Raising an army

Well good morning men, and it is really good to be with you this morning as we kick of the year, and the timing is perfect as we clearly see that our vision at newlife church this year is raising an army. It feels manly hey, like you know what I mean, there is no frills or flowers or doilies and yes I think something in us, that is so in our dna, when we see army is something that resonates with us.

Well I want to start off saying that this year at Godly men, we are going to be more strategic and we want to really focus on certain things as men, so this mens breakfast is the start of a series of things to come for us as men, You see we are in a war, wheter we like it or not, and it seems the war is gaining momentum, and as men God has conscripted us into His army. We do not actually have a choice we already in the war. Now men I do think we lost some crucial battles but the war is not over, you see in the end Jesus win, but we need to partake into this war. So today is just day 1 of your enlistment.

Today is just the introduction of things to come, and I want to give you the biblical overview in this message on what we are looking and what we are going to do. So let me ask this first: What is your biggest fear, think about it, what is the thing you fear the most?

I also had to face the question on fear, and there is a book that I was given, actually Ryan went to this mens camp and this book was discussed, and as I read it well it really opened up some things I have to deal with as a husband and man. I had to read this book twice to really get it. I want to share a bit on that today, cause as men as we Raise and army, as we take back what is ours that has been given to God, we need to really have a look and a hard look and introspect where the enemy has wounded us, and where God is telling and getting us ready for the battle.

So it might be an information overload today, but as we meet and grow together this will be handled and talked about specifically:

Here is the first one the fear of God. Now, some of you might be thinking, “Wait a minute, aren’t we supposed to fear God?” And yes, we are—but not in the way that makes us want to run and hide.

What Does "Fear of God" Really Mean?

A lot of guys struggle with this because we often misunderstand who God is. Some of us grew up in churches where God was preached as an angry judge, just waiting for us to mess up. Others were raised without much talk about God at all, so we never really got to know Him personally. But the Bible tells us that fearing God is actually the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). It’s not about being scared of Him—it’s about having deep reverence and awe for who He is.

Think about it this way: when you respect someone—a coach, a father figure, or a leader—you don’t want to disappoint them, right? That’s what the fear of God should be like. It’s recognizing His power, but also His goodness, mercy, and love.

When Fear Turns into Avoidance One of the biggest traps the enemy sets for men is getting us to believe that God is someone we should avoid instead of run to. Remember Adam in the Garden? The moment he sinned, he hid from God (Genesis 3:10).Let’s be honest—how many times have we done the same?

Messed up? Avoid prayer.

Struggling with sin? Skip church.

Feeling ashamed? Stay silent instead of confessing.

But here’s the truth: God isn’t looking to punish you—He’s looking to restore you. He already knows your weaknesses, and He still calls you His son.

What This Looks Like in Real Life

Let’s get practical. How do you know if you’re struggling with this kind of fear? Here are a few signs:

You feel distant from God but don’t really know why.

You avoid deep prayer or Bible reading because you’re afraid of conviction.

You believe God is always disappointed in you.

You think you need to “clean yourself up” before coming to Him.

If any of those hit home, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Every man has faced this at some point. The key is replacing fear with truth.

How do we overcome.

Change Your Perspective – Start seeing God as a loving Father, not just a judge. Read Luke 15 (The Prodigal Son) and notice how the father runs to his son, not away from him.

Get Real With God – Drop the formal prayers and talk to Him honestly. Tell Him where you’re struggling. He already knows, but He wants to hear it from you.

Surround Yourself with Truth – Spend time reading about God’s character. Psalm 103 is a great place to start—it’s all about His mercy and kindness.

Reject Shame & Walk in Grace – The devil uses shame to keep men from their purpose. But Romans 8:1 says there is no condemnation for those in Christ.

The 2nd one is : Fear of Self – The Battle of Insecurity Alright, men, let’s get real. This next Fear is one that every single one of us has battled at some point—the fear of self. Now, I know that might sound strange. Why would we fear ourselves? But this isn’t about being afraid of looking in the mirror—it’s about the deep, internal battle with insecurity, self-doubt, and not feeling "good enough."

