True Security: Assurance in Christ Beyond Fear

Devotional

Day 1: True Security Is Found in Christ Alone

Security in life is not about comfort, protection, or the absence of trouble, but about the unshakeable assurance that comes from belonging to Jesus Christ. Many people try to earn their salvation or justify themselves through good deeds, but true peace and security are only found under the arms of Jesus, through faith in Him and not by our own efforts. God’s promise is that when you are in Christ, nothing can separate you from His love or snatch you from His hand. This security is not based on your performance, but on the finished work of Christ and His faithfulness to keep those who are His. [13:25]

John 10:27-29 (ESV)
"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand."

Reflection: In what area of your life are you still trying to earn God’s approval or security through your own efforts, and how can you rest today in the assurance that Jesus alone is your security?

Day 2: The Good Shepherd Knows and Leads His Sheep

Jesus, the Good Shepherd, not only knows His sheep intimately but also calls them to listen for His voice and follow Him in obedience. God speaks in many ways—sometimes as a quiet whisper—and expects His people to respond, not just hear. Following Jesus means making Him the priority of your life, even when it requires sacrifice or letting go of things that draw you away from Him. The Good Shepherd’s care is personal, attentive, and sacrificial, and He leads His sheep into abundant life as they trust and obey Him. [26:08]

John 10:27 (ESV)
"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me."

Reflection: What is one specific way you can intentionally listen for and respond to God’s voice today, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone?

Day 3: Faith and Repentance—The Foundation of Salvation

Salvation is not achieved by being a good person or performing religious duties, but by faith in Jesus Christ and true repentance—a change of heart that leads to transformation and fruit. Repentance is more than asking for forgiveness; it is a surrender of your life to God, allowing Him to change your heart and direction. This is the only way to be truly ready for eternity and to experience the peace and security that God promises. [39:43]

Acts 2:37-38 (ESV)
"Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, 'Brothers, what shall we do?' And Peter said to them, 'Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'"

Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you have been asking for forgiveness but resisting true repentance and change? What step can you take today to surrender that area to God?

Day 4: Living Fearlessly in the Face of Trials

The world may threaten, persecute, or try to intimidate believers, but the worst it can do is temporary. For those in Christ, even death is gain, because it ushers us into the presence of God and the fullness of His promises. Christians are called to live boldly and faithfully, knowing that God sustains them now and will give them a new, glorious body in eternity. This fearless living is a testimony to the world that Jesus is worth living and dying for, and that nothing can ultimately harm those who belong to Him. [21:39]

Philippians 1:21 (ESV)
"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."

Reflection: What fear or threat has been holding you back from fully living for Christ, and how can you take a step of courage today, trusting in God’s eternal promises?

Day 5: Obedience and Surrender Bring Lasting Peace

Lasting peace and security come from doing things God’s way—trusting, obeying, and surrendering every part of your life to Him. God knows your heart, your struggles, and your motivations, and He calls you to follow Him wholeheartedly, even when it means giving up things you think are good. When you obey and surrender, God brings a peace that surpasses understanding, a peace that is not dependent on circumstances but on His presence and faithfulness. [38:28]

Isaiah 26:3 (ESV)
"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you."

Reflection: What is one area where you need to surrender control or obey God more fully in order to experience His peace today?

Sermon Summary

Security is something we all crave, but the kind of security God promises is not about locked doors, comfort, or a life free from trouble. True security is found in the assurance of salvation through Jesus Christ, a security that is not shaken by fear, uncertainty, or even the threat of death. Many of us confuse fear with faith, letting anxiety about our standing with God drive us to perform or to try to earn His favor. But God’s desire is not for us to live in fear, but to rest in the finished work of Christ, knowing that our salvation is secure not because of our efforts, but because of His grace.

Fear can be both a gift and a hindrance. Healthy fear draws us to safety—like the fear that keeps us from touching a hot stove or the reverent fear of the Lord that leads us to obedience. But unhealthy fear paralyzes us, keeps us from stepping out in faith, and sometimes causes us to ignore the reality of our mortality and our need for salvation. We must not let fear keep us from facing the truth about our spiritual condition or from responding to God’s invitation.

God’s security is rooted in relationship, not in religious performance. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, knows His sheep, and His sheep know His voice. This relationship is marked by listening, responding, and following. It’s not about checking boxes or being “good enough,” but about surrendering in faith and repentance. Repentance is not just feeling sorry or asking for forgiveness; it is a true change of heart that only God can bring about, resulting in a transformed life.

Even in the face of suffering, persecution, or loss, the security God gives cannot be taken away. The world can only harm us temporarily; our eternal destiny is safe in Christ. This assurance frees us to live boldly, to love sacrificially, and to endure hardship with hope. God’s blessings may not always be material, but His peace and presence surpass all understanding. When we truly trust Him, we find a security that no circumstance can shake.

