Get the appFaith Is For Weak People By Ray ComfortSample
Big Things First—Dealing with the Goliath of Fear
For more than forty-five years, I have regularly shared the gospel with people from all walks of life. Yet I still battle fear. I fear the initial approach. I fear rejection. Fear is an enemy that shadows most of us, and I am no different. Fear is a Goliath in all of our lives, but Goliath can be slayed, and we possess the weaponry that demolishes fear.
There are two lessons to be gleaned from today’s passage in 1 Samuel. First, when fear makes you tremble, faith in God steadies you. Take courage. If God is for you, nothing can be against you—not even the Goliath of death. Our battle is not against flesh and blood. Satan is the god of this world—the one who came to kill, steal, and destroy. And just as David rejected the armor of Saul, so we say that “the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds” (2 Cor. 10:4). One weapon is the shield of trust in God.
When you go to share your faith and the Goliath of fear taunts you, use your faith to trust in the Lord knowing that He is always our present help in time of trouble. Say with the psalmist, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear” (Heb. 13:6). The first principle of the Christian walk is declaring God is who He says He is.
The second lesson issues from the first. The key to reaching those who are perishing in their sins is love. It casts out all fear. If you are afraid to share your faith, don’t pray for less fear. Pray for more love. Before we answer specific questions about God and the Christian faith, I want to share one more essential tactic that has opened countless conversations as I’ve shared the Gospel message. It is this: “Do you think there’s an afterlife?”
That question is not only the key to inoffensively opening a conversation about the things of God but also the key to dealing with our fears. That sincere question initiates talk about God without mentioning sin, judgment day, heaven, hell, or repentance. To ask another about their opinion concerning afterlife is non-threatening. Most people love to give their opinion, and if you ask for theirs, they feel a sense of importance. That one question is precious to me, and I’m grateful to share it with you.
What are your greatest fears when it comes to sharing the gospel? What was David’s motivation in his fight with Goliath?
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About this Plan
If you are like many Christians, it’s hard to share your faith. Fear, lack of knowledge, and perhaps uncertainty keep you quiet more than not. As an apologist and evangelist, I’ve spent my entire career sharing the faith and answering people's objections. This week, we’ll learn to do the same. With honest conversations, God’s Word, and a heart for the lost, we will reach in love those who are perishing.
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