Life & Death: Embracing Faith over Fear!

THEME & FOCUS SLIDE

Sermon Theme & Thrust: The purpose of this sermon, based on John 11:45-57, is to encourage the congregation to overcome fear with faith by trusting in Jesus as the Divine Savior. When we do, we align ourselves with God's redemptive plan even though the world seeks to pressure us with fear. 

Fallen Condition Focus: All of us share the same spiritual issue. We fear others and things more than we have faith in God. This issue is notable in our story as well as in today's world. 

Introduction

Opening Hook

ALL OF US HAVE FACED FEAR

List the times that I chose faith over fear: three notable times were -  

At the age of six, I was afraid of the dark and would not sleep. I chose belief in Christ as my personal Savior over my fear of darkness and death;  

As a high school senior, I was afraid to give my life to God, for I knew it would mean a life service to Him and all that comes with it. I chose to place my faith in His control of my life instead of living in fear that He would discipline me and curse me;  

As a young married couple, we chose faith over fear when we uprooted our family and moved around the world to serve as missionaries. 

Context

BIBLICAL TIMELINE

Today, we finish chapter 11. Our story of Christ raising Lazarus reached its climax last week when Christ commanded Lazarus to come out of the grave, and Lazarus experienced new life. Throughout this entire story, the focus is on the question Christ asked Martha - Do you believe this? By the word "this," Christ meant Do you believe that He, Christ, is resurrection and life. It is the same question before us even today. Who is going to take the step of faith and truly believe that Christ is resurrection and life? Christ proved He was indeed who He claimed to be with the powerful demonstration of raising Lazarus from the dead. However, the story doesn't end there. As we conclude this chapter, we find that there was some fallout from what Christ demonstrated. 

Let's read today's text together and see the conclusion of the great resurrection story. 

John 11:45–57 KJV 1900

45 Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him. 46 But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done. 47 Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles. 48 If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation. 49 And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, 50 Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not. 51 And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation; 52 And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad. 53 Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death. 54 Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples. 55 And the Jews’ passover was nigh at hand: and many went out of the country up to Jerusalem before the passover, to purify themselves. 56 Then sought they for Jesus, and spake among themselves, as they stood in the temple, What think ye, that he will not come to the feast? 57 Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a commandment, that, if any man knew where he were, he should shew it, that they might take him.

Here is what I feel the Holy Spirit wants us to see and know this morning. The resurrection of Lazarus marked a pivotal moment in Christ's ministry. From John 1 until this chapter, the Holy Spirit and Christ demonstrated the reality that He is God. More importantly, we have learned that Christ came for one purpose. He came as resurrection and life. He came to seek and to save all of us who were born already dead spiritually to Him. He was on a rescue mission. A mission that ended with Him sacrificially laying down His life for our sins. Repeatedly, we have seen the Holy Spirit urge all people to believe in Christ as their personal Messiah (Savior). In today's text and the ending of the resurrection demonstration, we find the most significant battle that all people face. It is a battle between our fears and our faith. 

DON’T LET FEAR PRESSURE YOU! CHOOSE FAITH IN JESUS!

I hope that as we dive into this ending, you will be encouraged to overcome your fear and allow faith to win the day. You see, when we place our trust (that is, faith by the way) in Jesus Christ as our Divine Savior, we align ourselves with God's redemptive plan. This act is precisely what God desires. However, our problem is the same problem noted in this story. Too many people allow the fear of others, circumstances, and other things to pressure them into not believing in Jesus Christ. That is the issue. 

So, let's start with this thought from today's text. 

We, as a people, need to comprehend the raging conflict between faith and fear.

Conflict Between Faith and Fear

Look again at the text and note the fear of the people, the high priest, and the Sanhedrin.

John 11:47–52 KJV 1900

47 Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles. 48 If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation. 49 And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, 50 Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not. 51 And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation; 52 And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.

There is fear here. The people were afraid of the religious leaders. The religious leaders were fearful of the Roman Empire. All of them were allowing fear to drive their decisions instead of simply putting their faith in Christ. 

