Sunday Morning Service 10/19/2025 - Fear of Change

Change is woven into every part of our lives—sometimes it’s exciting, like the smell of a new car or the joy of a new season, and other times it’s unsettling, like a sudden job loss, a health crisis, or even just a shift in our daily routines. We all respond to change differently: some of us are eager early adopters, others are cautiously optimistic, and some resist it altogether. But no matter where we fall on that spectrum, change is inevitable, and it often brings with it a sense of lost control and fear.

Scripture reminds us that change is not only normal, but it’s also by God’s design. From the moment we become new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), to the ongoing transformation described in Romans 12:2, God is always at work shaping us. He calls us to be open to His new work in our lives, even when it’s uncomfortable or unexpected. The story of Mary and Joseph is a powerful example—God’s plan for them was radically different from what they had envisioned, yet He was present in every step, guiding and sustaining them.

One of the greatest comforts in the midst of change is the unchanging nature of God. While everything around us shifts, He remains constant (Malachi 3:6). This anchors us, allowing us to trust Him even when we don’t understand the “why” behind the changes we face. Trusting God means surrendering our need for control and believing that His plans for us are good, even when they don’t align with our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Navigating change is not something we’re meant to do alone. God has given us community—family, friends, and the church—to walk with us, encourage us, and help us bear the weight of transition. Together, we can support one another, be patient with those who struggle, and celebrate the growth that comes from embracing God’s work in our lives.

Ultimately, God promises to use every change for our good (Romans 8:28). Even when the path is difficult, He offers us peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:6-7) and invites us to trust Him with our future, knowing that He holds tomorrow in His hands.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Change is part of God’s design for our lives. From spiritual rebirth to daily transformation, God intends for us to grow and not remain stagnant. Embracing change is not about chasing novelty, but about allowing God to shape us into the people He created us to be. [34:25]
• 2. The fear of change often stems from our desire for control. When circumstances shift and we feel powerless, fear can take root. But God calls us to surrender our need for control, trusting that His unchanging character is our anchor in every season. [33:19]
• 3. Understanding the “why” behind change can help us accept it, but sometimes God asks us to trust Him without all the answers. Faith means stepping forward even when the path is unclear, believing that God’s plans are good and that He is working for our benefit. [45:32]
• 4. Community is essential in navigating change. We are not meant to face transitions alone; God has given us each other to encourage, support, and walk together through every season. Unity and patience with one another reflect God’s heart for His people. [51:43]
• 5. God’s peace is available in the midst of uncertainty. When anxiety and worry threaten to overwhelm us, prayer and thanksgiving open the door for God’s peace to guard our hearts and minds, reminding us that He is present and faithful through every change. [55:08]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [21:07] - Introduction and Series Overview
• [22:49] - The Fear of Change
• [23:12] - How We Respond to Change
• [24:56] - Loving and Resisting New Things
• [26:13] - Change in Everyday Life
• [27:15] - Three Types of Change Responders
• [29:32] - Simple and Complex Changes
• [31:20] - Mary and Joseph: Unexpected Change
• [32:38] - The Loss of Control and Fear
• [34:25] - Change is by God’s Design
• [38:52] - Transformation and Spiritual Growth
• [41:00] - Seasons of Change in Life
• [43:28] - God’s Unchanging Nature
• [45:32] - Trusting God’s Plans
• [48:24] - Surrendering to God’s Direction
• [51:43] - Navigating Change Together
• [54:10] - God Works All Things for Good
• [55:08] - Finding Peace in Change
• [56:46] - Mary’s Example of Trust
• [57:25] - Final Encouragement and Prayer
• [62:28] - Welcoming New Families
• [63:45] - Closing and Blessing

Bible Reading

2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV) — > Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

- Romans 12:2 (ESV)
> Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

- Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)
> Do not be anxious about anything, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus.

Observation Questions

1. According to 2 Corinthians 5:17, what happens to someone who is in Christ? What does it mean to be a “new creation”?
2. In Romans 12:2, what are the two different directions Paul says we can go with our lives? What does it mean to be “conformed” versus “transformed”?
3. The sermon mentioned that God never changes, even though everything else does. Where in the Bible does it say this, and how did the pastor describe its importance? [[43:28]]
4. In Philippians 4:6-7, what are we told to do instead of being anxious, and what does God promise in return?

Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon said that change is “by God’s design” and not just something random. Why do you think God wants us to experience change in our lives? [[34:25]]
2. The pastor talked about how fear of change often comes from our desire for control. Why do you think losing control is so hard for us, and how does that connect to our faith? [[33:19]]
3. Romans 12:2 talks about being “transformed by the renewal of your mind.” What might this transformation look like in everyday life, especially when facing change?
4. The sermon highlighted the importance of community when going through change. Why do you think God wants us to walk through change together instead of alone? [[51:43]]

Application Questions

1. Think about a recent change in your life—big or small. How did you respond? Were you an early adopter, cautiously optimistic, or did you resist it? What did you learn about yourself from that experience? [[27:15]]
2. The pastor said that God is always at work shaping us, even through uncomfortable or unexpected changes. Is there a current situation in your life where you sense God might be trying to grow you? How can you be more open to His work? [[34:25]]
3. When you feel anxious or fearful about change, what is your usual reaction? How could you practice Philippians 4:6-7 this week—bringing your worries to God in prayer and looking for His peace? [[55:08]]
4. The sermon mentioned that understanding the “why” behind change can help, but sometimes God asks us to trust Him without all the answers. Is there a change you’re facing where you don’t understand the “why”? What would it look like to trust God anyway? [[45:32]]
5. The pastor shared that community is essential in navigating change. Who are the people in your life you can lean on during times of transition? Is there someone you know who is struggling with change that you could encourage or support this week? [[51:43]]
6. God’s unchanging nature is meant to be an anchor for us. When everything else is shifting, how can you remind yourself of God’s faithfulness? Are there specific verses, songs, or practices that help you remember this truth? [[43:28]]
7. The story of Mary and Joseph was used as an example of trusting God through unexpected change. Is there an area in your life where you need to say, like Mary, “I am the Lord’s servant; may it be to me as you have said”? What would it take for you to surrender control in that area? [[49:34]]