(Deu) 20:2-4 CJB “When you are about to go into battle, the cohen is to come forward and address the people. He should tell them, ‘Listen, Isra’el! You are about to do battle against your enemies. Don’t be fainthearted or afraid; don’t be alarmed or frightened by them; because Adonai your God is going with you to fight on your behalf against your enemies and give you victory.’”
Christian courage is not optional for followers of Jesus. From the beginning, God has called His people to move forward in faith, truth, and obedience even when facing opposition, hostility, and fear.
Our Scripture today records words originally spoken by the priest to prepare Israel for physical battle. Yet the principle behind them remains deeply relevant for Christians today because God’s people are still engaged in warfare — not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual darkness, deception, and rebellion against God.
Christian Courage Begins in the Home
This priestly encouragement should characterize the words spoken by Christian fathers to their families daily.
Before children leave for school…
before husbands and wives go to work…
before believers step into a hostile world…
they should be reminded:
- do not fear,
- do not compromise,
- God is with you,
- stand firmly in truth,
- and live boldly for Christ.
Likewise, pastors should regularly send the church into the world with this same exhortation. The gathered church is not meant to retreat from darkness in fear. The Church is commissioned to advance the kingdom of God through the proclamation of truth and the making of disciples.
Jesus commanded His people to:
- preach the gospel,
- make disciples,
- and teach people everywhere to obey everything He commanded.
That mission requires Christian courage because truth will always encounter resistance from a fallen world.
The Church Advances Against the Gates of Hell
Jesus declared that the gates of hell would not prevail against His Church.
Gates are defensive structures.
They do not advance.
They hold captives inside.
The image Jesus gives is not of the Church hiding defensively from the world, but of the Church advancing against the strongholds of darkness through the power of the gospel.
The gates surround:
- the spiritually blind,
- the spiritually deaf,
- prisoners enslaved by sin,
- and those held captive by Satan through ignorance, deception, and rebellion against God.
The gospel breaks those chains.
The truth of Jesus Christ is “the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” The Church therefore advances not with worldly weapons, violence, intimidation, or political force, but through truth, righteousness, proclamation, prayer, sacrifice, and faithful obedience to Jesus.
Christian Courage Rejects Passivity
Unfortunately, much modern Christianity has become passive, fearful, and defensive.
Many believers feel intimidated by secular culture, hostile ideologies, and public opposition to biblical truth. Yet Scripture repeatedly calls Christians to boldness rather than retreat.
Our battle is not against people themselves.
It is against false ideas, deceptive philosophies, sinful worldviews, and every argument that opposes the knowledge of God.
The apostle Paul writes that believers are to:
“take every thought captive to obey Christ.”
This means Christians confront lies with truth.
We confront darkness with light.
We confront confusion with Scripture.
We confront rebellion with the gospel.
This requires courage because proclaiming biblical truth will often bring rejection, criticism, mockery, or persecution.
But Christians are not to fear man above God.
Jesus Himself taught us to fear the One who holds eternal authority rather than fearing temporary earthly opposition.
Jesus Is the Model of Christian Courage
Ultimately, courage is part of the character of Christ Himself.
Jesus “set His face like flint” toward Jerusalem knowing the suffering awaiting Him. He did not retreat from opposition. He did not compromise truth. He did not abandon His mission because of fear.
He moved forward in obedience to the Father for the salvation of the world.
That same Spirit-filled courage is meant to characterize Christians today.
Biblical courage is not loud arrogance.
It is steadfast faithfulness.
It is the willingness to stand for truth, proclaim the gospel, obey God publicly, and advance Christ’s kingdom regardless of opposition.
Run Today’s Play
Ask yourself honestly:
Where have I become passive or fearful in living for Christ?
Have you remained silent when truth should be spoken?
Have you prioritized comfort over obedience?
Have you feared people more than God?
Today, pray for boldness.
Encourage your family before they leave the house.
Speak truth graciously but confidently.
Open your Bible publicly.
Share the gospel intentionally.
And remember:
the Lord your God goes with you into every battle.
Christian courage grows when we remember we never stand alone.