Key Takeaways

1. Security in Christ is not about comfort or protection from hardship, but about the unshakeable assurance of salvation. Many seek security in routines or good deeds, but true peace comes from trusting in Jesus’ finished work, not our own efforts. This security allows us to face life’s uncertainties without fear, knowing our eternity is settled. [01:38]
2. Fear can either drive us to God or keep us from Him, depending on how we respond. Healthy fear leads us to seek safety in Christ, while unhealthy fear paralyzes us or causes us to ignore spiritual realities. We must be honest about our fears and let them move us toward repentance and faith, not avoidance or self-reliance. [09:47]
3. God’s call is to relationship, not religious performance. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, knows His sheep and calls them by name. Our security is found in hearing His voice, responding in obedience, and following Him, not in checking religious boxes or trying to earn His approval. [26:08]
4. Repentance is more than asking for forgiveness; it is a God-given change of heart that results in transformation. Many mistake belief for faith, or sorrow for repentance, but true repentance brings fruit and evidence of a changed life. Salvation requires both faith and repentance, and both are gifts from God. [39:43]
5. The world can only threaten us temporarily; our eternal security is unassailable in Christ. Even if we face suffering, persecution, or loss, nothing can separate us from God’s love. This assurance empowers us to live courageously, to endure trials, and to pass on a legacy of faith to those who follow after us. [21:39]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:38] - Redefining Security: Beyond Locked Doors
[02:40] - Fear of the Unknown and Spiritual Paralysis
[06:16] - The Value of Spiritual Assessment
[07:34] - Good Fear vs. Bad Fear
[09:47] - Fear That Hinders God’s Calling
[11:29] - Facing Mortality and Spiritual Readiness
[13:25] - Salvation: Under the Arms of Jesus
[15:45] - The Evidence of Spiritual Growth
[20:39] - Temporary Suffering, Eternal Security
[23:39] - Living Faithfully for the Next Generation
[25:23] - The Good Shepherd and Eternal Security
[26:08] - Hearing and Responding to God’s Voice
[33:48] - The Cost and Joy of Following Jesus
[36:31] - Experiencing God’s Peace and Presence
[39:43] - Faith, Repentance, and True Conversion
[42:54] - Invitation to Respond and Walk in Obedience

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

John 10:27-29 (ESV) — > 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.
> 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.
> 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand.

Acts 2:37-39 (ESV) — > 37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
> 38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
> 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”

Observation Questions

In John 10:27-29, what does Jesus say about the relationship between the shepherd and the sheep? What promises does He make to His sheep?
According to Acts 2:37-39, how did the people respond when they realized their need for salvation, and what did Peter tell them to do?
The sermon described two types of fear: one that draws us to safety and one that paralyzes us. What examples did the pastor give for each kind of fear? ([07:34])
What does the pastor say is the evidence of true repentance and salvation in a person’s life? ([39:43])

Interpretation Questions

What does it mean that “no one will snatch them out of my hand” in John 10:28? How does this shape our understanding of security in Christ?
The pastor said that God’s security is rooted in relationship, not religious performance. How does this challenge common ideas about what it means to be “good enough” for God? ([15:02])
Why is repentance described as more than just feeling sorry or asking for forgiveness? What is the difference between belief and faith, according to the sermon? ([39:43])
The sermon mentioned that even in suffering or persecution, our eternal security is unshakeable. How does this perspective affect the way a believer faces hardship? ([21:39])

Application Questions

The pastor shared how people often try to earn God’s favor by doing good things out of fear, rather than trusting in Christ’s finished work. Are there areas in your life where you find yourself trying to “earn” God’s approval? What would it look like to rest in His grace instead? ([07:01])
Think about a fear that has kept you from stepping out in faith or obeying God. What is one step you could take this week to let that fear move you toward God, rather than away from Him? ([09:47])
The sermon emphasized that Jesus knows His sheep and calls them by name. How do you intentionally listen for God’s voice in your daily life? Is there a practice you want to start or strengthen to help you hear and respond to Him? ([26:08])
Repentance was described as a God-given change of heart that results in transformation. Is there an area in your life where you sense God calling you to deeper repentance? What would real change look like in that area? ([39:43])
The pastor talked about living in a way that shows the next generation that Jesus is worth suffering for and worth giving everything to. How can you model courageous faith and security in Christ to your family, friends, or those who look up to you? ([23:39])
When you face uncertainty, suffering, or loss, what helps you remember your security in Christ? Is there a specific promise from Scripture or a past experience of God’s faithfulness that you can hold onto? ([21:39])
The sermon ended with an invitation to respond in obedience, whether that’s trusting Christ for salvation, being baptized, or taking another step of faith. Is there a step of obedience God is prompting you to take right now? What’s holding you back, and how can your group support you? ([42:54])

Sermon Clips

There's two different types of fear in life. Well, there's good fear and there's bad fear. We're not going to talk about good fear. Your good fear always draws you to safety. A really hot burning stove. Do we reach out and touch it? Why not? Some of you guys, I wasn't, I'll admit this wholeheartedly, but some of you guys are smart enough to learn from other people. And some of you guys are the ones who taught us. Because you put your hand on the burner and went, Ow! That's hot! Why do we always do that? Why do we always state what is obvious? Because I've never touched the cold trenches. And finally, don't ask the question. You've never touched the cold sia! and go, ow, that's cold. No, it's always hot. Of course it's hot. But the truth is that that's good fear. It protects us. Fear of the Lord is a good thing. It's a reflection of the might and power and omnipotence of God, but also the understanding and meshing with the idea that God is also a God who has compassion and love for you, and he wants to do what's good for you, not what's going to hurt you, so out of respect to God because of his power and authority, you obey him. [00:07:31] (76 seconds) #GoodFearProtects

Sometimes that type of fear is used by the enemy to make you not worry about something you very much need to be prepared for. I have sat with people who have had terminal illnesses and have known for years that they were going to come to the end of their life, only to come to the end of their life and look me square in the eye and say, I'm not ready. I don't want to die. Church, listen to me. I feel for them. The terror in their eyes was real, and I want you to comprehend this truth. Fear caused them to ignore it in the hopes that it would never happen, so when it happened, they weren't ready for it. [00:11:45] (39 seconds) #FearCanHinderPreparation

You say, Pastor, you said you're going to help us find peace. Yeah, I am. I want you to find peace, but you've got to have a little fear before you get to peace. Because fear causes you to react. To do. Remember, we talked about good fear gets you to a place of safety. What is the place of safety in your spiritual life? Under the arms of Jesus. Jesus Christ. Salvation through Christ and Christ alone. There is no other way to be saved. [00:13:04] (28 seconds) #FearLeadsToPeace

God, in all of his infinite wisdom, gave us free will. You know what free will is? I get to decide whether I want to love Bo or not. I get to decide whether I want to care for that man or not. Nobody forces me to. Nobody can make me. So I get to decide. So that when I care about Bo and I say, brother, I love you and I do love you, man. I say that to that man. It is a choice that I make, not an obligation. That's my free will. God said I want you to love me, but I'm not going to force you to. Here I am. Here's my son. He's going to die for you so you can have what you want. I'll leave you alone forever. And we say, God sends us to hell? Are you kidding me? God does not send us to hell. We send ourselves there because we reject the salvation he gives. [00:13:47] (70 seconds) #FreeWillChoice

Live my life now for Jesus Christ with all my heart and all my soul and all my mind and all my strength so my children see it so that they understand he's worth it. He's worth dying for. He's worth suffering for. He's worth giving everything you have to him so that they understand the. [00:23:55] (21 seconds) #ObeyGodsVoice

The question you have to ask yourself is, are you listening for God's voice? And when you listen for God's voice, the expectation is that you're going to obey it. You're going to respond to it. You're not just going to hear it to hear it and go, okay, good, I heard his voice. Okay, I'm good. You're going to respond to it, because God does not talk for no reason. [00:26:08] (30 seconds) #PrioritizeJesus

See, the problem is most of us expect God to drop out of heaven like one of those superheroes from the movies and boom, hit the ground and then come up and be like, pay attention. That's not how God works. Sometimes it works like that. He's done that to me quite a few times, but, but that's not how God works. Usually Bible describes sometimes God's voice as a quiet whisper on the wind. And the problem is when you have a whisper on the wind, there's something you have to do in order to actually hear what's being said. You have to really listen, not just casually listen, like really listen. [00:28:18] (41 seconds) #OverwhelmingPeace

You have to determine in your life to make him the priority of your life, not the second part of your life. And a lot of people won't follow Jesus because they don't want to give up the things in their life that they think are good or better. Now, I'm not telling you. I'm not telling you. That if you surrender your life to Jesus, you have to give up watching TV. But I promise you, there's shows that you watch that don't go up by God, and they draw you away from God. You justify them in your mind, you come up with reasons in your mind, but at the end of the day, what draws you to God and what doesn't it? You have to come to terms with that in your own life. I will never tell you or demand from you that you give up something for God, but I would tell you you're expected to. And if you're truly a follower of Jesus, you should be glad to do it, because you see the value of it. You see what it brings to your life. [00:33:48] (61 seconds) #GodKnowsYou

He knows you. He knows your motivations. He knows your heart. He knows your desire. He knows what is inside of your brain. He also knows where you struggle. He knows where you fall short. He knows where you're just flat out rebellious. He knows how you keep convincing yourself over and over and over again. He knows how you keep convincing yourself over and over and over again. You're just going to figure it out on your own. Ladies and gentlemen, you're not. Only Jesus is going to be free. You want peace. You want security. You want peace and security. Let me tell you something. You want peace in your home? Do it God's way. You want peace in your personal life? Do it God's way. You want peace from sin? You want release from sin? That sin that binds you? Remember, sin feels like freedom until you try to stop. Do it God. Do it God's way. He's the good shepherd. [00:37:52] (55 seconds) #TodayIsTheDay

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