Finding Strength: A Bible Study on Courage

Courage. It’s a word that evokes images of knights in shining armor, facing down dragons, or brave souls standing up for what’s right in the face of adversity. But courage isn’t just for grand gestures. In the Bible, courage is a vital thread woven throughout scripture, a call to action for every believer in every situation.

This Bible study will explore the many facets of courage in the Bible, drawing inspiration from the stories and teachings to equip ourselves with the strength we need in our daily lives.

Opening Prayer:

Almighty God, we gather today seeking Your guidance and strength. Grant us open hearts and minds as we explore the meaning of courage in Your word. Fill us with the courage to face our fears, persevere through challenges, and live according to Your will. Amen.

Part 1: What is Courage?

The Bible doesn’t define courage explicitly, but it paints a vivid picture through countless examples. It’s not the absence of fear, but the willingness to act despite it. Courage is rooted in faith, trusting in God’s presence and power even when things seem impossible (Joshua 1:9).

• Read: Joshua 1:6–9. Discuss: How does God encourage Joshua in this passage? What does it mean to be “strong and courageous”?

Part 2: Biblical Heroes of Courage

The Bible overflows with stories of ordinary people displaying extraordinary courage. Here are a few examples:

• David vs. Goliath: A young shepherd boy faces a seemingly unbeatable giant, trusting in God’s strength over his own (1 Samuel 17).
• Esther: A queen risks her life to save her people, demonstrating courage in the face of authority (Esther 4:14).
• Daniel: In a foreign land, Daniel remains steadfast in his faith, defying a king’s decree (Daniel 6).

Discussion:

• Read each passage and discuss. What challenges did each person face? How did their faith play a role in their courage?
• Can you think of other examples of courage in the Bible?

Part 3: Different Forms of Courage

Courage isn’t a one-size-fits-all quality. It can manifest in various ways:

• Standing Up for What’s Right: Sometimes courage means speaking out against injustice, even when it’s unpopular (Proverbs 31:8–9).
• Facing Our Fears: We all have fears, but courage allows us to confront them with faith in God’s guidance (Psalm 27:1).
• Perseverance Through Trials: Life throws challenges our way, but courage empowers us to keep going, trusting in God’s strength (James 1:2–4).

Discussion:

• Share a personal experience where you needed courage. What form did it take?
• How can we cultivate different kinds of courage in our daily lives?

Part 4: Cultivating Courage in Our Lives

The Bible provides practical ways to foster courage within ourselves:

• Seek God’s Strength: Prayer and reliance on God are essential for facing challenges (Philippians 4:13).
• Study Scripture: The Bible is filled with stories of courage and God’s faithfulness. Studying these stories can inspire and strengthen us (Romans 15:4).
• Build a Strong Community: Surround yourself with people who will support and encourage you when facing difficulties (Hebrews 10:24–25).

Activity:

• Divide into small groups and discuss practical ways to incorporate the points above into your daily lives.
• Create a personal action plan for how you will cultivate courage in the coming week.

Closing Prayer:

Thank you, Lord, for the countless examples of courage in Your word. Grant us the faith and strength to face our challenges with courage, knowing You are always with us. May we live with boldness, guided by Your love and purpose. Amen.

Additional Resources:

• Verses on Courage: Joshua 1:9, Deuteronomy 31:6, 2 Timothy 1:7, Hebrews 13:6.
• Books: “Courage for Life” by John MacArthur, “The Gift of Fear” by Gavin de Becker

Remember: Courage is a journey, not a destination. By drawing inspiration from the Bible and actively seeking God’s strength, we can all cultivate the courage we need to live out our faith with confidence.