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KEY WORDS OF THE CHRISTIAN WALK

INTRODUCTION

Thus far in this series we have discussed two of the three key words in reference to our Christian walk. We have talked about the “discouraged” Christian walk. We have talked about the “encouraged” Christian walk. Tonight I want us to receive the challenge to have a “courageous” Christian walk.

Look at our text in Joshua 1:7. What does it mean to be “courageous?” It speaks of strength of the heart. It speaks of an individual who is solid in his resolve and is not easily dissuaded from doing that which is right.

One of my goals as your pastor is to teach you and train you with the Word of God to the extent that you cannot be moved from the solid foundation of the truth of God’s Word..

Believers who walk courageously in Christ are not easily shaken by the winds of adversity.

When they find themselves in uncertain circumstances, they are confident in God's leadership in their lives. They are like “trees planted by the rivers of waters” mentioned in Psalms 1:3.

They are strong, and well grounded because they have roots that run deep.

I.         WHAT IS THE FOUNDATION FOR A COURAGEOUS CHRISTIAN WALK?

            A.        A Personal Relationship With The LORD.

This may seem elementary for us even to discuss, but I believe many people attempt to live the Christian life without ever having a relationship with Him.

I am sure that there are some in here this evening who could give testimony to that fact.

                        1.         Some People Think They Are Christians Because Of Their Relationship With A Particular Church.

                                    Salvation is not in a Church.

                        2.         Some People Think That They Are Christians Because They Went Through A Certain Set Of Motions.

                                    Salvation is not in a

I thought I was a Christian because I had walked an aisle when I was seven years of age and had been baptized in a Baptist church.

                                    It wasn’t until age 13 that I realized what a lie I was living.

                        3.         Some People Think They Are Christians Because Of Their Family.

The result of any of these things is a walk that may, at times, appear to be a Christian walk, but in reality it is a sham.

If the walk is to be right, it must begin right!

                        4.         True Christianity Is A Personal Relationship With The Lord Jesus Christ.

                                    We must be “Born Again” of the Spirit into God’s family!

            B.        A Perpetual Relationship With The Word.

                        The Bible is the Word of God!

The Bible serves as the believer's road map and compass to chart a successful course through this life.

Without the Word we would be like a traveler on a journey with no direction at all.

                        The Bible is our light that illuminates the path we take.

                        Psalm 119:105–“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

                        Can you imagine walking an unknown path without a light to show the way.

                        Our walk would be uncertain. We would be apt to stumble along the way.

                        We would be susceptible to hidden dangers along the way.

                        We would have no hope of making it to our destination.

So, for us to be courageous in our Christian walk, we must have the assurance of God's Word daily. Giving us direction and lighting the path!

            C.        A Positive Relationship With Others.

By a positive relationship, I’m talking about one that is beneficial, useful, good, constructive, and helpful.

                        We said last week that we need one another's encouragement.

                        We need the encouragement of our church family. (both giving and receiving)

Hebrews 10:25–“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”

Part of our responsibility to one another within the local church is to 'exhort' or encourage each other!

II.       HOW CAN WE FACILITATE THE COURAGEOUS CHRISTIAN WALK?

            “Facilitate” means to make something work better

            A.        Two Simple Words: Trust and Obey

                        1.         When we have the proper foundation, we must begin to build upon it in confidence.

                        2.         The Courageous Christian walk is one of trust in God and the promises of His Word.

Proverbs 3:5-6--“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

Joshua 23:6–“Be ye therefore very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that ye turn not aside therefrom to the right hand or to the left;”

                        3.         Just Determine To Do It! Determine To Have A Courageous Walk!

                                    a.         Always trust God in every situation.

                                                It takes faith to trust God.

                                    b.         Always obey God even when it is not convenient or pleasing.

                                                It takes faith to obey God.

Hebrews 11:6–“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

            B.        Stay Spiritually Fit.

                        1.         We understand how important it is for us to stay physically fit.

                                    a.         When we are out of shape it is difficult for us to walk with confidence.

                                    b.         In order to keep physically fit we are told that we must eat right, get enough rest, and exercise.

                        2.         We should also understand that it is more important for us to keep spiritually fit.

                                    a.         That means we must eat right--feeding on God's Word

                                    b.         That means we must get enough rest--learning to lean on the everlasting arms; resting and relying upon the Lord.

                                    c.         That means we must exercise--in the New Testament the word exercise means to train and it means to do something over and over.

                                                1)        In weight training it is referred to as 'reps' or repetitive action and it doesn't necessarily yield immediate results

                                                2)        But with continued regular exercise, over time, the muscles are strengthened and toned for future use.

                                    d.         We may not see immediate benefits of keeping ourselves spiritually fit, but there will be a future benefit!

III.      WHAT IS THE FUTURE OF THE COURAGEOUS CHRISTIAN WALK?

            Confidence At The Judgement Seat Of Christ! 1 John 2:28

We know that all who get to heaven will get there because of their faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ and not because of anything they have done.

Titus 3:5-7–“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”

            Once we get to heaven, the Bible speaks of an account which we all must give.

            We know it as the Bema or as the Judgment Seat of Christ.

            Their the decision is not one of heaven or hell, but of rewards.

            We will be judged on how we lived our lives as believers.

            Our goal should be to please God.       It should be like the Apostle Paul's goal.

2 Timothy 4:7-8--“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”

            What do we want to hear the Lord say?

Matthew 25:23–“His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”

            What do we think He would say right now if we were to stand before Him?

            To have a courageous Christian walk may not be easy…but one day it will be worth it all!

Conclusion

            Remember, it is all about choices.

            We get to choose whether our Christian walk will be courageous or mediocre.

            Is our Christian walk courageous?

            It is a matter of personal choice.

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NOTICE:   THESE SERMONS ARE FREE TO BE USED BUT ARE NOT TO BE SOLD!