Fear is an interesting topic. In the New Testament, the word "fear" is translated from the Greek word "phobos." This Greek word is also the foundation for our word "phobia." A phobia is what we are afraid of, and fear is the action that we take when faced with a phobia. In fact, the word "phobos" literally means "flight." That is what we do when we are afraid. Over time, the sense of the word became "that which may cause flight." It carries the idea of fear, dread, and terror. The intimidation of adversaries causes it. 

Here are a few practical examples. Snakes! Now, I know that there are people who are snake lovers. I forgive you. Personally, I do not like snakes. And, my very first reaction to a snake is to run. They cause fear in me. For others, it is spiders. You get the point. We all have something that we are afraid of. Whatever it is, it is your adversary. When you see it, you flee in fear, the terror it brings to your heart and soul driving you away. 

THREE ENEMIES

Spiritually speaking, there are three adversaries today that cause fear in the lives of many. We know these three adversaries as the flesh, the world, and Satan. Here is a brief explanation of them, including how they cause fear and what Scripture says about them. 

The Flesh 

That is the sinful part of us. In fact, it is a fascinating study if you will take the time to understand how we were created in God's image and then sin marred that image. The short answer is this. We are body, soul, and spirit. However, due to Adam's fall (sin) in the garden, the spiritual part of us died as sin marred the body marked by its desire to please itself. Therefore, when each person is born in the likeness of Adam, they are born as God created them. Instead, they are born marred already. We are born with a soul, a sinful, fleshly body, and no spirit. However, when a person places their faith in Christ (which is the point of this message), Christ resurrects their spirit (born again of water and spirit) and gives them a new life and relationship with Him. Yet, this old, sinful, and fleshly body remains the same. Consequently, the Christian life is somewhat of a struggle between the flesh and our newly created spirit. The flesh craves what it wants, and the spirit desires to please God. Note Paul's depiction of this. 

Romans 7:18–23 KJV 1900

18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. 19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. 20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. 22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.

Here is our second enemy that we often fear. 

THREE ENEMIES

The World 

We live in a wicked world. I don't think anyone living today can honestly disagree with that statement. There is evil all around us. People are not getting better; they are progressively getting worse. Why is that? The answer is simple. If everyone is born already with no spirit (no moral compass) and has a flesh (body) that lives for itself, then they are doomed. Society is doomed. The result is a world filled with people living only for themselves. In the end, society pressures everyone to live that way. In today's society, the pressure is ramping up. The world is screaming for you to conform to their standards. The world is constantly shouting There is no God. The world encourages you to see yourself as your own god, living the way you want to live. I could park here for a while, but you already know what I am saying. You have felt it. You have faced the same fear that I have of being ostracized from friends and loved ones if you didn't conform to their standards. Again, Scripture states the obvious. 

John 15:19 KJV 1900

19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

1 Corinthians 3:19 KJV 1900

19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.

Colossians 2:8 KJV 1900

8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

Then there is one other enemy. This enemy is powerful, but he is NOT God! 

THREE ENEMIES

Satan 

He is, by far, one of the most notable enemies. Satan is God's adversary. Satan seeks to undermine everything God does. He is the most maniacal and insane person in the universe. He literally thinks he can overthrow God, even though he knows it is impossible. You cannot get any more insane than that. However, in his campaign to dethrone God, he became the ruler of this world. He owns the millions of unbelievers currently living. He is their god. He is at work using them. One of the most excellent tools in his arsenal is fear. He is the great fearmonger. His very name, Satan, means adversary. He wants to create a fear of God so that you will not believe in Him as your Savior. That is the bottom line. Note a couple of verses that describe his tactics. 

Mark 4:15 KJV 1900

15 And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.

1 Peter 5:8 KJV 1900

8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

Why all this talk about the enemy? It is our enemies who seek to strike fear in our hearts. We see this in our story. All three are at work. The Jews were afraid of the religious leaders. The religious leaders were at work by Satan's hand. Fear abounded. There was fear of losing their place and status in society. Note how fear manipulated the people. 

John 11:57 KJV 1900

57 Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a commandment, that, if any man knew where he were, he should shew it, that they might take him.

