Overcoming Fear - Josh McGuire - Austin CFC 11.3.2019
Summary
The speaker discusses various fears he experienced throughout his life, ranging from global threats like nuclear war to personal anxieties such as family separation and failure. His central message is that these fears are unfounded because his trust and hope must be placed solely in God the Father, who is in control of everything. He encourages listeners to reject fear by focusing on what is good and remembering that Christ has defeated all evil.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Growing up with fearFear has been present since childhood, stemming from things like nuclear missile threats, scary movies, family arguments, and haunted houses.
Four levels of fearFear manifests in four progressive levels: anxiousness, worry, physical stress, and terror, each addressed by biblical commandments not to fear.
Anxious to nothingGod commands us to be anxious for nothing, instructing us instead to bring everything to Him in prayer with thanksgiving.
Do not worry about lifeJesus commands believers not to worry about basic necessities like food, drink, or clothing, contrasting worry with serving God rather than money.Matthew 6:25
Do not fear for I am with youIsaiah 41:10 gives a direct command not to fear because God is with His people to strengthen, help, and uphold them.Isaiah 41:10
Fear God instead of terrorEven in the face of terror or threats to physical life, Jesus instructs us not to fear those who can kill the body, but to fear Him who holds our eternal soul.
Be honest in prayerInstead of trying to sound overly spiritual, be completely honest with God about being terrified or worried.
Examine your thoughtsTest your thinking to see if it aligns with the Spirit of power, love, and discipline, or if it stems from fear and the flesh.
Take thoughts captive without acting on fearAcknowledge fear when it arises, but never let emotions dictate your actions; walk by faith rather than what you feel.
Cast all your anxiety on HimWe are told to cast all our anxiety and fear onto God because He deeply cares for us.
God resists the proud and gives grace to the humbleThe fundamental law of the spiritual life is that God opposes pride but gives grace to the humble.James 4:6
Humble yourself under His handFear reveals underlying pride; humbling ourselves under God's mighty hand allows Him to lift us up in due time.
God lifts up the humble childJust like a loving parent bends down to pick up a scared child, God lifts us to His chest so we can whisper our worries to Him.
Living differently than a fear-driven worldWhile the world thrives on selling fear through insurance and security, believers should take every fear directly to their Heavenly Father.