What Does This Fear Look Like? This fear creeps in when you start thinking:

“I’m not good enough to lead my family.”, “I’ll probably fail, so why even try?”, “I’m just not as smart/strong/spiritual as other guys.”, “God must have made a mistake choosing me.”

Sounds familiar? This voice whispers lies into your ear, and if you believe them, you’ll hold back from stepping into the life God has called you to.

Moses Struggled with This Too

One of the best examples in the Bible of a man battling insecurity is Moses.

God calls him to go and free Israel from slavery, and what does Moses say?

“Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh?” (Exodus 3:11) “I am slow of speech and tongue.” (Exodus 4:10) Basically, “God, you’ve got the wrong guy.”

But here’s the crazy part—God never responded by telling Moses, “No, you’re actually really talented.” Instead, He said, “I will be with you.” (Exodus 3:12)

Let that sink in. God’s confidence in you isn’t based on your ability—it’s based on His presence in your life.

How This Plays Out in Our Lives

This fear holds men back in different ways. Maybe you: Stay quiet in meetings or small groups because you don’t think your voice matters. Avoid leading your family spiritually because you feel unqualified. Turn down opportunities at work, in ministry, or in relationships because you’re afraid of failing.

But here’s the truth: God doesn’t call the qualified—He qualifies the called.

Identify the Lies – What are the insecurities that keep holding you back? Write them down and compare them to what God says about you. (Read Psalm 139:14 – “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”)

Replace Fear with Action – Courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s acting despite the fear. If God is calling you to something, take the first step.

Surround Yourself with the Right Men – The wrong crowd will feed your insecurities. Find men who will challenge, encourage, and build you up. (Proverbs 27:17)

Trust God’s Strength, Not Yours – Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” This means your ability comes from Him, not just your own skills.

Ok so far we saw 2. We see the wrong fear of God and we feeling insecure. Ready for another one.

Fear of Women – Building Healthy Relationships

Alright men, let’s talk about a big one—the fear of women. Now before you laugh or brush this off, hear me out. This isn’t about being afraid to talk to women (though some guys do struggle with that). This is deeper. This is about how we, as men, relate to women—as wives, mothers, daughters, sisters, or even female colleagues. It’s about how past experiences, cultural messages, and even wounds from relationships shape how we interact with women today.

Where Does This Fear Come From? Fear of Emotional Vulnerability – Many men were raised with the message: “Don’t show emotions. Be tough. Be the strong one.” But deep, meaningful relationships require vulnerability.

Fear of Failing as a Leader – Husbands and fathers are called to lead spiritually, but many of us feel unqualified or afraid of messing it up.

Fear from Past Wounds – Maybe you’ve been hurt, betrayed, or rejected, and now you keep your guard up to avoid getting hurt again.

Fear of Women’s Expectations – Culture bombards us with messages about what it means to be a “real man.” Some guys feel they can’t measure up, so they withdraw or act out.

Biblical Example: Adam & Eve – The First Relationship Struggle

Ever noticed what happened after Adam and Eve sinned? Adam blamed Eve: “The woman You gave me—she gave me the fruit, and I ate.” (Genesis 3:12) Instead of owning his role, Adam shifted the blame—both to Eve and even to God!

Men have been doing this ever since—avoiding responsibility, blaming women for relationship struggles, or shutting down emotionally when things get hard.

But here’s the truth: God designed men to love, protect, and lead—not to dominate or retreat.

How This Fear Shows Up in Our Lives

You keep conversations surface-level because deep talks feel uncomfortable.

You avoid leading in your marriage or home because you feel unqualified.

You get frustrated easily with your wife, mother, or female coworkers but never address it.

You either withdraw completely (passivity) or become controlling (dominance).

How do we overcome this.

Take Ownership – Stop making excuses for why you don’t step up. You are called to be a leader in your relationships, and God will equip you if you are willing.

