Sermon Series: “I AM OVERCOMING THIS!”

• Sermon Title: Overcoming Fear
• Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:7 

Pastor Terry Brown, Senior Pastor

Summary

Today, we gathered as a family of faith to celebrate God’s goodness, to encourage one another, and to be reminded of the power and love that is ours in Christ Jesus. We gave thanks for answered prayers, for the generosity of our church in supporting our restoration project, and for the opportunity to invest in the next generation through our youth banquet and back-to-school outreach. We welcomed new members and guests, affirming that everyone who walks through our doors is a part of God’s plan and is deeply loved.

As we step into a new series, “I Am Overcoming This,” we focused on overcoming fear, drawing from 2 Timothy 1:7: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.” Fear is a powerful force that can paralyze us, keep us from our purpose, and rob us of God’s promises. Yet, we are not called to live in fear. Paul’s words to Timothy, written from a place of hardship and nearing the end of his life, are a timeless reminder that God equips us for every challenge. We are given divine power—dunamis, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. We are given love, which keeps us from isolating ourselves and enables us to love others even when it’s difficult. And we are given a sound mind, the clarity to see things as they are and not be overwhelmed by chaotic thinking.

We were challenged to discern what comes from God and what does not, to reject fear, and to embrace the gifts God has given us. We were reminded that faith often requires us to take the first step without seeing the outcome, trusting that God is the God of the outcome. We were encouraged to rest in God’s love, to stay connected to the body of Christ, and to remain in God’s clarity rather than being consumed by anxiety or overthinking. Practical steps were given: don’t embrace what God hasn’t sent, remember you are equipped with power and love, and start each day with simple devotion and trust.

As we shared in communion, we remembered Christ’s sacrifice and the assurance that we are never alone. We prayed for our children, our teachers, and our community, believing that God is able to protect, provide, and lead us through every season. We left with the charge to not make our problems bigger than our God, to walk in faith, and to encourage one another as we overcome fear together.

Key Takeaways

- Discern the Source of Your Fear
Not every feeling or thought that enters your mind is from God. Fear that paralyzes and causes you to shrink back is not from Him. Instead, God gives us power to face challenges, and we must learn to reject anything that does not originate from His Spirit. This discernment is crucial for spiritual maturity and for walking in freedom. [59:15]

- Stir Up the Gifts God Has Placed Within You
God has already equipped you with everything you need for your journey. Sometimes, fear convinces us that we are empty or lacking, but often, it’s a matter of stirring up what God has already deposited in us. Like the last bit of toothpaste in the tube, there is more in you than you realize, and God knows how to bring it out, especially in seasons of pressure. [01:02:54]

- Rest in God’s Love and Resist Isolation
Fear often drives us into isolation, making us believe that no one understands or cares. But God’s love is meant to be experienced in community, where we can encourage and lift one another up. Surround yourself with people who remind you of God’s faithfulness, and remember that you are called to love even when it’s difficult, just as Christ loved you. [01:08:29]

- Remain in God’s Clarity, Not Chaotic Thinking
Fear distorts reality and makes our problems seem larger than they are. A sound mind is a gift from God, enabling us to see things clearly and not be overwhelmed by anxiety or overthinking. Don’t let every problem or negative word take up residence in your mind; instead, prioritize peace and trust God with the things you cannot control. [01:15:42]

- Start Each Day with Simple Trust and Devotion
Overcoming fear is not about grand gestures but about daily dependence on God. Begin each morning with a simple prayer of gratitude and trust, committing your day and your needs to Him. God knows what you need, when you need it, and how to get it to you—trust Him to provide and guide you through every circumstance. [01:25:07]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[16:47] - Celebrating God’s Goodness and Giving
[19:02] - Upcoming Events and Youth Banquet
[21:30] - Fellowship and Welcoming New Members
[26:51] - Embracing New Relationships
[30:48] - Tithes, Offering, and Gratitude
[33:18] - Praise and Worship
[47:01] - Praying for Schools and Community Outreach
[49:26] - School Partnerships and Parental Involvement
[51:12] - The Call to Kingdom Engagement
[52:53] - The Reality of Today’s Schools
[54:22] - Overcoming Fear: 2 Timothy 1:7
[59:15] - Receive God’s Power, Not Paralyzing Fear
[01:07:34] - Rest in God’s Love, Not Lifeless Isolation
[01:15:42] - Remain in God’s Clarity, Not Chaotic Thinking
[01:25:07] - Practical Steps to Overcome Fear
[01:28:41] - Invitation to Salvation and Church Membership
[01:35:12] - Prayer for New Members and Their Families
[01:36:59] - Preparing for the Lord’s Supper
[01:38:56] - Communion: Remembering Christ’s Sacrifice
[01:43:19] - Benediction and Final Blessing

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: “I Am Overcoming This: Overcoming Fear”

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### Bible Reading

2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)
> For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

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### Observation Questions

1. According to 2 Timothy 1:7, what three things does God give us instead of a spirit of fear?
2. In the sermon, what does the pastor say is the source of paralyzing fear? Is it from God or somewhere else? ([59:15])
3. What practical example did the pastor use to illustrate that we often have more “in us” than we realize, even when we feel empty? ([01:03:30])
4. How does the sermon describe the difference between living in fear and living with a “sound mind”? ([01:15:42])

