 28:20; Ge 12:1–4; Heb 11:8; Ge 22:1–5; Heb 11:17–19; 2 Ch 15:8; 2 Ch 19:8–11; Ezr 7:27–28; Ezr 10:1–4; Mt 26:39

Hebrews 11:8 ESV

By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.

Obedience even gave courage to Jesus as he faced Calvary’s Cross

Matthew 26:39 ESV

And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”

[Christian Character should show through even in the midst of wrong doing…]

II. Courage in the face of wrongdoing

Nathan had courage to accuse the King David of adultery and murder

2 Sa 12:7–9 The prophet accuses the king of adultery and murder.

See also 2 Ch 26:16–18 Azariah and Uzziah;

2 Chronicles 26:16–18 ESV

But when he was strong, he grew proud, to his destruction. For he was unfaithful to the Lord his God and entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense. But Azariah the priest went in after him, with eighty priests of the Lord who were men of valor, and they withstood King Uzziah and said to him, “It is not for you, Uzziah, to burn incense to the Lord, but for the priests, the sons of Aaron, who are consecrated to burn incense. Go out of the sanctuary, for you have done wrong, and it will bring you no honor from the Lord God.”

Mk 6:18 John the Baptist and Herod;

Mark 6:18 ESV

For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”

Heb 11:7; Heb 11:24–27

Hebrews 11:24–27 ESV

By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward. By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible.

[Do not be afraid, have courage even under difficult circumstances…]

III. Courage under pressure

Psalm 46:1–3 ESV

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah

See also Ps 10:17; Ps 27:3; Is 12:2 Isaiah’s encouragement of the exiles of Israel; Ac 27:22; 1 Co 16:13; 2 Co 6:4–10; Heb 3:6; Heb 11:32–39; Mt 14:27

Hebrews 3:6 ESV

but Christ is faithful over God’s house as a son. And we are his house, if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope.

[The Christian Character of Courage ought to allow us to be mighty witnesses for the Body of Christ…]

IV. Courageous witness

Certainly the Apostles were in need of courage...

Acts 4:18–20 ESV

So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.”

See also Mt 10:19–26; Ac 23:11; Php 1:14; Php 1:20

Having courage will help you with the things you need to say witnessing for Jesus...

Matthew 10:19–26 ESV

When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next, for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household. “So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.

Experiences that require courage often build more courage in others...

Philippians 1:14 ESV

And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

V. Courage in prayer

Being strong and courageous is not about going it alone but understanding where your strength comes from. That source is Jesus, so always pray...

Hebrews 4:14–16 ESV

Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

See also Ge 18:27–28; 1 Ch 17:25

God’s plan of salvation is a turning point for men to become courageous...

The Bible’s Plan of Salvation

Hear - Romans 10:17

Believe - John 1:7

Confess - Hebrews 4:14

Repent and Be Baptized - Acts 2:38

Remain Faithful - Matthew 25:21

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