April 19 2026

Sunday April 19

Courage That Spreads

Philippians 1:13-14

Today we are moving on to verses 13-14 of Philippians 1. The Apostle Paul is writing back to the church at Philippi, telling them, “I am in prison, but these things have happened to me for the furtherance of the gospel” (verse 12).

Now in verse 13-14, he writes, “So that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.” Paul is saying that everyone there in the prison now clearly understands that he is there because of his testimony in Jesus Christ. He is in chains because of his witness for Christ and his commitment to share the good news of Jesus Christ. As a result, he says that others, because of his boldness, have been encouraged to also share the gospel with boldness.

Paul’s suffering did something very powerful—it gave others courage to speak up for Jesus in their own chains, in their own situations. Possibly even the guards in the prison who may have been afraid are now telling others about Christ because they saw his boldness, his faith, and his confidence in Christ. They were strengthened.

My friend, do not ever underestimate the influence you have in helping others do what they ought to do. When you remain faithful in difficulty, it encourages others to do the same. Your courage can spread. Never underestimate what God can do through you and your example when you stand with courage and boldness for Jesus Christ.

One of the most powerful stories in the Old Testament—and one of my favorites—is found in 1 Samuel chapters 13 and 14. The Philistines had surrounded the nation of Israel and the armies of Israel. Saul, who was king at that time, was absolutely afraid—trembling. The Scripture says in verses 5–7 of chapter 13: “The Philistines gathered together to fight with Israel: thirty thousand chariots, six thousand horsemen, and people as numerous as the sand on the seashore. They came and encamped at Michmash, to the east of Beth Aven.

When the men of Israel saw that they were in danger, for the people were distressed, they hid in caves, thickets, rocks, holes, and pits. Some of the Hebrews even crossed over the Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead. As for Saul, he was still in Gilgal, and all the people followed him trembling.” The people were in a desperate situation. They had no weapons. The Philistines had them surrounded and were preparing to attack.

But then there is Jonathan in chapter 14, the son of Saul. He says to the young man who bore his armor, in verse 6: “Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised; it may be that the Lord will work for us. For nothing restrains the Lord from saving by many or by few.” His armor bearer said to him, “Do all that is in your heart. Go then; here I am with you, according to your heart.”

Here is Jonathan saying, “We are going to take on these Philistines—just me and you.” And his armor bearer says, “I am with you all the way.” God gave him one person to stand with him. As you read the story, they formed a plan and attacked the garrison of the Philistines. God caused the ground to tremble. The Philistines became terrified, began turning on one another, and started fleeing. Just two men, with one sword between them, fighting a whole army—and they began to win a great victory.

As the story continues, you find that the people who had been hiding in caves, dens, and rocks—the ones who had deserted—came back into the battle. They came out of hiding. They found courage to stand up and fight. Why? Because of the courage of one young man, Jonathan, and his armor bearer as they fought against the Philistines.

My friend, you never know how God will use you when you exhibit courage to share the gospel. Your courage may be the very thing that encourages someone else to step forward and do the same. That is what Paul is talking about here. The courage God gave him spread to others, and now they are more bold to share the good news of Jesus Christ. Also, do not underestimate your influence on others. By the grace of God, He can use you to help others become the best Christians they can be.

God bless and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day!