FACE IT, IT MAY BE SIN Would you describe yourself as a courageous person? Or does fear have a grip on your life in one area or another? Of course, healthy apprehension keeps us from making unwise choices or taking foolish risks. But fear can leave us in a state of perpetual anxiety or keep us from fulfilling God’s will for our lives. What unhealthy fears do you have? How do your fears limit or hinder you from fully obeying God? The Old Testament judge Gideon was initially timid, but he learned to put his trust in the Lord. Despite his dread of the enemy, He chose to obey God and became a courageous--and victorious--warrior. Let’s take a look at the first principles found in Gideon’s story about overcoming fear. Read Judges 6 and 7. 1. Sometimes fear is related to sin. Sometimes we feel discontent or anxious because of sin in our lives. In what ways were the Israelites being tormented (Judg. 6:1-5)? What did the angel of the Lord instruct Gideon to do (vv. 25-26)? Given this instruction, name one way the people of Israel disobeyed God (vv. 8-10). At this point, what evidence points to the fact that Gideon was still timid (v. 27)? What happened after he destroyed the altar to Baal (v. 34)? The sins of worry, impurity, greed, unforgiveness, and many others can open the door to fear. Although believers in Jesus are always indwelt by the Holy Spirit, clearing our conscience of known sins enables us to walk in His power in a fresh, new way. Are any of your worries the fruit of sin? If so, take a few moments to confess and repent. DEAR LORD HELP US TO BE MORE LIKE YOU AND LESS LIKE US
Posted on: Mon, 10 Jun 2013 10:11:15 +0000