Robert Jeffress - Fearless Faith

January 24, 2025 | S25:E42

Pathway to Victory offers a practical application of God’s Word to everyday life through the clear, biblical teaching of Pastor Jeffress.

Closed captions

Show Timecode
Dr. Robert Jeffress | Robert Jeffress - Fearless Faith | January 24, 2025
  • ♪ music ♪
  • 00:00:00.156 --> 00:00:06.296
  • [announcer] from the pulpit
  • 00:00:06.896 --> 00:00:08.164
  • Of the first baptist church of dallas, texas,
  • 00:00:08.164 --> 00:00:10.333
  • This is "pathway to victory" with dr. robert jeffress.
  • 00:00:10.333 --> 00:00:14.504
  • Hi, i am robert jeffress,
  • 00:00:15.071 --> 00:00:16.406
  • And welcome again to "pathway to victory."
  • 00:00:16.406 --> 00:00:19.008
  • Scientists contend that humans develop
  • 00:00:19.008 --> 00:00:21.444
  • The emotion of fear purely out of necessity.
  • 00:00:21.444 --> 00:00:24.948
  • Fear was designed to keep us safe
  • 00:00:24.948 --> 00:00:26.816
  • From predators and other dangers.
  • 00:00:26.816 --> 00:00:29.185
  • But scripture reveals a much more sinister reality.
  • 00:00:29.185 --> 00:00:32.689
  • The bible is full of stories of people who acted out of fear
  • 00:00:32.689 --> 00:00:36.826
  • And suffered the consequences,
  • 00:00:36.826 --> 00:00:38.995
  • Which is why the writer of hebrews
  • 00:00:38.995 --> 00:00:40.797
  • So adamantly urged his readers to develop a faith
  • 00:00:40.797 --> 00:00:44.834
  • That is unshakeable.
  • 00:00:44.834 --> 00:00:46.603
  • My message is titled "fearless faith"
  • 00:00:46.603 --> 00:00:49.906
  • On today's edition of "pathway to victory."
  • 00:00:49.906 --> 00:01:00.884
  • [announcer] in a world filled with noise and clutter,
  • 00:01:01.951 --> 00:01:04.254
  • God invites us to look past the distractions
  • 00:01:04.254 --> 00:01:07.557
  • And connect with him on a deeply personal level.
  • 00:01:07.557 --> 00:01:10.426
  • Take a moment to anchor yourself in the calming truth
  • 00:01:10.426 --> 00:01:13.096
  • Of god's word with the brand new
  • 00:01:13.096 --> 00:01:14.864
  • 2025 pathway to victory daily devotional.
  • 00:01:14.864 --> 00:01:18.501
  • And now with larger print, the 260 practical insights
  • 00:01:18.501 --> 00:01:21.938
  • From dr. robert jeffress are easier to read.
  • 00:01:21.938 --> 00:01:24.774
  • Request a brand new 2025 pathway to victory daily devotional
  • 00:01:24.774 --> 00:01:28.978
  • When you give a generous gift to pathway to victory.
  • 00:01:28.978 --> 00:01:32.248
  • ♪ music ♪
  • 00:01:32.248 --> 00:01:38.755
  • I remember reading a study once by dr. walter cavert,
  • 00:01:39.822 --> 00:01:45.094
  • And he said that 92% of the things
  • 00:01:45.862 --> 00:01:48.798
  • That you and i worry about end up never happening.
  • 00:01:48.798 --> 00:01:54.037
  • Isn't that an interesting thing?
  • 00:01:54.671 --> 00:01:55.939
  • 92% of the things we tend to worry about
  • 00:01:55.939 --> 00:01:58.575
  • Never come to pass.
  • 00:01:58.575 --> 00:02:01.144
  • Which i guess proves the adage: it doesn't pay to worry.
  • 00:02:01.144 --> 00:02:06.482
  • But the flip side of that is, it does cost.
  • 00:02:07.383 --> 00:02:10.386
  • It costs a lot to worry.
  • 00:02:10.386 --> 00:02:13.423
  • And somebody has said,
  • 00:02:13.423 --> 00:02:14.791
  • "fear doesn't empty tomorrow of its troubles,
  • 00:02:14.791 --> 00:02:18.127
  • But it does empty today of its strength."
  • 00:02:18.127 --> 00:02:22.465
  • There are many downsides to worry, to fear,
  • 00:02:22.465 --> 00:02:25.835
  • But perhaps the greatest downside is this:
  • 00:02:25.835 --> 00:02:29.606
  • Fear always leads us to make bad decisions.
  • 00:02:29.606 --> 00:02:34.777
  • In fact, if you look back over some of the worst mistakes
  • 00:02:35.912 --> 00:02:39.449
  • You have ever made, the worst decisions,
  • 00:02:39.449 --> 00:02:41.951
  • I bet you can trace many if not all of them to fear.
  • 00:02:41.951 --> 00:02:47.290
  • Proverbs 29:25 says, fear is like a trap that ensnares us.
  • 00:02:48.458 --> 00:02:53.129
  • I remember reading in a book
  • 00:02:53.730 --> 00:02:55.198
  • By christian financial consultant ron blue.
  • 00:02:55.198 --> 00:02:58.901
  • He told the story of one of his clients who was a christian,
  • 00:02:58.901 --> 00:03:02.305
  • But who had heard all of these reports
  • 00:03:02.305 --> 00:03:04.440
  • And read books about the coming economic earthquake
  • 00:03:04.440 --> 00:03:07.610
  • And how the world's economy was going to be destroyed,
  • 00:03:07.610 --> 00:03:10.380
  • And this client was so fearful of that,
  • 00:03:10.380 --> 00:03:12.882
  • That he decided to sell all of his stocks
  • 00:03:12.882 --> 00:03:15.885
  • And invest in silver.
  • 00:03:15.885 --> 00:03:18.655
  • Over the next years,
  • 00:03:18.655 --> 00:03:20.189
  • That client watched the stock market quadruple in value,
  • 00:03:20.189 --> 00:03:24.527
  • While silver did absolutely nothing.
  • 00:03:24.527 --> 00:03:27.697
  • It was a bad decision motivated by fear.