Here is the question for us this morning: Which of these enemies is threatening your faith today?

In our text, fear dominated, and faith retreated. And it is this thought that brings me to the main point of today's message. 

God desires that... 

We commit to faith in Him instead of letting fear guide our lives. 

Commitment to Faith

That is and was the whole point of this resurrection story. Christ raising Lazarus from the dead was a foretaste of what He Himself would do. It demonstrated that He was indeed the Mighty God of the Universe and quite capable of raising the dead. There was no question that He was indeed resurrection and life. Christ accomplished His purpose for this act of raising Lazarus. He challenged fear and demonstrated the power of faith. 

What is faith? Faith is the opposite of fear. Faith is having wholehearted confidence in the fact that God is. He is the great "I AM." He is Elohim. He is Yahweh. He is Adonai. He is the creator and sustainer of everything in the universe. He has the power to overcome all three of our most feared enemies. Faith is more than just believing that He is. It also believes that He is the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Faith is putting aside your fear, worries, and concerns. Faith is taking action to entrust to Him your whole life and committing to a lifetime of obedience to His commands and principles. It is letting Him lead you and guide you. Faith does not worry about what the world says or does. Faith marches into the lion's den without fear, knowing that God is in control and knows what is best for us. That is faith. 

What is encouraging about this story of Lazarus is found in the first verse of our text today. 

John 11:45 KJV 1900

45 Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.

There it is. The point of this message. Despite the overwhelming fear of societal pressure generated by Satan's work against Christ, many believed. They had faith in Christ as the divine Savior of the world. One of the great verses of the Bible is in 1 John. 

1 John 4:18 KJV 1900

18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

Consider this verse in light of this one from the Gospel of John.

John 3:16 KJV 1900

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Here is another that equally fits.

Romans 5:8 KJV 1900

8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Let me make this application, and we will conclude. 

To those who are still on the fence about Christ and have not accepted Him as your Savior, what fear is holding you back? Are you afraid of what you might lose by doing so? That is the flesh causing fear. Are you afraid of being ridiculed or mocked for following Christ? That is the world causing fear. Are you afraid that of a life wasted following Christ and being "religious?" That is Satan causing fear. I implore you to set those fears aside and embrace faith in Christ. He loves you. He died for you. His love can and will cast out your fear. All you need to do is take that one small leap of faith and trust Him. When you do, you will know, experience, and live in His love. However, if you choose to fear over faith, life will continue to torment you. 

For us, as believers, there is a valuable lesson as well. We must be aware that the enemies are still at work even after we have placed our faith in Him. Our flesh still wants what it wants. The world will always mock us and try to convince us that their way is superior to Christ's. And, Satan is always lurking and waiting for that moment to pounce on us, dragging us back into bondage to Him. However, we have something that unbelievers do not. We have the power of the Holy Spirit. That power is incredible. It is there and at our disposal. Yet, for that power to work, we must continue to live by faith each day. We must trust Him. 

Proverbs 3:5–6 KJV 1900

5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; And lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, And he shall direct thy paths.

We must commit to living holy lives and be obedient to His commands. We must not give up or quit. We must let faith guide us and not allow fear to reign. 

Conclusion 

Lazarus was dead. Christ brought Him back to life. Some who saw this great miracle believed despite the fear and societal pressures. It is not too long after this that Christ takes the action that changed the world. He resurrects Himself from the dead. This reality is our encouragement. We can place our faith in Him, for He has the power to change lives and revitalize our dead spirit. When He does, we can live by faith each day following Him and enjoy life eternal filled with His presence. However, the choice is yours. Will you allow fear to dominate you, or will you place your faith in the God of the universe? At the young age of six, I faced my fear and put my faith in Christ. Throughout my life, fear challenged my faith. Yet, each time that I have restored my faith in Him, God has blessed, and fear has been defeated. Unbeliever, choose Christ and faith over the fears of your adversaries! Believer, renew your faith in Him and commit to living for Him in the midst of the spiritual battle swirling around us. He is, was, and always will be our rock, our foundation, and our hope.