Jesus’ Call To Courage How can I be courageous in the face of difficult circumstances?

Jesus’ Call To Courage

How can I be courageous in the face of difficult circumstances?

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Introduction

• Are you ever fearful in troubling circumstances?• Guilt of sins• Sickness and suffering• Fear of unknown• Overcome by worldliness• Service to God being hindered

• As Christians, we are called on to have courage and not be fearful

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Jesus’ Call To Courage

1. Five examples of Jesus calling on people to be courageous

2. We are called to be courageous

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Case 1 – Paralyzed Man

Mat 9:1 Getting into a boat, Jesus crossed over the sea and came to His own city.

Mat 9:2 And they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralytic, "Take courage, son; your sins are forgiven."

Mat 9:3 And some of the scribes said to themselves, "This fellow blasphemes."

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Mat 9:4 And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, "Why are you thinking evil in your hearts? Mat 9:5 "Which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up, and walk'? Mat 9:6 "But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins"--then He *said to the paralytic, "Get up, pick up your bed and go home."

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1. What was the problem?

Guilt of sins

2. What did Jesus tell him to do?

Take courage

3. Why?

Jesus forgave his sins

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Case 2 – Woman Sick For 12 Years

Mat 9:18 While He was saying these things to them, a synagogue official came and bowed down before Him, and said, "My daughter has just died; but come and lay Your hand on her, and she will live."

Mat 9:19 Jesus got up and began to follow him, and so did His disciples.

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Mat 9:20 And a woman who had been suffering from a hemorrhage for twelve years, came up behind Him and touched the fringe of His cloak;

Mat 9:21 for she was saying to herself, "If I only touch His garment, I will get well."

Mat 9:22 But Jesus turning and seeing her said, "Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well." At once the woman was made well.

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Intense suffering for 12 years


Take courage

3. Why?

Jesus healed the woman who had faith

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Case 3 – Peter Walks On Water

Mat 14:24 But the boat was already a long distance from the land, battered by the waves; for the wind was contrary. Mat 14:25 And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. Mat 14:26 When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out in fear.

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Mat 14:27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid." Mat 14:28 Peter said to Him, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water." Mat 14:29 And He said, "Come!" And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus.

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Mat 14:30 But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!"

Mat 14:31 Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and *said to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?"

Mat 14:32 When they got into the boat, the wind stopped.

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Fear of the unknown


Take courage

3. Why?

Jesus was in control of nature

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Case 4 – Apostles’ Fear of Worldly Opposition

Joh 16:28 "I came forth from the Father and have come into the world; I am leaving the world again and going to the Father." Joh 16:29 His disciples *said, "Lo, now You are speaking plainly and are not using a figure of speech. Joh 16:30 "Now we know that You know all things, and have no need for anyone to question You; by this we believe that You came from God."

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Joh 16:31 Jesus answered them, "Do you now believe?

Joh 16:32 "Behold, an hour is coming, and has already come, for you to be scattered, each to his own home, and to leave Me alone; and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me.

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Joh 16:33 "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world."

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Fear of being overcome by world


Take courage

3. Why?

Jesus had overcome the world

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Case 5 – Paul’s Service To The Lord Threatened

Act 23:11 But on the night immediately following, the Lord stood at his side and said, "Take courage; for as you have solemnly witnessed to My cause at Jerusalem, so you must witness at Rome also."

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Act 23:12 When it was day, the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves under an oath, saying that they would neither eat nor drink until they had killed Paul. Act 23:16 But the son of Paul's sister heard of their ambush, and he came and entered the barracks and told Paul.

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Fear of service to God being hindered


Take courage

3. Why?

Lord would bring him to Rome

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Take Courage – Your sins Are Forgiven

Act 2:38 Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

1Jn 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

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Take Courage – He Will Answer Our Prayers

Mat 7:11 "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!

Php 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

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Take Courage – He Provides Strength To Overcome World

1Co 10:12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall. 1Co 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. 1Co 10:14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.

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Take Courage – He Provides Strength To Overcome World

Act 8:22 "Therefore repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray the Lord that, if possible, the intention of your heart may be forgiven you.

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Take Courage – Our Service To Him Will Not Be Hindered

2Ti 4:16 At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them.

2Ti 4:17 But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was rescued out of the lion's mouth.

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2Ti 4:18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

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Rev 12:11 "And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death.

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Jesus’ Call To Courage How can I be courageous in the face of difficult circumstances?