Introduction
• Fallen Condition Focus: Fear is a sin. It is the opposite of faith. We are to turn from fear and to believe in the Lord. We are to overcome our fear. For this we need the Lord's grace.
• Key verse: "If you are not firm in faith, you will not be firm at all." Is. 7:9b
• Sermon Proposition: Since the Lord God has a sovereign plan for our salvation and people, we ought to stand firm in faith in Him.
Let's stand firm in faith in the Lord our God:
1. Stand firm even when we are surrounded by powerful enemies (Is. 7:1)
2. Stand firm for the Lord has spoken through his prophetic word (Is. 7)
3. Stand firm for the Lord has a sovereign plan to fulfill his purpose (Is. 7:7-8, 14)
4. Stand firm for the Lord is with us (Is. 7:14)
5. Stand firm even when those who should do what is right do what is wrong (2 Kings 16)
How can we stand firm in faith? (Answer is found in Is. 7:4)
1. Be careful; be on one's guard (cf. 1 Peter 5:8ff)
2. Be quiet; reduce the noise so that we can hear our Father's voice (cf. Is. 30:15; 1 Thess. 5:17; 1 Kings 19)
3. Do not fear (humans); believe in his Word and trust in his abiding presence (Mark 5:36; Matt. 10:28; Matt. 28:20)
4. Do not let your heart be faint; be courageous (cf. Josh. 1:1-9)