Sermon Overview
Scripture Passage: Hebrews 13:5-6
So many of us do not explore new territories because of our fear of potential opposition. But we can overcome fear when facing the unknown future, particularly a new year.
There are four key principles from Hebrews 13:5-6 to help us face the new year without fear:
“Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”
The Contentment of His Provision
We must first be content with what we already possess. Adrian Rogers says, "Contentment is not getting what you want, but it is wanting what you already have."
Material things cannot truly satisfy the heart's deepest needs (Ecclesiastes 5:10, Luke 12:15). True satisfaction and security are found in something that can't be tampered with, which is Jesus Christ.
The Companionship of His Presence
God promises not to leave us or forsake us. The Greek translation of this phrase is noted to contain five negatives: "I will never, no not ever, no never leave nor forsake you.”
It is clear that God will not abandon, give up on, or leave even one believer as a "helpless orphan". God's presence is a source of solace when discouraged, lonely, or worried.
The Confidence of His Promise
“For He Himself has said" emphasizes the value of this promise by the identity of the one who makes it: the omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent God. This assurance addresses our fears of lacking strength, facing the unknown, or not knowing what to do. The God of all comfort will be faithful.
The Comfort of His Protection
The final principle states that contentment, companionship, and confidence in Christ lead to the ability to boldly say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What man can do to me?” (Hebrews 13:6).
Although the New Year may bring heartaches and trials, we can rely on God's promises. The original Hebrew Christians faced severe opposition, mockery, and robbery, yet could boldly declare God’s presence and protection, and so can we.
Apply it to your life
If you are fearful of what the New Year has in store, rest assured, you can find contentment, companionship, confidence, comfort, and courage in Jesus.