Hope vs. Fear
The sermon emphasizes the importance of choosing hope over fear by trusting in God's unwavering presence and care in our lives.
Charles E. Cowman preaches about the unwavering presence and care of God in our lives, emphasizing the need to trust in His guidance and provision. He encourages believers to hold fast to God's hand, knowing that He will lead them safely through all circumstances and provide strength when needed. By focusing on the present moment and entrusting tomorrow to the faithful Father, we can find peace and rest in His constant shepherding. The sermon highlights the assurance that God, as our loving Shepherd, is with us every day, in every situation, and will intricately plan and unfold His purposes for our lives with love and care.
Text
"Lo, I am with you all the appointed days" (Matt. 28:20, Variorum Version).
Do not look forward to the changes and chances of this life in fear. Rather look at them with full hope that, as they arise, God, whose you are, will deliver you out of them. He has kept you hitherto; do you but hold fast to His dear hand, and He will lead you safely through all things; and when you cannot stand, He will bear you in His arms.
Do not look forward to what may happen tomorrow. The same everlasting Father who cares for you today will take care of you tomorrow, and every day. Either He will shield you from suffering, or He will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace, then, put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations. --Frances do Sales
"The Lord is my shepherd."
Not was, not may be, nor will be. "The Lord is my shepherd," is on Sunday, is on Monday, and is through every day of the week; is in January, is in December, and every month of the year; is at home, and is in China; is in peace, and, is in war; in abundance, and in penury.
--J. Hudson Taylor
HE will silently plan for thee,
Object thou of omniscient care;
God Himself undertakes to be
Thy Pilot through each subtle snare.
He WILL silently plan for thee,
So certainly, He cannot fail!
Rest on the faithfulness of God,
In Him thou surely shalt prevail.
He will SILENTLY plan for thee
Some wonderful surprise of love.
Eye hath not seen, nor ear hath heard,
But it is kept for thee above.
He will silently PLAN for thee,
His purposes shall all unfold;
The tangled skein shall shine at last,
A masterpiece of skill untold.
He will silently plan FOR THEE,
Happy child of a Father's care,
As though no other claimed His love,
But thou alone to Him wert dear.
--E. Mary Grimes
Whatever our faith says God is, He will be.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Introduction to hope and fear - 'Biblical foundation: Matthew 28:20' - The presence of God in our lives
- II points: - The importance of looking forward with hope - God's promise of deliverance - Trusting in God's plan
- III points: - Understanding God's care and provision - Peace in the face of uncertainty - Living without anxious thoughts
- IV points: - The role of faith in overcoming fear - God as our shepherd - Daily reliance on God's faithfulness
- V points: - God's silent planning for our lives - The unfolding of God's purposes - The joy of being a child of God
Key Quotes
“Lo, I am with you all the appointed days.” — Charles E. Cowman
“The Lord is my shepherd.” — Charles E. Cowman
“Whatever our faith says God is, He will be.” — Charles E. Cowman
Application Points
- Trust in God's promises to guide you through life's uncertainties.
- Replace anxious thoughts with the peace that comes from faith in God's care.
- Recognize that God has a unique plan for your life, tailored to your needs.