Fearless Living
A Rick Warren Sermon Summary
“I was afraid…so I hid” are among the first words in the Bible uttered by a human (Genesis 3:10). Fear drives many of our behaviors and can manifest as anxiety, worry, sleeplessness, and anger. We can be afraid of many things, including rejection, failure, inadequacy, loneliness, losing job, losing control, sickness, and death. Typically, such feelings—particularly when excessive—are unhealthy.
Let us learn how Christ’s resurrection can drive out fear (2Corinthians 5:15, Romans 8:15). Try to understand why “Don’t be afraid” is a command that has showed up 365 times in the Bible.
First, because of Christ’s death, being buried for three days, and resurrection, we can trust His words (Romans 1:4).
Second, His resurrection shows we also will be raised from the dead (Hebrews 2:14-15). Death is not the end and is not to be feared. So, even when we are deteriorating outwardly, we must not lose heart nor ever give up. Inwardly we can be renewed day by day (2Corinthians 4:14,16-17).
Third, His resurrection demonstrates God’s immense love for us. He would rather suffer and die in our place than live without us (Romans 5:8).
This love lasts forever, is everywhere, can handle all circumstances, and covers all our iniquities (Ephesians 3:18-19). We can even lose our minds but nothing can separate us from God’s love (Romans 8:38-39).
Such love drives out all fear (1John 4:18).
Fourth, through His resurrection, He has taken care of our greatest need: our salvation. Surely, our heavenly Father will take care of all our other smaller needs.
Fifth, our living God has a plan for us. By His plan, our past mistakes are forgiven, our lives have purpose, and our future home in heaven is guaranteed (1Peter 1:3-4).
In all things, God works for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). Now Christ seating at Father’s right hand is praying for us (Romans 8:34). If we still worry, we act as orphans, and we make God look bad (Matthew 6:25-34).
Therefore, we should not worry about our lives, but let God’s love fill our hearts and live fearless lives.
“Because He lives, all fear is gone.” (From the song, “Because He lives.”)
Summarized from a Rick Warren sermon:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFCkP3JBr0E
Let us learn how Christ’s resurrection can drive out fear (2Corinthians 5:15, Romans 8:15). Try to understand why “Don’t be afraid” is a command that has showed up 365 times in the Bible.
First, because of Christ’s death, being buried for three days, and resurrection, we can trust His words (Romans 1:4).
Second, His resurrection shows we also will be raised from the dead (Hebrews 2:14-15). Death is not the end and is not to be feared. So, even when we are deteriorating outwardly, we must not lose heart nor ever give up. Inwardly we can be renewed day by day (2Corinthians 4:14,16-17).
Third, His resurrection demonstrates God’s immense love for us. He would rather suffer and die in our place than live without us (Romans 5:8).
This love lasts forever, is everywhere, can handle all circumstances, and covers all our iniquities (Ephesians 3:18-19). We can even lose our minds but nothing can separate us from God’s love (Romans 8:38-39).
Such love drives out all fear (1John 4:18).
Fourth, through His resurrection, He has taken care of our greatest need: our salvation. Surely, our heavenly Father will take care of all our other smaller needs.
Fifth, our living God has a plan for us. By His plan, our past mistakes are forgiven, our lives have purpose, and our future home in heaven is guaranteed (1Peter 1:3-4).
In all things, God works for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). Now Christ seating at Father’s right hand is praying for us (Romans 8:34). If we still worry, we act as orphans, and we make God look bad (Matthew 6:25-34).
Therefore, we should not worry about our lives, but let God’s love fill our hearts and live fearless lives.
“Because He lives, all fear is gone.” (From the song, “Because He lives.”)
Summarized from a Rick Warren sermon:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFCkP3JBr0E