God is Greater Than My Fears

Our God is Greater

• One reason we hesitate to follow God is we get fixated on all the reasons why we’re not up to the task: my fears, failures, etc. 
• Ephesians 3:20-21 reminds us that God is always greater. We can experience his power at work in our lives for his glory.

Today’s Message: God is Greater than My Fears (Gideon)

The power of God enables us to courageously follow Jesus and trust his plan for our lives, despite our fears. 

The Situation in Israel During Gideon’s Life:

• Judges 6:1 — A time of divine discipline.
• How bad was it? Judges 6:2-5 tells us that Israel went into hiding in the caves and mountains whenever their enemies came.
• What did Israel do next? They cried out to God for help (Judges 6:6). 
• In response, God sent a prophet to remind the people why they are being disciplined (Judges 6:7-10).

Gods Gift of Grace

• God takes sin seriously, but he’s also the God of second chances. After hearing the people’s prayer, God launches a rescue plan.

Scripture: Judges 6:11-16

• The Lord calls Gideon a “mighty warrior” and tells him to go defeat the enemy (Midianites). 
• Gideon scoffs at the idea and questions why God has abandoned Israel.
• Gideon did not feel like the mighty warrior God said he was — but God saw the situation differently. 
• Key Point: We need to believe the truth God speaks over us rather than brush him off because of our fears and insecurities.

Who Does God Say We are in Christ?

• A new creation.
• A beloved child of God.
• Created in his image.
• Saved by grace.
• Justified by faith.
• We have the Spirit of God living in us because Jesus has died for us. 
• We are his ambassadors in this world.
• We are more than a conquerors.
• We are his masterpiece.

Is Fear a Visitor or a Resident?

• Max Lucado: “The presence of fear does not mean you have no faith. Fear visits everyone. But make your fear a visitor, not a resident.” -From the book Fear Not.
• We get to decide if fear will be a temporary visitor or a permanent resident in our lives.

God Reassures Gideon:

• “The Lord is with you” … “Am I not sending you” … “I will be with you” …“Peace! Do not be afraid.” (Judges 6)
  • • By chapter 7, Gideon is ready to take the leap of faith…

…But God Decided to Do Something Crazy: Shrink Gideon’s Army!

• Judges 7:2 — God wanted to shrink Israel’s army so that it would be abundantly clear God was the one who brought the victory.
• In Judges 7, Gideon and his diminished army (of only 300 men) attacked the enemy. God caused the Midianites to run in fear and turn on each other — giving Israel the victory.

The Key to their Victory:

• God’s Power
• A Willing Heart
• And A Leap of Faith … Despite Their Fear

What Happened Next:

Peace in the land for 40 years (Judges 8:28)

• The people tried to crown Gideon as their ruler — they thought he saved them. (Judges 8:22)
• Gideon refused to accept this honor — and he immediately gave the glory to God. (Judges 8:23)
• Remember: God’s power is at work in our lives for his glory (not ours).

Closing Passage: 2 Timothy 1:6-9

Study & Reflection:

• Read Ephesians 6:10-20. This is the famous passage about the armor of God.
• What is the significance of the phase “in the Lord and in his mighty power” in verse 10? How is that different than being strong in our own power?
• Verse 11 tells us to put on the full armor of God — to make use of all the resources God has made available to us. Why is it important to be fully equipped for our lives as disciples?
• What kinds of “schemes” (v. 11) or temptations are you facing right now? How can you better protect yourself against these attacks?
• Paul says that he is in chains because of his preaching, but instead of praying for comfort and safety, he prays for more courage to keep his ministry going. What kind of example does that give us for our lives?
• God wants us to pray on all occasions (v. 18). Is prayer typically your first response, or a last resort?
• Re-read the last passage Bryan shared in the sermon today, 2 Timothy 1:6-9. What kind of Spirit does God tell us we have? What stands out to you about this passage?
• Do you believe that courage is the absence of fear, or something else? How would you define it?
• How would you describe the relationship between faith and fear to a new Christian? Does faith mean you never feel afraid? Or does fear mean you aren’t being faithful? Or is there a different way they relate to each other?

Challenge: Do one thing in your walk with God, however small, to get out of your comfort zone this week. 

Feeling Afraid? Try this: Dispel the power of your fears by speaking God’s truth over them.