Tonight we get to hear from special guest speaker Kris Miner. You probably remember that we've already covered two things that are big battles we all face as Christians: the tongue (what we say) and purity. Now we're going to talk about the battle going on in your mind. Will faith win, or will fear win out? We all face this battle, and it's a tough one. Though we all have different fears, we all have to fight them.
So what are people afraid of? The number one fear of most people is public speaking. Followed by death. Others include cockroaches, spiders, snakes, the unknown, being alone, failure, rejection, and other people.
So, what does the Bible have to say about fear? 2 Timothy 1:7 says, For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
God has called us to live by faith. 2 Corinthians 5:7 says that we live by faith, not by sight. What exactly is faith? Hebrews 11:1 says, Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Need a simpler explanation? Faith ultimately comes down to two things:
1. Believing that the Bible is true.
2. Believing that God is going to do what He said He was going to do.
So, what does the Bible have to say about spiders, snakes and cockroaches (which many people fear)? They qualify as creeping things which we have been given dominion over. We don't have to be afraid of them!
The number one fear, public speaking, is something that Moses also feared. But God promised to help Moses speak – he didn't have to be afraid, and we don't either!
People are afraid of being alone. “OMG, I'm 14 and I don't have a boyfriend yet!” If we look in God's work, it tells us, “Never will I leave you nor forsake you.” God's word is true, and He's gonna do what He said He's gonna do!
People are afraid of death. Some people won't even leave their house because they are afraid of dying. Romans 6:23 says that the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life.
Death has been swallowed up in victory! The sting of death is sin. If you're walking with God, you're not walking in sin. You don't have to fear death, because when you die you will go to heaven.
People are afraid of the unknown. What school should I go to? Who should I marry? Should I wear the pink shoes or the white ones?
Jeremiah 29:11 says, For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
God has a plan for you! His word is true and He's gonna do what He said He's gonna do!
People are afraid of failure. They're afraid of rejection, afraid of people. This is what keeps us from living as bold Christians. But God has called us to live by faith, not fear. We are called to make a difference and not to blend in with the background, but often we are afraid to stand out and be different.
Living in fear keeps us from living boldly.
Isaiah 55:11 says:
It is the same with my word.
I send it out, and it always produces fruit.
It will accomplish all I want it to,
and it will prosper everywhere I send it.
Notice the strong words used in that verse. Always, all, everywhere. God's word is powerful. If accomplishes everything He wants it to and produces everywhere He sends it!
Take a look at what Proverbs 29:25 has to say about being afraid of people:
Fearing people is a dangerous trap,
but trusting the Lord means safety.
You have no reason to be afraid of people, of what they think, of rejection, of failure. God's word is true! He's in control and He's gonna do what He said He's gonna do!
Check out the ultimate encouraging scripture, Psalm 23 (click to read).
Even when you're overwhelmed by circumstances, God is with you. He's providing for you, leading you, guiding you, protecting you. He gives you more than you need!
God has good things in store for you; don't let fear win the battle in your life. Be someone that lives by faith. Be someone who, when trial comes, chooses to believe the word of God.
God is on your side! He's working for you!
God's word is true. He's going to do what He said he's going to do.
You have a future and a hope. God has a plan for you. Walk in faith. Don't let fear stop you. Don't be afraid of men, of rejection, failure, spiders, werewolves, zombies, clowns or anything else! God is with you, His word is true! He's gonna do what He said he was gonna do!
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