Overcoming Fear Through God's Provision and Strength
Summary
### Summary
In today's sermon, we reflected on the profound experiences of being excommunicated from a denomination due to our baptism in the Spirit and speaking in tongues. This led to a period of both joy and struggle, where I found myself unemployed and isolated from many friends. During this challenging time, God spoke to me audibly, assuring me of His provision and care. This personal testimony set the stage for our exploration of Acts 18:9-10, where Jesus appears to Paul in a vision, commanding him not to fear and to continue his ministry, promising protection and fruitful labor.
Paul's journey from Athens to Corinth was marked by persecution and hardship, yet he found support in Aquila and Priscilla, fellow tentmakers. Despite opposition, Paul remained steadfast, driven by the Spirit to testify that Jesus is the Christ. His perseverance bore fruit as many Corinthians believed and were baptized, including Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue.
We delved into the four key elements of Jesus' vision to Paul: the commands to "fear not" and "keep ministering," and the promises of protection and fruitful ministry. Fear is a common struggle, often kept hidden due to embarrassment or a misunderstanding of perfect love. However, Jesus' repeated exhortation to "fear not" throughout His ministry is always accompanied by His intervention and power to overcome fear.
Paul's example teaches us that our faith should rest not in human wisdom or eloquence but in the power of God. Despite his weaknesses and fears, Paul's ministry was effective because it relied on God's strength. This message is crucial for us today, reminding us that God’s promises of protection and fruitfulness are still relevant. We are encouraged to continue our ministry, trusting in God's presence and provision.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Provision in Times of Crisis: During moments of deep struggle and uncertainty, God can provide assurance and guidance in unexpected ways. Just as I heard God's audible voice in a machine shop, we must remain open to His communication, trusting that He will provide for our needs and guide us through difficult times. [02:33]
2. Fear Not, Keep Ministering: Jesus' command to Paul to "fear not" and continue his ministry despite opposition is a powerful reminder for us. Fear can paralyze us, but Jesus promises His presence and protection, enabling us to persevere in our calling. We must take His words personally and apply them to our lives, knowing that He is with us. [11:47]
3. Perfect Love Casts Out Fear: The concept of perfect love, as described in 1 John 4:18, teaches us that fear involves torment, but perfect love drives out fear. This love is perfected through a process, often involving trials and challenges. Embracing God's perfect love helps us overcome fear and live in the freedom and peace He offers. [14:10]
4. God's Strength in Our Weakness: Paul's ministry in Corinth, marked by weakness and fear, demonstrates that God's power is made perfect in our weakness. Our effectiveness in ministry does not depend on our abilities or eloquence but on our reliance on God's strength. This truth is vital for all believers, especially those in leadership. [17:08]
5. Promises of Protection and Fruitfulness: Jesus' promises to Paul of protection and fruitful ministry are encouraging for us today. While these promises were specific to Paul, they remind us that God is with us, protecting and guiding us as we fulfill our calling. We are assured that our labor in the Lord is not in vain, and He has people for us to reach and minister to. [19:51]
### Youtube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [01:33] - Personal Testimony of God's Provision
3. [03:45] - Paul's Journey from Athens to Corinth
4. [05:54] - Partnership with Aquila and Priscilla
5. [06:49] - Opposition and Perseverance
6. [07:24] - Crispus' Conversion
7. [08:39] - Jesus' Vision to Paul
8. [10:12] - Fear Not: Personal Reflections
9. [11:47] - Jesus' Command to Fear Not
10. [13:20] - Examples of Jesus Overcoming Fear
11. [14:10] - Perfect Love Casts Out Fear
12. [17:08] - God's Strength in Our Weakness
13. [19:51] - Promises of Protection and Fruitfulness
14. [22:23] - Personal Encouragement and Application
15. [24:44] - Conclusion and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 18:9-10 (NIV): "One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: 'Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.'"
2. 1 John 4:18 (NIV): "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love."
