"DO NOT FEAR"

• Introduction
  1. Psalm 118:6
     Man is powerless against the Lord. With Him on our side, we have nothing to fear.
  2. 2 Timothy 1:7
     Instead of fear, God gives us power, love, and soundness of mind.

1. "Do not fear those who kill the body, but cannot kill the soul."
   1. Matthew 10:28
      Those who can do us fleshly violence cannot compare to the One whose power it is to punish everlastingly.
   2. Isaiah 51:7-8, 12-13
      Worldly oppressors are ultimately meaningless.
   3. Acts 20:24; 21:13; Revelation 2:10
      Though the primary text offers reassurance, it simultaneously underscores the fact that facing death for Christ's sake is a reality.
   4. Matthew 16:24-27
      Serving Christ does demand laying down our lives.
   5. Hebrews 10:31; 2 Corinthians 5:10-11; Revelation 20:11-15
      We may rightfully fear God who has the power to punish.
2. "Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows."
   1. Matthew 10:29-31
      God values every soul and is aware of what happens to every one of us.
   2. Matthew 6:25-34
      We ought not to worry, but pursue His will.
   3. Philippians 4:6-7
      Instead of worrying, we must pray.
   4. Psalm 8
      The Creator and sustainer of life cares about man.
3. "It is I; do not be afraid."
   1. Matthew 14:22-33
      Jesus has power over the elements.
   2. Psalm 65:5-7; 89:8-9; 107:23-32
      How can we not have confidence in so great a God?
4. "Do not be afraid... He is risen..."
   1. Matthew 28:1-10
      What shall we fear, knowing that Christ has conquered death?
   2. Romans 8:11
      Because of His resurrection, we can enjoy renewed spiritual life now, if we allow the Spirit.
   3. 2 Corinthians 4:13-14
      We have confidence in future resurrection because of His triumph over death.
   4. 1 Corinthians 15:12-28
      The gospel is moot unless He rose.
5. "Do not be afraid; only believe."
   1. Mark 5:21-24, 35-42
      The death of Jairus' daughter need not have caused him fear, for Christ would raise her.
   2. Philippians 1:21-23
      Our own eventual deaths should be regarded as gain.
   3. Revelation 14:13
      To Christians, death is a blessing.
6. "Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men"
   1. Luke 5:1-11
      Peter, James, and John were understandably astonished by the catch of fish commanded by Jesus, but He took them from fear to duty.
   2. Proverbs 11:30
      It is wise to win souls.
   3. Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:15-16
      We must spread the word.
7. "Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."
   1. Luke 12:31-34
      We take assurance in the gift of the kingdom.
   2. Colossians 1:13
      We who have left the darkness are already in that kingdom.
   3. Hebrews 12:28
      It cannot be shaken!
8. "Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
   1. John 14:27-29
      Jesus' departure from earth is no cause for alarm. He provides peace still.
   2. Matthew 28:20b
      He remains with us.
   3. Romans 8:35-39
      Christ's love is ever with us.
9. "Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent..."
   1. Acts 18:9
      Paul was encouraged by the Lord to preach in Corinth without hesitation.
   2. Titus 2:11-15
      The truth of the gospel must be spoken authoritatively.
   3. Ephesians 6:17-19
      Prayers of saints are requested so that preachers will be bold.
10. "Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last"
    1. Revelation 1:9-18
       Christ's eternal nature is a source of comfort.
    2. John 1:1-3
       He pre-existed the beginning.
    3. Hebrews 13:8
       He remains always the same.

• Conclusion