Why Christians Should Not Be Afraid!
Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV)
10 Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'
1. God's Presence Secures
"Fear thou not; for I am with you..."
A. Even a child is unafraid and secure when his father is
walking beside him holding his hand.
B. As Christians, our Heavenly Father is with us - at work,
play, school, church, everywhere.
C. The Disciples became fearful in the storm:
Matthew 14:27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid."
2. God's Peace Satisfies
"...be not dismayed; for I am your God..."
“dismayed” = bewildered; confused; frustrated…
A. Millions are unhappy; discontent; frustrated; angry
B. They worship the god of temporal pursuits:
possessions; pleasures; power; popularity
- they soon decay with no peace
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C. The Lord God Jehovah satisfies the longing of the soul.
Philippians 4:7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
3. God's Power Strengthens
"...I will strengthen you..."
A. Many Christians run scared because they are not as strong
as others:
1) Physically; 2) Mentally; 3) Socially;
4) Economically or 5) Spiritually
B. God's strength is made perfect in weakness
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
9 And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
C. His strength is sufficient
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
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4. God's Provision Supplies
"...Yes, I will help you..."
A. Many try to deal with their problems on their own.
B. God has promised to supply the needs of His children.
Philippians 4:19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
C. We will keep receiving if we keep working, praying, and
believing.
Matthew 7:7-8
7 "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.
5. God's Promise Sustains
"...Yes, I will uphold you with My righteousness right hand."
A. “Right Hand” speaks of strength – God will use all His
greatest strength to sustain us!
B. God promises to sustain us here, but there will be no more
sickness, suffering, or sorrow there...
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Revelation 21:4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."
Conclusion:
Christians should not be afraid!
God is with them now and will be with them forever more!
Hebrews 13:5-6
5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."
6 So we may boldly say: "The Lord is my helper;I will not fear.What can man do to me?"
Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Over and over in the Gospels the disciples were afraid, but Jesus continually said, “Do not be afraid!”