Courageous Faith | Amos 7:10-17

Phillip Bates
Oct 30, 2025
3 min read

Sermon Guide for November 2, 2025

How to Use This Guide:

These guides are designed to help you engage more deeply with my weekly sermon, regardless of your life stage. Use this guide to prepare your heart to receive God's Word before worship, or to reflect on God's Word the week following worship.

Parents, use the information in this guide to have meaningful conversations with your kids that nurture their faith and help them grow in God’s love.

Finally, I’d love for you to leave a comment! My hope is that these posts spark intergenerational conversations, helping us all learn from and encourage one another.

Scriptures Referenced in the Sermon:

Amos 7:10-17; Luke 9:23-24; 1 Kings 22:14; Luke 3:19; John 18:36-37; Revelation 12:11

Main Idea:

Amos 7:10-17, along with many faithful people throughout biblical and church history, calls God’s people to courage that flows from unwavering devotion to truth rather than convenience or fear—a call modeled perfectly in Christ. In this sermon, we see that true courage is uncompromising (loyal to God’s Word no matter the cost), solitary when necessary (willing to stand alone for God’s truth), divinely empowered (rooted in a clear sense of calling and mission), and enduring even unto death (placing Christ above personal safety or comfort). While the world often rewards compromise and silences conviction, the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead empowers believers today to live boldly, faithfully, and courageously in every sphere of life.

Kids (Elementary Age)

Key Insight: Courage means choosing to do what’s right, even when it’s hard.
Reflection Prompt: Can you think of a time when doing the right thing was scary or hard? How did you respond?
Action Step: This week, practice courage by standing up for someone being treated unfairly or by telling the truth, even if it feels scary.

Teens (Middle & High School)

Key Insight: True courage often means standing alone for God’s truth and values, even when peers disagree.
Reflection Prompt: What pressures do you feel from friends, school, or social media that might make it hard to follow God? How can you respond courageously like Jesus?
Action Step: Identify one area of your life where you might need to stand firm in your faith, and take a concrete step this week—speak up, refuse to compromise, or pray for strength.

Younger Adults (20s-30s)

Key Insight: Courage comes from understanding and trusting your divine calling, even in uncertain seasons of life.
Reflection Prompt: What calling has God placed on your life in your career or relationships? Are there areas where fear of loss has made you hesitant to follow it fully?
Action Step: Make a list of one or two specific steps to live out your calling boldly this week—whether that’s sharing your faith, mentoring, or leading in your sphere of influence.

Midlife Adults (40s-60s)

Key Insight: Courage often costs something—relationships, reputation, opportunities—but faithful obedience brings eternal reward.
Reflection Prompt: In your family, work, or community, where might God be calling you to take a courageous stand? What are you afraid of losing?
Action Step: Pray for courage and take one concrete step this week to act in alignment with God’s truth, even if it risks personal comfort or approval.

Seniors (60s and up)

Key Insight: A lifetime of faithfulness and courage leaves a lasting legacy, even in the face of death.
Reflection Prompt: Looking back on your life, where have you seen God’s courage at work in you? How can your story encourage younger generations?
Action Step: Share one story of courage from your life with a younger believer this week, modeling faithfulness and inspiring them to stand firm.