WTFMT 72 (HGM ON 14 JAN 20)

WILDERNESS TRUTHS FOR MODERN TIMES-72

TEXT:   "For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.  And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:"  (1 Corinthians 2:2-4)

 I.  FEAR LURKS IN MOAB

      A.  This Wilderness of Moab is the Wilderness of Fear.  We all go through it.  But let us pass through it quickly.  Do not camp there.  Don not become entrapped in this wilderness, living a life trembling like a leaf in fear of one thing after another.  Fear will not allow you to come into victory which God has promised for you.           

     B.  The giants in Canaan did not cause ten Israeli spies to fear.  Lack of trust in God was in their hearts before they left the camp to go to spy out the Promised Land. They were evil men, with a history of disobedience to God, and they brought back an evil report.  12 spies saw the giants.  Two of them trusted in God and were full of faith, wholly following the Lord.  The two were good men, bringing  back a good report.

     C.  The difference in the reports did not lie in the circumstances the 12 spies encountered.  The difference lay in their hearts.  If you wholly follow the Lord you will never have to worry about being stuck in the Wilderness of Moab.  You will have faith and trust.  You will not be forever bogged down in fear.

     D.  Today, fear torments many believers.  There is such a lack of trust that some will not drive their car out of its driveway without "pleading" the blood of Jesus. The blood of Jesus cleanses us of our sins.  It will not keep us from having an accident or heal us of our sickness.  Why are we so fearful?  Where do you think, reside the supreme power and control.   

     E.  Lack of spiritual character (character of Jesus), and lack of obedience are the causes of fear and defeat.  No one is born with character.  Neither is fear inherent in the newborn.  Fear must be introduced to children.  Adam was not created with fear in him.  Later it entered into him out of disobedience.

 

     F.  There is a life where all the pressure of fear and trembling are turned off.  It is a life in which abide a complete trust and love of our caring heavenly Father.  There cannot be fear in that fullness of love.

 

     G.  The work of God is not based upon fear nor defeat.  God always works and moves toward victory.  In the final analysis God triumphs over all.  Even in the case of man's beginning, when death first entered, there will be ultimate victory.  God will bring all humanity back to the point where there shall be no more death.  God will definitely fulfill His purposes.

 

     H.  Why should the Christian tremble in fear and defeat?  If there is any trembling to be done, the enemies of God should be at it.  The Church is supposed to be at the gates of Hell bashing them in.  Hell shall not withstand the onslaughts of the Church.  There should be no trembling among the children of God.

II.  PARTING THOUGHTS

 

    A.  The spirit of fear comes from the enemy's camp; God has not given

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

I t should not be part of the believer's life.  The believer should be walking in faith with God toward glorious victory.

 

    B.  Moab is the camp of fear and defeat.  Do not live there.  God's love, power, and might can deliver you forever from frightening fear and frustration. "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."        (1 Peter 5:7)