Overcoming Fear Through God's Promises and Grace
Summary
In the face of fear and dismay, God's promises stand as a beacon of hope and strength. Isaiah 41:10 offers profound assurance: "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." These words are not just for anyone; they are for those chosen by God, those who have been called and set apart by His grace. This promise is not based on our merit but on God's sovereign grace, a grace that has chosen us before the foundation of the world.
Fear is a natural disease that entered humanity with sin. Adam, once unafraid, hid from God after disobeying Him. This fear, born of sin, continues to plague even the most faithful believers. It is sustained by our ongoing struggle with sin and often finds fertile ground in our hearts and circumstances. Yet, God commands us not to fear, for fear is rooted in unbelief, a sin that questions God's truthfulness and power. Unbelief robs God of His glory and weakens our spiritual influence.
God's promises counteract fear with His presence, strength, and support. He assures us that we are never alone, for He is with us. His omnipotence, omniscience, and immutability are our constant companions. Even when we face the loss of worldly possessions or friends, God remains our unfailing treasure. He promises to strengthen us for the tasks He sets before us, to help us in our endeavors, and to uphold us with His righteousness. These assurances are not just for the strong but also for the weak and trembling, for God delights in using our weakness to display His strength.
In embracing these promises, we are called to live above fear and dismay, trusting in God's unwavering faithfulness. This trust is not presumption but true humility, acknowledging our dependence on Him. As we walk in faith, we become witnesses to the world of God's grace and power, drawing others to seek the same hope and assurance.
Key Takeaways:
- God's Sovereign Choice: Our relationship with God is not based on our merit but on His sovereign grace. We are chosen by Him, and this eternal choice is the source of all spiritual blessings. This understanding should lead us to approach God's promises with confidence, knowing they are ours by His grace. [01:53]
- The Nature of Fear: Fear entered humanity with sin and continues to affect even the most faithful believers. It is sustained by our ongoing struggle with sin and often finds reasons to thrive in our hearts and circumstances. Recognizing fear's roots in sin helps us understand its power and the need for God's intervention. [09:29]
- The Sin of Unbelief: Unbelief is a grave sin that questions God's truthfulness and power. It robs God of His glory and weakens our spiritual influence. Trusting in God's promises is an act of humility and faith, acknowledging His faithfulness and our dependence on Him. [24:40]
- God's Promises Against Fear: God's promises in Isaiah 41:10 counteract fear with His presence, strength, and support. He assures us that we are never alone, that He will strengthen us for the tasks He sets before us, and that He will uphold us with His righteousness. These promises are for all who trust in Him. [32:35]
- Living Above Fear: We are called to live above fear and dismay, trusting in God's unwavering faithfulness. This trust is not presumption but true humility, acknowledging our dependence on Him. As we walk in faith, we become witnesses to the world of God's grace and power, drawing others to seek the same hope and assurance. [38:01]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - Introduction to Isaiah 41:10
- [00:44] - The Promise to God's Chosen
- [01:53] - Sovereign Grace and Spiritual Blessings
- [03:00] - The Call and Separation
- [04:35] - Servanthood and Submission
- [06:18] - Perseverance and Gratitude
- [07:46] - The Natural Disease of Fear
- [09:29] - Fear's Roots in Sin
- [12:12] - Fear's Impact on Believers
- [15:11] - The Sin of Unbelief
- [17:39] - Overcoming Fear with Faith
- [20:18] - Living Above Fear
- [32:35] - God's Promises Against Fear
- [38:01] - Strength and Support from God
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Isaiah 41:10
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#### Observation Questions
1. What are the specific promises God makes in Isaiah 41:10, and how do they address fear? [00:12]
2. According to the sermon, who are the recipients of God's promises in Isaiah 41:10, and on what basis are these promises given? [01:01]
3. How does the sermon describe the origin of fear in humanity, and what biblical event is used to illustrate this? [08:22]
4. What does the sermon suggest is the relationship between fear and unbelief? [24:23]
