Overcoming Fear Through Faith and God's Grace
Summary
Faith and fear often coexist in our lives, and it's crucial to recognize that our trust in God is of vital importance. When we face overwhelming situations, we should turn to God in prayer, just as I do during my early morning devotions. This act of surrender, symbolized by fighting on our knees with hands lifted high, is a powerful expression of faith. Our worship, including the songs we sing, is designed to draw us closer to God and remind us of His grace and faithfulness.
In the book of Judges, we see a recurring theme of God's grace amidst Israel's cycle of rebellion. Despite their disobedience, God remains faithful, offering grace and restoration. This cycle of grace is a testament to God's unchanging nature. If our blessings depended on our performance, we would be judged harshly. However, God's grace ensures that we are not consumed by our failures.
The story of Gideon illustrates how God uses unlikely individuals to fulfill His purposes. Gideon, though initially fearful and doubtful, is called a "mighty man of valor" by God. This shows that God sees beyond our current circumstances and potential. Gideon's journey from fear to faith is a reminder that even when we feel inadequate, God's presence and grace empower us to overcome challenges.
God's grace is persistent and active in our lives, even during difficult times. Just as God delivered Israel from the Midianites, He works behind the scenes in our lives, orchestrating events for our good. We must trust in His grace, knowing that it is sufficient for every situation. As we catch a glimpse of God's grace, our fear diminishes, and our faith grows stronger.
Ultimately, the work of Christ on the cross is the ultimate expression of God's grace. It is through Jesus that we have salvation and the assurance of God's presence in our lives. By embracing this grace, we can experience a growing faith and a shrinking fear, allowing us to live in the freedom and peace that God offers.
Key Takeaways:
- Faith and fear can coexist, but our trust in God is essential. When overwhelmed, we should turn to God in prayer, surrendering our fears and embracing His grace. This act of worship strengthens our faith and diminishes our fear. [40:09]
- God's grace is unchanging and persistent, even when we falter. The cycle of grace in the book of Judges demonstrates God's faithfulness despite Israel's rebellion. Our blessings are not based on our performance but on God's unwavering grace. [44:41]
- God often uses unlikely individuals to fulfill His purposes. Gideon's story shows that God sees beyond our current circumstances and potential. Even when we feel inadequate, God's presence empowers us to overcome challenges. [51:28]
- God's grace is active in our lives, even during difficult times. He orchestrates events for our good, and as we trust in His grace, our fear diminishes, and our faith grows stronger. This trust allows us to experience the freedom and peace that God offers. [58:34]
- The work of Christ on the cross is the ultimate expression of God's grace. Through Jesus, we have salvation and the assurance of God's presence. Embracing this grace leads to a growing faith and a shrinking fear, enabling us to live in the fullness of God's love. [01:12:43]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Introduction to Worship
- [02:00] - Faith and Fear in Worship
- [04:15] - Stewardship and Offering
- [06:45] - Social Media and Church
- [09:00] - Introduction to Judges
- [12:30] - God's Cycle of Grace
- [15:00] - Israel's Rebellion and God's Faithfulness
- [18:30] - Gideon's Story Begins
- [21:00] - God's Call to Gideon
- [24:00] - Gideon's Doubts and God's Assurance
- [27:00] - Gideon's Act of Faith
- [30:00] - God's Grace in Our Lives
- [33:00] - The Work of Christ and Our Response
- [36:00] - Closing Prayer and Reflections
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Judges 6:1-16
2. Malachi 3:6
3. Ephesians 1:7-8
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Observation Questions:
1. In Judges 6:1-16, how does God address Gideon, and what is Gideon's initial reaction to God's call? [58:34]
2. What recurring theme is highlighted in the book of Judges, and how does it relate to Israel's behavior and God's response? [44:41]
3. According to the sermon, what role does worship play in strengthening our faith and diminishing our fear? [40:09]
4. How does the sermon describe the relationship between faith and fear in the life of a believer? [58:34]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does Gideon's story teach us about how God views our potential versus our current circumstances? [58:34]
2. How does the cycle of grace in the book of Judges reflect God's unchanging nature, as mentioned in Malachi 3:6? [44:41]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that God's grace is active in our lives, even during difficult times? [51:28]
