LESSONS FROM THE WILDERNESS - IV

Overcoming Fear

Text: Exodus 4:1-17

INTRODUCTION - Matthew 16:24-26

Don’t get caught in a guilt trip based upon someone’s misinterpretation of the scriptures.

I. A FEAR OF REJECTION (4:1-9)

“In life we don’t get what we want, we get in life what we are. If we want more we have to be able to be more, in order to be more you have to face rejection.”

Farrah Gray

Franklin D. RooseveltFirst Inaugural AddressMarch 4, 1933

“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself - nameless, unreasoning, unjustified, terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance."

Franklin D. RooseveltFirst Inaugural AddressMarch 4, 1933

I. A FEAR OF REJECTION (4:1-9)

"What we fear comes to pass more speedily than what we hope."

Publilius Syrus Moral Sayings (1st C B.C.)

I. A FEAR OF REJECTION (4:1-9)

“What is that in your hand?”

Exodus 4:2

II. A FEAR OF DISRESPECT (4:10-16) - Luke 6:45

God basically was telling Moses not to focus on his weaknesses but rather allow God to speak through that weakness

II. A FEAR OF DISRESPECT (4:10-16)

A. An Example of Paul

Acts 17:18, 32; Acts 18:9,10; I Timothy 1:18-20; 6:11-16; 20-21; II Timothy 1:8-12; 4:14-18; II Timothy 4:9-11

II. A FEAR OF DISRESPECT (4:10-16)

B. An Example of Elijah

I Kings 18:17,19,22,40; I Kings 19:1-3; Exodus 4:2,10-17; Luke 1:13,30; Luke 2:10; Luke 5:10; Luke 8:50; Acts 27:24;

Ba'al with raised arm, 14th-12th century

What is the staff that God has given into your hands? Who are the friends that you can call upon to offer you support?

What has God provided for you to find rest and strength for your continual journey?

II. A FEAR OF DISRESPECT (4:10-16)

“For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship.

And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’"

Romans 8:15