Conquering Your Fear of Doing God’s Work

Conquering Your Fear of Doing God’s Work

[Story: Tiananmen “tank man” story, with picture on screen]

Hearing this story and seeing that picture I want to know.

What do you think of that guy? Admired him? Think he’s crazy?

Let’s take a look back at our theme verse for this school year.

Colossians 4:5-6 says:

5Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

What stops us from making the most out of every opportunity? I mean, if you boil down all the excuses down and the lack of training and the lack of experience… what does it all boils down to.

FEAR

In the year 2000 a study was done by the Link Institute. In that study they surveyed 40 of the top youth groups in the country as judged by their ability and reputation from bringing students to the Lord. All told, they interviewed 450 students leaders… 75% of whom had led 8 or more of their peers to Christ. Time and time again, these students listed FEAR as their number one obstacle in reaching more of their friends for Christ.

Let’s take a look at Scripture. Turn to Daniel 3 as we look at how three young men addressed their fears.

Read Daniel 3.

[Discussion]

How old are the three guys in this story?

Why didn’t they just bow down with everyone else?

Were these guys afraid to die?

How do you know they were or were not scared?

Let’s look at some timeless truths we can learn about fear from this story.

Þ God’s laws are worth obeying, no excuses

Þ God’s laws are higher than mans laws… and god can prove it

Þ The worst that can happen to you when you obey God’s law is death.

Maybe that’s not too encouraging… but its God’s word.

Practically speaking:

How can I overcome my fears of sharing my faith?

[EQUIP story of fear]

We all laugh at others fears… but let be honest. If right now we were tell you to start whipping out your cell phones and calling the 3 people you put on your list last week. Most of you guys would be shaking in your boots.

Everyone lists fear as their number one thing that holds them back… for a reason. It’s scary!

So, let’s wrap up tonight by looking at a self-strategy that I want you to think about.

Strategy for Overcoming Fear

Þ NAME IT: I am afraid because _____________________

Þ FACTS: I shouldn’t be afraid because _____________

Þ 1ST STEP: A good 1st step toward overcoming this fear will be

PRAY