Jesus assures that nothing can touch his people without God’s approval. There is nothing to fear when God is allowing a trial on us. He is in control. The only reason to fear is to go against His wishes. When He is with us, every situation is for the best.
Overview
Bible Passages: Matt 10: 26-33; Luke 12:2-9
What is fear?
Who causes fear?
Have no fear
- Reasons
- Responses
Fear God alone
- Reasons
- Responses
Discussion
Objectives
To understand:
- What it means to fear God
- In what ways we compromise this fear
- How do demonstrate this fear in our lives
Bible Passage
Matt 10:26 “So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. 27 What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.
Bible Passage (Cont’d)
Matt 10:28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. 32 So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, 33 but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.
What is fear of God?
Fear of God drives actions to obey and prioritize God, to dispel every hint of darkness from our lives.
Fear, awe and reverence for God gets dominated by Love for God as we progress in our relationship with Him
The Fear God progression
Who causes fear?
Both Matthew and Luke passages refer to the Pharisees – the fake religious leaders of God’s house.
What is the equivalent today?
Are we allowing ourselves to be pushed into a mould by those we view as good Christians or good Christian leaders? What patterns do we form that demonstrates lack of fear?
Fear God
Fearing God takes us to that level:
When thoughts are so tuned to God that words spring from the heart and intentions become actions
There are a lot of good intentions. They are meaningless to God unless translated to action – the right actions
Have no fear
This phrase is repeated three times in this passage with three reasons:
- Gospel will be communicated.
- Greatest worldly power is confined
- God has you covered
Reason: Gospel will be communicated
The disciples are starting a revolution. One day the gospel will ring throughout the world – it is happening
Response
“Proclaim it on the rooftops” – Announce the word – speak the truth/ stand for the truth
Reason: Greatest worldly power confined
Satan and his minions cannot kill the soul. Don’t let them confine you.
They cannot touch the soul unless we let them.
Response
“Fear the one who can”. Align with kingdom values – stick with the truth
Reason: God has you covered
Not a sparrow falls without His knowledge.
We can take His cover or the world’s cover – depends on whose line we toe.
Response
“you are of more value than many sparrows.”
Accept your worth – surrender to His protection
Fear God Alone
Reason: He will acknowledge you in the only place to the only person that counts
Response: Acknowledge via words and actions – from the heart (Is 29:13, Matt 15:8)
Discussion
1.How can we prepare to be persecuted and pray for the persecuted?
2.In situations where there is no persecution, what are other unhealthy fears that drive us.
3.Differentiate between fear of God and fear of man.
4.Explain “Perfect love casts out fear” 1 John 4:16-18