Introduction

  • Pastor begins by greeting all campuses and online viewers, then poses a penetrating question: “What would you do if you weren’t afraid?”
  • Acknowledges common, paralyzing fears—rejection, failure, success, loneliness, financial entrapment, relational stagnation.
  • Sets the stage for Acts 23, continuing Lake Pointe’s series on the life of Paul.

Scripture Reference(s)

  • Acts 23
  • Acts 24
  • 2 Timothy 1:7
  • Joshua 1:9
  • Proverbs 6:32
  • Proverbs 29:25
  • 1 Corinthians 15:55

Key Points / Exposition

1. God Has Not Given a Spirit of Fear

  • Quoting Paul’s prison letter to Timothy, the pastor emphasizes that fear and timidity are not heaven-sent; God gifts power, love, and self-discipline.
  • Healthy instinctual fears (fire, falling, loud noises) differ from the crippling “spirit of fear.”
  • Greek insight: hypostasis—“that which stands under, a foundation.” True confidence rests on a solid spiritual foundation.

2. Paul Before the Sanhedrin (Acts 23)

  • Paul claims a clear conscience, is struck on the mouth by order of the high priest, reacts in frustration, then apologizes—revealing his humanity.
  • Masterful strategy: declares his Pharisee heritage and hope in the resurrection, igniting Pharisee–Sadducee debate and diverting attention.
  • Roman commander extracts Paul for safety; that night Jesus appears: “Take courage… you must testify in Rome.”
  • Lesson: divine encouragement often follows disappointment, assuring us our calling is not over.

3. Personal Testimony: Vegas to Kentucky

  • Pastor recounts leaving a thriving Las Vegas church plant to return to his hometown, knowing conflict awaited.
  • God anchors him with Joshua 1:9; unsolicited cards and emails repeatedly quote the same verse, confirming the call.
  • Insight: Courage is forged in obedience, not circumstance.

4. Courage Defined: Potent + Present vs. Powerless

  • Legitimate fear objects are both potent and present (e.g., a live poisonous snake).
  • Because of Christ’s resurrection, death is present but no longer potent—therefore illegitimate as a fear object (1 Cor 15).
  • Max Lucado quotation: when safety becomes our god, greatness is emasculated.

5. Fear of People: A Dangerous Trap

  • Proverbs 29:25 warns that craving human approval ensnares; trusting the Lord brings safety.
  • Humorous “candy-store prom” story illustrates how people-pleasing alters behavior.
  • Call: let God’s acceptance eclipse public opinion.

6. A Survey of Courage in Acts (Chs 1–23)

  • From Pentecost’s 120 Spirit-filled believers to Stephen, Philip, Ananias, Barnabas, Peter, and Paul—Acts showcases successive courageous acts.
  • Suggestion: reread Acts focusing solely on courage to see a pattern of Spirit-empowered boldness.

7. Everyday Courage: Rapid-Fire Reflections

  • Pastor lists dozens of real-life scenarios—parenting, ministry transition, confronting abuse, entering rehab, teaching middle school, driving in Dallas—each demanding courage.
  • Thread: Courage is mundane and majestic, public and private; all flows from surrender to God.

Major Lessons & Revelations

  • Courage springs from living consciously in God’s omnipotent, omnipresent hands.
  • Perfect love (God’s) expels fear; fear flourishes where divine love is doubted.
  • The greatest battlefield is internal—governing one’s spirit surpasses conquering a city.
  • Approval seeking is a subtle idol; reverence for God breeds true wisdom and bravery.
  • God often over-provides protection (470 soldiers for Paul) to remind us He’s got us.

Practical Application

  1. Daily ask: “What would I attempt today if fear weren’t in charge?”
  2. Identify one current fear; bring it under Christ’s authority, replacing negative expectation with faith.
  3. Memorize 2 Tim 1:7 and Joshua 1:9; recite them whenever anxiety surfaces.
  4. Keep a journal of courage—record moments you obey despite fear, noting God’s faithfulness.
  5. Limit approval-seeking behaviors (e.g., social-media validation fast) to break people-pleasing cycles.
  6. Reread Acts 1–23 within a week, highlighting every act of courage; pray for similar boldness.

Conclusion & Call to Response

The congregation is invited to sit quietly, let projected Scriptures wash over them, and ask God:
“Lord, what courageous step are You asking of me? Where have I been paralyzed?”
Jesus’ whispered assurance—“Take courage, I’m not done with you”—is extended to every listener.

References & Resources

  • Max Lucado, Fearless
  • Greek term: hypostasis—foundation, confidence

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