When I Fear (From Our 1-19-25 Worship)
Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/Rrw3e76ughU
Summary:
Here’s an expanded version of the summary with more details while maintaining clarity and flow:
Summary:
Here’s an expanded version of the summary with more details while maintaining clarity and flow:
Sermon on Fear: "When I Am Afraid"
Introduction: Heroes and Fear
- The Idea of Heroes: There’s a saying, “Don’t meet your heroes.” It reflects the reality that even the people we admire have flaws. We often view heroes through the lens of their achievements or highlight moments, forgetting their humanity.
- Biblical Hero Example: King David
- We may think of David defeating Goliath (1 Samuel 17), a boy who stood against impossible odds.
- Yet David had moments of fear and failure, such as fleeing from Saul and pretending to be insane in Gath (1 Samuel 21).
- David’s life reminds us that even great leaders face fear, and their response to fear holds lessons for us.
Key Text: Psalm 56
- Psalm 56 was written during David’s time in Gath when he feared for his life.
- Key Verses:
- “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?” (Psalm 56:3–4).
- David demonstrates a transition from fear to trust through reliance on God.
Types of Fear and Biblical Examples
Fear is universal and arises from different circumstances. The Bible provides numerous examples to help us understand and combat fear.
- Fear from Sin (Genesis 3:9–10)
- Adam and Eve: After disobeying God, they hid because they were afraid of their nakedness and shame.
- Application:
- Sin often leads to guilt and fear, driving us away from God.
- However, Jesus’ sacrifice offers forgiveness and reconciliation. No sin is beyond the cleansing power of His blood (Romans 8:1; 1 John 1:9).
- Fear from Doubt (Genesis 18:10–15)
- Sarah’s Doubt: When God promised her a child, Sarah laughed in disbelief due to her old age, then lied about laughing out of fear.
- Application:
- Doubt in God’s promises can create fear, especially when we face seemingly impossible situations.
- Trusting God requires believing His power and timing, even when we don’t see immediate results.
- Fear from Assumptions (Genesis 26:6–7)
- Isaac’s Lie: Isaac feared for his life because of Rebekah’s beauty and lied, saying she was his sister.
- Application:
- Fear often stems from the stories we create in our minds, imagining worst-case scenarios that may never happen.
- Recognize and challenge these assumptions with God’s truth.
- Fear from Loss (Genesis 42:1–4)
- Jacob’s Overprotection: Having lost Joseph, Jacob feared losing Benjamin, leading to excessive caution.
- Application:
- Fear of pain and loss can paralyze us or lead to controlling behavior.
- Trust God to care for what we cannot control.
How to Combat Fear: Lessons from Matthew
The book of Matthew offers examples of how to respond to fear with faith.
- Trust God’s Plan (Matthew 1:18–20)
- Joseph’s Decision: Joseph considered quietly divorcing Mary, fearing disgrace. God assured him of His plan through an angel.
- Application:
- God has a plan, even when we don’t see it. Trust Him, knowing He works all things for good (Romans 8:28).
- Faith Over Fear (Matthew 8:23–27)
- Calming the Storm: Jesus rebuked the disciples’ fear during a storm, emphasizing their lack of faith.
- Application:
- Faith and fear cannot coexist. Exercise faith by acting in obedience, even when fear arises.
- The Truth Will Prevail (Matthew 10:24–26)
- Encouragement to Disciples: Jesus reminded His disciples that the truth would ultimately be revealed, despite persecution.
- Application:
- Fear often narrows our focus to temporary troubles. Remember God’s eternal truth and sovereignty.
- Fear God, Not Man (Matthew 10:28–31)
- Perspective on Fear: Jesus urged His followers to fear God, who has ultimate authority, rather than earthly threats.
- Application:
- Focus on God’s greatness. Whatever you fear is never as big as God.
Practical Strategies to Overcome Fear
David’s response in Psalm 56 offers a model for overcoming fear.
- Replace Fear with Trust and Praise
- David moved from fear to confidence by trusting God and praising Him (Psalm 56:3–4).
- Formula: Trust → Praise → Trust again.
- Shift Perspective
- Fear often narrows our focus to immediate problems, but God sees the bigger picture.
- Example: Job maintained faith in God’s sovereignty despite immense trials (Job 19:25–27).
- Remember Your Value to God
- Jesus reassures us of our worth (Matthew 10:29–31). God values us above all creation.
- Application: Fear often arises from feelings of inadequacy or failure. Recognize your value in God’s eyes.
- Act in Faith Despite Fear
- Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:24–30): Fear paralyzed the one-talent servant, leading to inaction.
- Application: Don’t let fear prevent you from serving or stepping out in faith.
Conclusion: God Is Greater Than Fear
- Fear is a natural human emotion, but it should not control us.
- Key Scripture: “God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7).
- Final Thoughts:
- Trust in God’s power, love, and promises to overcome fear.
- When afraid, follow David’s example: trust, praise, and trust again.
- Whatever your fear, it’s not bigger than God. Let His truth, love, and presence guide you through it.
Invitation: If you’re battling fear, seek God’s help and lean on the support of your church family. Together, you can find peace and confidence in Him.
