Fear Not

“FEAR NOT”

Matthew 14: 26 & 27

INTRODUCTION: Fear is an obstacle that we all must overcome by building and standing on our faith. The man who fears lacks a strong faith. He who strengthens his faith weakens his fears.

I. What is Fear?

A. Healthy

B. Harmful

II. What Do We Fear?

A. The Unknown

B. The Unwanted

III. Why Do We Fear?

A. Lack of Experience

B. Lack of Faith

IV. When Do We Fear?

A. During Change

B. Darkest Hours

V. How Do We Fight Fear?

A. Turn Over The Battle

B. The Word

CONCLUSION: We must know that we have a father that can remove all fears. We must trust and depend on Him. God can and will do what He says He will do.

In order for us to Fear Not or Be Not Afraid, we must first know what Fear is. We should know what we Fear. We must know what causes Fear. We also need to know when do we fear and most of all how do we fight Fear. We need to know that there are two types of Fear. First there is Healthy Fear. Healthy Fear is when we show Reverence or Respect. The Bible teaches in the 19th Chapter of Leviticus verse 3 that children are to Fear their parents.

Ephesians Chapter 5 verse 33 tells us that the wife is to Fear or Reverence her husband. The Scripture also states in Proverbs Chapter 1 verse 7 that “The Fear of the Lord is the beginning of Knowledge,” as well as, “The beginning of Wisdom,” as stated in Proverbs 9 verse 10. But it is not this Fear that we are concerned with this morning. This morning, the Fear that concerns us is that Fear that is Harmful in nature.

That Fear that keeps us bound to failure. That Fear that keeps us from Victory. Harmful Fear, as defined by the new Webster’s Dictionary, is painful emotion aroused by impending danger. What causes this Emotion? What causes or brigs on Fear? Generally the unknown is the main cause of Fear. Not knowing what will happen, when it will happen, how it will happen, or why it happens. When danger lurks we tend to Fear because we know not how to deal with it.

We Fear when we go into a new Chapter in our lives because we know not what the future holds. We are afraid to step out on faith. Decisions that we make are altered by Fear. Places we go are changed by Fear. Things that we do are lessened by Fear. Convictions that we have are quieted by Fear. We do not know how things will turn out. We do not know if we can handle it.

We don’t know if we will make it through.

We feel we can’t take the criticism of our beliefs. Our Fears of the unknown quickly become unwanted. We don’t want to fail. We don’t want our co-workers to see us in the Christian scene. We don’t want certain people to know our relationship with God. We Fear that if these things come to light we will not be a part of the “IN CROWD.”

My brothers and my sisters, the Bible teaches us in Romans Chapter 12 verse 2 to “Be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

The only crowd we need to Fear not being in is the crowd that follows Jesus. We need not Fear what others not in the will of God Think of us. They have neither Heaven nor Hell to send us to. They are in no way able to bless you. They cannot calm your Fears. The reason we Fear the things we do is because we have not experienced or refuse to acknowledge what God can do. A lack of experience of God’s power causes man to Fear.

When we are faced with trails and tribulations, man can see no humanly way possible to overcome. Lack of experience of God’s power is a reason for Fear because if we have never seen the greatness of His power we don’t know that God is able. That is why all of us that have witnessed God’s wonderful works should testify to those that haven’t experienced it. That is why those of us who have been hungry should testify to those that haven’t that, “He’s bread when you’re hungry.”

That is why those of us who have been sick should testify to those who haven’t that, “He’s a doctor in a sick room.” That is why those of us that have been in trouble should testify to those that haven’t that, “He’s a lawyer in a court room.” That is why those of us who have experienced God’s Goodness should share it with those that don’t know Him. Share it so that they too can experience the boldness that Faith in God can give.