Faith Over Fear: Embracing God's Deliverance and Promises

Devotional

Day 1: The Blood That Liberates

The Passover event in the Old Testament is a profound metaphor for spiritual liberation. Just as the Israelites were freed from Egyptian bondage through the blood of the lamb, Christians believe they are delivered from the bondage of sin through the blood of Jesus Christ, the ultimate Passover Lamb. This deliverance is not just a historical event but a present reality that offers freedom from sin and death. It is a cause for celebration and gratitude, as it signifies a new life in Christ, free from the chains that once held us captive. Recognizing this deliverance calls for a heart of thankfulness and a life that reflects the freedom we have received. [33:25]

"For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect." (1 Peter 1:18-19, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you celebrate and express gratitude for the freedom you have received through Christ today?

Day 2: Embracing Divine Interruptions

Zechariah's encounter with the angel Gabriel is a powerful reminder of how God can interrupt our lives with His divine plans. These interruptions, though initially unsettling, can lead to profound changes and blessings. Zechariah's story teaches us to be open to these moments, recognizing that they are opportunities for growth and alignment with God's purpose. Embracing divine interruptions requires faith and a willingness to step out of our comfort zones, trusting that God's plans are far greater than our own. [45:16]

"The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." (Proverbs 16:9, ESV)

Reflection: Can you recall a time when God interrupted your plans? How can you be more open to His divine interruptions in your life today?

Day 3: Faith Over Fear

Fear is a natural human response, but it should not paralyze us. Zechariah's story reminds us that God often begins His messages with "Fear not," encouraging us to trust in His promises and presence. Our faith should guide us through fear, leading us to act in accordance with God's will. Zechariah's initial fear and disbelief were transformed into faith and obedience, showing us that even amidst doubt, God's promises remain steadfast. Trusting in God's word and His presence can help us overcome fear and live boldly in faith. [52:34]

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9, ESV)

Reflection: What is one fear that is holding you back from fully trusting God? How can you take a step of faith to overcome it today?

Day 4: Persistent Prayer and God's Faithfulness

Zechariah and Elizabeth's story is a testament to God's faithfulness in answering prayers, even those we may have forgotten or deemed impossible. God remembers our prayers and answers them in His perfect timing. This encourages us to persist in prayer, trusting that God hears us and will fulfill His promises. Even when we feel like giving up, we can be assured that God is working behind the scenes, orchestrating His plans for our lives. [54:54]

"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." (Romans 12:12, ESV)

Reflection: Is there a prayer you have given up on? How can you renew your commitment to pray persistently, trusting in God's timing?

Day 5: The Power of Obedience

Zechariah's eventual obedience to God's message resulted in the fulfillment of God's promise and the birth of John the Baptist. Our actions, aligned with God's will, can lead to the realization of His promises in our lives. Obedience to God's word is a powerful testimony of faith, demonstrating our trust in His plans and purposes. When we act in obedience, we open doors for God's blessings and the fulfillment of His promises. [01:00:31]

"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." (James 1:22, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to act in obedience to God's word? What steps can you take today to align your actions with His will?

Sermon Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound significance of the Passover and its connection to our deliverance from sin through Jesus Christ, our Passover Lamb. The Israelites' liberation from Egypt serves as a powerful metaphor for our own spiritual freedom from the bondage of sin. Just as the blood of the lamb protected the Israelites from the angel of death, the blood of Jesus covers and protects us, offering us salvation and freedom. We are reminded of the importance of recognizing and celebrating this deliverance, acknowledging the sacrifice Jesus made for us on the cross.

We also delved into the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth, highlighting the theme of fear and faith. Zechariah, a righteous man, was visited by the angel Gabriel, who brought the incredible news that he and his wife Elizabeth would have a son, John, who would prepare the way for the Lord. Despite his initial fear and disbelief, Zechariah's story teaches us about the importance of trusting in God's promises, even when they seem impossible. His eventual obedience and the fulfillment of God's promise through the birth of John the Baptist remind us that God's will prevails, even amidst our doubts and fears.

The message encourages us to confront our fears with faith, trusting in God's plan and timing. It challenges us to be open to divine interruptions in our lives, just as Zechariah's routine was interrupted by the angel's message. We are called to act in obedience to God's word, knowing that our actions can speak louder than words. Ultimately, the message is a call to live fearlessly, grounded in the assurance of God's love and the salvation offered through Jesus Christ.

Key Takeaways

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2. Divine Interruptions: Zechariah's encounter with the angel Gabriel teaches us to be open to God's interruptions in our lives. These moments can lead to profound changes and blessings, even if they initially cause fear or doubt. Embracing these divine interruptions can lead us closer to God's purpose for our lives.

3. Fear and Faith: Fear is a natural human response, but it should not paralyze us. Zechariah's story reminds us that God often begins His messages with "Fear not," encouraging us to trust in His promises and presence. Our faith should guide us through fear, leading us to act in accordance with God's will.

