In A Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day - Derek Watson

Derek Watson opens with warmth and humility, recounting early impressions of evangelists and a long-standing fear of public speaking that was slowly overcome through service. A sudden, real-life crisis—the mass shooting at a movie premiere that threatened his family—frames the seriousness of fear: it arrives unexpectedly and grips the body and mind. From there the narrative broadens to the many faces of fear, from common phobias to everyday anxieties about provision, relationships, schooling, and vocation. Scripture is woven throughout: the devil prowls to devour (1 Peter), God has not given a spirit of fear (2 Timothy), and Jesus promises abundant life (John). These truths neither deny fear nor trivialize it; they reframe fear as an enemy to be confronted, not a tutor to be obeyed.

Attention turns to a biblical example of courage: Benaiah, who chased a lion into a pit and killed it, and who later rose above other mighty warriors because he acted when others might have fled. This historic vignette illustrates a central thesis: God rewards movement and courageous obedience. Faith is not passive hope but demonstrated action—sometimes in baby steps, sometimes in bold sprints—and often the greatest breakthroughs come during the heaviest burdens. Practical counsel follows: pray consistently, say yes more often than no, let fear be handed to God, and pursue the purpose God has given even when outcomes are uncertain.

The conclusion is a sober but hopeful charge: stop living as if the purpose of life is to arrive safely at death; instead, chase the lions that stand between the present condition and the promised future. The assembly is encouraged to move from paralysis to pursuit, trusting that if God is for them, who can be against them. A closing prayer asks God to meet those weighed down by fear and to empower them to take the next obedient step, trusting that courageous pursuit aligns with divine promise and prepares life for greater calling.

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Key Takeaways

• 1. Fear disguises itself as protection Fear often presents as a reasonable hedge against risk—appearing as prudent caution rather than raw terror. Discerning when fear is preserving versus when it is imprisoning requires spiritual and emotional honesty; unchecked fear steadily narrows opportunity and dulls God-given callings. Recognize fear’s voice, test it against Scripture, and refuse to let protective rhetoric become a permanent retreat. [48:31]
• 2. Movement invites God's reward Scripture and example show that God honors motion—steps taken in faith—even when outcomes remain uncertain. Benaiah’s ascent came after decisive action; his story affirms that obedience, not mere longing, unlocks promotion and purpose. Small, consistent movements cultivate courage and position a life for divine favor. [63:38]
• 3. Chase spiritual lions courageously Confronting the most dangerous things is rarely literal; often the “lion” is addiction, fear, failure, or a long-standing injustice that must be met. Courage does not deny danger but refuses to be defined by it, pursuing healing and freedom even at great cost. The act of pursuit reframes identity—from one who flees to one who is forged by confrontation. [64:53]
• 4. Faith is demonstrated by risky obedience Hope is a desire; faith is a demonstration that risks trusting God with the unknown. The biblical promise that believers are “more than conquerors” reframes risk as participatory glory, not reckless bravado. When faith moves into action, it both tests and strengthens trust in God’s purposes. [70:44]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [40:12] - Introduction & children's ministry
• [40:58] - Childhood calling and early memories
• [41:51] - First-time speaking nerves
• [43:03] - Opening prayer
• [43:42] - Personal crisis: movie premiere shooting
• [48:31] - What is fear? A universal struggle
• [49:33] - Top ten phobias (lighthearted research)
• [60:11] - Introducing Benaiah: a lion-chaser
• [63:38] - God rewards action and movement
• [70:44] - Romans: more than conquerors
• [72:45] - Exhortation: chase your lions
• [76:40] - Closing prayer and benediction

Here is a Bible study guide based on the sermon:

Bible Reading

2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV): "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."

John 10:10 (ESV): "...I came that they may have life and have it more abundantly."

2 Samuel 23:20-22 (ESV): "Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man of Kabzeel, who had done great acts, he it was that smote two lionlike men of Moab: and he himself went down and slew a lion in a pit in the day of snow: And he slew an Egyptian, a man of great stature: and the Egyptian had a spear in his hand; but he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian's hand, and slew him with his own spear. These things did Benaiah the son of Jehoiada: and had the name among three mighty warriors."

Romans 8:31, 37 (ESV): "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?...No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us."

Observation questions

1. The sermon mentions that fear can be a "universal struggle" and that "every single person deals with fear." [48:31] What are some of the common fears listed in the sermon that people experience? [49:33]
2. The sermon highlights Benaiah's actions, stating, "he chased the lion down into a pit and killed it." [01:03:10] What specific details about Benaiah's encounter with the lion are given that highlight the danger and his courage? [01:04:09]
3. The sermon states, "God rewards action. God rewards movement." [01:03:38] What biblical examples or principles are used to support this idea?
4. The sermon concludes by encouraging listeners to "chase your lions" and that "if God is for us, who can be against us?" [01:13:32] What is the ultimate source of confidence and strength mentioned in relation to overcoming fear? [01:10:31]

Interpretation questions

1. The sermon suggests that "fear disguises itself as protection" [48:31] and that "God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind." [56:44] How can we discern the difference between healthy caution and fear that imprisons us?
2. The sermon uses Benaiah's story to illustrate that "God rewards movement and courageous obedience." [01:03:38] What does it mean for faith to be "demonstrated action—sometimes in baby steps, sometimes in bold sprints"?
3. The sermon poses the question, "What lion do you need to chase?" [01:11:11] How might the "lions" we face today be different from the literal lion Benaiah encountered, and what does it mean to "chase" them in a spiritual or personal sense?
4. The sermon emphasizes that "in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." [01:10:44] How does understanding our identity as "more than conquerors" change our perspective on the challenges and fears we face?

Application questions

1. The sermon shared a personal story about a moment of intense fear and the subsequent relief. [43:42] When have you experienced a moment where fear gripped you unexpectedly, and how did you navigate it?
2. The sermon encourages us to "stop living as if the purpose of life is to arrive safely at death; instead, chase the lions that stand between the present condition and the promised future." [01:12:45] What is one area in your life where you might be playing it too safe, and what is a small, courageous step you could take this week to "chase that lion"?
3. The sermon highlights that "fear often presents as a reasonable hedge against risk—appearing as prudent caution rather than raw terror." [48:31] How can you more consistently test your fears against Scripture and God's promises, rather than accepting them as valid reasons to retreat?
4. The sermon states, "God rewards action. God rewards movement." [01:03:38] What is a specific action or "baby step" you can commit to taking this week that aligns with God's calling for your life, even if the outcome is uncertain?
5. The sermon challenges us to consider, "What lion do you need to chase?" [01:11:11] Identify a "spiritual lion" – perhaps an addiction, a persistent doubt, a past failure, or a long-standing injustice – that you need to confront. What is one tangible way you can begin to "chase" it this week?
6. The sermon reminds us that "faith is a demonstration that risks trusting God with the unknown." [01:12:12] In what area of your life are you currently facing uncertainty, and how can you actively demonstrate your trust in God through your actions this week?
7. The sermon asks, "How do you want your story written?" [01:13:12] What kind of "lion chaser" do you aspire to be, and what is one practice you can implement consistently to cultivate that courage and pursuit in your daily life?