4. How does the work of Christ on the cross serve as the ultimate expression of God's grace, according to the sermon? [01:12:43]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when faith and fear coexisted in your life. How did you respond, and what might you do differently now to embrace God's grace more fully? [58:34]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of prayer and worship in overcoming fear. What specific steps can you take to incorporate more prayer and worship into your daily routine? [40:09]
3. Consider the story of Gideon. Are there areas in your life where you feel inadequate? How can you rely on God's presence and grace to empower you in those areas? [58:34]
4. How can you remind yourself of God's unchanging grace during times of personal failure or when you feel overwhelmed by life's challenges? [44:41]
5. The sermon mentions that God's grace orchestrates events for our good. Can you identify a situation in your life where you now see God's hand at work, even if it was difficult at the time? [51:28]
6. How does understanding the work of Christ on the cross change your perspective on salvation and God's presence in your life? What practical steps can you take to live in the freedom and peace that God offers? [01:12:43]
7. Identify one specific fear you are currently facing. How can you apply the principles from the sermon to diminish that fear and strengthen your faith this week? [58:34]
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting God Amidst Fear
Faith and fear often coexist in our lives, creating a tension that can be challenging to navigate. However, it is essential to recognize that our trust in God is of vital importance. When we face overwhelming situations, turning to God in prayer is a powerful act of surrender. This act, symbolized by fighting on our knees with hands lifted high, is an expression of faith that strengthens us. Worship, including the songs we sing, is designed to draw us closer to God and remind us of His grace and faithfulness. By embracing this practice, our faith grows stronger, and our fear diminishes. [40:09]
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: What specific fear are you facing today that you can bring to God in prayer, trusting Him to strengthen and uphold you?
Day 2: The Unchanging Grace of God
God's grace is unchanging and persistent, even when we falter. The book of Judges illustrates a recurring theme of God's grace amidst Israel's cycle of rebellion. Despite their disobedience, God remains faithful, offering grace and restoration. This cycle of grace is a testament to God's unchanging nature. Our blessings are not based on our performance but on God's unwavering grace. This understanding should lead us to a deeper appreciation of His faithfulness and a greater reliance on His grace in our lives. [44:41]
Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV): "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
Reflection: In what ways have you experienced God's grace in your life despite your shortcomings, and how can you express gratitude for His faithfulness today?
Day 3: God Sees Beyond Our Circumstances
God often uses unlikely individuals to fulfill His purposes, as illustrated in the story of Gideon. Though initially fearful and doubtful, Gideon is called a "mighty man of valor" by God. This shows that God sees beyond our current circumstances and potential. Even when we feel inadequate, God's presence empowers us to overcome challenges. Gideon's journey from fear to faith is a reminder that we are not defined by our limitations but by God's calling and empowerment. [51:28]
1 Samuel 16:7 (ESV): "But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.'"
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel inadequate, and how can you invite God to empower you to see beyond your current circumstances?
Day 4: Trusting in God's Active Grace
God's grace is active in our lives, even during difficult times. Just as God delivered Israel from the Midianites, He works behind the scenes in our lives, orchestrating events for our good. Trusting in His grace allows our fear to diminish and our faith to grow stronger. This trust enables us to experience the freedom and peace that God offers. By recognizing God's active grace, we can find comfort and assurance in His presence, knowing that He is working all things together for our good. [58:34]
Romans 8:31-32 (ESV): "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?"
Reflection: How can you actively trust in God's grace today, especially in a situation where you feel uncertain or anxious?
Day 5: Embracing the Grace of the Cross
The work of Christ on the cross is the ultimate expression of God's grace. Through Jesus, we have salvation and the assurance of God's presence in our lives. Embracing this grace leads to a growing faith and a shrinking fear, enabling us to live in the fullness of God's love. By focusing on the cross, we are reminded of the depth of God's love and the assurance of His presence, which empowers us to live with confidence and peace. [01:12:43]
Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV): "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
Reflection: How can you more fully embrace the grace of the cross in your daily life, and what changes might this bring to your perspective and actions?