  • 00:03:27.697 --> 00:03:31.100
  • Lots of people make bad decisions, based on fear.
  • 00:03:31.100 --> 00:03:34.771
  • Some single adults are fearful
  • 00:03:34.771 --> 00:03:37.106
  • Of being single the rest of their lives,
  • 00:03:37.106 --> 00:03:39.108
  • So they make a wrong decision about a life partner.
  • 00:03:39.108 --> 00:03:44.080
  • Some people are fearful about death,
  • 00:03:44.080 --> 00:03:48.117
  • They make wrong decisions about health treatment
  • 00:03:48.117 --> 00:03:51.387
  • Or lack of health treatment.
  • 00:03:51.387 --> 00:03:53.723
  • There are some people, teenagers
  • 00:03:53.723 --> 00:03:55.925
  • Who are fearful of missing out, being left out of the crowd,
  • 00:03:55.925 --> 00:03:59.862
  • So they make bad decisions
  • 00:03:59.862 --> 00:04:01.664
  • Related to substance abuse and immorality.
  • 00:04:01.664 --> 00:04:05.668
  • Fear always leads to wrong decisions.
  • 00:04:05.668 --> 00:04:09.572
  • And that was true of the hebrew christians
  • 00:04:09.572 --> 00:04:11.507
  • To whom this letter to the hebrews is written.
  • 00:04:11.507 --> 00:04:14.177
  • They were brand new christians,
  • 00:04:14.177 --> 00:04:16.145
  • They had come out of judaism, and now they were fearful
  • 00:04:16.145 --> 00:04:19.749
  • Of the persecution they were getting ready to experience.
  • 00:04:19.749 --> 00:04:22.952
  • They were fearful of being ostracized by their family
  • 00:04:22.952 --> 00:04:26.222
  • And friends for embracing christianity.
  • 00:04:26.222 --> 00:04:29.158
  • And they were on the brink of making a disastrous decision,
  • 00:04:29.158 --> 00:04:33.830
  • And that was the decision to give up their christian faith
  • 00:04:33.830 --> 00:04:36.733
  • And go back into judaism.
  • 00:04:36.733 --> 00:04:39.669
  • And so the writer writes this letter
  • 00:04:39.669 --> 00:04:41.471
  • To warn them of the consequences
  • 00:04:41.471 --> 00:04:43.773
  • Of making that kind of disastrous decision.
  • 00:04:43.773 --> 00:04:48.344
  • What's the antidote to fear that leads to wrong decisions?
  • 00:04:48.344 --> 00:04:52.882
  • In a word, it's faith.
  • 00:04:52.882 --> 00:04:54.984
  • And that's what the 11th chapter of hebrews is all about,
  • 00:04:54.984 --> 00:04:58.154
  • About what real faith is and what real faith does.
  • 00:04:58.154 --> 00:05:02.825
  • Remember our definition of faith?
  • 00:05:02.825 --> 00:05:04.727
  • Faith is believing that god will do
  • 00:05:04.727 --> 00:05:08.030
  • What he has promised to do and acting accordingly.
  • 00:05:08.030 --> 00:05:13.002
  • And throughout the book of hebrews 11,
  • 00:05:13.002 --> 00:05:16.005
  • We see different aspects of that kind of faith.
  • 00:05:16.005 --> 00:05:19.041
  • A faith that sanctifies, a faith that saves,
  • 00:05:19.041 --> 00:05:21.778
  • A faith that submits, a faith that surrenders.
  • 00:05:21.778 --> 00:05:24.380
  • And today we're going to look at another aspect of faith,
  • 00:05:24.380 --> 00:05:28.084
  • A faith that is unshakable.
  • 00:05:28.084 --> 00:05:31.854
  • Specifically, we're going to look at how faith
  • 00:05:31.854 --> 00:05:35.324
  • Helps you conquer the four most common fears in life,
  • 00:05:35.324 --> 00:05:40.263
  • The four fears that will keep you
  • 00:05:40.263 --> 00:05:43.166
  • From experiencing god's best in your life.
  • 00:05:43.166 --> 00:05:46.903
  • If you have your bible turned to hebrews 11,
  • 00:05:46.903 --> 00:05:50.173
  • As we talk about developing a fearless faith.
  • 00:05:50.173 --> 00:05:55.445
  • Remember i said last time,
  • 00:05:56.012 --> 00:05:57.480
  • Abraham was to the jewish people
  • 00:05:58.114 --> 00:06:00.249
  • What george washington is to us?
  • 00:06:00.249 --> 00:06:02.518
  • He was the father of the nation.
  • 00:06:02.518 --> 00:06:04.821
  • Well, if that's true, then moses
  • 00:06:04.821 --> 00:06:08.691
  • Is probably like abraham lincoln is to us today.
  • 00:06:08.691 --> 00:06:13.196
  • Moses was the great law giver,
  • 00:06:13.196 --> 00:06:16.599
  • And it is the character of moses that the writer uses
  • 00:06:16.599 --> 00:06:20.536
  • To illustrate how faith can help you conquer
  • 00:06:20.536 --> 00:06:24.340
  • Four specific fears in life.
  • 00:06:24.340 --> 00:06:28.077
  • First of all, the fear of loss.
  • 00:06:28.077 --> 00:06:31.848
  • One reason some of you may be struggling right now
  • 00:06:32.849 --> 00:06:36.252
  • In your commitment to god,
  • 00:06:36.252 --> 00:06:38.554
  • Struggling in whether or not you're going to go all in
  • 00:06:38.554 --> 00:06:41.457
  • In serving god with all of your heart
  • 00:06:41.457 --> 00:06:44.227
  • Is you're fearful that if you make
  • 00:06:44.227 --> 00:06:46.329
  • That kind of radical commitment,
  • 00:06:46.329 --> 00:06:49.365
  • You're going to have to give up something important to you.
  • 00:06:49.365 --> 00:06:52.568
  • You're going to lose out on some benefit,
  • 00:06:52.568 --> 00:06:56.105
  • And that's what's causing you
  • 00:06:56.105 --> 00:06:57.840
  • To shrink back in your commitment to god.
  • 00:06:57.840 --> 00:07:01.043
  • Did you know moses faced that as well?
