Scott Uselman
The Enemy Uses Fear and Self-Preservation
July 19, 2026
Scott Uselman calls us to recognize how fear and self-preservation can hold us back from truly following Jesus and doing His will, urging the church to move beyond comfort and boldly obey.
Scripture
Matthew 16:21-28
Jesus Predicts His Death [21] From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. [22] Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!” [23] Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” [24] Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. [25] For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. [26] What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? [27] For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done. [28] “Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”
The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by Permission of Biblica, Inc.® All rights reserved worldwide.
Romans 12:1-2
A Living Sacrifice [1] Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. [2] Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by Permission of Biblica, Inc.® All rights reserved worldwide.
The Cosmic Battlefield We Face
We are all in a spiritual battle where the enemy, Satan, works to draw us away from God's will. Sometimes, these battles are obvious, and sometimes they show up through our own fears or desire to protect ourselves and our way of life.
Real-Life Struggles With Fear
Scott shared from his own experience how fear and the instinct to protect his family almost kept him from following God's call. We all wrestle with worries about providing, our reputation, and keeping comfortable. These can quietly pull us away from Jesus' path.
How the Enemy Twists Our Focus
It's not always others who sabotage our walk with God. Many times, the enemy works in our thoughts and emotions, tempting us to hold back, stay safe, or avoid risks that God may be asking us to take. Even well-meaning loved ones can become stumbling blocks if we put their opinions above God's leading.
What Jesus Expects of Us
Jesus was clear: following Him means denying ourselves, taking up our cross, and being willing to risk comfort or security. In Matthew 16, He warns us not to set our minds on earthly things, and reminds us that every disciple faces the choice between self-preservation and obedience. In the end, Jesus says His return will bring reward based not just on what we believe, but what we actually do in His name.
Discussion Questions
- Where have you seen fear or self-preservation hold you back from following God?
- How might our church community encourage each other to trust God more with risky obedience?
- What would change if we set our minds more on God's will than on our own comfort or safety?
Hilltop Wesleyan Church
735 Golden Creek Rd, Liberty, SC 29657
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Hilltop Wesleyan Church believes in providing support and education to foster an ongoing relationship with Christ beyond salvation. Each day is an opportunity for us to grow closer to Him.
- 735 Golden Creek Rd, Liberty, S.C. 29657
- (864) 777-8472
- connect@hilltopwesleyan.org
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