Fearless In A World of Fear
Sunday Morning, 09-14-14
Intro:
We live in a time and world that is full of fear. People all around us speak of fears in their lives. Many have good reason to fear because of the lives they live, others fear because of the lives lived by others! We can have the same fears or we can be afraid of different things. What really is fear? As a verb, an action word here is what the dictionary says...
FEAR, v.t. [L. vereor.]
1. To feel a painful apprehension of some impending evil; to be afraid of; to consider or expect with emotions of alarm or solicitude. We fear the approach of an enemy or of a storm. We have reason to fear the punishment of our sins.
Now as a noun...
1. A painful emotion or passion excited by an expectation of evil, or the apprehension of impending danger. Fear expresses less apprehension than dread, and dread less than terror and fright. The force of this passion, beginning with the most moderate degree, may be thus expressed, fear, dread, terror, fright. Fear is accompanied with a desire to avoid or ward off the expected evil. Fear is an uneasiness of mind, upon the thought of future evil likely to befall us.
Fear, whether real or imagined is a painful emotion, or position to be in. I don't know about you but I don't like to be in a state of fear. That's not high on my list of things to be. I had rather be safe and secure, comforted and happy Amen!
Even though we live in a fearful world, there is a way that we, as Christians can live “Fearless in a world of Fear” and that is to trust totally and completely in God Almighty! This morning I'm going to give you seven reasons why and how you can live fearless, the first one is...
I. Blessings In The Journey of Life
Gen 26:24 And the LORD appeared unto him the same night, and said, I am the God of Abraham thy father: fear not, for I am with thee, and will bless thee, and multiply thy seed for my servant Abraham's sake.
This passage is speaking of Issac, the son of Abraham who earlier in the chapter had lied about Rebekah being his wife because he feared they would kill him and take his wife.
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Issac had feared what man could do to him. Issac forgot the promise God made to Abraham and his offspring! How could God have honored His covenant with Abraham if He allowed Issac to be killed? We get like that in life. We can become fearful of the people around us either because of their influence or power over us. Let me tell you something, if you are trusting in Jesus Christ this morning YOU ARE SAFE!
Spiritually you are the offspring of Abraham! Those promises are YOUR PROMISES!
Here is another example in...
Num 21:34 And the LORD said unto Moses, Fear him not: for I have delivered him into thy hand, and all his people, and his land; and thou shalt do to him as thou didst unto Sihon king of the Amorites, which dwelt at Heshbon.
Num 21:35 So they smote him, and his sons, and all his people, until there was none left him alive: and they possessed his land.
Here again we see God's promises being fulfilled. Moses and the children of Israel are to
take the land God has promised. God said to not fear this King because He has already
been delivered in your hand! It has not happened yet, but to God it's a done deal, this
guy Og the king of Bashan, and all his people are toast!
God will help us through life, no matter what it is we face.
He even...
II. Supplies in Famine
1Ki 17:13 And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son.
There is famine in the land...food and water are scarce. Not because of Elijah or the widows actions, but because of evil King Ahab. They are in this situation, God is going to see them through. This widow had given up and was preparing her and her sons last meal before they died. But God had other plans to show her and the rest of us that He can supply out of nothing! She by faith made the cake for Elijah first, and according to Scripture...
1Ki 17:15 And she went and did according to the saying of Elijah: and she, and he, and her house, did eat many days.
1Ki 17:16 And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Elijah.
When we put God first, He will supply!
The Psalmist put it this way...
Psa 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
Psa 37:24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.
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Psa 37:25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.
III. Protection in Peril
2Ki 6:16 And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.
Here we see what we don't see. Only when God opened the eyes of Gehazi did he see the REAL situation...God has it covered! Even when real danger or peril is imminent God takes care of His own! We need our eyes opened so we can see and not fear!
IV. Strength in Weakness
Isa 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
There is so much in this one verse I could probably spend all day on it.
God is with me!
Don't be dismayed
DISMAY, v.t. To deprive of that strength or firmness of mind which constitutes courage; to discourage; to dishearten; to sink or depress the spirits or resolution; hence, to affright or terrify.
He will give me strength and help
He will keep me up in and through His righteousness
V. Companionship in Trial
Isa 43:1 But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.
Isa 43:2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
Isa 43:3 For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.
If you need encouragement, take this passage to heart! I don't know any of us who couldn’t be lifted up by knowing we are His, He paid the ransom for us, and He calls us by name! Glory to God! Praise His Holy Name!
VI. Overshadowing Care
Mat 10:30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
Mat 10:31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.
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Our Lord not only knows us by name and how many hairs are on our head, He is concerned about all our welfare. Listen to what the Word says in...
Luk 12:29 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.
Luk 12:30 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.
Luk 12:31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Luk 12:32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
Again I say to you put God first, make it a priority to have your relationship with Jesus fresh, real, and healthy! You will never regret putting Him first, but I can assure you regret is all you'll have if you don't!
VII. Life Beyond the Grave
Rev 1:17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:
Rev 1:18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
God is so good, gracious, merciful, loving, and caring He not only takes care of us in this life, but in the life to come!!
We have seen through these passages of Scripture how He keeps His promises and how He is still keeping them!
Remember what Matthew 28:6 says...
“He is not here: for he is risen, as he said.”
Now you have seven reasons, seven ways to live “Fearless in a world of fear”
Close as the Spirit leads...
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