Understand Leadership = Servanthood – Jesus didn’t lead with dominance; He led by serving. “Husbands, love your wives just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her.” (Ephesians 5:25)

Heal from Past Wounds – If past relationships have hurt you, don’t let that define your future. Forgive and move forward.

Communicate with Intentionality – Instead of shutting down or getting angry, express what you feel and listen well.

Pray for & With the Women in Your Life – A godly man prays for his wife, his daughters, and even his future wife. Prayer is the greatest weapon against relational struggles.

Fear of Men – Finding Brotherhood Instead of Competition

Alright, men, let’s get into another huge struggle that most of us deal with—the fear of other men. Now, before you say, “I’m not scared of other guys!”, hear me out. This isn’t about being physically afraid of men—it’s about comparison, pride, competition, and the fear of being vulnerable. For many of us, our relationships with other men are based on performance, status, or competition. We feel the need to prove ourselves, to be the strongest, the smartest, the most successful. But deep down, many men feel isolated, misunderstood, and even intimidated by

Where Does This Fear Come From?

Fear of Being Less Than – Comparison is a killer. You look at other men and think, “I’ll never be as successful as him.” “He’s a better husband, father, leader, or businessman than me.”

Fear of Being Judged – Many of us put on a “tough guy” act, afraid that if we’re too honest about our struggles, we’ll be seen as weak.

Fear of Betrayal – Maybe you’ve been burned before by a friend who let you down. Now, you keep guys at a distance to avoid getting hurt again.

Fear of Asking for Help – Society tells men to figure it out on their own, but that’s a lie. No great man ever did life alone.

Biblical Example: David & Jonathan – Brotherhood Without Competition

One of the best examples of godly male friendship in the Bible is David and Jonathan (1 Samuel 18). Now think about this—Jonathan was the rightful heir to the throne, yet he saw that God’s anointing was on David. Instead of being jealous or threatened, Jonathan supported and encouraged David.

He protected him from Saul.

He spoke life into him when David was afraid.

He made a covenant of brotherhood that went beyond competition.

That’s real brotherhood. It’s not about who is stronger, wealthier, or more successful—it’s about standing with each other in the fight.

How This Fear Shows Up in Our Lives

You avoid deep friendships with other men, keeping things surface-level.

You compete instead of support, seeing other men as threats instead of brothers.

You refuse to ask for help because you don’t want to seem weak.

You feel jealous or resentful when another man succeeds instead of celebrating him.

How Do We overcome

Drop the “Lone Wolf” Mentality – You were never meant to do life alone. Jesus surrounded Himself with 12 men—why do we think we can do it solo?

Choose Brotherhood Over Competition – Instead of feeling jealous when another man succeeds, learn from him, encourage him, and celebrate with him.

Find an Accountability Partner – Every man needs at least one other man who will challenge him, call him out, and help him grow. Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpens iron.” But sharpening involves friction.

Be Vulnerable First – Brotherhood starts with someone going first. Be the guy who says, “Hey, I’m struggling with this. Can you pray for me?”

Commit to a Men’s Group – A strong man is one who surrounds himself with other strong men. Find a group where you can grow together.

Fear of Nature – Trusting God in the Uncontrollable Alright, men, let’s talk about a fear that most of us don’t even realize we have—the fear of nature. Now, I’m not talking about being afraid of camping, snakes, or getting lost in the mountains.

This fear of nature is deeper—it’s about fearing the uncontrollable. It’s the anxiety that comes when we realize we aren’t in charge of everything in life.

Where Does This Fear Come From?

Fear of the Unknown – The world is unpredictable. We don’t know what will happen tomorrow—natural disasters, health issues, job loss, financial struggles, death. The unknown terrifies us because we can’t control it.

Fear of Being Vulnerable – Nature reminds us how small we really are. A storm, an earthquake, or even the ocean’s power can humble us in seconds. Many men hate feeling powerless.

Fear of Suffering or Loss – When we see how fragile life is, it can cause us to live in constant fear of losing what we love—our health, our families, our stability.

Fear of God’s Control – If we’re honest, some of us struggle with trusting that God is in control. We like to be in charge, and it’s hard to surrender to His will.