  • 00:07:01.043 --> 00:07:03.212
  • Let's see how faith helped him overcome the fear of loss.
  • 00:07:03.212 --> 00:07:06.916
  • The story begins in verse 23.
  • 00:07:06.916 --> 00:07:08.951
  • By faith moses, when he was born was hidden for three months
  • 00:07:08.951 --> 00:07:13.256
  • By his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child
  • 00:07:13.256 --> 00:07:17.493
  • And they were not afraid of the king's edict.
  • 00:07:17.493 --> 00:07:20.763
  • We don't know much about moses' first 40 years of living,
  • 00:07:20.763 --> 00:07:24.700
  • We have this verse.
  • 00:07:24.700 --> 00:07:26.235
  • We also have acts 7:21-22 that says,
  • 00:07:26.235 --> 00:07:30.573
  • After moses had been set outside,
  • 00:07:30.573 --> 00:07:33.943
  • Pharaoh's daughter took him away
  • 00:07:33.943 --> 00:07:36.612
  • And nurtured him as her own son.
  • 00:07:36.612 --> 00:07:39.248
  • Moses was educated in all the learning of the egyptians
  • 00:07:39.248 --> 00:07:42.652
  • And he was a man of power in words and deeds.
  • 00:07:42.652 --> 00:07:46.556
  • Then hebrews 11:24-25,
  • 00:07:46.556 --> 00:07:49.592
  • By faith moses, when he had grown up,
  • 00:07:49.592 --> 00:07:53.162
  • Refused to be called the son of pharaoh's daughter,
  • 00:07:53.162 --> 00:07:58.134
  • Choosing rather to endure ill treatment
  • 00:07:58.134 --> 00:08:01.170
  • With the people of god
  • 00:08:01.170 --> 00:08:02.872
  • Than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin.
  • 00:08:02.872 --> 00:08:07.376
  • By this time, it is evident moses knew his life purpose
  • 00:08:08.511 --> 00:08:12.548
  • Was to be the deliverer of the israelites.
  • 00:08:12.548 --> 00:08:16.285
  • And one day he goes out to one of the work sites
  • 00:08:16.285 --> 00:08:19.322
  • And he sees an egyptian
  • 00:08:19.322 --> 00:08:22.024
  • Mistreating one of the hebrew slaves.
  • 00:08:22.024 --> 00:08:24.694
  • And moses is so infuriated that he kills the egyptian,
  • 00:08:24.694 --> 00:08:28.931
  • Hides him in the sand, thinking nobody noticed.
  • 00:08:28.931 --> 00:08:32.768
  • Now, let me be clear.
  • 00:08:32.768 --> 00:08:34.370
  • What moses did was wrong. but he did have the right motive.
  • 00:08:34.370 --> 00:08:38.541
  • On that day, he made a choice.
  • 00:08:38.541 --> 00:08:41.110
  • He said, "i would rather identify with god's people
  • 00:08:41.110 --> 00:08:44.347
  • Who are suffering than continue to enjoy the privilege
  • 00:08:44.347 --> 00:08:48.317
  • Of being pharaoh's grandson."
  • 00:08:48.317 --> 00:08:50.519
  • And that's why it says he chose to endure the ill treatment
  • 00:08:50.519 --> 00:08:54.190
  • With the people of god
  • 00:08:54.190 --> 00:08:55.625
  • Than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin.
  • 00:08:55.625 --> 00:08:58.928
  • Now, moses paid for his mistake.
  • 00:08:58.928 --> 00:09:00.496
  • He spent the next 40 years fleeing from pharaoh.
  • 00:09:00.496 --> 00:09:03.799
  • He spent 40 years on the backside of the desert,
  • 00:09:03.799 --> 00:09:06.936
  • But he said, "i would rather experience punishment
  • 00:09:06.936 --> 00:09:10.906
  • Than endure the passing pleasures of sin."
  • 00:09:10.906 --> 00:09:14.644
  • By the way, will you underline that phrase?
  • 00:09:14.644 --> 00:09:16.679
  • It is so key in verse 25, the passing pleasures of sin.
  • 00:09:16.679 --> 00:09:22.018
  • Don't let anybody, including satan, mislead you about sin.
  • 00:09:23.185 --> 00:09:27.256
  • Sometimes we preacher types will talk all the time about
  • 00:09:28.391 --> 00:09:30.593
  • How painful sin is, how unpleasant sin is,
  • 00:09:30.593 --> 00:09:35.665
  • How distasteful sin is,
  • 00:09:36.165 --> 00:09:38.300
  • And then one of our flock goes out and gets him sin.
  • 00:09:38.300 --> 00:09:41.537
  • And guess what? it's kind of fun.
  • 00:09:41.537 --> 00:09:45.908
  • It's kind of pleasurable.
  • 00:09:45.908 --> 00:09:47.710
  • It's not nearly as bad as the preacher told him it was.
  • 00:09:47.710 --> 00:09:51.213
  • They think, "well, if the preacher was wrong about that,
  • 00:09:51.213 --> 00:09:53.516
  • Maybe he's wrong about some other things as well."
  • 00:09:53.516 --> 00:09:56.652
  • No, the bible says sin is very pleasurable,
  • 00:09:56.652 --> 00:10:01.924
  • For a season.
  • 00:10:02.291 --> 00:10:03.859
  • For a season, but ultimately what is sweet becomes bitter.
  • 00:10:03.859 --> 00:10:08.998
  • And that's what the writer is saying here.
  • 00:10:09.899 --> 00:10:12.101
  • Moses decided to give up the passing pleasures of sin
  • 00:10:12.101 --> 00:10:17.707
  • In order to follow god.
  • 00:10:18.207 --> 00:10:20.042
  • What's the antidote to the fear of loss?
  • 00:10:20.042 --> 00:10:23.079
  • It a faith in the promises of god. look at verse 26.
  • 00:10:23.079 --> 00:10:27.917
  • For moses considering the reproach of christ,
  • 00:10:27.917 --> 00:10:31.921
  • Greater riches than the treasures of egypt,
  • 00:10:31.921 --> 00:10:35.191
  • For he was looking to the reward.
