Sermon by Pastor Ron DeMoss
SUMMARY
The sermon explores Psalm 56 and its themes of fear and trust in God, using vivid imagery and historical context to deepen understanding. Pastor Ron draws parallels between David's experience while being pursued by Saul and finding refuge among the Philistines, and Franklin D. Roosevelt's famous assertion during the Great Depression: "The only thing we need to fear is fear itself." The sermon emphasizes fear's universality, reminding us that even believers experience it, yet their response should be grounded in intentional trust in God.
Pastor Ron uses the metaphor of walking on water, suggesting that like Peter, believers must step out of the boat in faith. The sermon encourages memorizing Scripture as "stones" to combat fear, just as David prepared to face Goliath. The preacher insists that faith and fear cannot coexist, and urges the congregation to rely on God’s promises and surround themselves with faithful companions. The sermon concludes with a call to face fears with the power of God, drawing strength from past victories and the community of believers.
QUOTES
- 📖 "Whenever I am afraid, I will put my trust in you."
- 📖 "Faith and fear cannot rule together."
- 📖 "This is the only book that when we read it, it reads us."
- 📖 "Surround yourselves with believers who speak faith, not fear."
- 📖 "Goliath has brothers... you got to have more stones."
REFERENCES
- ✨ Bible Verses: Psalm 56, 1 Samuel 21, 27, 29, Genesis 3:10, Isaiah 41:10, Joshua 1:9, 1 Timothy 1:7, 1 John 4:18, Matthew 10:28, Psalm 118:6, Philippians 4:6-7, 1 Peter 5:6-7, John 3:16-17
- ✨ Historical Allusion: Franklin D. Roosevelt's 1933 speech during the Great Depression
- ✨ Cultural Reference: Modern cars with heads-up displays
ONE-SENTENCE TAKEAWAY
Fear is universal, but intentional trust in God overcomes it, empowering believers to face life's giants with faith.
RECOMMENDATIONS
- ✝️ Memorize key Scriptures to anchor your faith and combat fear.
- ✝️ Surround yourself with a community that speaks faith and not fear.
- ✝️ Trust in God's past faithfulness to bolster your confidence in facing current challenges.
- ✝️ Step out in faith, even when afraid, to experience God's power.
- ✝️ Recognize fear as a common human experience and respond with intentional trust in God.
BIBLE STUDY NOTES
- 🤝 Theological Point: Fear is universal, but trust in God provides a unique response for believers.
- 🤝 Discussion Questions: How can you intentionally put your trust in God during fearful times? What "stones" can you gather to face your fears?
- 🤝 Cross-References: Psalm 118:6, Isaiah 41:10
- 🤝 Strong’s Concordance: fear (H3372 - Yara)
- 🤝 Historical Context: David's refuge among Philistines, Roosevelt's Depression-era speech
- 🤝 Imaginative Lens: The metaphor of "walking on water" illustrates stepping out in faith amidst fear, echoing the necessity of divine focus.
FURTHER STUDY NOTES
- 📖 Theological Works: "The Problem of Pain" by C.S. Lewis
- 📖 Literature: "Pilgrim’s Progress" by John Bunyan explores faith's journey amid trials
- 📖 Philosophy: "Fear and Trembling" by Søren Kierkegaard on faith and existential fear
- 📖 Cultural Issues: Address how technology can create distractions that fuel fear
- 📖 Reflection: Contemplate times when fear paralyzed you and how faith can transform that experience