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of God's sovereign choice, as discussed in the sermon, influence a believer's confidence in God's promises? [01:53]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that fear can impact a believer's spiritual influence and relationship with God? [30:04]
3. How does the sermon interpret the command "Fear thou not" in Isaiah 41:10, and what reasons are given for why believers should not fear? [23:21]
4. What role does humility play in trusting God's promises, according to the sermon, and how is this contrasted with presumption? [15:28]
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when fear has affected your spiritual life. How can the promises in Isaiah 41:10 help you overcome that fear? [08:22]
2. The sermon emphasizes God's presence as a remedy for fear. How can you cultivate a greater awareness of God's presence in your daily life? [33:09]
3. Consider the idea that fear is rooted in unbelief. What steps can you take to strengthen your faith and trust in God's promises? [24:23]
4. How can acknowledging your weaknesses allow God to display His strength in your life, as suggested in the sermon? [38:01]
5. The sermon calls believers to live above fear and dismay. What practical changes can you make in your life to live more confidently in God's faithfulness? [20:37]
6. How can you use your experiences of overcoming fear to witness to others about God's grace and power? [32:00]
7. Identify a specific fear you are currently facing. How can you apply the truths from Isaiah 41:10 to address this fear and find peace? [35:24]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Sovereign Choice and Our Confidence
Our relationship with God is rooted in His sovereign grace, not our merit. This grace, which chose us before the foundation of the world, is the source of all spiritual blessings. Understanding this should lead us to approach God's promises with confidence, knowing they are ours by His grace. This assurance is not based on our actions but on God's eternal choice, which provides a firm foundation for our faith. As we embrace this truth, we are called to live with a sense of security and gratitude, knowing that our place in God's family is secure. [01:53]
Ephesians 1:4-5 (ESV): "Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will."
Reflection: How does understanding that you are chosen by God's grace, not by your merit, change the way you view your relationship with Him today?
Day 2: Recognizing Fear's Roots in Sin
Fear entered humanity with sin and continues to affect even the most faithful believers. It is sustained by our ongoing struggle with sin and often finds reasons to thrive in our hearts and circumstances. Recognizing fear's roots in sin helps us understand its power and the need for God's intervention. By acknowledging this, we can begin to address the underlying issues that give fear its strength and seek God's help in overcoming it. This understanding calls us to a deeper reliance on God's promises and a commitment to confronting fear with faith. [09:29]
Psalm 34:4 (ESV): "I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears."
Reflection: What specific fears are you currently facing, and how can you seek God's help to address the sin that may be sustaining them?
Day 3: The Sin of Unbelief and Trusting God's Promises
Unbelief is a grave sin that questions God's truthfulness and power. It robs God of His glory and weakens our spiritual influence. Trusting in God's promises is an act of humility and faith, acknowledging His faithfulness and our dependence on Him. By choosing to believe in His promises, we honor God and strengthen our spiritual witness. This trust is not presumption but a humble acknowledgment of our need for His guidance and support. As we grow in faith, we become more effective in drawing others to the hope and assurance found in God. [24:40]
Hebrews 3:12 (ESV): "Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle with unbelief, and how can you actively choose to trust God's promises today?
Day 4: God's Promises Against Fear
God's promises in Isaiah 41:10 counteract fear with His presence, strength, and support. He assures us that we are never alone, that He will strengthen us for the tasks He sets before us, and that He will uphold us with His righteousness. These promises are for all who trust in Him, providing a source of comfort and courage in the face of fear. By relying on these promises, we can face challenges with confidence, knowing that God's strength is made perfect in our weakness. This assurance empowers us to live boldly and faithfully, even in difficult circumstances. [32:35]
2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV): "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."
Reflection: How can you remind yourself of God's promises when you feel overwhelmed by fear, and what practical steps can you take to rely on His strength?