3. 1 Corinthians 2:3-5 (NIV): "I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power."
#### Observation Questions
1. What were the four key elements of Jesus' vision to Paul in Acts 18:9-10? ([03:45])
2. How did Paul find support during his time in Corinth, and who were his key supporters? ([05:54])
3. According to 1 John 4:18, what does perfect love do to fear? ([14:10])
4. How did Paul describe his own state when he was ministering in Corinth, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 2:3-5? ([17:08])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus' command to "fear not" was significant for Paul during his ministry in Corinth? ([03:45])
2. How does the concept of perfect love casting out fear apply to the struggles and fears we face today? ([14:10])
3. In what ways does Paul's reliance on God's strength rather than his own abilities challenge our modern views of leadership and success? ([17:08])
4. How can we understand the promises of protection and fruitful ministry in our own lives, even though they were specifically given to Paul? ([19:51])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a significant crisis. How did you experience God's provision and assurance during that time? ([02:33])
2. What are some fears that you currently struggle with? How can Jesus' command to "fear not" and His promise of presence and protection help you address these fears? ([11:47])
3. How can you cultivate a deeper understanding and experience of God's perfect love in your life to overcome fear? ([14:10])
4. In what areas of your life do you feel weak or inadequate? How can you rely more on God's strength rather than your own abilities? ([17:08])
5. Think of a specific situation where you felt called to minister or serve but were held back by fear. How can you apply the promises of protection and fruitfulness to move forward in that calling? ([19:51])
6. How can you be more open to hearing God's voice and guidance in your daily life, especially during times of struggle and uncertainty? ([02:33])
7. Identify one person in your life who might be struggling with fear or uncertainty. How can you encourage them with the message of God's presence and provision? ([23:37])
Devotional
Day 1: God's Assurance in Crisis
In times of deep struggle and uncertainty, God can provide assurance and guidance in unexpected ways. When we face moments of crisis, it is easy to feel abandoned and lost. However, God’s provision often comes in ways we do not anticipate. Just as the speaker heard God's audible voice in a machine shop, we must remain open to His communication, trusting that He will provide for our needs and guide us through difficult times. This assurance is not just a fleeting comfort but a profound reminder of His constant presence and care in our lives. [02:33]
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: Think of a recent crisis or challenging situation you faced. How did you see God's provision and guidance during that time? If you are currently in a difficult season, how can you remain open to hearing God's voice and trusting His provision?
Day 2: Perseverance in Ministry Despite Fear
Jesus' command to Paul to "fear not" and continue his ministry despite opposition is a powerful reminder for us. Fear can paralyze us, but Jesus promises His presence and protection, enabling us to persevere in our calling. Paul faced significant opposition and hardship, yet he remained steadfast in his mission. This perseverance is a testament to the power of Jesus' words and His promise to be with us. We must take His words personally and apply them to our lives, knowing that He is with us in every step of our journey. [11:47]
Joshua 1:9 (ESV): "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Reflection: Identify an area in your life or ministry where fear has been holding you back. How can you apply Jesus' command to "fear not" and continue your work, trusting in His presence and protection?
Day 3: Embracing Perfect Love to Overcome Fear
The concept of perfect love, as described in 1 John 4:18, teaches us that fear involves torment, but perfect love drives out fear. This love is perfected through a process, often involving trials and challenges. Embracing God's perfect love helps us overcome fear and live in the freedom and peace He offers. This process is not instantaneous but requires a deep, ongoing relationship with God, where His love continually transforms and strengthens us. [14:10]
Zephaniah 3:17 (ESV): "The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing."
Reflection: Reflect on a specific fear that has been tormenting you. How can you invite God's perfect love into that area of your life to drive out fear and experience His peace?
