Living Fearlessly: Embracing God's Empowerment and Provision
Summary
In embarking on a new series about living without fear, we delve into the teachings of Jesus in Luke 9, where He prepares His disciples for a daunting mission. Jesus reassures them, and us, that fear should not hold us back from fulfilling our God-given purposes. Fear is a crippling force that often prevents us from stepping into the roles and missions God has designed for us. Yet, the presence of God in our lives is meant to dispel fear, as seen in scriptures like 2 Timothy 1:7 and Psalm 23. The only fear we are encouraged to have is a reverent fear of God Himself.
Reflecting on personal experiences, I acknowledge my own struggles with fear, even in ministry. However, the realization that God empowers us to accomplish what He calls us to do is liberating. Jesus, in sending out His disciples, equipped them with power and authority, demonstrating that God never sends us on a mission without the necessary resources. This empowerment is not just for the disciples but for all believers, as the Holy Spirit dwells within us, enabling us to fulfill our divine assignments.
The call to live by faith is emphasized as Jesus instructs His disciples to go on their mission without material preparations, teaching them to rely solely on God's provision. This challenges us to examine our own lives and consider whether we are truly living by faith or relying on our own securities. Contentment and trust in God's provision are crucial as we pursue the missions He has set before us.
Moreover, the message highlights the importance of making a clear distinction in our beliefs, especially when faced with rejection. Jesus instructs His disciples to shake the dust off their feet when not welcomed, symbolizing a clear separation from those who reject the message of the kingdom. This act serves as a reminder that while we are called to love others, we must also be clear about the truth we stand for.
Finally, the testimony of a seasoned missionary serves as an inspiring example of a life lived fearlessly for God. It challenges us to consider our own legacy and whether we are living in a way that we can look back on with no regrets, having fulfilled the mission God entrusted to us.
Key Takeaways:
- Fear as a Barrier: Fear often cripples us, preventing us from stepping into the roles and missions God has designed for us. Yet, the presence of God in our lives is meant to dispel fear, allowing us to live boldly and confidently in His purpose. [01:26]
- Empowerment by the Holy Spirit: Just as Jesus empowered His disciples, we too are equipped by the Holy Spirit to fulfill our divine assignments. This empowerment is not about performing miracles but about having the confidence and ability to do what God calls us to do. [10:47]
- Living by Faith: Jesus' instruction to His disciples to go on their mission without material preparations teaches us to rely solely on God's provision. This challenges us to examine whether we are truly living by faith or relying on our own securities. [16:09]
- Contentment and Trust: Contentment and trust in God's provision are crucial as we pursue the missions He has set before us. We must learn to be content with what we have and trust that God will provide for our needs as we step out in faith. [19:56]
- Clarity in Belief: While we are called to love others, we must also be clear about the truth we stand for. Making a clear distinction in our beliefs, especially when faced with rejection, is important in maintaining the integrity of our faith. [23:20]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:28] - Introduction to the Series
- [01:14] - The Crippling Nature of Fear
- [02:12] - God's Spirit of Power
- [03:22] - Personal Struggles with Fear
- [04:04] - Prayer for a Fearless Life
- [06:09] - Transition in Jesus' Ministry
- [07:31] - The Disciples' Mission
- [09:15] - Preaching the Kingdom of God
- [10:47] - Empowerment for the Mission
- [15:15] - Living by Faith and Trust
- [19:42] - Contentment and Readiness
- [22:37] - Handling Rejection
- [27:31] - Obedience and Action
- [30:10] - Testimony of a Fearless Missionary
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Living Without Fear
Bible Reading:
1. Luke 9:1-6
2. 2 Timothy 1:7
3. Psalm 23:4
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Observation Questions:
1. In Luke 9:1-6, what specific instructions did Jesus give to His disciples before sending them on their mission? How did He equip them for the task? [07:12]
2. According to 2 Timothy 1:7, what kind of spirit has God given us, and how does this contrast with a spirit of fear? [02:12]
3. In Psalm 23:4, what assurance does the psalmist have even when walking through the valley of the shadow of death? How does this relate to the presence of God? [02:25]
4. How did the disciples respond to Jesus' command to go out without material preparations, and what does this reveal about their faith? [27:45]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does it mean to live without fear according to the teachings of Jesus in Luke 9, and how does this apply to modern-day believers? [00:56]
2. How does the empowerment by the Holy Spirit, as mentioned in 2 Timothy 1:7, enable believers to fulfill their divine assignments today? [10:47]
3. What lessons can be drawn from the disciples' reliance on God's provision during their mission, and how can this challenge our current reliance on material security? [16:09]
4. How does the act of shaking the dust off their feet serve as a symbol of clarity in belief, and why is it important for believers to make a clear distinction in their faith? [23:20]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when fear held you back from pursuing something you felt called to do. How can the assurance of God's presence help you overcome similar fears in the future? [01:26]
2. In what ways can you rely more on the Holy Spirit's empowerment in your daily life, especially when facing challenges that seem daunting? [10:47]
3. Consider your current lifestyle. Are there areas where you are relying more on material security than on faith in God's provision? How can you shift your focus to trust more in God's provision? [16:09]
4. How can you cultivate contentment and trust in God's provision in your life, especially when faced with the temptation to constantly seek more or better? [19:56]
5. Think about a situation where you might need to make a clear distinction in your beliefs. How can you lovingly communicate your faith while maintaining the integrity of your beliefs? [23:20]
6. Reflect on the testimony of the seasoned missionary shared in the sermon. What steps can you take to live a life that you can look back on with no regrets, having fulfilled the mission God entrusted to you? [31:05]
7. Identify one fear that you want to overcome with God's help. What practical steps can you take this week to confront and dispel this fear, trusting in God's power and presence? [04:16]
Devotional
Day 1: Fear as a Barrier to Purpose
Fear can prevent us from fulfilling our God-given roles and missions. It is a powerful force that can cripple our ability to step into the purposes God has designed for us. However, the presence of God in our lives is meant to dispel fear, allowing us to live boldly and confidently in His purpose. Scriptures like 2 Timothy 1:7 remind us that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline. We are encouraged to replace fear with a reverent fear of God, which leads to wisdom and courage. [01:26]
"For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." (2 Timothy 1:7, ESV)
Reflection: Identify a specific fear that is holding you back from pursuing a God-given purpose. How can you invite God's presence into this area to overcome that fear today?
