Main message: Christian commitment ot remain steadfast in faith and courage to endure suffering for Christ.

Bible references: (Isaiah 49:2)

• V1. "soldier" (2 Timothy 2:3-4)

"follower" (Matthew 16:24)

• V2. "prize" (Philippians 3:14)(1 Corinthians 9:24-27)

• V3. "foes" (James 4:4)(Ephesians 6:12)

"Must I not stem the flood?" (Hebrews 12:1-2)

• Chorus: "fight" (2 Timothy 4:7-8)

"increase my courage" (Joshua 1:9-11)(Isaiah 41:10)

"Endure" (Hebrews 10:36

Keywords: Am I, Must I, shall I , soldier, cross, follower, Lamb, fear, cause, blush, name?, fought, win, prize, bloody seas, God?, Sure I, fight, reign, courage, Lord, bear, endure, pain, I’ll, Supported, word

Interpretation notes:

• The hymn is in 3/4 time, and its melody remains closely tied to the text. 

• The opening melody repeats in line 2 and moves from middle C to high E-flat over three measures, with a small descending third followed by an ascent.

• Later, the melody reaches higher notes on phrases such as 'increase my courage, Lord,' and line 3 begins on the fifth scale degree with 'Sure I must.' 

• The final lines continue upward motion, supporting the closing commitment of the text.