Introduction:

1.Christianity calls for real courage.

a.Jesus warned of its dangers. MT. 5:10-11; Jno. 16:1-2.

b.One must be willing to "endure hardness." 2 Tim. 2:3.

c.All who live "Godly" shall suffer persecution." 2 Tim. 3:12.

2.Many exhortations to be strong and courageous. 1 Cor. 16:13; Eph. 6:10; 2 Peter 1:5. (Virtue, courage)

3.May these thoughts on courage strengthen our determination to be "Steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord." 1 Cor. 15:58.

I. SOME EXAMPLES OF COURAGE

1.Job. Job 1 and 2; 23:12 (See Job 1:22).

2.Joseph. Gen. 39-40.

3.Three Hebrew children. Dan. 3. (see verses 17 and 18).

4.Daniel. Dan. 6

5.Paul. Acts 20:22-24; 21:10-13; See 2 Cor. 11:23-28 for list of things Paul endured for the Lord.

II. WHAT COURAGE TO STAND FOR THE RIGHT MEANS.

1.One will obey God regardless of the degree of difficulty.

a.Abraham. Gen. 22:1-12.

b.Jesus. MT. 26:36-44 ("Not my will, but thine be done.").

2.One will guard one's virtue. (Joseph) Gen. 39:7-12; 2 Tim. 2:22.

3.One will rebuke sin.

a.John the Baptist. MT. 14:3-4.

b.Peter. Acts 2:23, 36.

4.One will preach God's word faithfully. MT. 28:19-20.

III. THE CONSEQUENCES OF STANDING FOR THE RIGHT.

1.Persecution. 2 Tim. 3:12; 1 Pet. 4:12-16.

2.It cost some early disciples their lives.

a.Stephen. Acts 7:55-60.

b.James. Acts 12:1-2.

3.But it has its blessings and rewards, also.

a.The happiness of doing what is right. MT. 5:10-12.

b.A glorified body when the Lord comes. Phil. 2:20-21; 1 Jno. 3:2.

c.Eternal life in heaven. Mark 10:30; 2 Tim. 4:6-8.

Conclusion: We have every reason to be courageous. Rom. 8:31; 1 Cor. 10:13; Phil. 4:13; Jude 24, 25.

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