July 23, 2024
Fearless Living – 2 Timothy 1:7
Listen to last week’s sermon: Fearless Living: Embrace Faith and Courage
In last week’s sermon delivered by Pastor Eric at New Beginning Church in Rockland, Ontario, the theme of overcoming fear through faith and courage was addressed. Pastor Eric shared several insightful stories to illustrate how fear can hold us back from realizing our full potential.
Each of these stories highlights a common theme: fear holds people back from achieving their full potential. The fear of making mistakes, looking bad, facing persecution, rejection, the unknown, and the fear of man can paralyze us. Pastor Eric emphasized that fear is a tool used by the devil to prevent us from living our God-given destiny.
Biblical Perspective on Fear
Pastor Eric highlighted that it is not God’s will for any of His children to live in fear for
…God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control (2 Timothy 1:7).
Statistics on Fear
Pastor Eric shared that over 3.4 million Canadians reported anxiety disorders in 2021. Common fears include snakes, public speaking, heights, spiders, natural disasters, terrorism, illness and death, financial instability, and even a bad haircut. Interestingly, more people fear public speaking than death.
Examples of Fear in the Bible
Even biblical figures experienced moments of fear and cowardice:
– Abraham lied about Sarah being his sister out of fear.
– David arranged for Uriah’s death to cover up his adultery.
– Peter denied Jesus three times out of fear for his own safety.
These stories illustrate that even the faithful can struggle with fear.
Steps to Overcome Fear
Pastor Eric offered practical steps to overcome fear:
1. Fix Your Gaze on Jesus
Hebrews 12:2 encourages us to focus on Jesus, turning away from our fears and circumstances. By fixing our eyes on Jesus, we are reminded of His strength and are encouraged.
2. Fine-Tune Your Ears
Be mindful of what you listen to, as faith comes from hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17). Avoid negative voices that can instill fear, and nurture your faith by listening to the truth.
3. Banish Fear
If fear can be a spirit at time as Paul mentions, then, treat fear as a spirit and rebuke it in Jesus’ name. Don’t let it take residence in your life. Confront it and cast it out.
4. Defy Fear
Take action despite your fears. Do something you’re afraid of but know you need to do. Don’t wait for the perfect time, as it may never come.
Pastor Eric concluded the sermon with a prayer for God to eradicate fear from our lives. He encouraged the congregation to embrace faith and courage, step out of their comfort zones, and not let fear dictate their actions. Fear is a self-imposed prison, but faith sets us free.
Watch sermon here:
