“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12:1-3).
The Hebrew writer mentioned the “great cloud of witnesses,” referring to the heroes of faith he had just discussed. Some of the examples we have considered in our study are in the list of the faithful in Hebrews 11. Because we have this “great cloud of witnesses surrounding us,” we must do three things:
- Lay aside every encumbrance and sin, and run with endurance (Hebrews 12:1).
- Look to Jesus and to His example (Hebrews 12:2).
- Do not grow weary and lose heart (Hebrews 12:3).
In other words, “take courage” (John 16:33) – trust in the Lord and follow Him as He desires, no matter what the consequences might be.
The Purpose of This Study
We have spent several lessons looking at examples of courage. It is important that we know why we did this. It is not because these are good stories (though they are good stories – not mere legends or myths, however, but actual accounts). It is not so we can admire these men (though we ought to recognize their courage). It is not to provide some hollow motivation to make us feel good today but will be forgotten tomorrow.
The reason why we studied these examples of courage was so that we will act with courage as well! Courage is not just a characteristic of the “heroes” of faith – it is for all of us. This is why the Hebrew writer mentioned those “heroes” of faith – so the Hebrew Christians (as well as Christians today) would learn from their examples and then follow in the footsteps of Christ. We must “not lose heart,” but “always [be] of good courage” knowing the hope that awaits us following the trials of this life (2 Corinthians 4:16; 5:6).
The Foundation of Courage
The foundation of courage is faith. We cannot please God, nor can we display courage, without faith (Hebrews 11:6). The Hebrew writer mentioned the heroes of faith, as well as Jesus Himself, to admonish Christians to “not grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12:3). Paul said we must be “of good courage” as we “walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:6-7).
If we have trouble acting with courage, we need to examine our faith (cf. 2 Corinthians 13:5). Jude wrote about the need for Christians to build up their faith (Jude 20). How can we do this? He spoke earlier in his letter of the need to “contend earnestly for the faith” (Jude 3). How can we contend for the faith? We need to remember what Paul wrote: “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17). Faith is not miraculously given to us by God. Faith comes as we read, study, meditate, and practice the word. We must do this in order to equip ourselves to “contend earnestly for the faith” (Jude 3). We must also do this that we might build ourselves up on the foundation of faith (Jude 20).
How Do We Take Courage?
In the introduction to the study, we noticed how we can take courage. In each of our examples, we noticed how each of the men took these steps and demonstrated courage in their particular circumstances. We must also take these steps so that we might live with courage today.
We must know what is right – Many display courage in practicing and defending things that are wrong. While their courage is commendable, it is ultimately worthless if they are not standing for what is right. We must look to the Scriptures to find the truth (John 17:17; Psalm 119:160). While we are certainly able to understand the word of God (Ephesians 3:4), it will not come by accident or by some miracle. Instead, we must be committed to diligently studying the word of God so that we might learn how to handle it aright (2 Timothy 2:15).
We must know there is a reward – Once we know the truth, we need a reason to hold fast to it in the face of trials, opposition, temptation, and persecution. Without the hope of a reward, our lives are miserable (1 Corinthians 15:19). But we have hope through Christ (1 Corinthians 15:20; Hebrews 6:19). This should motivate us to do what we know to be right.
We must act – Courage is not just believing and being convinced of the truth. Ezra was admonished: “Be courageous and act” (Ezra 10:4). We must do the same.
Remember Our Examples
There are many examples of courage in the Bible that we could have considered. The eight we studied were chosen for a reason. They show us examples of ones who did what we must also be willing to do in our service to God today.
- Abram: the courage to leave home (Genesis 12:1, 4) – We must be willing to put God first over family (Matthew 10:37) and remember that we are just pilgrims here on the earth (1 Peter 2:11), lest we allow the people and things of this world to turn us away from the Lord.
- Joseph: the courage to maintain purity (Genesis 39:9) – We must “flee from youthful lusts” (2 Timothy 2:22), remembering that God sees all and that “no creature is hidden from His sight” (Hebrews 4:13). We must not think that we can compromise our purity and no one else will know. God knows.
- Moses: the courage to lead (Exodus 3:10) – Whether we find ourselves in some official leadership position or not, we are to “let [our] light shine” so that we might point people to God (Matthew 5:14-16).
- David: the courage to fight (1 Samuel 17:45-46) – We are engaged in a spiritual war (2 Corinthians 10:3-4). Because of this, we must “contend earnestly” (Jude 3) as we “fight the good fight of faith” (1 Timothy 6:12).
- Amos: the courage to speak out (Amos 7:12-15) – We must always be ready to speak the truth (1 Peter 3:15) and do so in a way that represents the will of God accurately (1 Peter 4:11). Often such a defense of the truth will not be popular, but we cannot afford to worry about how others will react (Galatians 1:10).
- Josiah: the courage to restore (2 Kings 23:3, 25) – Instead of doing what we have always done or blindly following those around us, we must follow the pattern that has been revealed in the word of God (2 Timothy 1:13). We should respect Christ’s authority enough that we “do all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17). If this necessitates a change in our beliefs or practices, we must be willing to make such a change.
- Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego: the courage to trust in God (Daniel 3:16-18) – We do not know what the future holds. As the church in Smyrna was warned, we could also face imprisonment, tribulation, and death for our faith (Revelation 2:10). Regardless of what could happen, we must put our complete trust in God and “be faithful until death” (Revelation 2:10).
- Daniel: the courage to defy the law (Daniel 6:10) – The more that wicked people come into positions of power and influence, the more likely it will be for laws to be created for the purpose of targeting Christians. Even if our service to God is illegal, “we must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).
Conclusion
The individuals in our study acted with courage. But they did not miraculously receive courage from the Lord. They learned what to do and why they should do it, then acted with courage and carried out the Lord’s commands by their own free will. They could have chosen to compromise, but they did not. We will often be tempted to compromise our faith. Yet we must remain steadfast. In all of the challenges that we face, let us take courage and obey the Lord no matter what the consequences might be.
