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 Prevent (2:22.23)
Christian youth must flee temptations, such as pleasure, that ruin their personal lives.

#2. There are some things to Pursue (2:22)

Christian youth must chase after qualities that will build their character and integrity.

#3. There are some things to Portray (2:24-26)

Christian youth must model right attitude so that others will want to submit to God.

#4. There are some things to Perceive (3:1-9)

Christian youth read the times and take responsibility to hold firm to what is right.

#5. There is something to Pronounce (3:10-17)

Christian youth must hold forth Gods Word and use it as a standard for training.

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.

#2. There are some things to P_______________ (2:22)

Christian youth must chase after qualities that will build their character and integrity.

#3. There are some things to P_______________ (2:24-26)

Christian youth must model right attitude so that others will want to submit to God.

#4. There are some things to P_______________ (3:1-9)

Christian youth read the times and take responsibility to hold firm to what is right.

#5. There is something to P_________________ (3:10-17)

Christian youth must hold forth Gods Word and use it as a standard for training.

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.

Where Did the Commitment Come From?

See the source of Stephens commitment by considering his words and sensing his attitude:

1. He had the P_____________________ of God in his life (6:8, 15)

2. He B_____________ his commitment on a biblical foundation (7:2-38)
3. He K____________ his eyes on Jesus, the truth (7:55)
4. He maintained his P_____________________ (7:60)

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:

1. Commitment starts in the H______________________

Commitment precedes achievement. Look inside: where is your heart committed?
2. Commitment is tested by A______________________
The only real measure of commitment is action. Talk is cheap; action is expensive.
3. Commitment opens the door for A___________________
Once you commit yourself, all kinds of resources come your way to help you
succeed.
4. Commitment can be M___________________________
Leaders must evaluate their calendars and checkbooks to measure their commitment.
5. Commitment enables you to make D_________________
Leaders must determine whats worth dying for, then make that the basis for
decisions.
6. Commitment flourishes with public A_____________________
Go public with your commitments; then youll have incentive to follow through.