Do You Have The Courage To Go A Different Way?

DO YOU HAVE THE COURAGE TO GO A DIFFERENT WAY?

1. Matthew 2:2-12: 1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: 6 ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’” 7 Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.” 9 When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. 11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country by a different way.

2. Proverbs 28:1 The wicked man flees though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.

INTRODUCTION: DO YOU HAVE THE COURAGE TO GO A DIFFERENT WAY?

Merry Christmas To All: Let us talk about courage during this Christmas Season. Anyone who comes in contact with Christ must have the courage to act when necessary. Courage is the ability to do something that frightens other people; strength in the face of pain or grief or uncertainty. Synonyms: brave, person of valor, one who has nerve, is fearless, daring, bold, heroic, gallant, etc. “You can choose courage or you can choose comfort but you cannot choose both.” Our society and the Bible are rich with exemplary tales of bravery & self-sacrifice. From Martin Luther King, Jr., Nelson Mandela & Mahatma Gandhi who spoke against racial injustice to David battling Goliath or Moses challenging Pharaoh. The Wise Men stood against a despotic leader and exemplified courage. Mark Twain: “It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog.”

1. Joshua 1:6-7 Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.” 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

2. Psalm 27:1-3 1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid? 2 When the wicked came against me To eat up my flesh, My enemies and foes, They stumbled and fell. 3 Though an army may encamp against me, My heart shall not fear; Though war may rise against me, In this I will be confident.

3. 2 Timothy 1:7 God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, of love and of sound mind.”

In The Bible, God Says “Fear Not” 365 Times – One For Each Day Of The Year.

SIX TYPES OF COURAGE.

1. Physical Courage. Courage at the risk of bodily harm.

2. Social Courage. Courage that risks of social embarrassment, unpopularity or rejection.

3. Intellectual Courage. Willingness to question our own thinking at the risk of making mistakes.

4. Moral Courage. Doing the right thing when risks involve shame, opposition, disapproval.

5. Emotional Courage. Going against past negative feelings to embrace a new me.

6. Spiritual Courage. The courage to do what God says though unpopular with others.

PEOPLE WHO ARE COURAGEOUS ARE…:

1. Brave In The Face Of Danger. They say: “I won’t be afraid.”