Overcoming Fear Through Christ's Sovereignty
Summary
In these challenging times, marked by fear and uncertainty, it is crucial to reflect on how we, as Christians, respond to fear. Recent events, such as the tragedy in San Bernardino, have heightened the sense of fear in our society. This fear is not just about the events themselves but also about the anticipation of what might come next. The Apostle Peter's letter, written to believers facing persecution, offers profound insights into dealing with fear. Peter encourages us not to be troubled but to honor Christ as Lord in our hearts. This message is particularly relevant today, as fear often stems from the anticipation of future trials rather than the trials themselves.
The root of fear in many Christians can be traced back to the self-exalting spirit of the world, which has permeated the church. This spirit places self on the throne, leading to fear whenever we encounter situations beyond our control. The antidote to this fear is to honor Christ as Lord, allowing Him to take His rightful place on the throne of our lives. When Christ is Lord, we can face life's uncertainties with confidence, knowing that He is sovereign over our birth, life, and death.
Christ's lordship means recognizing that everything we have is entrusted to us by God for a time. By viewing our possessions, relationships, and even our lives as temporary trusts from God, we can better handle loss and fear. This perspective shifts our focus from self-centeredness to Christ-centeredness, freeing us from the slavery of fear.
Ultimately, the degree to which we can say, "For me to live is Christ," will determine our ability to say, "To die is gain." This truth was the source of hope for early Christians and can be for us today. When Christ is the sovereign Lord over our lives, we have nothing to fear, for whether we live or die, we belong to Him.
Key Takeaways:
- Fear often arises from the anticipation of future trials rather than the trials themselves. By focusing on honoring Christ as Lord, we can find peace amidst uncertainty. [03:28]
- The self-exalting spirit of the world, which places self on the throne, leads to fear. By allowing Christ to take His rightful place as Lord, we can overcome this fear. [12:30]
- Recognizing Christ's sovereignty over our birth, life, and death provides confidence and peace. This understanding helps us face life's uncertainties with assurance. [22:44]
- Viewing our possessions and relationships as temporary trusts from God helps us handle loss and fear. This perspective shifts our focus from self-centeredness to Christ-centeredness. [32:59]
- The degree to which we live for Christ determines our ability to face death without fear. When Christ is the sovereign Lord over our lives, we have nothing to fear. [36:04]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:21] - Introduction to the Message
- [00:54] - Fear in the Country
- [01:29] - Christian Response to Fear
- [01:57] - Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 3
- [02:38] - Context of Peter's Letter
- [03:28] - Anticipation of Trials
- [04:25] - The Shadow of Death
- [05:24] - Fear Not: The Christmas Message
- [06:43] - Deliverance from Fear
- [09:15] - Distinctive Christian Testimony
- [11:22] - Why Fearful Christians?
- [12:30] - Self-Exalting Spirit
- [16:49] - Cultural Christianity's Shortcomings
- [21:13] - Overcoming Fear: Honoring Christ
- [25:04] - Sovereignty Over Life and Death
- [28:16] - Comfort in Life and Death
- [32:59] - Temporary Trusts from God
- [35:02] - Two Paths: Fear or Confidence
- [36:04] - Living for Christ, Dying as Gain
- [37:11] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. 1 Peter 3:14-15
2. Hebrews 2:14-15
3. Psalm 139:16
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Observation Questions:
1. According to 1 Peter 3:14-15, what are believers instructed to do in the face of fear and trouble? How does this relate to honoring Christ as Lord? [02:17]
2. In Hebrews 2:14-15, what reason is given for Jesus partaking in flesh and blood? How does this relate to the concept of fear? [06:43]
3. How does the sermon describe the "shadow of death" and its impact on believers? [04:25]
4. What does the sermon suggest is the root cause of fear among Christians, and how is it connected to the self-exalting spirit of the world? [12:30]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the anticipation of future trials, as discussed in the sermon, compare to the actual trials themselves? Why might anticipation cause more fear? [03:28]
2. What does it mean to honor Christ as Lord in one's heart, and how might this act as an antidote to fear according to the sermon? [21:32]
3. How does the sermon explain the relationship between self-exaltation and fear? What are the implications for Christians who struggle with fear? [19:04]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that viewing possessions and relationships as temporary trusts from God can help Christians handle loss and fear? [32:59]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you felt fear or anxiety about the future. How might honoring Christ as Lord in your heart change your perspective on that situation? [21:32]
2. The sermon discusses the self-exalting spirit of the world. Can you identify areas in your life where you might be placing yourself on the throne instead of Christ? How can you begin to change this? [12:30]
3. Consider your current possessions and relationships. How can you start viewing them as temporary trusts from God? What practical steps can you take to shift your focus from self-centeredness to Christ-centeredness? [32:59]
4. The sermon mentions that early Christians were people of hope in a culture of fear. How can you cultivate and demonstrate hope in your community today? [09:35]
5. Think about a specific fear you have regarding life or death. How does the understanding of Christ's sovereignty over your birth, life, and death provide comfort and confidence? [22:44]
6. The sermon suggests using the word "my" tentatively. How can this practice help you in dealing with loss or change? Can you think of a specific area where you can apply this mindset? [31:14]
7. How can you practically live out the truth that "for me to live is Christ, and to die is gain" in your daily life? What changes might you need to make to align more closely with this perspective? [36:04]
Devotional
Day 1: Finding Peace Amidst Anticipated Trials
In times of uncertainty, fear often arises not from the trials themselves but from the anticipation of what might come. This fear can be paralyzing, causing us to lose sight of the peace that comes from honoring Christ as Lord. By focusing on Christ's lordship, we can find peace amidst uncertainty, knowing that He is in control of our future. This shift in focus allows us to live confidently, trusting in His sovereignty over all circumstances. [03:28]
1 Peter 5:7-9 (ESV): "Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world."
Reflection: What is one specific fear about the future that you can surrender to Christ today, trusting in His peace and sovereignty?
