Overcoming Fear: Stepping into God's Promises
Summary
### Summary
In today's sermon, we explored the theme of overcoming obstacles and fears that prevent us from experiencing God's promises. Using a personal story about fixing car brakes, we transitioned into the biblical narrative from Numbers 13, where the Israelites, led by Moses, were on the verge of entering the Promised Land. Twelve spies were sent to scout the land, and while ten returned with a fearful report, only Joshua and Caleb had faith in God's promise. The key difference was that the ten spies had a "big butt"—they focused on the obstacles rather than God's power and promises.
We discussed how our own "buts"—excuses and fears—can hinder us from achieving what God has planned for us. These "buts" can lead us into a rut, causing us to miss out on God's best. We examined various common excuses, such as procrastination, fear of failure, and peer pressure, and how they can lead us away from God's path. The sermon emphasized the importance of walking in faith, obedience, and power, trusting in God's promises over our fears.
We concluded with a call to action: to get off our "buts" and start walking in faith, obedience, and power. By doing so, we can overcome our fears and step into the promises God has for us. The message was reinforced with various scriptures that encourage us to trust in God and keep moving forward despite our fears and doubts.
### Key Takeaways
1. Faith Over Fear: Joshua and Caleb exemplified faith by focusing on God's promises rather than the obstacles. They believed that if God said it, they would see it. This teaches us that faith involves trusting God's promises over our fears, enabling us to move forward confidently. [09:30]
2. Obedience is Key: Obedience means choosing God's way over our own. Joshua and Caleb's willingness to obey God, despite the daunting challenges, highlights the importance of aligning our actions with God's will. Obedience leads to experiencing God's best for our lives. [31:30]
3. Walking in Power: When we walk in power, we rely on God's strength to overcome challenges. This empowers us to face obstacles with confidence, knowing that with God, all things are possible. Walking in power transforms our perspective and enables us to achieve what seems impossible. [33:08]
4. Overcoming Excuses: Our "buts"—excuses and fears—can prevent us from experiencing God's promises. By identifying and overcoming these excuses, we can avoid falling into a rut and instead walk in the fullness of God's plan for our lives. [10:59]
5. Scriptural Encouragement: The Bible provides numerous verses that encourage us to trust in God and keep moving forward. Scriptures like Philippians 4:13 and 1 Peter 5:7 remind us that we can do all things through Christ and that we should cast our anxieties on Him. These verses serve as powerful reminders to keep walking in faith. [35:31]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:36] - Learning to Be a Mechanic
[05:05] - The Story of the Twelve Spies
[09:30] - Faith vs. Fear
[10:59] - Identifying Your "But"
[13:10] - Consequences of Fear and Rebellion
[16:09] - Challenges for Graduates
[18:09] - The Problem with Procrastination
[23:45] - Caleb's Confidence
[27:24] - Trusting God Overcoming Fear
[29:03] - Walking in Faith
[31:30] - Walking in Obedience
[33:08] - Walking in Power
[35:31] - Scriptural Encouragement
[39:18] - Call to Action: Keep Walking
[40:04] - Worship Song: Deliverer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Numbers 13:27-33
2. Philippians 4:13
3. 1 Peter 5:7
#### Observation Questions
1. In Numbers 13:27-33, what were the two different reports given by the spies about the Promised Land? How did Joshua and Caleb's report differ from the other ten spies? [07:14]
2. According to the sermon, what were some of the common excuses or "buts" that people use to avoid following God's plan? [11:46]
3. What does Philippians 4:13 say about our ability to face challenges? How does this verse relate to the theme of walking in power? [35:35]
4. How does 1 Peter 5:7 encourage us to handle our anxieties and fears? How was this verse used in the sermon to support the message? [35:35]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the ten spies focused more on the obstacles in the Promised Land rather than on God's promises? How does this reflect our own tendencies when facing challenges? [07:14]
2. How does the concept of "walking in faith" as described in the sermon help us overcome our fears and doubts? What does it mean to trust God's promises over our fears? [28:45]
3. The sermon mentioned that "obedience is choosing God's way over our own." How can this principle be applied in our daily decisions and actions? [31:26]
4. What does it mean to "walk in power" according to the sermon? How does relying on God's strength change our perspective on facing obstacles? [33:23]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you let a "but" or excuse prevent you from following through on something you felt God was calling you to do. How can you overcome similar excuses in the future? [11:46]
2. Joshua and Caleb trusted in God's promises despite the daunting challenges. What are some specific promises from God that you can hold onto when facing your own fears? [10:02]
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of obedience. Identify an area in your life where you struggle with obedience to God's will. What steps can you take to align your actions with God's way? [31:26]