4. God Remembers Our Prayers: Even when we feel like giving up, God remembers our prayers. Zechariah and Elizabeth's story is a testament to God's faithfulness in answering prayers, even those we may have forgotten or deemed impossible. We are encouraged to persist in prayer, trusting in God's perfect timing.

5. Obedience Opens Doors: Zechariah's eventual obedience to God's message resulted in the fulfillment of God's promise and the birth of John the Baptist. Our actions, aligned with God's will, can lead to the realization of His promises in our lives. Obedience to God's word is a powerful testimony of faith.

** [33:25]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[33:25] - The Passover and Deliverance
[34:22] - Remembering Jesus' Sacrifice
[35:24] - The Blood of the Lamb
[36:15] - Freedom Through Christ
[37:19] - Introduction to Fear Not Series
[38:28] - Zechariah and Elizabeth's Story
[39:22] - Angelic Encounter and Fear
[40:04] - The Promise of John the Baptist
[41:03] - Zechariah's Doubt and Silence
[41:57] - The Birth of John
[42:42] - Zechariah's Prophecy
[45:16] - Divine Interruptions
[52:34] - Fear and Faith
[54:54] - God Remembers Our Prayers
[60:31] - Obedience and Fulfillment

Sermon Clips

Something called the Passover in the Old Testament. The Hebrews were in bondage in Egypt. Have you ever been in bondage? You ever felt like you were in bondage? I feel like I'm in bondage to this body I live in right now. But they were slaves. And God came and spoke to Moses and he said, Moses, tell him to take a lamb. Tell him to sacrifice the lamb, roast it. And you're supposed to eat it in haste and you're supposed to eat it in haste. You're supposed to be ready to leave tomorrow because I'm going to deliver you. Now this morning we don't celebrate the fact that we were delivered from Egypt, but we celebrate the fact we were delivered from our sin. Because sin puts you in bondage. It controls you. It causes you to be a prisoner. The Word of God says that Jesus, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. [00:32:54] (72 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

And God told Moses, he said, now you take blood from that lamb. He said, you put it on the sides of your door and over the top of your doorpost. And he said, the angel of death is going to come. And he's going to go throughout Egypt and he's going to take the firstborn of everyone that does not have the blood of the lamb on the doorpost. Can you imagine what it was like in Egypt that night when the angel of death passed over and there was weeping in every house that did not have the blood of the lamb? Do you have the blood of the lamb over the doorpost? [00:34:59] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Lord Jesus, I pray that you would heal your body today. That, Lord, anyone who is ill would be healed in the name of Jesus. That, Lord, people that are confused or anxious or don't know which way to turn would have the mind of Christ. And that, Lord, the power of your Holy Spirit would take over our lives. And that your Holy Spirit would lead us and would guide us today as we open your word. And that, Lord, we would leave this place different than the way we came in. Closer to you. Closer to you in Jesus' name. Amen. [00:36:34] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. But the angel said to him, Do not be afraid. Zechariah. Your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son and you are to call him John. He will be a joy and delight to you and many will rejoice because of his birth. For he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. Is that awesome? [00:39:28] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Zechariah asked the angel, How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in the years. The angel said to him, I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. This is pure gospel, church. Now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens because you did not believe my words which will come true at their appointed time. [00:40:25] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

His father Zechariah, don't miss this, I want this for everybody here today, was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied. Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people to redeem them. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David, as he said through his holy prophets of long ago. Salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us. To show mercy to our ancestors. To remember His holy covenant. The oath He swore to our father, Abraham. [00:42:42] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Zechariah had a plan, but it was interrupted by the angel. And the angel Gabriel came and he interrupted him. And are you willing to be interrupted in your life sometimes? I'm here to tell you, when I was in high school, we had this assignment. And we had to write down what we were going to do with our life. Think about that when you're about 17 years old. And I can remember the teacher laughing at me when I told him I was going to be a dairy farmer and stuff like that. And I thought, boy, if I had that piece of paper now and that teacher could see me, he just wouldn't believe it, would he? [00:46:22] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Now before we leave this point, what do angels actually do? In Hebrews 1, verse 14, it says, don't you know that angels are ministering, beings, and they have been sent to minister to those who are to inherit salvation. Turn to somebody and say, that's me. And they're sent to minister to us. They're God's ministering spirits. Isn't that something? I dare you to sit down and figure out how many times you've been saved by them in your life from dying at an early age. Man, I've kept one busy for quite some time. [00:49:26] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Now your next point, Gabriel tried to put Zechariah at ease. If an angel comes from God, they will always say, Fear not. Fear not. And we need to hear those words because it also tells us in Scripture that Satan comes as an angel of light. He disguises himself. And so if an angel of light comes to you and he doesn't say, Fear not, and if you're afraid, you better check him out because he didn't come from God. God's not the author of fear. You haven't been given a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. [00:52:29] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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