Day 5: Living Above Fear and Dismay
We are called to live above fear and dismay, trusting in God's unwavering faithfulness. This trust is not presumption but true humility, acknowledging our dependence on Him. As we walk in faith, we become witnesses to the world of God's grace and power, drawing others to seek the same hope and assurance. By living above fear, we demonstrate the transformative power of God's promises in our lives, inspiring others to trust in Him as well. This calling challenges us to cultivate a lifestyle of faith, courage, and reliance on God's unfailing love. [38:01]
Isaiah 12:2 (ESV): "Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation."
Reflection: What is one practical way you can demonstrate living above fear in your daily life, and how might this impact those around you?
Quotes
if you or I should meet with anything that is gracious and comfortable here it will come to us not upon the footing of Merit but upon the ground of Sovereign Grace it will not be ours because we have chosen Christ but because he has chosen us our heavenly father has blessed us with all spiritual blessings according as he hath chosen us in Christ Jesus before for the foundation of the world [00:01:34]
God's chosen people of old was set apart for himself and called out from all the rest of the world and so they are now they are a people called out by his special Grace with a special call which they have not been able to resist and they have come forth and declared themselves on the Lord's Side [00:02:50]
this disease of fear came into man's heart with sin Adam never was afraid of his God till he had broken his commands when the Lord Walked In the Garden in the cool of the day and Adam heard the almighty's footfall he hastened to commune with God as a dear child talks with a loving father but the moment he had touched the fruit that was forbidden he ran away and hid himself [00:08:25]
fear continues in Good Men because sin continues in them if they had attained to perfect love it would cast out fear for fear hath torment but since the flesh is still in them and the lusts thereof still strive for the Mastery even the holiest of God's people are sometimes Afflicted with the mockings of the child of the Bond woman [00:09:23]
Unbelief is a robbery of God a treason felony against him if I were in conversation with any one of you and you should say to me sir I cannot believe you nothing you could say would sting me more it is a very strong thing to say to any man I cannot believe you why if there were two of the lowest men or women fighting in a street quarrel and one of them said to the other I cannot believe a word you say the various drab would feel the insult [00:25:01]
the man who believes in God will fight with temptation but the man who does not believe in him is ready to fall into any snare see Yonder Tradesman he is just now in low water through the Badness of business he is a believer in God and he says I believe that God will carry me through it if I keep to the straight line of Integrity [00:27:01]
fear thou not for I am with thee many a man fears because he is afraid of loneliness more or less we must be alone in the service of God Christian companionship is a great comfort but if a man becomes a leader in Israel he becomes a lonely Spirit to a certain degree so too in suffering there is a bitterness with which No Stranger can interm medal [00:33:13]
be thankful believer that you are not alone because the father is with you the son is with you the Holy Ghost is with you and what does that mean it means that omnipotence will be with you to be your strength that omniscience will be with you to be your wisdom that immutability will be with you to be your sucker that all the attributes of God will be with you to be your treasury [00:34:50]
I will strengthen Thee the strength which I have to do my work with does not lie in me if it did it would be all over with with me how little strength there is in this arm I sorrowfully know but there is no man on Earth who can tell me how much strength God might put if he so will into that same arm if so he will it [00:38:17]
God can come into you my brother and into you my sister and can make you on a blaze with Glory like the bush in Horeb he can make you so strong that you can endure anything why he has done it up till now if somebody had told you years ago that you would have passed through your recent trouble you would have said I shall never be able to Bear it but you have borne it [00:39:49]
yay I will help Thee the last word of the text is yay I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness many a child of God is Afflicted with a fear that he shall one day bring dishonor upon the cross of Christ and in an unguarded moment shall slip with his feet this is a very natural fear and in some respects a very proper fear [00:43:09]
fear thou not for I am with thee be not dismayed for I am thy God I will strengthen thee yeah I will help thee yeah I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness go home and take the text with you in the hand of faith it shall prove to you like the Widow's barrel of meal and cruise of oil it shall not fail you till the day when the Lord shall bring you out of this land of famine to eat bread in his kingdom with his dear son [00:45:46]
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