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Scripture Reading:  John 14:27-31

Do Not Fear

(Reasons for Encouragement)

Intro.

1.  Gal. 6:9; 1 Cor. 16:13:  We are to avoid discouragement and be encouraged in our faith.  cf. Apostles – 2 Cor. 4:7-11.

2.  How can we achieve such remarkable encouragement even in times of discouragement?

3.  One answer is to develop & maintain unwavering faith in the power, presence & provisions of God in your life.

4.  Seven “do not fears” which reveal reasons for encouragement in both our physical & spiritual lives as Christians.

I.  DO NOT FEAR:  THERE ARE BLESSINGS IN THE JOURNEY OF LIFE – Gen. 26:24; Josh. 1:8-9.  {Jas. 1:17…}  

  A.  Physical:  God Knows & Supplies our Needs – Matt. 6:31-32; Acts 14:17.

    1.  Israel in the wilderness (water, manna, provisions, protection, guidance – Deut. 8:2-3, 4)…Proved Israel.

    2.  Our physical circumstances also “prove” (test) our faith! (Thankful or greedy?  etc.)

  B.  Spiritual:  In Christ Every Spiritual Need is Met – Eph. 1:3; Rom. 8:35-39.  Are you relying upon Him?

II. DO NOT FEAR:  SUPPLIES IN FAMINE – 1 Kgs. 17:4, 13-14.

  A.  Physical:  God can be Trusted in Times of Need – Matt. 12:44 (Psa. 37:25; Matt. 6:11, 33).

  B.  Spiritual:  Those who Hunger for Righteousness are Filled – Matt. 5:6; Isa. 44:2-4 (4:4; 2 Tim. 3:16-17).  (Living water, Jno. 4:10)

III. DO NOT FEAR:  PROTECTION IN PERIL – 2 Kgs. 6:16-17.

  A.  Physical:  God’s Will is Done – Dan. 3:16-17.

      -Time & chance happens to all – God’s people, living godly lives, are protected from much harm (cf. drugs, alcoholism, dangers).

  B.  Spiritual:  God is Greater than Satan – 1 Pet. 3:14; 1 Jno. 4:4.

IV. DO NOT FEAR:  STRENGTH IN WEAKNESS – Isa. 41:8-10.

  A.  Physical:  All Physical Strength Ultimately Fails – Eccl. 12:3-7.

    1.  The help of friends – Mk. 2:2-5.

    2.  We need God’s power – 2 Cor. 12:9.

  B.  Spiritual:  The Strength of Faith vs. Self – Isa. 40:29-31 (2 Cor. 12:9-10; Eph. 6:10-13.

V.  DO NOT FEAR:  COMPANIONSHIP IN TRIAL – Isa. 43:1-3, 5.

  A.  Physical:  An Important Trait of Faithful Friends – Eccl. 4:7-12.

  B.  Spiritual:  Not Forsaken by Our Lord – 2 Tim. 4:17.

    1.  When Joshua faced the Canaanites, the Lord was there (5:14).

    2.  When Jeremiah sank in the mire, God was there in a man who put his trust in Him – Ebed-melech (Jer. 38:12-13; 39:18).

    3.  When 3 young Hebrews were in the fiery furnace, the Lord walked with them (Dan. 3:25; cf. Isa. 43:2).

      -Heb. 13:5-6-

VI. DO NOT FEAR:  GOD’S OVERSHADOWING CARE – Matt. 10:30-31.

  A.  Physical:  Remember God in Your Life – Jas. 4:13-17 (10:30, 31).

  B.  Spiritual:  God’s Purposes Will be Achieved – Lk. 12:32 (Helper, Heb. 13:6; Judge, Matt. 10:28).

VII. DO NOT FEAR:  LIFE BEYOND THE GRAVE – Rev. 1:17-18.

  A.  Physical:  Future Bodily Resurrection – 1 Cor. 15:21-22, 42-44.

  B.  Spiritual:  Eternal Life for Christians – Jno. 11:25-26; 5:28-29.

Conclusion

   Develop & maintain an unwavering faith in the power, presence & provisions of God in your life. – 2 Cor. 4:16-18