The Cure For Fear In Witnessing

REPLACE FEAR WITH LIBERTY IN CONFESSING CHRIST BY THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE FACE OF HOSTILITY

1. Replace the Paralyzing Fear of Finite Man with the Liberating Fear of the Eternal God (:4-5)

a. Draw Confidence from our Relationship to Christ

b. Do not fear finite Man

c. Liberating fear of the Eternal God

Transition: Fear God, but draw near to Him rather than shrinking back in terror

2. Replace the Paralyzing Fear of Insignificance with the Liberating Assurance of God's Providence (:6-7)

a. Feelings of Insignificance can undermine our resolve to confess Christ

b. Illustration of God's Providence

Transition: the fear of God and the assurance of His providential care will manifest themselves in openly confessing Christ

3. Confessing Christ in the Face of Hostility is Required of Genuine Disciples -- not Optional (:8-10)

a. If we confess Christ, He will confess us 9:8)

b. If we deny Christ, He will deny us (:9-10)

Transition: the ministry of the Holy Spirit: in contrast to Jesus' enemies who bnlasphemed the Holy Spirit, Jesus' followers would be helped by the Holy Spirit

4. Replace Anxiety Regarding Confessing Christ with Dependence upon the Holy Spirit (:11-12)