Dauntless Faith
A dauntless faith in God allows us to overcome fear and trust in His promise of protection, even in the face of opposition.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the concept of 'Dauntless Faith' in his sermon, drawing from Acts 18:10, where God assures Paul of His protection while he carries out His work in Corinth. Spurgeon reassures believers that as long as they are fulfilling God's purpose, they need not fear opposition, for God has the power to restrain even the most violent adversaries. He encourages the faithful to move forward boldly, trusting that God can turn potential foes into allies. The sermon highlights that true faith dispels fear and empowers believers to act courageously in the face of challenges.
Text
I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee. (Acts 18:10)
So long as the Lord had work for Paul to do in Corinth, the fury of the mob was restrained. The Jews opposed themselves and blasphemed; but they could neither stop the preaching of the gospel nor the conversion of the hearers. God has power over the most violent minds. He makes the wrath of man to praise Him when it breaks forth, but He still more displays His goodness when He restrains it; and He can restrain it. "By the greatness of thine arm they shall be as still as a stone, till thy people pass over, I Lord."
Do not, therefore, feel any fear of man when you know that you are doing your duty. Go straight on, as Jesus would have done, and those who oppose shall be as a bruised reed and as smoking flax.
Many a time men have had cause to fear because they were themselves afraid; but a dauntless faith in God brushes fear aside like the cobwebs in a giant's path. No man can harm us unless the Lord permits. He who makes the devil himself to flee at a word can certainly control the devil's agents. Maybe they are already more afraid of you than you are of them. Therefore, go forward, and where you looked to meet with foes you will find friends.
Sermon Outline
- I. The Lord's Promise of Protection
- A. The promise in Acts 18:10
- B. The restraint of the mob's fury
- II. The Power of God Over Violent Minds
- A. God's ability to restrain wrath
- B. His display of goodness in restraint
- III. The Importance of Dauntless Faith
- A. Brushing fear aside
- B. The power of faith in God
Key Quotes
“He makes the wrath of man to praise Him when it breaks forth, but He still more displays His goodness when He restrains it;” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Maybe they are already more afraid of you than you are of them.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Therefore, go forward, and where you looked to meet with foes you will find friends.” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- Trust in God's promise of protection and go forward in doing His will, even if it means facing opposition.
- A dauntless faith in God can overcome fear and bring about unexpected outcomes.
- Remember that those who oppose you may be more afraid of you than you are of them.