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Paul, writing from prison and near the end of his life, chose to remind Timothy specifically about fear and God’s gifts? ([55:29])
2. The pastor said, “If fear doesn’t come from God, we shouldn’t embrace it.” What are some ways people might accidentally embrace fear in their daily lives? ([59:15])
3. The sermon talks about “resting in God’s love” and not isolating ourselves. Why is community so important when we are facing fear or anxiety? ([01:08:29])
4. What does it mean to have a “sound mind” in the middle of chaos or uncertainty, according to the sermon? ([01:15:42])

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### Application Questions

1. The pastor challenged us to “discern what comes from God and what does not.” This week, what is one fear or anxious thought you are facing that you need to reject because it’s not from God? ([59:15])
2. The sermon encouraged us to “stir up the gifts God has placed within you.” Is there a talent, calling, or opportunity you’ve been holding back on because of fear? What is one step you can take to use that gift this week? ([01:02:54])
3. Fear often leads to isolation. Is there someone in your life you’ve been avoiding or withdrawing from because of fear or anxiety? How can you reach out to them or let someone else encourage you this week? ([01:08:29])
4. The pastor said, “Don’t let every problem or negative word take up residence in your mind.” What is one practical way you can protect your mind from overthinking or negativity this week? ([01:15:42])
5. The sermon suggested starting each day with a simple prayer of trust. What would your own short morning prayer look like? How can you make this a daily habit? ([01:25:07])
6. The pastor reminded us not to make our problems bigger than our God. Think of a current challenge you’re facing. How can you remind yourself this week that God is bigger than that problem? ([01:15:42])
7. Communion was a reminder that we are never alone. When you feel alone or afraid, what is one thing you can do to remember Christ’s presence with you? ([01:38:56])

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Closing Encouragement:
Let’s encourage one another this week to walk in faith, not fear, and to remember that God has already given us power, love, and a sound mind.

Devotional

Day 1: Overcoming Fear with God’s Power
God has not given us a spirit of fear, but instead, He equips us with divine power to face every challenge and decision before us. When fear tries to paralyze and keep you from moving forward, remember that God’s power—His dunamis, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead and parted the Red Sea—lives within you. You don’t need to see the outcome before you step out; God will give you what you need, when you need it. Reject anything that God did not send, and embrace the supernatural strength He provides for every valley and mountaintop. [01:05:03]

2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

Reflection: What is one step of faith you’ve been avoiding because of fear? Will you trust God’s power and take that step today, even if you can’t see the outcome?


Day 2: Resting in God’s Love, Not Isolation
Fear often leads us to isolate ourselves, convincing us that no one cares or understands. But God’s love is a gift that not only fills us but also calls us to share and receive love within the community of believers. Even when people are difficult to love, remember that God loved us first, even when we were unlovable. Surround yourself with those who can encourage you, and don’t let fear drive you into lifeless isolation. The love God pours into you is more than enough to love others, even in challenging circumstances. [01:14:12]

John 3:16 (NKJV)
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Reflection: Who is one person you can reach out to this week to encourage or show love to, especially if you’ve been tempted to withdraw or isolate yourself?


Day 3: Remaining in God’s Clarity, Not Chaotic Thinking
When fear takes hold, our minds can become unstable, making problems seem bigger than they are and robbing us of peace. God calls us to have a sound mind, to stop overthinking, and to trust Him with today rather than being consumed by worries about tomorrow. Don’t let every voice or circumstance disrupt your peace; instead, prioritize what truly matters and refuse to let fear dictate your thoughts. Enjoy today’s blessings and trust that the God who has always provided will continue to do so. [01:18:10]

Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Reflection: What is one worry or chaotic thought you can surrender to God today, trusting Him to give you clarity and peace?


Day 4: Embracing Community and Mutual Support
We are not meant to walk this journey alone; God designed the church as a place where we can encourage, support, and walk with one another through every season. Even when you feel alone in a crowd, remember that you are part of a family that needs you and that you need. The church is filled with imperfect people, but it is also filled with those who will walk with you, pray for you, and help you take your next steps in faith. Don’t just come to get your word and leave—embrace the community God has placed you in. [01:28:41]

Hebrews 10:24-25 (NKJV)
And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

Reflection: How can you intentionally connect with someone in your church family this week—whether by encouragement, prayer, or practical help?


Day 5: Trusting God with Every Day
Each day brings its own challenges, but God invites us to start every morning with simple devotion and trust. You don’t need a long or fancy prayer—just a heart that says, “Lord, I thank you and I trust you with the rest of my day.” Whether you’re facing a hospital visit, a job, a bill, or a difficult conversation, God knows what you need and when you need it. He has a track record of meeting needs and placing blessings right in your lap. Begin each day by placing your trust in Him, knowing He is faithful. [01:25:07]

Psalm 37:5 (NKJV)
Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.

Reflection: Tomorrow morning, will you begin your day by simply thanking God and entrusting your plans and worries to Him before anything else? What difference do you expect this to make?

Quotes