  • 00:10:35.191 --> 00:10:38.661
  • He did the mental arithmetic in his mind
  • 00:10:38.661 --> 00:10:42.098
  • Before he made this choice,
  • 00:10:42.098 --> 00:10:43.999
  • And he decided, "i would rather give up present pleasures
  • 00:10:43.999 --> 00:10:49.338
  • In order to receive future benefits."
  • 00:10:50.172 --> 00:10:54.510
  • Yes, being in pharaoh's household,
  • 00:10:54.510 --> 00:10:57.413
  • There's a lot of fleshly pleasures to that.
  • 00:10:57.413 --> 00:11:01.250
  • There's a lot of material gained to be an heir to pharaoh,
  • 00:11:01.250 --> 00:11:05.921
  • But all of that is passing, fleeting
  • 00:11:05.921 --> 00:11:07.923
  • Compared to the eternal promises of god.
  • 00:11:07.923 --> 00:11:11.827
  • And that's the same for you and me.
  • 00:11:12.595 --> 00:11:14.964
  • God doesn't always reward our obedience immediately,
  • 00:11:14.964 --> 00:11:19.401
  • But he always rewards it ultimately.
  • 00:11:19.401 --> 00:11:22.905
  • And the only way to conquer the fear of loss in your life
  • 00:11:22.905 --> 00:11:27.443
  • Is to focus on the promises of god.
  • 00:11:27.443 --> 00:11:31.046
  • Faith allowed moses to conquer the fear of loss.
  • 00:11:31.046 --> 00:11:33.682
  • It also allowed him to conquer the fear of other people.
  • 00:11:33.682 --> 00:11:38.087
  • The fear of other people will also prevent you
  • 00:11:38.087 --> 00:11:41.056
  • From experiencing god's best in your life.
  • 00:11:41.056 --> 00:11:43.425
  • Look at verse 27.
  • 00:11:43.425 --> 00:11:44.794
  • By faith, he, that is moses, left egypt
  • 00:11:44.794 --> 00:11:48.497
  • Not fearing the wrath of the king
  • 00:11:48.497 --> 00:11:51.433
  • For he endured as seeing him, that is god, who is unseen.
  • 00:11:51.433 --> 00:11:56.305
  • What's the antidote to the fear of other people?
  • 00:11:56.305 --> 00:11:59.608
  • What will conquer that fear in your life?
  • 00:11:59.608 --> 00:12:02.278
  • It is faith in god's power. a faith in god's power.
  • 00:12:02.278 --> 00:12:05.948
  • You know, whenever i'm tempted to be afraid of other people
  • 00:12:05.948 --> 00:12:11.220
  • And what they might do to me,
  • 00:12:11.854 --> 00:12:13.489
  • I always think about jesus words in matthew 10:28,
  • 00:12:13.489 --> 00:12:16.892
  • When he said, "do not fear those who kill the body
  • 00:12:16.892 --> 00:12:21.096
  • But are unable to kill the soul.
  • 00:12:21.096 --> 00:12:23.532
  • Instead, fear the one
  • 00:12:23.532 --> 00:12:25.167
  • Who is able to destroy both your body and your soul."
  • 00:12:25.167 --> 00:12:29.104
  • Whenever i'm tempted to be fearful of somebody, i think,
  • 00:12:30.239 --> 00:12:31.941
  • "okay, what's the worst thing this person can do to me?"
  • 00:12:31.941 --> 00:12:35.711
  • And i guess when you think about it,
  • 00:12:35.711 --> 00:12:37.079
  • The worst thing anybody can do to you is kill you.
  • 00:12:37.079 --> 00:12:40.883
  • I mean, that's the ultimate thing, right? kill you.
  • 00:12:40.883 --> 00:12:44.253
  • Would that be so bad?
  • 00:12:44.753 --> 00:12:46.589
  • The key, the antidote to conquering fear of people
  • 00:12:46.589 --> 00:12:51.861
  • Is a faith in god's power.
  • 00:12:52.428 --> 00:12:55.631
  • There's a third fear
  • 00:12:56.098 --> 00:12:57.433
  • That moses learned to conquer through faith
  • 00:12:57.433 --> 00:12:59.835
  • And it's the fear of death
  • 00:12:59.835 --> 00:13:01.804
  • And it's referred to in hebrews 11:28.
  • 00:13:01.804 --> 00:13:05.608
  • By faith, he, moses, kept the passover
  • 00:13:05.608 --> 00:13:09.278
  • And the sprinkling of the blood so that he, that is god,
  • 00:13:09.278 --> 00:13:13.182
  • Who destroyed the firstborn would not touch them.
  • 00:13:13.182 --> 00:13:17.987
  • Exodus 12 is a story of how god saved the worst plague
  • 00:13:19.088 --> 00:13:23.959
  • For the last that would come to egypt,
  • 00:13:24.793 --> 00:13:26.328
  • To turn pharaoh's heart, to allow the people to leave egypt.
  • 00:13:26.328 --> 00:13:31.500
  • God said, "i'm going to send the death angel
  • 00:13:32.401 --> 00:13:33.802
  • Throughout egypt and i'm going to kill the firstborn
  • 00:13:33.802 --> 00:13:37.139
  • Of every house."
  • 00:13:37.139 --> 00:13:39.074
  • That was, by the way, a promise
  • 00:13:39.074 --> 00:13:41.377
  • Made not just to the egyptians but to the israelites.
  • 00:13:41.377 --> 00:13:44.013
  • "i'm going to kill the firstborn of every house,
  • 00:13:44.013 --> 00:13:47.716
  • But there's one way to escape my judgment," he said,
  • 00:13:47.716 --> 00:13:51.453
  • "if you will take an innocent lamb
  • 00:13:51.453 --> 00:13:54.390
  • And you will take the blood of that lamb
  • 00:13:54.390 --> 00:13:56.759
  • And place it on the doorpost of your home,
  • 00:13:56.759 --> 00:14:00.496
  • When i see the blood of that lamb,
  • 00:14:00.496 --> 00:14:03.699
  • I will pass over you in judgment."
  • 00:14:03.699 --> 00:14:07.469
  • And i'm sure there are those who argued with moses
  • 00:14:08.470 --> 00:14:11.607
  • When he relayed the instruction.
  • 00:14:11.607 --> 00:14:13.575
  • "moses, that can't be enough. just the blood of a lamb?
  • 00:14:13.575 --> 00:14:17.813
  • Don't we need to make a sacrifice?
  • 00:14:17.813 --> 00:14:20.316
  • Don't we need to make some oath or commitment to god?
  • 00:14:20.316 --> 00:14:22.918
  • Don't we need to learn to be better to one another
  • 00:14:22.918 --> 00:14:26.088
  • And kinder to the egyptian?
  • 00:14:26.088 --> 00:14:27.556
  • Surely, there's something else that we have to do."
  • 00:14:27.556 --> 00:14:30.826
  • Moses said, "no, the only instruction is
  • 00:14:30.826 --> 00:14:33.195
  • 'take the blood of a lamb and put it on the doorpost
  • 00:14:33.195 --> 00:14:36.598
  • And when i will see the blood,
  • 00:14:36.598 --> 00:14:38.467
  • I will pass over you in judgment.'"
  • 00:14:38.467 --> 00:14:41.070
  • That's where we get passover from.
  • 00:14:41.070 --> 00:14:43.372
  • That was the first passover,
  • 00:14:43.372 --> 00:14:45.407
  • God passing over the people in judgment.
  • 00:14:45.407 --> 00:14:49.511
  • And of course all of that was a foreshadowing of
  • 00:14:49.511 --> 00:14:53.649
  • What would happen 1,300 years later when jesus christ,
  • 00:14:53.649 --> 00:14:58.153
  • The perfect lamb of god,
  • 00:14:58.153 --> 00:14:59.755
  • Who takes away the sins of the earth,
  • 00:14:59.755 --> 00:15:01.790
  • Offers us the way to be passed over in judgment.
  • 00:15:01.790 --> 00:15:05.761
  • You see, ladies and gentlemen,
  • 00:15:05.761 --> 00:15:06.996
  • Every one of us deserves to die.
  • 00:15:06.996 --> 00:15:10.165
  • Maybe you're fearful of death.
  • 00:15:10.165 --> 00:15:11.734
  • Maybe you wonder, "what awaits me
  • 00:15:11.734 --> 00:15:13.402
  • On the other side of the grave, if anything?
  • 00:15:13.402 --> 00:15:15.738
  • How can i know for sure i'm going to be welcomed
  • 00:15:15.738 --> 00:15:18.107
  • Into god's presence instead of sent to hell
  • 00:15:18.107 --> 00:15:20.642
  • That i deserve forever and ever?"
  • 00:15:20.642 --> 00:15:22.778
  • There are not many ways to escape that judgment.
  • 00:15:22.778 --> 00:15:25.381
  • There's only one way.
  • 00:15:25.381 --> 00:15:27.116
  • It is by believing and trusting in jesus, the lamb of god
  • 00:15:27.116 --> 00:15:31.186
  • Who died for the sins of the world,
  • 00:15:31.186 --> 00:15:33.222
  • Believing that in some inexplicable way,
  • 00:15:33.222 --> 00:15:35.491
  • When he died on that cross, he endured the punishment
  • 00:15:35.491 --> 00:15:39.061
  • That you and i deserve for our sins.
  • 00:15:39.061 --> 00:15:41.397
  • And the bible says, the instant
  • 00:15:41.397 --> 00:15:43.665
  • That you put your faith in jesus christ,
  • 00:15:43.665 --> 00:15:46.869
  • God no longer sees your sin, he sees the blood of his son,
  • 00:15:46.869 --> 00:15:52.174
  • And he passes over you in judgment.
  • 00:15:52.908 --> 00:15:55.144
  • Romans 8:1, there is therefore now no condemnation
  • 00:15:55.144 --> 00:15:59.048
  • Awaiting those who belong to christ jesus.
  • 00:15:59.048 --> 00:16:02.618
  • Today, if you're fearful of death
  • 00:16:02.618 --> 00:16:05.154
  • And want to know how to escape eternal punishment,
  • 00:16:05.154 --> 00:16:08.490
  • There is only one antidote to that fear of death
  • 00:16:08.490 --> 00:16:12.027
  • And it is a faith in god's provision,
  • 00:16:12.027 --> 00:16:15.364
  • The only provision for your sin, jesus christ, our lord.
  • 00:16:15.364 --> 00:16:21.670
  • There's some people who would say, "pastor,
  • 00:16:22.571 --> 00:16:25.607
  • I'm not nearly as afraid of dying as i am of living
  • 00:16:26.608 --> 00:16:31.480
  • Through some terrible problem, through some trial in life,
  • 00:16:31.480 --> 00:16:35.951
  • Whether it be an illness, whether it be a bankruptcy,
  • 00:16:35.951 --> 00:16:39.388
  • Whether it be a divorce.
  • 00:16:39.388 --> 00:16:42.958
  • I'm fearful of the trials of this life,
  • 00:16:42.958 --> 00:16:46.395
  • Not what happens in the next life."
  • 00:16:46.395 --> 00:16:49.665
  • And that was true of these hebrew christians
  • 00:16:49.665 --> 00:16:51.667
  • Who were beginning to experience persecution
  • 00:16:51.667 --> 00:16:54.369
  • For their faith, as we'll see next time, verse 37 says,
  • 00:16:54.369 --> 00:16:59.708
  • Some in the past were being sawn in two, others stoned,
  • 00:17:00.843 --> 00:17:03.545
  • Other tortured, even worse,
  • 00:17:03.545 --> 00:17:06.381
  • Watching their families tortured."
  • 00:17:06.381 --> 00:17:08.117
  • And they said, "god, we don't want to do that."
  • 00:17:08.117 --> 00:17:11.086
  • What's the antidote to the fear of trials?
  • 00:17:11.086 --> 00:17:15.457
  • It is a faith in god's protection.
  • 00:17:15.457 --> 00:17:19.194
  • And you see that illustrated in verse 29,
  • 00:17:19.194 --> 00:17:21.296
  • "by faith they," talking about the israelites,
  • 00:17:21.296 --> 00:17:24.700
  • "passed through the red sea
  • 00:17:24.700 --> 00:17:27.269
  • As though they were passing through dry land:
  • 00:17:27.269 --> 00:17:30.405
  • And the egyptians, when they attempted it, were drowned."