Day 2: Overcoming the Self-Exalting Spirit
The self-exalting spirit of the world often leads to fear, as it places self on the throne of our lives. This spirit is pervasive, even within the church, and it causes fear whenever we encounter situations beyond our control. By allowing Christ to take His rightful place as Lord, we can overcome this fear. When Christ is on the throne, we are freed from the bondage of self-centeredness and can live with confidence in His sovereignty. [12:30]
James 4:6-8 (ESV): "But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.' Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
Reflection: In what area of your life are you still placing yourself on the throne, and how can you invite Christ to take His rightful place today?
Day 3: Confidence in Christ's Sovereignty
Recognizing Christ's sovereignty over our birth, life, and death provides us with confidence and peace. This understanding helps us face life's uncertainties with assurance, knowing that He is in control of every aspect of our existence. By trusting in His sovereignty, we can live without fear, confident that He holds our future in His hands. [22:44]
Colossians 1:16-17 (ESV): "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."
Reflection: How does acknowledging Christ's sovereignty over your life change the way you approach your current challenges?
Day 4: Viewing Life as a Temporary Trust
By viewing our possessions, relationships, and even our lives as temporary trusts from God, we can better handle loss and fear. This perspective shifts our focus from self-centeredness to Christ-centeredness, freeing us from the slavery of fear. When we see everything as a gift from God, entrusted to us for a time, we can live with open hands, ready to give and receive according to His will. [32:59]
1 Timothy 6:17-19 (ESV): "As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life."
Reflection: What is one possession or relationship you are holding onto too tightly, and how can you begin to view it as a temporary trust from God?
Day 5: Living for Christ, Dying as Gain
The degree to which we live for Christ determines our ability to face death without fear. When Christ is the sovereign Lord over our lives, we have nothing to fear, for whether we live or die, we belong to Him. This truth was the source of hope for early Christians and can be for us today. By living for Christ, we can face the end of our earthly lives with the assurance that to die is gain. [36:04]
2 Corinthians 5:6-8 (ESV): "So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord."
Reflection: How can you live more fully for Christ today, knowing that to die is gain? What changes might this perspective bring to your daily life?
Quotes
Now it is often the case that the fear of what lies ahead is actually worse than the reality itself and you know this in your own life what will I do if and the fear in anticipation of a certain event or sequence of events plays on your mind and creates fear and disturbs your peace. [00:03:35]
The Bible speaks about the Valley of the shadow of death what is meant by that the period leading up to death the Shadow the anticipation the particular difficulties that are faced in the last stage of the journey and many times a person will have said to me something like Pastor it it's not that I'm afraid of dying. [00:04:18]
The shadow of death it's the anticipation it's the the lead up that is the most difficult thing and so here are these Christians and that they're in the most difficult position of all this is their position they're in the shadow of it they're anticipating the fiery trial is on the horizon they can see it. [00:04:43]
The self-exalting spirit of the world has so widely permeated the church. Why is it that there are so many fearful Christians? It is because the self-exalting spirit of the world has so widely permeated the church. Now I want you to see that this self-exalting Spirit is at the heart of the great movements of our time. [00:12:26]
If you are quote the Lord if you are the one on the throne then anything that is out of your control will produce fear in you here I am on the throne of my life I'm guiding it on the captain of my soul and I believe in Jesus I've thrown that alongside as well because I think it'll help. [00:19:04]
The answer to that question from the verses that are before us is by honoring Christ the Lord do you see that have no fear of them nor be troubled but in your Hearts honor Christ the Lord do you see that have no fear of them how how here's how in your heart honor Christ the lord. [00:21:10]
When Christ is the the Lord of your life you actually have a reason not for fear but you have a reason for confidence you have a way of dealing with your fear you say the savior is my Lord and and for Jesus to be your lord means that he's Sovereign over everything that concerns you. [00:22:19]
He was Sovereign over the the birth of you brought you into being it's a glorious truth wonderfully uplifting and he's Sovereign not only of your birth that you came to be because he wanted it to be so he has been Sovereign over all of your life all that has happened to you the good you've enjoyed the evil. [00:22:59]
Whatever happens in your life he is using that for the advance of this great and eternal purpose which will be for your ultimate joy and for your ultimate good so so if the Savior as your lord Sovereign over your birth Sovereign over your life and he's going to be Sovereign over your death. [00:24:20]
We will do much better when it comes to dealing with loss whether that be loss of people loss of position or loss of property we will do much better if we believe and if we remember that what we have belongs to God and it has been given to us on loan Spurgeon says very poignantly. [00:32:59]
There are two ways to live life there are two paths and one of them leads to blessing and one of them one of them leads to life one of them leads to uh to death and I I feel a little bit like this I'm I'm saying to you if you go down the path in which you're the Lord of your life. [00:35:02]
Think of this in the degree to which you are able to say for me to live is Christ Christ you will also be able to say and to die is gain and to that degree you will be delivered from Fear the degree to which you can say for me to live as Christ will be the degree to which you are able to say. [00:36:04]
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