Choosing Faith Over Fear in 2025

This is the manuscript of the first sermon of 2025 at Christ Church. We have designated this year as "2025 a Year Filled with Faith.

Welcome to 2025, as we step into this new chapter, let's embrace every challenge, every joy, and every moment of uncertainty with a steadfast belief in God’s plan.   Let’s embrace this year, no matter what challenges that are ahead knowing that God’s plans are as it says in 

Jeremiah 29:11 NIV  [11] For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 

Our overarching scripture for this year is 

Hebrews 11:6 NIV And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Faith will be our compass, through the unknown, leading us toward the fulfillment of God’s promises for us, His people, His family.   

As we embark on this new year, let us choose faith over fear. Let us trust in the promises of God, lean on the strength of His Spirit, and live lives that reflect the love and compassion of Christ. Let us be beacons of hope, spreading warmth and light in a world that often feels shrouded in darkness. In choosing faith over fear, we not only find peace for ourselves, but we also become instruments of God's grace and mercy in the world.

Scripture Reading     

Psalms 46:1-11 NIV [1] God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. [2] Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, [3] though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. [4] There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. [5] God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. [6] Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. [7] The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. [8] Come and see what the Lord has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth. [9] He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. [10] He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” [11] The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

 

Introduction

Welcome to 2025, as we step into this new chapter, let's embrace every challenge, every joy, and every moment of uncertainty with a steadfast belief in God’s plan.   Let’s embrace this year, no matter what challenges that are ahead knowing that God’s plans are as it says in 

Jeremiah 29:11 NIV  [11] For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 

Our overarching scripture for this year is 

Hebrews 11:6 NIV And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Faith will be our compass, through the unknown, leading us toward the fulfillment of God’s promises for us, His people, His family.   

Romans 8:14-17 NIV [14] For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. [15] The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” [16] The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. [17] Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. 

We stand here today at Christ Church in Los Angeles, CA today January 6, 2025 looking at a year brimming with both promise and peril.  But about 3 in the morning on New Year’s Day in New Orleans, we didn’t see the promise, we saw the peril.  Peril" describes a situation where significant harm is highly likely and often imminent. We saw that the evil that our enemy, the enemy of mankind, Satan, orchestrated a terrorist attack that took the lives of 15 people, including the terrorist, injured more than 35 and impacted the lives of countless friends and families of those directly affected and millions of people here in the United States and around the world. 

We live in a time of extraordinary change. Technology is rapidly transforming our lives, global issues require coordinated responses, and many individuals face significant personal challenges, and we face the constant danger of crime and terrorism like that which happened in New Orleans and Las Vegas on New Year’s Day. 

In the face of such complexity, it's easy to succumb to fear: fear of the unknown, fear of failure, fear of the future.  

The Apostle Paul, in his second letter to Timothy, gives us our text for today.

2 Timothy 1:7 NIV For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 

The NKJV says II Timothy 1:7 NKJV For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 

This scripture, our text, offers a profound truth. This truth is our anchor in the storm, our compass in the uncharted waters of this new year. Though we  know that we live in a broken sin filled world where there is hatred, mental illness, and evil. Who saw or could have predicted what happened in New Orleans or Las Vegas on New Year’s Day when thousands were out celebrating.   Who knew? 

In the midst of this uncertainty, what anchors us? What guides our steps and sustains our souls?

The answer  lies in a single word: faith.

Our text today reminds us, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." 

Fear is that insidious whisper that seeks to paralyze us. Fear is not from God. It is a counterfeit, a distortion of reality.  The phrase “fear not” or a derivative of it appears more than 365 times in the bible. The Word of God tells us that the only thing we are to fear is to fear God, and the fear of the Lord is a reverential awe and respect for God's holiness, power, and justice. 

Matthew 10:26-31 NIV [26]  “So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. [27] What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. [28] Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. [29] Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. [30] And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. [31] So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Faith is all about recognizing God’s sovereignty and living in obedience to His will.  

Fear breeds anxiety, worry, doubt. It hinders progress, stifles creativity, and damages the very fabric of our relationships. Fear says, "You are not enough. You cannot handle this. You are alone."

But God, in his infinite grace, and mercy, offers us an alternative and that alternative to fear is faith.

Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." 

Faith in God is not blind optimism, but a deep-rooted trust in Him, it is belief in His promises, a certainty of His love. 

Isaiah 41:10 NIV So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Faith empowers us to face the unknown with courage, to rise above fear, and to embrace the challenges that lie ahead.

Think of what faced the people of Israel. Fear, doubt, and despair threatened to consume them, when they found themselves trapped between the Red Sea and Pharaoh's army.  

Let’s read it in

Exodus 14:10-12 NIV [10] As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified and cried out to the Lord. [11] They said to Moses, “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? [12] Didn’t we say to you in Egypt, ‘Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians’? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!”

Here’s what Moses said at that very time of uncertainty and fear.

Exodus 14:13-14 NIV [13] Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. [14] The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

Then God said to Moses

Exodus 14:15-18 NIV [15] …...“Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on. [16] Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground. [17] I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they will go in after them. And I will gain glory through Pharaoh and all his army, through his chariots and his horsemen. [18] The Egyptians will know that I am the Lord when I gain glory through Pharaoh, his chariots and his horsemen.”

