Below are notes to a sermon preached Sunday evening, Oct. 28, 2001, at Gospel Light Baptist Church, Albany, Georgia.
WINNING THE WAR AGAINST TERROR
By Michael D. O’Neal Pastor, Gospel Light Baptist Church Albany, Georgia
Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 3:10-16
Text: 1 Peter 3:14
1 Peter 3:14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;
Introduction: Notice that our text says for us to “be not afraid of THEIR terror.”
Usama Bin Laden and his army of cowards have attacked the United States of America by underhanded, dirty devices. They intend to strike terror into the hearts of our President, our Congressmen, and our citizens. I am thankful that we have a man in the White House who has shown tremendous calm and courage in the face of this threat. We need to continue to pray for our leaders, as the Bible commands us.
In this most unusual time in our nation’s history, I am reminded that the devil is out to terrify the people of God. He will use his people (John. 8:44) and his power to harm, hinder, and harass the people of God.
President Bush calls Bin Laden “the evil one.” The REAL “Evil One” is Satan. Satan is leading Bin Laden, as he leads ALL lost people. The devil is an evil entity. He is a real personality, a fallen angel. In appearance he is an angel of light, but in reality he is a red serpent, a snake, called in scripture, the LEVIATHAN. He is powerful, he is crafty, and he is deadly.
However dangerous the devil may be, God does not intend us to live our lives in fear and terror, for the Bible says:
Romans 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
You can’t live your life as God would have you to, if you are always afraid of “their terror,” as 1 Pet. 3:14 puts it. The Bible says that such fear has TORMENT:
1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
God wants us to speak the truth of the gospel without fear, but in confidence:
Philippians 1:14 And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
We are not to fear WHATEVER man can do to us — contaminate us with anthrax in our mail, hijack the plane on which we fly, or any other device:
Hebrews 13:6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
This morning I showed you from scripture how that fear can be a positive thing and a helpful thing, as long as it is the fear of GOD! If you fear God like you SHOULD, you need not fear anyone or anything else. Even in our text where the Bible tells us to not be afraid of THEIR terror, notice what the next verse says:
1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
That fear that we are to have when we speak will keep us from the fear of THEIR terrof. That fear that we should have is the FEAR of GOD.
Focusing on the fear of God this morning, I preached to you on the subject, WINNING THE WAR WITH TERROR. Tonight I want to talk to you about WINNING THE WAR AGAINST TERROR.
I want to begin my thoughts tonight by pointing you to a verse in Isaiah, where the scripture says:
Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
TO WIN THE WAR AGAINST TERROR:
I. FEAR THE LORD AND MEDITATE ON GOD’S PRESENCE
Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee …
I am with thee …
A. The Lord is with you at any place
- As you kids walk from the light switch to your bed
- As you ladies walk from your car to your house
- As you get into your car, go up an elevator, or get on board an airplane
B. The Lord is with you during any period
- Day or night
- Youth or old age
- Private or public times
C. The Lord is with you through any problem
- There is no problem too small for God to not notice nor too large for God to not solve.
TO WIN THE WAR AGAINST TERROR:
II. FEAR THE LORD AND MEDITATE ON GOD’S PERSON
Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God …
I am thy God
A. He is the Sovereign over every situation
B. He is the Savior of your salvation
C. He is your Shelter who protected Noah from the flood
D. He is your Shield that cannot be penetrated
TO WIN THE WAR AGAINST TERROR:
III. FEAR THE LORD AND MEDITATE ON GOD’S POWER
Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
I will strengthen thee …
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
He gives us HIS strength
A. To perform His will
B. To persevere in His work
C. To prevail in His war
TO WIN THE WAR AGAINST TERROR:
IV. FEAR THE LORD AND MEDITATE ON GOD’S PROTECTION
Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
yea, I will help thee …
A. Our enemies will be dismayed
B. Our enemies will be defeated
C. Our enemies will disappear
TO WIN THE WAR AGAINST TERROR:
V. FEAR THE LORD AND MEDITATE ON GOD’S PURPOSE
Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
God holds us in His right hand
A. In love for us
B. To lift us
C. To lead us
What do you fear?
Is the devil tormenting you with fear?
Win the war against terror by fearing the Lord and meditating on HIM!