Courage from the Cross

Week 8: Courageous Faith: Courage from the Cross

Hebrews 12:1-3; Joshua 1:9

1. People of Courageous Faith who’s trying to ruin your life.

• Luke 23:34; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 53:6; Matthew 6:12; Matthew 6:14-15

2. People of Courageous Faith who are experiencing your same struggle.

• Luke 23:39-43; Isaiah 58:10

3. People of Courageous Faith take of those  to them.

• John 19:26-27

4. People of Courageous Faith realize that until you get to , there are some things we will never .

• Matthew 27:46; Hebrews 4:15

5. People of Courageous Faith are human enough to their need.

• John 19:28-29

6. People of Courageous Faith are assured, there is a and an .

• John 19:30; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

7. People of Courageous Faith their day to God and let it go.

• Luke 23:46; 1 Peter 5:7; Luke 19:35

Big Idea:

Today we look at seven courageous faith statements that Jesus makes from the cross. The seven principles behind these statements give us insights into how we, too, should navigate our worst days.

(Hebrews 12:1-3 MSG) Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!

Talk about it…

• This was our last message in our series, “Courageous Faith.”
• What is your biggest take-a-way from this message series?
• What application have you started applying over the past 8 weeks that has made the most significant impact in your life personally?
• [Read Hebrews 12:1-3 Message Version] The Bible tells us that if we want to finish our race strong, we need to study how Jesus did it.
• What are 2-3 key life lessons you have learned from the Lord that has helped you in running your race?
• How has Jesus’ character and actions help shape what your life is today?
• While Jesus was on the cross, he shared 7 statements that serve as reminders of how to live but also can encourage us during our race of life. The first statement Jesus gave was in Luke 23 when He said, “Father forgive them…” In this moment, Jesus looked past His pain and was able to forgive.
• Do you have un-forgiveness in your life?
• How long have you been holding onto this past pain?
• Do you feel like now is the time to forgive the one who hurt you, remembering that forgiveness is more for you than for them?
• [Read Isaiah 58:10] We all have experienced pain and lessons that are similar to what others have faced.
• What is one key lesson you have learned or experienced that you can share?
• How can this lesson help and bless those around you?
• What are the key principles the Lord taught you through that experience?
• We learn from John 19:26-27, that even from the cross, on His worst day, Jesus was looking after those who were the closest to Him.
• Those closest to us can sometimes receive the brunt of our frustrations, hurt, and pain. Without even realizing it at times, we can hurt the ones we love the most.
• How do you respond when you are hurt?
• Is your tendency to be fine with everyone else, but then act differently at home?
• How can we make our homes a refuge instead of a battleground?
• Jesus taught an extraordinary lesson of being human enough to acknowledge a need. Hopefully, you have become close and transparent with a trusted core. If Jesus can admit a need, so can we.
• Is there something you are currently going through, and you need the support of others?
• How can the people in your group/church help you during this time?

Pray about it…

• God, thank you for the cross! Not only did you pay the penalty for my sins, but modeled what courageous faith looks like on your worst day. Help me not just to know cognitively how you responded in crisis, but please help me to live just like you. God, search my heart. Which of these seven principles do I need to work on the most? Today, I’m choosing to take a step of courageous faith to do what you’re asking me to do! 

Act on it…

• Download the YouVersion Bible App. As a CCC family, we’re going to read the six-day reading plan, “Reverse The Curse” this week.
• Memorize & meditate on Joshua 1:9 NLT this week:

“This is my command – be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

• Of the 7 principles discussed today, which one do you need to intentionally focus on this week? Whatever it is, take action by all means necessary!

Sermon available online at centralsj.org