  • 00:17:30.405 --> 00:17:34.576
  • After that tenth and final plague
  • 00:17:34.576 --> 00:17:36.512
  • Of killing of the first born, that was enough for pharaoh.
  • 00:17:36.512 --> 00:17:39.348
  • He said, "get out of here, scram as quickly as possible.
  • 00:17:39.348 --> 00:17:44.286
  • I don't want you hebrews around here anymore."
  • 00:17:44.286 --> 00:17:46.822
  • And so they packed up quickly and off they went
  • 00:17:46.822 --> 00:17:50.159
  • Toward the promised land.
  • 00:17:50.159 --> 00:17:52.294
  • But then they came to the red sea,
  • 00:17:52.294 --> 00:17:54.796
  • The obstacle between them and their future.
  • 00:17:54.796 --> 00:17:57.866
  • And they had one of two choices.
  • 00:17:57.866 --> 00:18:00.369
  • They could go forward into the red sea and drown
  • 00:18:00.369 --> 00:18:03.305
  • Or they could stay where they are and face pharaoh's army.
  • 00:18:03.305 --> 00:18:06.108
  • Not much of a choice. but god said, "go forward."
  • 00:18:06.108 --> 00:18:11.380
  • And you know what the miracle was?
  • 00:18:12.147 --> 00:18:13.015
  • God parted that red sea.
  • 00:18:13.015 --> 00:18:15.250
  • He held the great walls of water on either side at bay
  • 00:18:15.250 --> 00:18:20.489
  • Through the mighty winds
  • 00:18:20.989 --> 00:18:22.391
  • And the israelites went forward in faith
  • 00:18:22.391 --> 00:18:25.460
  • Believing that god would protect them.
  • 00:18:25.460 --> 00:18:28.864
  • Just think, just think of the faith that took
  • 00:18:28.864 --> 00:18:32.668
  • To take that first step.
  • 00:18:32.668 --> 00:18:34.436
  • That second step. that third step.
  • 00:18:34.436 --> 00:18:37.472
  • Remember these israelites had not seen
  • 00:18:38.240 --> 00:18:40.809
  • "the ten commandments" movie yet.
  • 00:18:40.809 --> 00:18:42.578
  • They didn't know how this was going to turn out.
  • 00:18:42.578 --> 00:18:45.514
  • They just took god at his word and they moved forward,
  • 00:18:45.514 --> 00:18:49.151
  • And god supernaturally protected them.
  • 00:18:49.151 --> 00:18:53.222
  • You know, the same is true for you and me.
  • 00:18:53.222 --> 00:18:55.691
  • God didn't tell those israelites,
  • 00:18:55.691 --> 00:18:57.226
  • "now here you faced those tremendous trial ahead of you,
  • 00:18:57.226 --> 00:19:00.128
  • The red sea.
  • 00:19:00.128 --> 00:19:01.430
  • I'm going to take you around the red sea."
  • 00:19:01.430 --> 00:19:05.667
  • Nor did he say, "i'm going to build a bridge
  • 00:19:05.667 --> 00:19:07.502
  • So you can pass over the red sea."
  • 00:19:07.502 --> 00:19:10.906
  • Instead, verse 28 says,
  • 00:19:10.906 --> 00:19:13.208
  • "i will lead you through the red sea."
  • 00:19:13.208 --> 00:19:17.045
  • And god says the same thing to you and me.
  • 00:19:17.045 --> 00:19:20.015
  • Listen to me, if you don't remember
  • 00:19:20.749 --> 00:19:22.217
  • Anything else i say this morning, god has not promised
  • 00:19:22.217 --> 00:19:27.422
  • To exempt you from problems in this world.
  • 00:19:28.290 --> 00:19:30.792
  • God doesn't have a special blessing for christian
  • 00:19:31.793 --> 00:19:34.162
  • That says, "because you're a christian,
  • 00:19:34.162 --> 00:19:36.231
  • You don't ever have to worry about sickness
  • 00:19:36.231 --> 00:19:39.034
  • Or financial difficulty,
  • 00:19:39.034 --> 00:19:41.270
  • Or children who rebel against you, or divorce.
  • 00:19:41.270 --> 00:19:45.007
  • You're supernaturally protected from those things."
  • 00:19:45.007 --> 00:19:48.610
  • No, christians experienced the same problems
  • 00:19:48.610 --> 00:19:51.713
  • As everybody else does in this world.
  • 00:19:51.713 --> 00:19:53.482
  • There is no exemption from problems
  • 00:19:53.482 --> 00:19:56.184
  • When you become a christian.
  • 00:19:56.184 --> 00:19:58.186
  • Nor does god promise to always deliver you out of a problem.
  • 00:19:58.186 --> 00:20:04.192
  • He does sometimes.
  • 00:20:04.626 --> 00:20:06.928
  • There are miracles.
  • 00:20:06.928 --> 00:20:09.197
  • But miracles wouldn't be miracles
  • 00:20:09.931 --> 00:20:11.800
  • If they happened all the time.
  • 00:20:11.800 --> 00:20:13.001
  • You'd call miracles, normals, yeah?
  • 00:20:13.001 --> 00:20:16.204
  • But they're called miracles because they're rare,
  • 00:20:16.204 --> 00:20:18.140
  • They're exception.
  • 00:20:18.140 --> 00:20:19.441
  • Most of the time god does not deliver you
  • 00:20:19.441 --> 00:20:21.710
  • Out of your problem.
  • 00:20:21.710 --> 00:20:23.245
  • He doesn't say i'm going to exempt you from problems,
  • 00:20:23.245 --> 00:20:24.913
  • "i'm going to deliver you out of problems."
  • 00:20:24.913 --> 00:20:26.415
  • But what he does promise is this.
  • 00:20:26.415 --> 00:20:28.216
  • "i will walk with you through your problem.
  • 00:20:28.216 --> 00:20:31.453
  • I will be with you through the problem."
  • 00:20:32.321 --> 00:20:33.522
  • Isn't that what isaiah 43:2 says?
  • 00:20:33.522 --> 00:20:35.957
  • "when you pass through the water," not around the water.
  • 00:20:35.957 --> 00:20:40.095
  • "when you pass through the water, i will be with you.