Day 4: Relying on God's Strength in Our Weakness
Paul's ministry in Corinth, marked by weakness and fear, demonstrates that God's power is made perfect in our weakness. Our effectiveness in ministry does not depend on our abilities or eloquence but on our reliance on God's strength. This truth is vital for all believers, especially those in leadership. Recognizing our limitations and depending on God's power allows His strength to shine through our weaknesses, making our ministry more impactful. [17:08]
2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
Reflection: Consider an area of your life or ministry where you feel weak or inadequate. How can you shift your focus from your limitations to God's strength, allowing His power to work through you?
Day 5: Trusting in God's Promises of Protection and Fruitfulness
Jesus' promises to Paul of protection and fruitful ministry are encouraging for us today. While these promises were specific to Paul, they remind us that God is with us, protecting and guiding us as we fulfill our calling. We are assured that our labor in the Lord is not in vain, and He has people for us to reach and minister to. This assurance should motivate us to continue our work with confidence, knowing that God’s promises are true and His presence is constant. [19:51]
Isaiah 55:11 (ESV): "So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it."
Reflection: Reflect on a specific promise of God that you hold dear. How does this promise encourage you to continue your ministry or calling with confidence, knowing that God is with you and your labor is not in vain?
Quotes
### Quotes for outreach
1. "When Jesus says to you and I, to fear not, He gives us the tools. He gives us the way of His spirit to rise above it. The famous passage from First John, Chapter Four, Verse Eighteen and nineteen. There is no fear in love. But perfect love casts out fear." [13:36] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I want you to keep on going as long as you have breath. I want you to know I'm with you right now. Feel His presence. Church, He's with you right now. Be surrounded by His love. Let His arms wrap you up in His arms. And then be thankful for the fruit that He's got yet for you." [25:28] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Fear not. Keep on ministering. Keep on sharing your faith. Receive the promises that God gives you from His word. Now, if He speaks audibly to you, praise God. But I've learned that He speaks a lot more to me through His word. Just reading it day by day." [24:44] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I want us to be encouraged today. When Jesus says to you and I, to fear not, He gives us the tools. He gives us the way of His spirit to rise above it." [13:36] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for members
1. "There are some of us in the room today who had never admitted to anybody else. But we have fear. Fear can grip us in many different ways. Many of us suffer with a very quiet fear that we keep to ourselves. It's too embarrassing to say anything in public or in the church. Because we know that perfect love casts out fear. So that must mean I don't have any perfect love in my life." [08:39] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When I sit and I read the word. Listen to the word. Worship God through the word. The message that comes forth. Sometimes it's for the whole congregation. I guess. But it's a message for me. Don't be guilty of sitting in the church. And thinking. Oh wow. What a great point. Pastor Mike said. That's just what my friend needs. Right? Lester says. Just what Debbie needs. You know. She needs. Deborah needs that. Really bad. I've done that. I hope so and so is listening. They really need it. When in fact. I'm the one that needs it. So when the word goes forth. Take it personally. It's for me. The Holy Spirit is speaking to me. What is he saying to me? Out of the word of God. This morning he says to all of us here. Fear. Fear not." [11:19] (66 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Paul was teaching through his weakness that it's God who is the strength. Oh, how we need that message amongst young pastors and preachers today and the church today. That it's not how great you speak or how wonderful an orator you are, how many media followers you have. It's out of your weakness, your dependence on the power of God." [19:12] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The promise that Jesus made to him in this vision is coming to pass. No one's going to lay a finger on you for the next 18 months. That's exactly, exactly what happened. And then lastly, the promise of remaining fruit. Going on to verse 10. For I have many people in this city. The work will not be in vain." [21:06] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I want to encourage you right now. When I was on my way to Vietnam, I had a little guy from the Gideons down in San Diego approach me on the street, and he prayed with me, gave me a Gideon's Bible. He had a wonderful Bible. I spent a little time there. All my other buddies were out in the bar getting drunk. I was there getting drunk on the Spirit. And he told me, he said, you know, he asked me a question. If you don't make it back, where will you go? And God used this little guy to minister to me the importance of knowing how I stand with Jesus every day." [22:23] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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