Week 15: April 10, 2016
Topic: Do not let Enemies Terrify You – Part 1
Bible Reading: Philippians 1: 15-28
Introduction
To be terrified means something that can cause the feeling of extreme fear. It is to be filled with terror and make you to be deeply afraid. In addition, it is something that makes you to be very frightened.
Physically, it can lead to high blood pressure, heart attack or death. Spiritually, you will not be able to receive anything from God without boldness.
Fear is a Weapon of the Darkness
Fear is a weapon that is commonly used by the darkness to achieve their aim; therefore, any Christian that is not bold cannot overcome their physical and spiritual enemies.
The Book of Psalm 23: 4 stated that “even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me, and You are always there to comfort me”. Consequently, whatever you are passing through physically and spiritually, do not let enemies’ troubles/ terrify you because your creator is with you to support you.
You are not Given Spirit of Fear
The Word of the Lord is confirmed that you did not receive the spirit of fear that enslaves or put people in bondage but the Spirit of adaptation to call Abba Father boldly Romans 8: 15. Do not lose this God given Spirit of boldness so that adversaries will not terrify you.
Jesus Warning
There is an adage in Yoruba land which says “people that are not ready to take risk will never be installed with their heritage title”. Even Jesus Christ warned us not to fear those who kills the body but cannot kill the soul Matthew 10: 28. This passage should encourage you not to be terrified by your enemies, but put on the Spirit of Boldness.
Whenever the herbalists give anyone magical charm/herbs to be used, they will instruct such person to apply boldness to be successful; if the gentiles know the value of boldness, then we the children of God needs boldness to overcome the terror of our foes. Since the Yoruba adage says, “boldness supersedes charms”.
The Apostles were not Terrified
The apostles were warned not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus Christ, but they prayed to the Lord to fortify them with the Spirit of boldness. In fact, it was after the warning that they put more efforts to the spread of the Gospel. Acts 4: 18-31. They resisted the attempt by the enemies of Gospel to terrify them; you too can do the same.
David and Goliath
An example of boldness in the Bible is the story of David who went to battle with Goliath who is a giant. Saul and the whole army of Israel were terrified by Goliath. Had it been that David was terrified too, the Philistines will claim victory and Israel will be servant of the Philistines.
However, David went out to the battle presumably singing this song “Even though am little, I have a mighty God who will fight for me” and later rejected the idea of King Saul to discourage him. David went to the battle with his staff, sling and 5 stones; whereas Goliath was dressed in battle gears with a sword, spear, and Javelin.
David killed Goliath because he was not terrified of him despite his skills, physical posture and stature. 1 Samuel 17: 41-51. You too will overcome the troubles and enemies of your life, if and only if, you are not terrified of them, but challenge them with the Spirit of boldness.
Passages to Reinforce Your Boldness
We are commanded to be courageous and strong; we must not panic, fear or be afraid of our enemies because the Lord our God will go ahead of us to the battle and He will not abandon us Deuteronomy 31: 6. Brethren, what other motivation do you need other than to put on the Spirit of boldness now? Since you have assurance from the Lord not to let your adversaries terrify you.
Tell your foes, “the Lord is for me, I will not be terrified what can mortals do to me” Psalm 118: 6. Be assured today, that whatever Satanic Kingdom that originated your problems will be destroyed and they will become desolate.
Why are you terrified of your adversaries? When it is written concerning you that “No weapon formed against you will prosper”. Isaiah 54: 17. If you know that the contrary weapons of your enemies cannot destroy you, Why don’t you put on the freely given gift of the Lord which is the Spirit of boldness?
Since we have made God the strength of our lives, then we shouldn’t be afraid of any enemy nor be terrified of them simply because He is the light that is guiding our steps towards the salvation of our souls Psalm 27: 1-2. Furthermore, always remember that the weapons of your warfare are not carnal, but mighty in God to the extent that it will pull enemies strongholds 2 Corinthians 10: 4. Since your weapon to attack/defend is superior to the weapons of the world, then you are at advantage to overcome your adversaries. Therefore, do not let them terrify you.
Gideon’s Victory
It is boldness and courage that made Gideon to use only three hundred men according to the instructions of the Lord to conquer several thousands of the Midianites and Amalekites. God directed Gideon to proclaim that whoever is fearful and afraid should depart and return home.
Then twenty two thousand people that are terrified of their enemies departed and it remained ten thousand men. God tested them at the river and only three hundred bold men were chosen to face the battle that thirty two thousand men were afraid to confront. Judges 7: 1-15. You also should use boldness today to claim victory over your aged problems/enemies.