  • 00:20:40.095 --> 00:20:43.498
  • And through the rivers, they will not overflow you.
  • 00:20:43.498 --> 00:20:46.768
  • When you walk through the fire,
  • 00:20:46.768 --> 00:20:50.038
  • You will not be scorched nor will the flame burn you."
  • 00:20:50.038 --> 00:20:55.210
  • Let me ask you again this morning.
  • 00:20:55.944 --> 00:20:57.412
  • What is it that's keeping you
  • 00:20:57.412 --> 00:21:00.048
  • From experiencing god's blessing in your life?
  • 00:21:00.048 --> 00:21:02.584
  • What's keeping you from going all in
  • 00:21:02.584 --> 00:21:05.120
  • In your commitment to jesus christ?
  • 00:21:05.120 --> 00:21:07.723
  • Is it the fear of loss?
  • 00:21:08.223 --> 00:21:10.759
  • Have faith in god's promises to you.
  • 00:21:10.759 --> 00:21:14.229
  • Is it a fear of other people?
  • 00:21:14.863 --> 00:21:17.299
  • Have faith in god's power to overcome those people.
  • 00:21:18.367 --> 00:21:21.803
  • Is it the fear of death?
  • 00:21:22.304 --> 00:21:25.374
  • Have faith in god's one and only provision
  • 00:21:25.374 --> 00:21:28.176
  • For your salvation and your eternity.
  • 00:21:28.176 --> 00:21:31.113
  • Is it a fear of trials?
  • 00:21:31.613 --> 00:21:33.115
  • Have faith in god's power and protection
  • 00:21:33.115 --> 00:21:36.852
  • To sustain you through that trial?
  • 00:21:36.852 --> 00:21:40.322
  • You know, it's said that whenever the great commander,
  • 00:21:41.423 --> 00:21:46.128
  • General napoleon would get ready for a major battle,
  • 00:21:47.195 --> 00:21:52.167
  • The night before the battle, he had this ritual of
  • 00:21:52.167 --> 00:21:55.637
  • Where he would stand alone in his tent.
  • 00:21:55.637 --> 00:21:58.607
  • And one by one, his top generals
  • 00:21:58.607 --> 00:22:00.876
  • Would come into the tent with napoleon
  • 00:22:00.876 --> 00:22:03.745
  • And without saying a word they would shake his hand,
  • 00:22:03.745 --> 00:22:09.050
  • Look straight into his eyes and then leave the tent
  • 00:22:10.085 --> 00:22:12.788
  • Ready to die for the general that they loved.
  • 00:22:12.788 --> 00:22:16.958
  • Why? because they knew their general.
  • 00:22:16.958 --> 00:22:21.730
  • It's the same thing for us,
  • 00:22:22.330 --> 00:22:23.832
  • Ultimately, the antidote to fear in our life
  • 00:22:23.832 --> 00:22:29.204
  • Is knowing our god.
  • 00:22:29.671 --> 00:22:32.274
  • Daniel said it this way in daniel 11:32,
  • 00:22:32.274 --> 00:22:35.210
  • "the people who know their god
  • 00:22:35.210 --> 00:22:38.880
  • Shall stand firm and take action."
  • 00:22:39.648 --> 00:22:43.285
  • ♪ music ♪
  • 00:22:43.285 --> 00:22:48.056
  • Nothing will give us more courage
  • 00:22:48.790 --> 00:22:50.792
  • Than getting to know the true and living god.
  • 00:22:50.792 --> 00:22:53.995
  • When we immerse ourselves
  • 00:22:53.995 --> 00:22:55.397
  • In the truth about god's character,
  • 00:22:55.397 --> 00:22:57.599
  • When we renew our minds with the truth of god's word,
  • 00:22:57.599 --> 00:23:01.036
  • That's when we acquire the boldness of abraham
  • 00:23:01.036 --> 00:23:04.372
  • And a faith that's fearless.
  • 00:23:04.372 --> 00:23:07.008
  • And those two words, bold and fearless, are words
  • 00:23:07.008 --> 00:23:09.945
  • That also characterize our ministry
  • 00:23:09.945 --> 00:23:12.147
  • Here at "pathway to victory."
  • 00:23:12.147 --> 00:23:14.082
  • We're not afraid to share the sometimes difficult truths
  • 00:23:14.082 --> 00:23:17.118
  • Found in scripture, and generous gifts from friends like you
  • 00:23:17.118 --> 00:23:20.989
  • Are what make this possible.
  • 00:23:20.989 --> 00:23:22.991
  • When you give today, your gift will go directly
  • 00:23:22.991 --> 00:23:25.794
  • Towards spreading the gospel in america
  • 00:23:25.794 --> 00:23:28.296
  • And around the world.
  • 00:23:28.296 --> 00:23:29.865
  • Thank you so much for your faithful support.
  • 00:23:29.865 --> 00:23:32.834
  • Now please stay right there.
  • 00:23:32.834 --> 00:23:34.402
  • I'll be back with more pathway to victory in just a moment.
  • 00:23:34.402 --> 00:23:38.006
  • [announcer] when was the last time
  • 00:23:38.773 --> 00:23:40.075
  • You heard god speak to you from his word?
  • 00:23:40.075 --> 00:23:42.544
  • Dr. robert jeffress believes that growing closer to god
  • 00:23:42.544 --> 00:23:45.480
  • Begins with reading your bible and spending time in prayer.
  • 00:23:45.480 --> 00:23:49.451
  • Make god your priority by spending quality time in his word
  • 00:23:49.451 --> 00:23:53.021
  • With the brand new 2025 pathway to victory daily devotional.
  • 00:23:53.021 --> 00:23:57.325
  • Of all the ways god could have revealed himself to us,
  • 00:23:57.325 --> 00:24:00.762
  • He chose to do it through the written word.
  • 00:24:00.762 --> 00:24:03.765
  • And that's why it's so important for you and for me
  • 00:24:03.765 --> 00:24:06.067
  • To set aside regular time to read the word of god.
  • 00:24:06.067 --> 00:24:10.405
  • [announcer] whether you've been a christian
  • 00:24:10.405 --> 00:24:11.706
  • For a lot of years or just a short while,
  • 00:24:11.706 --> 00:24:13.975
  • The principles found in this year's devotional
  • 00:24:13.975 --> 00:24:16.311
  • Will help breathe new life into your walk with god.
