Study Guide / Outline

Introduction

This sermon challenges believers to overcome fear, defeat discouragement, and embrace the power of God’s Word by learning to “in courage” themselves—positioning themselves in courage through the power of truth spoken over their lives.

Section 1: The Thought Battle of the Mind

• Description: The message opens with David’s internal struggle in 1 Samuel 27:1, emphasizing how repeated fearful thoughts can reprogram our minds, shaping our expectations and undermining our faith.
• Main Points:
  • Consistent Thinking Programs Us – What we meditate on most determines how we function and respond.
  • You Choose What You Entertain – While you can’t control every thought, you can decide which ones you keep.
  • Fearful Thinking Breeds Fearful Living – Rehearsing worst-case scenarios keeps us stuck in anxiety.
• Scripture References: 1 Samuel 27:1, Hebrews 11:1, John 6:63, Proverbs 10:21

Section 2: The Dangers of “Someday”

• Description: The sermon highlights the spiritual dangers of living in fear of “what might happen” or always pushing hope into a vague future, rather than living by present-tense faith.
• Main Points:
  • Someday Thinking Undermines Faith – True faith operates in the present, not in a future possibility.
  • Fear Anticipates Failure – Worrying about what might go wrong steals joy and immobilizes purpose.
  • Faith Is Now – If it’s not now, it’s not biblical faith.
• Scripture References: 1 Samuel 27:1, Hebrews 11:1, Romans 8:18

Section 3: Encouraging Yourself in the Lord

• Description: David’s breakthrough came when he learned to “encourage himself in the Lord” amidst great distress, showing us how personal encouragement is a spiritual discipline.
• Main Points:
  • Encouragement Starts with the Word – God’s Word is spirit and life and builds up our faith.
  • Your Words Matter – You must speak life, not just think it, to shift your atmosphere.
  • Encouragement Releases Spiritual Strength – Speaking the Word of God over yourself brings power and clarity.
• Scripture References: 1 Samuel 30:6, Proverbs 10:21, 1 Thessalonians 4:18, John 6:63

Section 4: Living in Boldness and Authority

• Description: Courage is not just emotional strength but spiritual authority. Living “in courage” means taking your place in God’s dominion and confronting opposition without intimidation.
• Main Points:
  • Authority Is the Right to Rule – You’re not just permitted to fight, you’re empowered to reign.
  • Speak to the Mountain – Don’t let circumstances preach fear to you; preach truth to them.
  • God’s Power Is in You – The Spirit within is stronger than anything you face.
• Scripture References: 1 Samuel 30:6, 1 John 4:4, 2 Timothy 1:7, Romans 8:18, Micah 7:8

Section 5: Courage in Action

• Description: The mighty men of David serve as examples of extreme boldness, offering a picture of how believers today should operate in spiritual warfare.
• Main Points:
  • One Word Can Defeat Many – Even a single verse, wielded in faith, is a weapon.
  • We’re Called to Be Mighty – God calls all believers to operate with fierce courage.
• Scripture References: 2 Samuel 23:8–12, 1 John 4:4

Section 6: Making War Through Worship and the Word

• Description: True spiritual warfare is not striving with the devil, but magnifying the Lord and declaring His Word. Worship and the spoken Word are our offensive weapons.
• Main Points:
  • Shift Focus from Enemy to God – Victory comes when you lift your eyes and voice to the Lord.
  • Magnify God, Not Problems – Praise changes perspective and brings breakthrough.
  • Read the Word Personally – Treat Scripture as God’s personal letter to you.
• Scripture References: Isaiah 59:19, Romans 8:18, Psalm 91, 1 John 4:4

Conclusion

Encouragement is not optional for the believer—it is essential. By choosing to speak the Word over yourself, you position yourself in courage, ready to stand, fight, and win. The enemy is terrified of a believer who knows who they are and speaks with boldness.