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We live during a time in which many in the church have gone the way of apostasy (2 Timothy 3), drawing others with them. The fire in the engine of this train of apostasy grows more fervent through each succeeding generation. It seems that with every new unscriptural change and innovation the speed at which it travels increases. While there are brethren who are willing stand up for what is right, no matter the cost, there are those who succumb to the pressures that come from the sheep that have gone astray. Let us study the Bible and understand what it says about courage.
It takes courage to preach the word. We are told specifically to
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables, (2 Timothy 4:2-4).It is necessary, therefore, that we preach what people need, rather than want, to hear from the word of God.
It takes courage to flee from sin. The Bible contains examples of those who chose to flee from sin. These include Joseph (Genesis 39:9-12), Jesus (Matthew 4:1-12). God's word teaches that we must as James says,
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded, (James 4:7-8).
It takes courage to bring erring brethren as well as congregations back to the Lord.
Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh, (Jude 1:21-23).When we show them the truth and point out their error, we must not let our anger and zeal get in the way. Paul says,
Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil, (Ephesians 4:26-27).It takes courage to endure persecution, whether by those in the world or within the church. There are brethren today who are facing the same kinds of persecution, as did brethren in the first century. Jesus in His sermon on the Mount said that those who were persecuted for His sake would enter heaven through these trials and tribulations (Matthew 5:10). Also,
But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing, (1 Peter 3:14-17).
Ira Mikell
ira@thechristianexaminer.com
As Christians, we must always be diligent to keep ourselves "pure and unspotted from the world," (James 1:27). Most everyone understands what this requires, that we keep away from sin and endeavor to fulfill the command in Romans 12:2 to not be conformed to this world. Unfortunately, however, many act as hypocrites, attempting to be pious with the saints, but like "one of the guys" with worldly friends. Can this be justified?
We have the example of David. In 2 Samuel 11, we read of how David sinned with Bathsheba, and attempted to cover it up through the death of her husband. God, however, knew better, and sent His prophet Nathan to sentence David for his sin. He would not kill David for the sin, but He must punish Him because of the following, 2 Samuel 12:14:
"However, because by this deed you have given occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also that is born to you shall surely die."
Why did the child die? Because David had given the enemies of God an opportunity to blaspheme! David's actions reflected upon God in a most negative way, and our holy and righteous God could have no part in it.
Christians today would learn well by David's example. Jesus tells us of our nature in Matthew 5:13-16:
"You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
When we profess Christ, we must act according to His nature! If we call ourselves Christians, and then we act according to the standards of the world, are we not also giving the enemies of God occasion to blaspheme? Can those of the world see us and not say, "well, he acts no differently than we do and he calls himself a Christian; why, then, should we wish to be a part of Christ?" If this was said of your example, what would you say? What would you do?
We must all diligently strive to serve Christ at all times, equally amongst the sinners as with the saints. We must always make sure that the enemies of God may not be given occasion to blaspheme because of our deeds.
Ethan R. Longhenry
ethan@thechristianexaminer.com
www.deusvitae.com
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