Let Your Heart Take Courage Psalm 31:24 I. Introduction. A. Courage: The Quality of being fearless or brave(an attitude that faces danger and does not withdraw). B. Greek: One word means "to be of good cheer"; other words mean "bold, confidence." C. In any age of God's people, it takes courage to live as a righteous person: Psalm 31:24. D. Paul was of this disposition: II Corinthians 5:6. E. The source of courage: Hebrews 13:6. 1. The righteous help us to be courageous: Isaiah 41:6. 2. Yet, be courageous--if you are the only one: Deuteronomy 31:6. II. Body. Let our hearts take courage to: A. Stand for truth. 1. Paul experienced the sadness of one forsaking him: II Timothy 4:10. 2. Note: II Timothy 4:16. 3. It is not easy to stand against family, friends, acquaintances, etc. for what is right. 4. An encouragement; I Chronicles 28:20. 5. The truth and one person is a majority in God's sight. B. Speak the truth. 1. Paul, again--he did not hesitate to speak what God inspired him to speak. 2. We have his words, as well as the rest of the apostles and inspired men, hence, we should not hesitate to speak such: Galatians 4:16. 3. It is not easy: people will oppose you, get their feelings hurt, accuse you, etc.(People will be offended[upset] when you speak plainly and pointedly the word of God.) 4. Paul toward Peter: Galatians 2:14. 5. The truth saved us; the truth will keep us saved. C. Live righteous lives. 1. Note what Ezra told the people: Ezra 10:4. 2. In a world gone mad after the flesh, it is not easy to be pure, yet: Philippians 4:8. 3. Hence: I Timothy 5:22. 4. Here a little, there a little and one can be overcome by sins. D. Remain faithful. 1. David encouraged: Psalm 27:14. 2. Note: Revelation 2:10. 3. How sad that so many become so few when it comes to remaining faithful to the Lord and His cause. 4. Demas lacked that courage. 5. Never entered into Paul's mind that he was to cease to follow and obey the Lord's will even if others did not. 6. Baptism is a beginning--not an end. 7. Told Timothy: I Timothy 4:12. 8. Paul "took courage" by being with faithful brethren: Acts 28:15. E. Oppose evil. 1. In a world of ungodliness, this takes much courage (to be a Christian). 2. The courage of Asa: II Chronicles 15:8. 3. It is a pity that so many leaders of our country do not only not oppose evil, but pass laws to encourage it(sodomy, gambling, etc.). 4. It takes no courage to compromise with sin: in fact, it is a sign of weakness. 5. One should have the courage to change when fall into transgression. 6. Paul commended Corinth for their courage in changing: II Corinthians 7:16. F. Oppose false teaching. 1. Paul had such courage toward Peter: Galatians 2:11. a. It is not easy to confront one who has sinned. b. By Peter's behavior, he endorsed separation from Gentiles. c. Of course, Peter corrected his behavior. 2. False teachers seem to be present any time: II Peter 2:1. a. They are often slick talkers and smooth operators: II Peter 2:3. b. Note: II Timothy 3:13. 3. The charge to Timothy: II Timothy 4:2-3. 4. Over the centuries, false teaching has splintered the body of Christ. 5. Much sorrow could be avoided if disciples had the courage to oppose. III. Conclusion. A. We can take courage that many disciples have not bowed the knee to Baal, but courageously stand for truth and righteousness. B. Being courageous enough to stand with the Lord in this life will make it possible to live with Him in the next life.-jy