Courage, Faithful One, Courage!

   Believe it or not, in the KJV of the New Testament, the word “courage” appears but once. It is used in conjunction with Paul’s arrival at Appii forum, and The Three Taverns, in his trek to Rome. The passage reads, “And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The Three Taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.” (Acts 28:15) But let us not think this is the only passage that helps us in obtaining courage!

   For example, seven passages in the N.T. use the phrase, “be of good cheer.” (Matthew 9:2; 14:27; Mark 6:50; John 16:33; Acts 23:11; 27:22, 25) 2 Corinthians 10:2 uses the expression, “be bold,” and in twelve passages we find the action word “boldly” which means “courageously.” Therefore, we find “courage” is required of us: it is the fortitude used to proclaim the gospel of Christ, confront gainsayers, and to both strengthen the weak while maintaining the strong as together we serve the Lord our God! (Jude 17 – 25).

   Unfortunately, some souls have only an appearance of courage. They want to be known as “faithful Christians,” but when challenged with the need to answer others’ questions regarding salvation, they panic and flee from the responsibility. Yet those with courage realize the commandment stated in 1 Peter 3:15. (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.) One wonders why those who obeyed the gospel years ago, and have taken part in the service of our Lord by teaching various classes, leading in prayer, or presenting a public study, have no courage to leave their developed “routine” to accept greater responsibility which would express growth in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 3:18) By what authority can they remain satisfied with minimal growth since their baptism, and consequently, have no increase of courage?

   Let’s come to the core of this need. Examine 2 Peter 1: 1 – 11 very carefully. The foundation of these works is FAITH. If the foundation is not strong, it will not bear virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly love, or charity. Therefore, many souls lacking the courage to do what God desires of them are lacking FAITH. These need to commit to Romans 10:17 and 2 Timothy 2:14- 26 and strengthen their foundation!

   Those who contend they are courageous, but express great difficulty in proving their courage, need to examine the works Peter lists. First notice these are works and not “graces” as has been so erroneously taught and believed! The proof these are works is found with the expression, “give diligence.” If these were “graces” then they would have been afforded us by God without our labors to accomplish the commanded additions. Instead, inspiration tells us “give diligence,” which means “work to obtain.” Therefore, these seven works require our strict attention as we diligently work to add them to our faith!

   Souls must start with VIRTUE. Strong defines the word in 2 Peter 1:5 as “manliness, valor, excellence.” We would state it as “manly courage.” It is the first of these seven works that must be added to our faith! From where does such boldness, and good cheer come? Let Peter answer: “But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” (1 Peter 5:10) Have you the courage to believe this fact?

   Next is KNOWLEDGE, followed by TEMPERANCE (i.e., self-control), PATIENCE (i.e., the ability to endure, wait), GODLINESS (i.e., holiness), BROTHERLY KINDNESS (i.e., love of the brethren – Hebrews 13:1) and CHARITY (i.e., the ability and willingness to give of ourselves to those who cannot provide for themselves.) Please note these works are in succession one of another: that is, they are contingent upon the existence of all to strengthen the individual works. Think of a chain. Most realize a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, and usually, the strength of the first link will determine the strength of those links which follow. Thus, this list of works needed in addition to our faith begins with VIRTUE – the manliness, valor, and excellence we recognize as “moral courage!” How much courage do we have to continue in ALL the work our Master requires of us?

   One more point: Webster lists several synonyms for “courage.” Words like “bravery, daring, fearlessness, gallantry, heart, heroism, moxie, valor, and virtue “are all listed. I’m not sure each would fit accurately in our passages of study, but I am sure our English language often equates them. As soldiers of the cross (Ephesians 6: 10 – 20), we Christians can well understand the need for courage as we fight the good fight of faith! (1 Timothy 6:12) There can be no “conscientious objectors” to this fight; that is those of us who desire heaven eternal cannot “conscientiously object;” for to do so is to reject the very task required for our salvation! Yes, it requires courage to press onward and upward for the cause of Christ! If you are not courageous enough to face the foe (sin in all its appearances) then you become easier prey for the roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8 – 9). No righteous soul would desire this fate: therefore, don’t pretend to be courageous – BE courageous!!