Quotes
"And I bring that up because my sermon today is about faith and fear. Sometimes they exist together. And it should cause us to get on our knees and pray to God and depend on Him. All of our songs are designed to bring you into that time of worship. Now, there's a lot of topics I didn't hit on in my series on stewardship." [00:14:51] (24 seconds)
"As we go through the book of Judges, we see Israel's cycle of rebellion against God and God's unending cycle of grace. Remember, as I began Malachi chapter 3 in my last series on stewardship, in fact, my last sermon, the statement was, I, the Lord, never change. I think something like that. But then it says this, therefore, you are not consumed because God never changes. He hasn't consumed us." [00:40:49] (31 seconds)
"If we were judged according to our sins, we'd just be wiped off the face of the map. But because of God's unchanging grace, he's been so faithful. He's been so good over and over and over again. His kindness is there for us. Sometimes, though, we're dominated by fear, even if it's the picture that was painted of God for us. You know, it's like we began to think, or somebody told us that the Christian life is all about, well, you know, be afraid all the time. You better follow the rules. You better act this way or that way. And our life can become dominated by fear. But isn't it better when our life is dominated by faith?" [00:41:29] (45 seconds)
"Our stewardship is to offer God our relationship. The same is true when it comes to situations of fear. God wants our heart, and therefore, we need to grow in our faith. And I believe we'll grow in our faith as we get a glimpse of the grace of God, which is the constant about God. He's always been good to us. Now, I know there's been hard times. I'm not ignorant of this. I myself have seen very difficult times. My wife, our families." [00:42:38] (31 seconds)
"But even in the midst of that, God's at work in your life, and He's at work through you. He's making a difference in the others who see you, who are impacted by your life. God's grace is astounding. He's been so faithful. He told Israel to go into the land of Canaan. They refused. God chastised them for 40 years." [00:43:22] (23 seconds)
"Their cycle was a cycle of rebellion. God's cycle was a cycle to restore his people back to himself. It was a cycle of grace. And in chapter 6 and verse 1, God delivered Israel over into the hands of Midian because they were doing evil. Suppose I could read the verse to you, Judges chapter 6 and verse 1." [00:45:59] (23 seconds)
"And the truth is, is that faith and fear can be present together. Oh yeah, perfect faith casts out all fear, but how many times has your faith been perfect? A lot of times we're fearful, but we still have faith. By the way, how much faith did it take to move a mountain? Christ told the disciples, it was a faith of a mustard seed. It wasn't these huge amounts of faith. It was a small amount of faith." [01:09:54] (27 seconds)
"Well, here Gideon has faith, but he's still fearful. Like his fear has shrunk, his faith is growing, and he's obeying God. So in the night he pulls down the altar, he cuts down the Asherah pole, he slaughters the bull, he builds the altar, he sacrifices the bull on the fire. And in the wake morning that when the men woke up in town early in the morning, they're noticing, hey, where's that altar we worshiped at? Where's that Asherah pole? It's gone. And what's this? There's been a sacrifice in the night. Who did this?" [01:10:20] (37 seconds)
"That God in his foreknowledge sent Jesus Christ to die on the cross for us, to pay the price for our sins, and that we could have salvation through him. By the way, that work that Jesus did was active for Gideon as well, and he paid for the price of all sin, of all believers of all time. It was the work of Jesus Christ, and the work of Jesus Christ has made it possible for us to run to God and trust him." [01:13:31] (29 seconds)
"But secondly, whatever hardship you're going through, don't forget that God's grace is active for you, that God is doing a work in your life. No matter how hard your situation is, whether he delivers you or not, his grace has been active in your life. And Ephesians tells us that we have the riches of God right now on our account, and that later on we'll experience the riches of eternity. Don't ignore that." [01:14:49] (28 seconds)
"And don't ignore the grace of God that's gotten us to this point, has brought us through. How many things has he brought us through to bring us right here, right now? But God was at work behind the scenes to bring you to salvation and to bring you to a greater knowledge of him. God's grace is at work. Christ is at work. And his grace still amazes me." [01:15:23] (27 seconds)
"So I'm asking you today to catch a glimpse of God's grace and allow your fear to decrease and your faith to increase. Let's pray. Lord God, if there's any today that do not know you as Savior, I pray that their faith would increase, their fear would decrease, that they would trust you." [01:15:51] (19 seconds)
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