Faith Over Fear: Trusting God's Promises
Summary
In this sermon, I explored the concept of faith and fear, using the story of Abram from Genesis 15 as a reference. I emphasized the importance of faith in overcoming fear, especially in times of uncertainty and doubt. I discussed the different ways people respond to fear, including freezing, fighting, fleeing, and having faith. I highlighted that while freezing, fighting, and fleeing are natural responses, they often lead to negative outcomes such as depression, self-dependence, and denial. On the other hand, faith, which involves trusting in God's promises and His character, leads to positive outcomes and spiritual growth.
In the second part of the sermon, I delved deeper into the concept of faith, explaining that it is not about denying reality or depending solely on oneself. Instead, faith is about trusting in God's promises and His character, even in the face of fear and uncertainty. I used the example of Abram, who despite his fear and doubt, chose to believe in God's promise, and this was credited to him as righteousness. I concluded the sermon by inviting the congregation to partake in the Lord's Supper, a symbol of the new covenant established by God through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Key Takeaways:
1. Faith is a crucial element in overcoming fear, especially in times of uncertainty and doubt. It involves trusting in God's promises and His character ([49:33]).
2. The responses to fear include freezing, fighting, fleeing, and having faith. While the first three often lead to negative outcomes, faith leads to positive outcomes and spiritual growth.
3. Faith is not about denying reality or depending solely on oneself. Instead, it's about trusting in God's promises and His character, even in the face of fear and uncertainty.
4. The story of Abram in Genesis 15 serves as a powerful example of faith in action. Despite his fear and doubt, Abram chose to believe in God's promise, and this was credited to him as righteousness.
5. The Lord's Supper is a symbol of the new covenant established by God through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and our need to trust in Him.
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Genesis 15:1-6 [07:40]
2. Genesis 15:9-12 [13:14]
3. Genesis 15:17-21 [28:39]
Observation Questions:
1. What is the significance of God telling Abram not to fear in Genesis 15:1?
2. In Genesis 15:9-12, why does Abram prepare animals in the way he does?
3. What does the smoking firepot and flaming torch represent in Genesis 15:17?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Abram's fear in Genesis 15:1-6 relate to his faith in God's promises?
2. What is the significance of God passing through the animal parts alone in Genesis 15:17-21?
3. How does the covenant God makes with Abram in Genesis 15:17-21 reflect God's faithfulness and sovereignty?
Application Questions:
1. In what areas of your life are you experiencing fear like Abram? How can you respond with faith in God's promises?
2. How does understanding God's covenant with Abram impact your view of God's faithfulness in your life?
3. Can you think of a time when you felt like God was asking you to take a bold step of faith? How did you respond and what was the outcome?
4. How can you demonstrate your trust in God's promises in a practical way this week?
5. What is one way you can remind yourself of God's faithfulness when you are facing fear or uncertainty?
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing the Journey of Discipleship
Discipleship is not a light call, but a difficult one that requires us to make bold and faithful decisions amidst uncertainty and fear. It's about stepping towards Jesus, not just intellectually agreeing with His teachings. It's about action faith, not just intellectual faith ([07:18]).
Matthew 16:24 - "Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.'"
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you had to make a bold decision in your faith journey. How did it impact your relationship with Jesus?
Day 2: God's Faithfulness in Our Fear
When we are afraid, God reassures us of His faithfulness. He is our shield, our protection, and our reward. His faithfulness is not dependent on our actions, but solely on His character and His promises ([12:06]).
Deuteronomy 7:9 - "Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments."
Reflection: How have you experienced God's faithfulness in your life? How does this experience help you trust Him more?
Day 3: The Power of Questions in Faith
Asking questions does not show weakness in faith, but rather a desire to understand and grow. Even Jesus asked questions in His moments of fear and stress. Questions can lead us to a deeper understanding and stronger faith ([21:13]).
Habakkuk 1:2 - "How long, LORD, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, 'Violence!' but you do not save?"
Reflection: What questions have you been afraid to ask God? How might asking these questions deepen your faith?
Day 4: The Covenant of God
God's covenant with us is based on His character, not ours. He alone signed the covenant, and we are invited to accept it. This covenant is not something we can break because it is established by God alone ([36:07]).
Jeremiah 31:33 - "This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time," declares the LORD. "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people."
Reflection: How does understanding God's covenant impact your view of your relationship with Him?
Day 5: The Beauty of Faith
Faith is not about our works or our power, but about believing in who God is. It's about putting our faith, hope, and trust in Him. This faith is what saves us, not our deeds or abilities ([39:08]).
Hebrews 11:1 - "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."
Reflection: How has your faith in God shaped your life? How can you continue to grow in your faith?
Quotes
1. "Walking together as we each take a bold next step with Jesus. We're not the focus, we're not the standard. We're all in submission to Him." - 06:03
2. "The call to discipleship is not a call that is light and it's not a response that's made lightly. We have to come with the understanding and come to grips with the fact that discipleship is a difficult calling that requires men and women to boldly and faithfully make decisions in the midst of uncertainty and fear." - 09:05
3. "The pain and the fear is minimal compared to the glory of what we understand in who Christ is. And every moment of suffering, every moment of pain is worth it." - 11:02
4. "Faith isn't the absence of trouble, but instead, it's the confidence of the presence of the Lord in the midst of the struggle." - 19:40
5. "Jesus had questions. Luke's account shares that Jesus suffered from hemiotidrosis. All right. Hemiotidrosis is the condition when a person experiences a high level of stress which causes the blood vessels that feed the sweat glands to rupture, causing them to exude blood under the condition of extreme physical or emotional stress." - 22:32
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