Barut - Courage and Commitment
Barut - Courage and Commitment
COURAGE
THE PROCESS OF TAKING A STAND
( 2 Timothy 2:22 3:17)
Paul knew how important it was to encourage Timothy, for the young leader would have to take a
stand in many tough situations. So he inspired him to take courage and do what was right in
difficult times.
Christian youth will take a stand even when no one else travels with them. Paul preparers
Timothy for this act with the following:
#1. There is something to P__________________ (2:22.23)
Christian youth must flee temptations, such as pleasure, lusts, that ruin their personal
lives.
COMMITMENT
Stephen Knew What to Stand For
And
Not What to Stand For
(Acts 7:2-60)
Stephen, the first Christian martyr, (sufferer for a course) had earned great influence among the
people (Acts 6:8). Fearing the loss of their own influence, Jewish religious leaders took hold of
this leader and brought him before the council.
In his defense, Stephen displays an unwavering commitment to his convictions. In the face of
authorities with the power to expresses what he knows to be true, both about Christ and the
religious leaders stubborn hearts. This leads to his stoning (7:58-60).
His straightforward manner leaves the religious leaders with no argument; they can only throw
rocks. Yet even this doesnt shake him. He dies, gazing into heaven, asking God to forgive his
murderers.
See the source of Stephens commitment by considering his words and sensing his attitude:
Commitment moves past the mind and emotions and goes straight to the will. The ancient
Chinese said that the will of a man is like a cart pulled by two horses: the mind and the
emotions. You must get both horses moving in the same direction to move the cart.
Commitment results when your mind and emotions move forward, whatever the cost.
Leaders cannot expect followers to make commitments deeper than the ones they
make. To develop commitment we must understand the following truths: