We are all fearful people. However, as believers, we must not let fear grip us. In Philippians 1:12-14, the Apostle Paul highlighted the importance of courage. It takes a lot of courage to surrender our freedom, to trust God to take care of our family when we are arrested, etc. We must not fear because God's grace is sufficient for us (2 Cor 12:9).

Paul highlighted the impact of biblical courage on the following:

1. Himself (Phil 1:12)

Paul was ready not only to go to prison for Christ, but also to die for Him. Everywhere that Paul went, he preached the gospel. Even his imprisonment was for the furtherance of the gospel of Christ. Because of Paul's courage to be a prisoner for Christ, he was able to share the gospel wherever he was.

2. The outreach (Phil 1:13)

The spread of the gospel is not because of our presence in many places. It is only by the power of God and the Holy Spirit. The Great Commission requires us to go, thus we must go where we are called to go. But we must always remember that the founder of all the churches is Christ, and Him alone. Salvation is of the Lord alone.

The gospel is spread within the palace of Rome because of Paul's imprisonment and his courage to continue preaching the gospel while he was under house arrest. And once the soldiers became believers, there was a multiplier effect. The gospel spread further.

3. The courage of others (Phil 1:14)

The courage of many others increased as they saw the courage of Paul. Many who heard and experienced Paul's courage, increased in boldness to speak the gospel. Philippians 1:14: “And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.” They were no longer afraid, but spoke up and shared the gospel. They were willing to lose everything: their freedom, their lives, etc for Christ's sake.

Are we courageous and prepared to give up everything for Christ? Our courage will impact ourselves, the spread of the gospel and the courage of those around us.