God Hates A Coward
I’ll start today’s message with a joke. Sunday school teachers asked, "Now, children, do you know where people go when they're afraid?" "To the toilet?" a child asked.
Fear can take us surprising places. "God Hates a Coward" is today's topic. Our key verse is 2 Timothy 1:7, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."
God hates cowardice—not cowards. God loves us unconditionally but challenges us to overcome our fears and courageously speak for what is good.
Judges 6 describes Gideon. Fearing the Midianites, he was threshing wheat in secret when God called him to deliver Israel. Being from the weakest clan and the least in his family, he felt weak. God named him a strong warrior. God saw Gideon's courage with God's help, not his fear.
"Fear not," said Charles Spurgeon. Don't worry—He's your God. He will strengthen, help, and uphold you with His righteousness."
God seeks regular people who trust Him in their fear. Trusting Him helps us conquer our fears, turning timidity into courage.
In Matthew 14:28-31, Peter walks on water. After seeing the wind, Peter grew scared and sank. Jesus grabbed him then. Jesus used Peter's fear to teach him—and us—faith and courage.
In Joshua 1:9, God says, "Have I not ordered you? Be brave. Do not be afraid or dismayed; the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
"Courage is contagious," declared Billy Graham. Bravery stiffens others." We must be brave like Joshua for ourselves and others.
God hates cowardice because it keeps us from His magnificent intentions. He wants us to be brave, go out in faith, and trust Him even when we're terrified.
Let's remain faithful. Remember that God gave us power, love, and a sound mind, not fear. Let's be courageous and trust God to inspire others.
Father, thank You for Your Word today. Help us overcome our fears. Give us bravery, faith, and trust in You. In Jesus' name, Amen."
God supports you. Be strong. Be brave. The Lord your God is with you. Church, happy week!
