Gene Cunningham - June 7, 2010
Courage in Conflict
Endurance is the greatest forms of courage — the ability to hang on in difficult situations. Key verse in Chapter 4 (2Ti 4:5). Be alert the enemy is lurking (Eph 6:10-12). Temptation and trails have God's way of escape through the problem not out of it (1Co 10:13). The work of witness is a task for all of us [reference Dickson "Getting the Gospel Wrong" and Lybrand "Back to Faith"]. Focus is always Jesus Christ; faith alone in Christ alone (Joh 1:12). Everyone has a ministry: a priesthood, is an ambassador, and is a minister. Taking up the cross is simply fulfilling the Will of God for your life. Three elements of battlefield action: conflict, fear, and courage. The conflict causes fear. Fear is a call to faith (Psa 56:3). Overcoming fear results in courage. We face the battle within (Rom 7:14-25, 1Jo 2:15-17). We have the external struggle (Eph 6:10-13) so that we can stand (Eph 6:14). If we win the inner battle we'll win the external battle. The single most critical tactic and battle plan — continued faith (1Jo 5:4-5, Col 3:1-3, Phi 1:29, Rev 12:11). To conquer fear (Psa 27:1, Heb 13:5-6).
Scripture References: Hebrews 13:5-6, Ephesians 6:10-13, Psalms 27:1, John 2:15-17, Revelation 12:11, Romans 7:14-25, Philippians 1:29, Psalms 56:3, Colossians 3:1-3, John 1:12, John 5:4-5, Ephesians 6:10-12, Ephesians 6:14
From Series: "Arkansas Youth Camp 2010 - Courage in Conflict"
Given at Arkansas Youth Camp 2010