4. Walking in power means relying on God's strength. Think of a current challenge you are facing. How can you practically rely on God's strength to overcome it? [33:23]
5. The sermon encouraged us to "get off our butts" and start walking in faith, obedience, and power. What is one specific action you can take this week to move forward in faith, despite your fears? [28:45]
6. How can you use Philippians 4:13 and 1 Peter 5:7 to encourage yourself and others when facing difficult situations? Share a personal example of how these verses have helped you in the past. [35:35]
7. The sermon mentioned the importance of community and not letting excuses keep us from it. How can you prioritize being part of a faith community, especially when life gets busy? [16:52]
Devotional
### Day 1: Faith Over Fear
Faith involves trusting God's promises over our fears, enabling us to move forward confidently. Joshua and Caleb exemplified this faith by focusing on God's promises rather than the obstacles they faced in the Promised Land. They believed that if God said it, they would see it. This teaches us that faith is not the absence of fear but the decision to trust God despite our fears. When we focus on God's power and promises, we can overcome the obstacles that seem insurmountable.
In our own lives, we often face situations that seem daunting and impossible. It is easy to focus on the challenges and let fear take over. However, God calls us to trust Him and His promises. By shifting our focus from our fears to God's faithfulness, we can move forward with confidence, knowing that He is with us and will guide us through any challenge. [09:30]
Numbers 14:8-9 (ESV): "If the Lord delights in us, he will bring us into this land and give it to us, a land that flows with milk and honey. Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not fear the people of the land, for they are bread for us. Their protection is removed from them, and the Lord is with us; do not fear them."
Reflection: Think of a current fear or obstacle in your life. How can you shift your focus from this fear to trusting in God's promises today?
### Day 2: Obedience is Key
Obedience means choosing God's way over our own. Joshua and Caleb's willingness to obey God, despite the daunting challenges, highlights the importance of aligning our actions with God's will. Obedience leads to experiencing God's best for our lives. When we choose to follow God's instructions, even when they seem difficult or counterintuitive, we open ourselves up to His blessings and guidance.
In our daily lives, we are often faced with choices that test our obedience to God. It can be tempting to take the easier path or follow our own desires. However, true obedience requires us to trust that God's ways are higher than our ways and that His plans for us are good. By committing to obey God in all areas of our lives, we position ourselves to receive His best and walk in His purpose. [31:30]
Deuteronomy 5:33 (ESV): "You shall walk in all the way that the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may live, and that it may go well with you, and that you may live long in the land that you shall possess."
Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you are struggling to obey God? What steps can you take today to align your actions with His will?
### Day 3: Walking in Power
When we walk in power, we rely on God's strength to overcome challenges. This empowers us to face obstacles with confidence, knowing that with God, all things are possible. Walking in power transforms our perspective and enables us to achieve what seems impossible. It is not about our own abilities but about trusting in God's limitless power working through us.
In moments of weakness or doubt, it is crucial to remember that God's power is made perfect in our weakness. By relying on His strength, we can face any challenge with confidence and courage. Walking in power means acknowledging our limitations and inviting God to work through us, knowing that He is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine. [33:08]
Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV): "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to rely more on God's power rather than your own strength? How can you invite His power into that situation today?
### Day 4: Overcoming Excuses
Our "buts"—excuses and fears—can prevent us from experiencing God's promises. By identifying and overcoming these excuses, we can avoid falling into a rut and instead walk in the fullness of God's plan for our lives. Common excuses like procrastination, fear of failure, and peer pressure can lead us away from God's path. It is essential to recognize these excuses and take intentional steps to overcome them.
Excuses often stem from a place of fear or insecurity. They can hold us back from stepping into the opportunities and blessings that God has for us. By confronting our excuses and choosing to trust God, we can break free from the limitations they impose and move forward in faith. Overcoming excuses requires a conscious decision to prioritize God's will over our fears and doubts. [10:59]
Proverbs 26:13-14 (ESV): "The sluggard says, 'There is a lion in the road! There is a lion in the streets!' As a door turns on its hinges, so does a sluggard on his bed."
