Faith Over Fear

Faith In Opposition
Pastor Ben Johnson – October 12, 2025

2 Timothy 3:12 (NLT) – Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

Faith that has never FACED opposition cannot be relied upon; it is only through TRIALS that the depth and power of unwavering TRUST is revealed.

Proverbs 17:3 (NLT) – Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but the Lord tests the heart.

The Challenge: How do we HANDLE opposition from those in POWER?

Acts 5:29 (NLT) – But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than any human authority.”

Teaching Passage – Daniel 6

1. God has not called us to be SUCCESSFUL. He called us to be FAITHFUL.

2. Opposition is UNAVOIDABLE.

3. The opposite of COURAGE in our society is not cowardice, it’s CONFORMITY.

4. Bold faith is not VOID of fear; it PERSEVERES in spite of it.

5. FAITHFULNESS fuels FAITH.

A faith that hasn’t been TESTED can’t be TRUSTED; yet even in opposition, we find that God’s FAITHFULNESS never fails nor falters.

Life Group Discussion & Questions

BREAKING THE ICE: If you could have a superpower to deal with one source of opposition in your life, what would it be and why?

DIGGING IN: Read Acts 5:29 and Daniel 6.

1. How did Daniel’s devotion to God conflict with the laws and expectations of the Persian government?

2. Why do you think the officials targeted Daniel instead of others? What does this reveal about human nature and power?

3. What forms of opposition have you seen (or experienced) from people in authority?

4. How did Daniel respond when faced with unjust laws or threats from powerful people? What can we learn from his example?

5. Daniel’s faith didn’t remove danger, but it did protect him in the end. How can we trust God even when the outcome is uncertain?

BRINGING IT HOME: How do we stand firm in obeying God when human authority demands something contrary to His will? What practical steps can we take to maintain faithfulness, integrity, and courage in situations where following God might bring conflict, criticism, or even risk to our safety?