November 15, 2020

Facing Fears

Preacher:
Series:
Passage: Ephesians 6:10
Service Type:

Introduction

  • Looking at Eph 6:10
    • The people were saved out of an occult background
    • Yet a church was born
    • Satan from the start wanted to destroy this church right from the start
    • The Church in Ephesus was in a Spiritual battle
  • The Ephesian people were fearful
    • Paul reassured the people to be strong in the Lord
    • We have fears but a number of these fears can be unnecessary
    • We should not replace faith with fear
    • Jesus often said 'fear not' or 'do not be afraid'
  • Today - overcoming fear (in the Lord)
  • Overview:
    • When are we most prone to fear?
    • What are the resources we have to overcome fear?
    • How do we overcome fear?

When are we most prone to fear?

  • When we feel out of our depth
    • Example of David last week
  • When we feel inadequate - we can be fearful when asked to do something we feel incapable of doing
    • Example Example of Joshua and Moses
    • Remember the words of the Lord and be strong in Him
    • When we are weak - God can work in our lives
  • Can be due to temperament - some are naturally fearful or timid
    • Example of Gideon
    • We should not use this an excuse, but pray Lord strengthen me
  • Be aware of the devil's devices:
    • Often when we are alone
      • Example of David, Eve, Paul and Jesus
      • God is gracious at such times and so often the Lord comes to us in our weakness
    • The depth of our weakness
      • Example of Jesus in the wilderness and the garden of Gethsemane
    • Days of evil that come upon the Christian - Eph 6:6
  • Yet in the midst of the battle, the Lord says 'be strong in Me'

What are the resources we have to overcome fear?

  • We are to be strong "in the power of His might"
  • What does this mean? - reading through Ephesians, you will discover many things
    • Examples
    • Eph 1:19 - the exceeding greatness of His power - explanation
      • There are resources in Christ
    • Eph 1:23 - the Church is the "fullness of Him who fills all" things
    • Eph 2:6 - we have been "raised up together and made to sit together in the heavenly places"
    • Eph 2:22 - we are "being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit"
    • Eph 3:16 - "to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man"
    • Eph 3:20 - "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us"
  • Only God can strengthen people
  • Believe and take hold of this truth

How do we overcome fear?

  • Example of David and Samson
  • We are to face the situation with the little that we have - we must take our little actions
  • Fear the Lord
    • If we fear the Lord more than the circumstances - God will give us grace
    • Ps 34:9 - "Oh, fear the Lord, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him."
    • Ps 34:7 - "The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them."
    • Example of Elisha and his servant
  • Keep our eyes on Jesus
    • Example of Peter walking on water
  • Rejoice in the Lord
    • Paul encourages his readers
  • Keep to God's word
    • Example of Joshua
    • Personal example - a burden for the Church during these Covid-19 times
      • Trust in God's word
      • Hold onto God's word
  • Spend time with the Lord
    • Praying with God
    • Ps 91:1 - "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty."
    • 2 Cor 7:5-6 - God often comes to us in a special way
      • God ministered to Paul by sending another worker
      • God often provides a way out

Closing Remarks

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