Moses believed God, he had faith in what God said and the people followed which shows that they also had faith in what God said. Then Moses, guided by faith, coupled with their faith, led them through the Red Sea, when God parted the waters, and they witnessed God's miraculous deliverance.

Hebrews 11:29-30 NIV [29] By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned. 

Pharaoh's army and the Red Sea were two giants that created fear in the people of Israel. We too face our own "giants" today, fear is a giant, fear of the unknown, fear of failure, fear of judgment. These giants seek to intimidate us, to keep us from reaching our full potential, from living the lives God intends for us. But we are not alone. We have the power of faith within us, the same power that can move mountains.   

Here is what it says in

Matthew 17:20 NIV He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” 

How do we cultivate this faith? How do we nurture it in the midst of uncertainty?

• We can cultivate and nourish our faith through prayer and meditation: Regular communication with God, seeking His guidance, and finding comfort and peace in His presence, as Philippians 4:6-7 instructs us: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ2 Jesus."

• We can cultivate and nourish our faith by being part of a strong community: Surrounding ourselves with supportive and encouraging relationships, finding strength and comfort in the fellowship of believers. Share your faith journey with others and find encouragement. Participate in worship and fellowship.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NIV[9] Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: [10] If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.

Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV [24] And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, [25] not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

• We can cultivate and nourish our faith by living a life of purpose: Focusing on serving others, making a positive impact on the world. Finding meaning and fulfillment in acts of love and compassion. Helping others can shift your focus from your own anxieties. Find ways to serve your community and make a positive impact.

Matthew 20:26-28 (NIV): "Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

1 Peter 4:10 (NIV): "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms."

Matthew 25:37-40 NIV [37]  “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? [38] When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? [39] When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ [40]  “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

• We can cultivate and nourish our faith by trusting in God's sovereignty: Acknowledging that God is in control, even when life feels chaotic. Finding peace in the knowledge that His plans for us are always good.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV): "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Romans 8:28 (NIV): "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." 

We can give our cares, our burdens, our uncertainties, our fears to God because as it says in

Psalms 55:22-23 NIV [22] Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. [23] But you, God, will bring down the wicked into the pit of decay; the bloodthirsty and deceitful will not live out half their days. But as for me, I trust in you.

Here's what the Apostle Peter said.

1 Peter 5:6-7 NIV[6] Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. [7] Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

God told told King Jehoshaphat of Judah when he faced what looked like certain defeat at the hands of  enemies that it wasn’t his battle anyway but the battle God’s.

2 Chronicles 20:15 NIV [15] He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. 

When we face challenges and feel overwhelmed, remembering that "the battle is not ours" can give us a  profound sense of peace and allow us to focus on trusting in God's guidance and strength.

All of these things remind us and give us the reassurance that God is in control and that His plans for us are always for our good, bringing peace and comfort even in the midst of chaos.

The Fruits of Faith

When we choose faith over fear, the rewards are immeasurable. We experience a deep sense of peace and tranquility that surpasses all human understanding. 

Philippians 4:6-7 NIV [6] Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. [7] And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

We will find the courage to face challenges with resilience and determination, knowing that God is our strength. 

Psalms 46:1-3 NIV [1] God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. [2] Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, [3] though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.

When we choose faith over fear, we cultivate a hope that anchors our souls, a hope that sustains us through the darkest of nights and empowers us to face each new day with renewed vigor.

Just like God told Joshua before he led the people into the Promised Land of Cannan 

Joshua 1:9 NIV Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Finally, and most importantly, we must trust in God's sovereignty. Acknowledge that He is in control, even when life feels chaotic and unpredictable. Remember the words of Philippians 4:6-7: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests 1 to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ 2 Jesus.

The fruit of faith, my friends, is undeniable.

Conclusion

As we embark on this new year, let us choose faith over fear. Let us trust in the promises of God, lean on the strength of His Spirit, and live lives that reflect the love and compassion of Christ. Let us be beacons of hope, spreading warmth and light in a world that often feels shrouded in darkness. In choosing faith over fear, we not only find peace for ourselves, but we also become instruments of God's grace and mercy in the world.

Let us pray.

Gracious God, we come before you today, humbled by the challenges that lie ahead in this new year. We acknowledge the uncertainties that surround us, the anxieties that grip our hearts, and the fear that threatens to consume us.

But amidst these fears, Lord, we choose faith. We choose to trust in your unwavering love, in your sovereign hand that guides our paths, and in your promises that bring hope to our weary souls.

Grant us the courage to step into the unknown, guided by your Spirit. Help us to silence the voices of doubt and replace them with the whispers of your truth. Equip us with the strength to overcome obstacles, the resilience to bounce back from setbacks, and the compassion to serve others in need.

May our lives be a testament to your faithfulness, a beacon of hope in a world that often feels shrouded in darkness. We pray for peace that surpasses all understanding, for courage that knows no bounds, and for a hope that anchors our souls.

In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.