Being Faithful To Death

 Merriam-Webster's Dictionary defines courage as “mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty.”  Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Dictionary defines courage as “the strength of purpose that enables one to withstand fear or difficulty. Physical courage is based on moral courage - a reliance on the presence and power of God and a commitment to His commandments.”

 The noun tharsos refers to “courage.”  The adjective euthumos, occurring once, is descriptive of one who is “cheerful, in good spirits.”  The adverb euthumōs is descriptive of action performed “cheerfully.”

 The verb eupsucheō means “to be heartened, be glad, to be of good courage.”  The verb euthumeō means “to be of good cheer, keep up one’s courage.”  The verb tharreō means “to have certainty in a matter, be confident, be courageous.”

 The verb tharseō means “to be firm or resolute in the face of danger or adverse circumstances, be enheartened, be courageous.”  The verb tolmaō means “to show boldness or resolution in the face of danger, opposition, or a problem, dare, bring oneself to (do something).”

 Sometimes the Greek words elsewhere translated “courage” are used negatively to communicate caution.  Rather than being “foolhardy,” being faithful to death requires carefulness and caution.

 We must evidence caution in our attitude toward God (Acts 7:30-34; Exod. 3:1-12; Eccl. 5:1-7).  We must evidence caution in our attitude toward others (Jude 8-10; Deut. 34:1-8; 1 Pet. 3:8-12).  We must evidence caution in our attitude toward self (2 Cor. 10:7-13; 3:1-3; 5:11-15).

 Frequently, the Greek words translated “courage” communicate the concept of confidence.  We must be firm and resolute in the face of danger and difficulty.

 We must evidence courage in the proclamation and practice of truth (2 Cor. 10:1-6; 2 Tim. 4:1-8; Jude 3-4).  We must evidence courage in persecution of the present (John 16:23-33; Acts 14:21-22; 2 Tim. 3:10-17).  We must evidence courage in our prospects for the future (2 Cor. 5:1-10; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; Rev. 21:1-8).

 Let us be mindful of the challenge that God made to Joshua, and the challenge that Joshua made to Israel (Josh. 1:6-9; 24:14-15).  Are we going to be Christ-like or carnal? Will we be courageous or cowardly? Will we be faithful or fearful?

 Will we hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant; enter into the joy of your master,” or will Christ say, “Throw out the worthless slave into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matt. 25:14-30)?