Biblical Example: Jesus Calms the Storm

One of the most powerful moments in Scripture is when Jesus calmed the storm (Mark 4:35-41).

The disciples were terrified as the storm raged, convinced they were going to die.

Meanwhile, Jesus was asleep—completely at peace in the middle of the chaos.

When they woke Him up, He spoke a word, and the storm stopped.

Then He asked them, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

Here’s the lesson: The storm was never the problem—their lack of trust was.

How This Fear Shows Up in Our Lives

You constantly worry about the future—your job, health, family, or finances.

You feel anxious about things outside your control and try to micromanage life.

You struggle with trusting God when life doesn’t go according to plan.

You avoid taking risks because you fear failure or loss.

How Do We Slay This Fear?

Recognize That You Are NOT in Control—And That’s Okay – The truth is, we were never meant to control everything. God is sovereign, and our job is to trust, not panic.

Choose Faith Over Fear – The disciples’ mistake wasn’t feeling fear—it was letting it control them. Faith means choosing to trust even when we don’t understand.

Let Nature Teach You About God – Spend time in creation. Watch a sunrise, sit by the ocean, go for a hike, and remember—God created all of this, and He holds everything in His hands. (Psalm 24:1)

Stop Trying to Figure Everything Out – Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.” Sometimes, faith means accepting that we don’t have all the answers.

Pray About What You Can’t Control – Instead of stressing over the unknown, bring it to God in prayer. Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us that prayer brings peace.

Fear of Machines – Embracing Change & Responsibility

Alright, men, this next Fear might seem a little unusual at first—the fear of machines. But before you brush this off and say, “I’m not afraid of machines”, let’s break it down. This isn’t just about technology or gadgets—it’s about the fear of adapting, learning new things, and taking on responsibility in a changing world.Where

Does This Fear Come From?

Fear of Looking Incompetent – Have you ever avoided learning something new because you didn’t want to look foolish? Whether it’s fixing a car, handling new technology, or leading a project, some men shut down when faced with something unfamiliar.

Fear of Falling Behind – The world is changing fast. New technology, new ways of doing business, new challenges. Some men feel overwhelmed and just give up trying to keep up.

Fear of Losing Control – Many of us like to be in charge, and when things change beyond our understanding, we panic. Instead of learning, we resist.

Fear of Responsibility – New skills, new leadership roles, and new challenges come with more responsibility. Some men avoid stepping up because they’re afraid they’ll fail.

Biblical Example: Peter Walking on Water

Let’s go to Matthew 14:29-31. Jesus calls Peter out of the boat to walk on water. At first, Peter steps out in faith—he embraces the challenge. But then he sees the wind and waves (the unknown, the uncontrollable) and starts sinking. Jesus asks him, “Why did you doubt?”

Peter wasn’t sinking because of the water—he was sinking because he let fear take over instead of trusting God in the unknown.

Many of us do the same thing. Instead of stepping up, learning, and embracing new opportunities, we hesitate, doubt, and let fear hold us back.

            How This Fear Shows Up in Our Lives

You avoid learning new technology or skills because you don’t want to fail.

You resist taking on leadership roles because you fear responsibility.

You feel intimidated by younger generations who seem to pick up new things faster.

You procrastinate on things that stretch you because they feel overwhelming.

How Do We Slay This Fear?

Adopt a Growth Mindset – You don’t have to know everything—you just have to be willing to learn. The best leaders aren’t the ones who know it all; they’re the ones who are teachable.

Take Small Steps – Don’t let the fear of the big picture keep you stuck. Learn one new thing at a time. Get comfortable being uncomfortable.

Trust God, Not Your Comfort Zone – Fear keeps men in the boat—faith calls them to step out. If God is calling you to something new, trust Him more than your insecurities.

Ask for Help – No man succeeds alone. Find a mentor, take a course, or ask someone to teach you. Pride keeps us from growing.

Embrace Responsibility – Some challenges aren’t about what we know, but about who we are becoming. Avoiding responsibility doesn’t make life easier—it makes life smaller.

