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In Week 5 of It Matters, the Grow Group dives into the remarkable story of Benaiah—the warrior who chased a lion into a pit on a snowy day and killed it. Through humor, personal stories, and biblical insight, the group explores what true courage looks like in the life of a believer. Rather than defining courage as fearlessness, they describe it as refusing to be ruled by fear and choosing obedience when doing the right thing is difficult. Drawing from Scripture, the story of David and Goliath, and Joey Rogers’ devotional It Matters, the conversation challenges listeners to trust God more deeply, stand firm in truth, and pursue the God-given calling placed on their lives. Courage, they conclude, is not self-confidence—it is confidence in a God who is bigger than every lion we face.

Key Takeaways

• Courage is doing what is right even when it is difficult or frightening.
• Benaiah’s victory over the lion illustrates a life that refuses to be controlled by fear.
• A small view of God creates big fears; a big view of God shrinks fears to their proper size.
• Courage grows from intimacy with God, not confidence in ourselves.
• Trust and courage are inseparable—the more we trust God, the more boldly we live.
• Christians are called to stand for truth with both courage and wisdom.
• God often reveals His will one step at a time, requiring faith and obedience.
• The Christian life is meant to be an adventure of faith, not a safe spectator sport.
• Every believer has a God-given purpose; avoiding that purpose is often rooted in fear.
• True courage pursues God’s calling rather than personal comfort or self-glory.

00:00 – 05:20 | Opening Banter & Life Updates
The group shares humorous stories, graduation celebrations, and family updates before introducing the theme of courage through the story of Benaiah.

05:21 – 08:05 | Meet Benaiah: The Lion Chaser
An overview of Benaiah’s legendary exploits and why his story remains one of Scripture’s greatest examples of courage.

08:06 – 14:28 | What Is Courage?
The group defines courage as doing what is right despite fear and discusses the growing challenge of standing for biblical truth in today’s culture.

14:29 – 18:20 | Naming the Lion
A discussion on identifying fears, sins, and obstacles rather than pretending they do not exist. Spiritual courage begins with honest acknowledgment.

18:21 – 23:25 | Victimhood vs. Victory
The conversation contrasts a victim mentality with a faith-filled perspective that sees challenges as opportunities for God to work.

23:26 – 27:05 | Living in the Great Unknown
Barry reflects on trusting God without having a detailed roadmap and learning to take the next faithful step.

27:06 – 33:20 | Practical Ways to Build Courage
The group shares practical examples of living out faith publicly, trusting God daily, and growing confidence through obedience.

33:21 – 36:20 | David, Goliath, and Spiritual Frequency
David’s courage is traced back to years of private faithfulness. Courage develops when believers consistently spend time with God.

36:21 – 40:18 | Courage, Calling, and Purpose
The group emphasizes that courage is not reckless ambition but faithfully pursuing the work God has uniquely assigned to each person.

40:19 – 45:18 | The Christian Life Is an Adventure
A challenge to reject safe, comfortable Christianity and embrace God-sized dreams that require faith and dependence on Him.

45:19 – 48:20 | Looking Ahead: Humility & Barzillai
The hosts preview next week’s chapter on humility and the life of Barzillai, highlighting lessons from an older servant of God.

48:21 – 51:46 | Prayer Requests, Encouragement & Closing Prayer
The episode concludes with personal prayer requests, reflections on courage, and a prayer for wisdom, faithfulness, and trust in God.