Day 2: Empowerment by the Holy Spirit
Just as Jesus empowered His disciples, believers today are equipped by the Holy Spirit to fulfill their divine assignments. This empowerment is not about performing miracles but about having the confidence and ability to do what God calls us to do. The Holy Spirit dwells within us, providing the necessary resources and authority to accomplish our missions. This understanding liberates us from the limitations of fear and doubt, enabling us to step out in faith and obedience. [10:47]
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt empowered by the Holy Spirit. How can you rely on His power today to fulfill a specific task or calling?
Day 3: Living by Faith
Jesus' instruction to His disciples to go on their mission without material preparations teaches us to rely solely on God's provision. This challenges us to examine whether we are truly living by faith or relying on our own securities. By stepping out in faith, we learn to trust in God's provision and experience His faithfulness in new and profound ways. This reliance on God requires us to let go of our need for control and embrace the uncertainty of faith. [16:09]
"Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?" (Matthew 6:25, ESV)
Reflection: Consider an area of your life where you are relying on your own resources rather than trusting in God's provision. What step of faith can you take today to rely more on Him?
Day 4: Contentment and Trust
Contentment and trust in God's provision are crucial as we pursue the missions He has set before us. We must learn to be content with what we have and trust that God will provide for our needs as we step out in faith. This contentment is not about complacency but about finding peace in God's sufficiency. As we trust in His provision, we are freed from the anxiety of scarcity and can focus on fulfilling our divine assignments with joy and purpose. [19:56]
"Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'" (Hebrews 13:5, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you practice contentment and trust in God's provision today, especially in areas where you feel lacking or anxious?
Day 5: Clarity in Belief
While we are called to love others, we must also be clear about the truth we stand for. Making a clear distinction in our beliefs, especially when faced with rejection, is important in maintaining the integrity of our faith. Jesus instructed His disciples to shake the dust off their feet when not welcomed, symbolizing a clear separation from those who reject the message of the kingdom. This act serves as a reminder to uphold the truth with love and conviction. [23:20]
"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." (1 Corinthians 15:58, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a situation where you need to stand firm in your beliefs. How can you communicate your convictions with both clarity and love today?
Quotes
because fear really cripples us doesn't it I mean it it keeps us from doing there's so many things I I want to do but um there there are things that hold me back it's my fear that holds me back and yet the truth is is we need to get rid of that fear because Jesus Christ came to get rid of that fear [00:01:21]
God says for God did not give us a spirit of timidity but a spirit of power of love and of self- discipline okay God didn't give us a spirit of fear God gave us a spirit of power in fact most of us know Psalm 23 you know the Lord is my shepherd I shall not want [00:02:01]
and yet how many times in life have we backed away from something that maybe God was calling us to some sort of mission some sort of Challenge and we just go ah not me I'm not able to do it and that's why In this passage what you see is Jesus as he sends his disciples out [00:03:31]
when God asks us to do you know different tasks he's going to empower us to do them and I'm not saying he's going to give us the ability to perform Miracles or whatever it may be but he has called us to go out to spread his word and he has promised us the same Holy Spirit [00:10:43]
Jesus says just go if I've asked you to do something I'll provide for you just go I don't even want you going back and getting your walking stick trust me I'll give you the power to go however far you need to go don't get money don't get food nothing for your journey no bag just go [00:16:37]
he's asking you let's say he gathered you and 11 of your friends and paired you up and says just start going to these cities just go with nothing God's got to come through at that point doesn't he he has to come through see God was putting him in a situation where God had to come through [00:17:09]
what Jesus says to them is I don't want you in that position I want you dependent on me for the rest of your lives I want you to go out I want you on this one Mission just have nothing at all just go out and do what I tell you to do no bag no bread no money no extra clothes [00:17:49]
how much time do we waste going from one house to another going ah you know what I I like this house God gave me but here's an opportunity for a better one and a better one and a better one and we just keep going we keep moving what we call up you know and getting better and better [00:19:00]
if people do not welcome you shake the dust off your feet when you leave their town as a testimony against them that sounds kind of harsh doesn't it he so go out just with whatever you have wherever you you know if someone lets you in their house just stay in their house [00:20:35]
it's important when we tell people about what we believe and they reject it it is important that they know that they've rejected something okay to make it clear they Jesus wanted them to make a statement to make it clear you know what you have have rejected something [00:23:10]
I believe and many of us in this room believe that we have done things that are offensive to God that God looks at us and says you know what you haven't obeyed my commands now some of you in this room believe that you're good people and you think well you know God looks at me and says I'm good [00:24:04]
look God has you on the earth for the re for a reason right now and has a mission and a purpose for you may not be to go to Africa May who knows what it is but are you fearless and are you ready to do whatever God's called you to do knowing that he'll enable you [00:36:28]
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