Reflection: What is one excuse you have been using to avoid stepping into God's plan for your life? How can you take a step today to overcome that excuse and move forward in faith?
### Day 5: Scriptural Encouragement
The Bible provides numerous verses that encourage us to trust in God and keep moving forward. Scriptures like Philippians 4:13 and 1 Peter 5:7 remind us that we can do all things through Christ and that we should cast our anxieties on Him. These verses serve as powerful reminders to keep walking in faith. God's Word is a source of strength and encouragement, guiding us through life's challenges.
By immersing ourselves in Scripture, we can find the encouragement and strength we need to persevere. God's promises in the Bible remind us of His faithfulness and love, giving us the confidence to face any situation. Regularly reading and meditating on God's Word helps us to stay grounded in His truth and equips us to overcome obstacles with faith and courage. [35:31]
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Reflection: Choose a Bible verse that speaks to your current situation. How can you meditate on this verse and let it encourage you throughout the day?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Do you know God has a purpose and a plan for your life and for some reason our butt always gets in the way of God's purpose plan and promise for our life and here's what happens when our butt gets in the way big butts will make you fall into a rut." [12:29] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When your butt is bigger than your belief you'll miss out on God's best. Let me say it again God has a plan for you he has something for you but when you let fear overcome your faith you're but I can't but but I'm not good enough will get in the way of what God wants to do because when your butt is bigger than your belief you will miss out on God's best." [10:12] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I think so many of us have this thing in our lives and we're afraid that we can't overcome it and you got a father in Heaven who is saying this is not a land that was potentially going to be given to you this is a promise and if I make it I keep it God has taken care of the spider and so you find yourself full of fear and I don't know what it is you're afraid of but I'm telling you right now if you would just take your eyes off the spider and get your butt out of the way you would experience something amazing and I know because I've seen it." [28:15] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Faith is trusting God's promises over our fears. I wonder do you trust God's promises... I believe that every fear every butt is an opportunity to walk in faith." [29:03] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If you want to get and step into what God has for you, you've got to get off your butt and get your steps in... If God is for you, nothing can be against you. You understand that through God anything is possible." [23:45] (554 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "I wonder what rut you find yourself in you say ah but I work better under pressure and what that does is that leaves you feeling overwhelmed by schoolwork and procrastinating you say but I don't want to be the only one not doing it now all of a sudden you're compromising values to fit in with peers but I'm not good enough that leads us struggling with self-worth and Direction and then we cling to our phones crazy amounts of screen time in the Doom scroll because we're saying but I but I need to stay connected and so we're constantly distracted by social media and Technology but what if God isn't really there and then the rut we find ourselves in is being paralyzed by fear of the future and doubts about faith but everyone else is doing it and now the rut that you fall into is giving in to peer pressure and harmful Behavior." [15:26] (68 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I want to challenge seniors on this for a minute don't let your butt keep you from God's best when you graduate if you go off to college I want you to come talk to me in JC we know a lot of people all across the country we know a lot of churches you got to find a church it's not an option you need to find a church because that that is going to be so important." [16:47] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I think sometimes we know that we're not doing what God is calling us to do and so we go and we try to get people on our side and we leave out details because we want to make our butt look better man I should break up with him because he's pressuring me to have sex outside of marriage but you leave out that detail but he's so nice but he calls me pretty buddy we all got it but it's not that bad oh but you know it was because this thing happened and then this happened and like I'm right for doing that right that's what they're doing they're trying to make their fear and their Disobedience look better by leaving out details." [21:01] (61 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When you walk in power you walk with a different level of confidence you understand that if God is for you nothing can be against you you understand that through God anything is possible you walk in power fear will make you feel weak faith in obedience will lead you to walk in power somebody say walk in power walk in power walking in power is relying on God's strength to overcome challenges but I can't do it and God is saying you know what maybe you can't but if you would just have some faith in me if you were to just give up your timeline and let me work I've got something for you I promise do you trust me I I trust you but and God's like no but no walk in faith walk in obedience walk in power and do not be afraid of the people of the land because we will devour them their protection is gone but the Lord is with us do not be afraid of them." [33:08] (93 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I know life can be tough and maybe you're facing a huge butt in your life right now but let me tell you God Is Bigger and just like he led Joshua and the Israelites into the promised land he will lead you into his promises if you keep walking here's why because God is bigger than your butt he's bigger than your fear." [40:04] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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