Untitled Sermon (2)

Faith Over Fear: Standing Boldly In Christ

Bible Passage: 2 Timothy 1:7, Exodus 14:13-14, Acts 7:54-60

Summary: These passages illustrate the biblical call to not be driven by fear but to embrace faith and courage in moments of trial and decision, showcasing examples from Timothy, Moses, and Stephen.

Application: This sermon can help teens understand the importance of relying on God for strength and courage to face challenges and fear, especially in times where standing up for their faith may not be popular or easy.

Teaching: The teaching focuses on how God equips believers with power, love, and a sound mind to confront fear and boldly proclaim their faith.

How this passage could point to Christ: Christ embodies perfect love and courage; through His sacrifice, He conquers fear and empowers believers, mirroring Moses' leadership and Stephen's unwavering faith.

Big Idea: Faith empowers us to confront our fears and boldly live out our convictions in a world that often pressures us to conform.

Recommended Study: Consider exploring the context of Timothy’s upbringing and the nature of the Spirit's gifts in 2 Timothy. Using Logos, examine the historical background of Exodus 14 and how God’s deliverance reflects Jesus’ redemption. Delve into Acts 7’s Greek text to understand the nuances of Stephen's speech and the implications of his martyrdom for the early church.

1. Power In Place of Fear

2 Timothy 1:7 “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

You could begin by emphasizing how Paul reminds Timothy that God has endowed believers with a spirit not of timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. This encouragement can inspire teens to identify and overcome their fears by trusting in God's provision. Perhaps you could highlight how this divine empowerment is meant to replace fear with faith, urging young believers to stand boldly for Christ despite peer pressure or societal norms.

2. Peace in Pressing Times

Exodus 14:13–14 “And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.”

Maybe explore how Moses instructed the Israelites to "fear not" as they faced the daunting threat of Pharaoh's army at the Red Sea. This moment encourages believers to trust in God's salvation and stand firm amidst life's challenges. It's an opportunity to suggest that teens look to God's past faithfulness as a foundation to bolster their confidence in His future interventions, allowing them to practice faith over fear as Moses did.

3. Presence in Persecution

Acts 7:54–60 “When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul. And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.”

Perhaps focus on Stephen's final moments, filled with faith and boldness, even as he faced persecution and death. His vision of Jesus standing at God's right hand provided him with extraordinary courage to stand firm in his testimony. Highlight how Christ’s presence empowers believers today to stand for their convictions, suggesting that teens can find courage in knowing that Jesus honors their faithfulness, just as He did Stephen's.