Week 16: April 17, 2016
Topic: Do not let Enemies Terrify You – Part 2
Bible Reading: Philippians 1: 15-28
Lord Created the Darkness
Since the Lord our God created the universe and everything that is residing in it including the light and the forces of darkness. Then we the children of God must have the confidence that the darkness can never overcome us Isaiah 45:7. Therefore we that are in Christ must not let our enemies/darkness terrify us because they can never win the battle, unless we stray from the righteous path.
If we are devoted believers who are righteous before our creator, then we must not entertain any fear, but be bold as lions Proverbs 28: 1. I pray that God will endow us with the spirit of boldness that prevails on the enemies. Boldness that receives blessings and goodness will be our portions today.
Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego
Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego were neither terrified by the threats of King Nebuchadnezzar nor afraid of the blazing furnace. They used courage and boldness to overcome his evil plot, thereby making the adversary that intended to terrify them to glorify the mighty name and power of Almighty God. Daniel 3: 5-27. Do not be afraid of your enemies or let them terrify you because the fourth being (Son of God) in midst of the fire will protect and preserve your life. However we must not be looking for trouble purposely because we have the Lord on our side.
Alliance Formed Against You will be Nullified
Every soul that conspire to eradicate your existence/job and those who are bent on eliminating your name or legacy from everywhere under the sky will never succeed. The enemies that plots together and form an alliance against you shall be in vain Psalm 83: 2-15. Do not let your foes terrify you because their conspiracy to wipe out your name and destroy the memory of your existence will never materialize. Also their unanimous decision and signed treaty as allies against you shall be futile.
You must not be afraid of ten thousands of people, who have set themselves against you on every side says the Bible. Psalm 3: 6. Therefore, be bold and resolute that whatever the circumstance, you will neither fear nor be terrified by your foes.
King Sennacherib Threatened Jerusalem
King Sennacherib laid siege against the city of David (Jerusalem). He sent messages to King Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem; whereby he compared Almighty God to the lesser gods of other nations which he has conquered.
Sennacherib’s officers also mocked the Lord and his servant (King Hezekiah). In addition, he blasphemed and reproached the Holy One of Israel, heaping insult upon insult on the Lord. King Hezekiah and prophet Isaiah prayed to God who sent an angel to destroy the Assyrian army with all its commanders and officers.
Sennacherib was forced to return home in humiliation and disgrace where he died in sadness 2 Chronicles 32: 9-21. The Lord that rescued King Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem is alive! Just be bold and courageous; He will rescue you from your enemies/troubles as long as you do not allow them to terrify you.
Do not let enemies terrify you because if your spiritual eyes are opened, you will realize that the hosts of heaven that are with you are larger and mightier than the contrary spirits that supports your adversaries 2 Kings 6: 15-17. Do not fear your enemies since the Lord had promised that He will never leave nor forsake you; therefore, His angels will always be around to guard and guide you.
Promises Accrue to Christians
Some of the benefits accrue to Christians that will make them to be bold and courageous are the following:
· The captives of the mighty will be released, and the plunder of tyrants will be retrieved. The Lord will fight for you and save your children. God will feed your oppressors/adversaries with their own flesh. They will be drunk with rivers of their own blood. Isaiah 49: 25-26.
· God is for you; whoever is against you or intend to terrify you shall perish Romans 8: 31.
· Your enemies will bow down before you and lick the dust of your feet, if you remain obedient to the Lord Psalm 72: 9.
· All your angry enemies will be confused and humiliated; anyone who opposes you shall perish and come to nothing. You will look in vain for those who tried to conquer you; those who attack you shall be as nothing, as a nonexistent thing. The Lord your God will hold your right hand and say to you, don’t be afraid I am here to help you Isaiah 41: 11-13.
· Always call upon the name of the Lord because it is a strong fortress which the godly regularly run into for safety from enemies/troubles. Proverbs 18: 10.
· Enemies will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you; for I am with you and will rescue you. Jeremiah 1: 19.
Finally, as from today, God will put the dread and fear of you upon all your foes, who will hear about you. They shall tremble and be in anguish because of you. Deuteronomy 2: 25. Beginning today the table will turn and enemies shall be terrified of you. Whenever they hear about you they will tremble with dread and fear. In as much as you do not stray from the commandments of the Lord or disobey His laws/tenets.