Fear of Provision – Trusting God as Your Provider

Alright, men, let’s talk about a fear that keeps a lot of us awake at night—the fear of provision.

This is the fear that says:

“What if I can’t provide for my family?”

“What if I lose my job or my business fails?”

“What if I don’t have enough?”

For many of us, our identity is tied to our ability to provide. We believe that if we don’t have it all together financially, then we’re failing as men. And when we feel like we’re failing, we isolate, stress, and even push God out of the equation.

Where Does This Fear Come From?

Fear of Not Being Enough – Society tells us that a man’s value is based on how much money he makes, what car he drives, or how successful he is. If we don’t measure up, we feel like less of a man.

Fear of Losing Security – We like control. When finances are tight, or the future is uncertain, we panic because we don’t like feeling vulnerable.

Fear of Failure – If you’ve ever been in financial struggle before, that fear can stay with you. Even if things are okay now, you’re always waiting for the next crisis.

Fear of Trusting God with Money – Let’s be real—sometimes we trust God with our salvation, but when it comes to money, we act like it’s all on us.

Biblical Example: Elijah & The Widow

In 1 Kings 17:8-16, Elijah meets a widow who is about to prepare her last meal. She is completely out of food, and she expects to die from starvation.

Elijah tells her to give him some food first—a crazy request!

But she obeys in faith, and her flour and oil never run out.

God provides not just for one meal, but for many days.

Here’s the lesson: Provision isn’t about how much you have—it’s about trusting that God is your source.

How This Fear Shows Up in Our Lives

You stress constantly about money, even when things are going okay.

You overwork yourself, believing that your worth is in your paycheck.

You neglect your faith or family in pursuit of financial security.

You struggle to give because you’re afraid of not having enough.

How Do We Slay This Fear?

Recognize God as Your Provider – Your job, business, or bank account isn’t your source—God is. Matthew 6:33 says, “Seek first the kingdom of God, and all these things will be added to you.”

Change Your Mindset on Money – Money is a tool, not a master. If fear controls your finances, it’s time to surrender them to God.

Commit to Financial Stewardship – Being a good steward means budgeting, avoiding debt, and making wise financial choices. Fear disappears when you have a plan.

Tithe & Trust – This is a tough one for many men. Giving doesn’t make sense logically, but it’s an act of faith. Malachi 3:10 promises that God will provide when we put Him first.

Stop Worrying & Start Praying – Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” Worrying doesn’t change your finances—prayer does.

Closing Challenge

Men, we’ve walked through seven Fears—seven fears that hold us back, keep us small, and stop us from stepping into the calling God has for us.

If we’re honest, every single one of us has faced at least one (if not all) of these fears. Some of us have been stuck in them for years. But today, we make a decision—we don’t let fear define us anymore.

Let’s do a quick recap of the Fears we’ve faced:

Fear of God – Not understanding His true nature leads us to hide instead of running to Him. But He is a Father, not a dictator—He calls us into relationship.

Fear of Self – Insecurity keeps us from stepping into leadership. But God calls the unqualified—because it’s His power, not ours, that makes the difference.

Fear of Women – Avoiding deep relationships or failing to lead in our homes. But real men love, protect, and serve like Jesus did.

Fear of Men – Competition, pride, and isolation keep us from strong friendships. But iron sharpens iron, and we were made for brotherhood.

Fear of Nature – The fear of the uncontrollable keeps us anxious. But God is bigger than the storm, and we trust Him in the unknown.

Fear of Machines – Resisting growth, change, and responsibility. But a strong man is willing to learn, adapt, and lead—even when it’s uncomfortable.

Fear of Provision – The worry about having enough consumes us. But God is the provider, and our security is in Him, not our bank accounts.

Final Challenge: The Choice is Yours

The reality is this: we can’t avoid fear. Fear will always try to creep in. But what we can do is choose how we respond.

You can either let fear rule you—or you can stand up, trust God, and fight.

This isn’t a one-time decision. This is a daily commitment to step out in faith, lead boldly, and refuse to let fear dictate our lives.