Studies

Courage

Courage of the highest order is always required of a great leader. The courage to stand up for what you believe in. The courage to go against the flow. The courage to encounter difficulty or criticism that inevitably comes whenever you make an impact on people around you. Sir Winston Churchill said: "Courage is the virtue that makes so many other virtues possible." And certainly courage is no more necessary on the battlefield than in the hourly choice between right and wrong.

FEAR IS A SIN:

• Deut 1:19-21 All of Israel is COMMANDED not to be afraid as they are preparing to enter the promised land.
• Deut 20:1-4 God describes the different forms of fear : FAINTHEARTEDNESS,
  simply being AFRAID, being TERRIFIED or PANIC STRICKEN.
  All forms are wrong - even in war !!
• Prov 29:25 Fear of people will prove to be a snare.
• Luke 12:4-7 Jesus' command : DO NOT FEAR !

COWARDLINESS WILL TAKE YOU TO HELL:

• Rev 21:8-9 Cowardliness is listed alongside MURDER, SEXUAL IMMORALITY, IDOLATORY and WITCHCRAFT.
  It is a serious sin!
• Acts 4:13 If you've been with Jesus then people will notice your COURAGE. The saying is true that : "Any coward can praise Christ but it takes a man of courage to follow him."

Practical Challenges:

Make a list of your fears under the following headings and produce a plan of repentance:

• Fear of people.
• Fear of failure.
• Fear of being open with your life.
• Fear of conflict situations.