Feb. 02, 2025

Grow Up!

Courage

February 1 & 2, 2025

Primary Text:  Mark 6:48–50   

Last Teaching: Grow Up! – Perseverance

1) Blessed

James 1:12 (NIV84):  Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

DQ 1) Define perseverance.  What are the various characteristics of a person who is steadfast and persevering?

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 2) The Product of Suffering

Romans 5:2-4:  And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.  Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.

DQ 2) How does suffering produce perseverance and character?

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3) Love Always

1 Corinthians 13:4–8:  Love is patient, love is kind.  It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  Love never fails.

DQ 3) Describe how perseverance is a characteristic of love.

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This Week’s Teaching:

1) Courage to Endure

Hebrews 12:1-3:  Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.  Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

DQ 1) Why does it often take courage to endure and persevere?

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2) Good Courage

Psalm 27:14 (NIV84): Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

Psalm 27:14 (NKJV): Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD!

Psalm 27:14 (NASB): Wait for the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD.

DQ 2) How does waiting on the Lord yield courage and strength to persevere?

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3) Good Cheer

Mark 6:48–50 (NIV84):  About the fourth watch of the night, he went out to them, walking on the lake.  He was about to pass by them, but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost.  They cried out, because they all saw him and were terrified.  Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I.  Don’t be afraid.” 

Mark 6:49-50 (NKJV): And when they saw Him walking on the sea, they supposed it was a ghost and cried out; for they all saw Him and were troubled.  But immediately He talked with them and said to them, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”

DQ 3) What is Godly courage?  

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4) Fearless Favor 

Luke 1:28-31:  The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored!  The Lord is with you.”  Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.  But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God.  You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.”

DQ 4) Why does it normally take courage to fulfill God’s will?

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