  • 00:24:16.311 --> 00:24:19.814
  • Ready to get back to the basics of your christian faith?
  • 00:24:19.814 --> 00:24:22.751
  • Request your copy of the 2025
  • 00:24:22.751 --> 00:24:25.420
  • Pathway to victory daily devotional
  • 00:24:25.420 --> 00:24:27.422
  • When you give a generous gift
  • 00:24:27.422 --> 00:24:28.990
  • To support the ministry of pathway to victory.
  • 00:24:28.990 --> 00:24:31.760
  • And when you give $75 or more, we'll also send you
  • 00:24:31.760 --> 00:24:35.430
  • The complete spiritual fitness teaching series
  • 00:24:35.430 --> 00:24:38.066
  • On dvd and audio disc.
  • 00:24:38.066 --> 00:24:40.235
  • We'll discover one thing all of these men and women
  • 00:24:40.235 --> 00:24:42.537
  • Had in common is they believed god
  • 00:24:42.537 --> 00:24:46.007
  • And they acted according to their belief in god.
  • 00:24:46.007 --> 00:24:49.044
  • They did something as a demonstration of their faith.
  • 00:24:49.044 --> 00:24:53.815
  • [announcer] thank you for giving generously
  • 00:24:53.815 --> 00:24:55.584
  • To support the ministry of pathway to victory.
  • 00:24:55.584 --> 00:24:58.286
  • Your giving empowers this broadcast ministry
  • 00:24:58.286 --> 00:25:00.922
  • To proclaim the practical, applicable,
  • 00:25:00.922 --> 00:25:02.991
  • Life-changing truth of the gospel to a world in need.
  • 00:25:02.991 --> 00:25:08.096
  • There's no shortage of things in this life
  • 00:25:08.997 --> 00:25:11.232
  • To be afraid of.
  • 00:25:11.232 --> 00:25:12.734
  • But in moses' case we clearly see the value
  • 00:25:12.734 --> 00:25:15.470
  • Of overcoming our fears
  • 00:25:15.470 --> 00:25:17.339
  • And allowing faith to guide our decisions.
  • 00:25:17.339 --> 00:25:20.575
  • Well, god occasionally allows us to taste the rewards
  • 00:25:20.575 --> 00:25:24.045
  • Of a faithful life, but most people end up dying
  • 00:25:24.045 --> 00:25:27.449
  • Without fully seeing the results of their faith.
  • 00:25:27.449 --> 00:25:31.353
  • So, how do we develop the kind of faith that obeys god
  • 00:25:31.353 --> 00:25:34.956
  • Without any visible results
  • 00:25:34.956 --> 00:25:37.459
  • And in spite of adverse circumstances?
  • 00:25:37.459 --> 00:25:40.562
  • Stay tuned for a preview of
  • 00:25:40.562 --> 00:25:42.097
  • What's coming up next in our series, "spiritual fitness."
  • 00:25:42.097 --> 00:25:46.668
  • Although god occasionally allows us
  • 00:25:47.435 --> 00:25:50.005
  • To experience just a taste of the rewards
  • 00:25:50.005 --> 00:25:53.475
  • For our faith in him, most people end up dying
  • 00:25:53.475 --> 00:25:58.079
  • Without ever fully seeing the results of their faith,
  • 00:25:58.079 --> 00:26:02.117
  • In this life at least.
  • 00:26:02.117 --> 00:26:04.352
  • But the kind of faith that pleases god
  • 00:26:04.352 --> 00:26:07.355
  • Is a faith that obeys god in spite of any visible results
  • 00:26:08.490 --> 00:26:13.228
  • And in spite of adverse circumstances.
  • 00:26:14.029 --> 00:26:17.165
  • [announcer] set your dvr and join us next time
  • 00:26:17.165 --> 00:26:19.367
  • For the message "against all odds"
  • 00:26:19.367 --> 00:26:22.137
  • Here on pathway to victory.
  • 00:26:22.137 --> 00:26:29.678
  • If you could go back in time
  • 00:26:30.278 --> 00:26:31.546
  • And walk with the apostle paul
  • 00:26:31.546 --> 00:26:33.248
  • On one of his journeys, would you do it?
  • 00:26:33.248 --> 00:26:35.917
  • This may, let's go together
  • 00:26:35.917 --> 00:26:37.485
  • On the life changing pathway to victory
  • 00:26:37.485 --> 00:26:39.721
  • Journeys of paul mediterranean cruise.
  • 00:26:39.721 --> 00:26:43.358
  • [announcer] embark on a voyage of elegance and refinement
  • 00:26:43.358 --> 00:26:46.227
  • Aboard the luxurious celebrity ascent.
  • 00:26:46.227 --> 00:26:48.963
  • Enjoy lavish state rooms, spacious balconies,
  • 00:26:48.963 --> 00:26:51.900
  • And world-class dining.
  • 00:26:51.900 --> 00:26:53.635
  • You'll experience breathtaking views, famous beaches
  • 00:26:53.635 --> 00:26:57.072
  • And crystal clear water in beautiful island destinations
  • 00:26:57.072 --> 00:27:00.608
  • Like santorini, mykonos, and crete.
  • 00:27:00.608 --> 00:27:03.678
  • Walk with me and other believers
  • 00:27:03.678 --> 00:27:05.447
  • In the very places where god's word was written.
  • 00:27:05.447 --> 00:27:08.883
  • Join us as we study his word together.
  • 00:27:08.883 --> 00:27:11.653
  • Surrounded by natural beauty,
  • 00:27:11.653 --> 00:27:13.555
  • We will seek our creator in his creation.
  • 00:27:13.555 --> 00:27:17.792
  • [announcer] reserve your spot on the pathway to victory
  • 00:27:17.792 --> 00:27:20.328
  • Journeys of paul mediterranean cruise.
  • 00:27:20.328 --> 00:27:22.931
  • Call 880-280-6747
  • 00:27:22.931 --> 00:27:26.501
  • Or visit ptv.org.
  • 00:27:26.501 --> 00:27:26.501