"Courage Awaits" | August 17, 2025

Follow Along with the Message

Courage Awaits

Rev. Jim Humphries | Acts 23:1–11

Main Idea
Courage doesn’t come before we act. It comes as we step out in faith, trusting that the Holy Spirit will meet us and give us strength in the moment.

Key Points

• Paul knew danger awaited him, yet he pressed forward, confident that God was with him.

• Like a firefighter running into a burning building, Paul’s courage came from serving someone greater than himself.

• Jesus’ words came true: “Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” (Matthew 10:16) Paul used wisdom to speak and act with boldness.

• Courage grows like a muscle. The more we use it, the stronger it becomes.

• The Holy Spirit is always ahead of us, waiting to give us the words, wisdom, and courage we need.

Scripture to Remember
“Keep up your courage... for I have work for you yet to do.” – Acts 23:11

For Reflection

• Where in your life is God calling you to step beyond what feels safe?

• What “burning buildings” in our world—poverty, injustice, division—need us to step into with courage?

• How can you trust the Spirit to give you courage in the moment instead of waiting to feel ready?

Takeaway
Faith calls us deeper. Courage awaits us not before, but in the act of following Christ into the hard and holy places of this world.