“Fear not”

What is fear?

Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!” The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” Matthew 10: 23-25 (NIV)

The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” Matthew 10: 26 – 27 (NIV)

Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. Matthew 14: 22 – 24 (NIV)

Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Matthew 14: 25 – 27 (NIV)

“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” He said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. Matthew 14: 27 – 29 (NIV)

How does fear come about?

We write this to make our joy complete. 1 John 1: 4 (NIV)

How do we eliminate fear?

By knowing who we truly are in Christ

By knowing who we truly are in Christ By recognising that God is in control

The Lord is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear The Lord is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me my heart will not fear though war break out against me even then I will be confident. Psalm 27: 1-3 (NIV)

But my righteous one will live by faith But my righteous one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back. Hebrews 10: 38 (NIV)

By knowing who we truly are in Christ By recognising that God is in control By identifying our internal dialogue

Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful Joshua 1: 8 (NIV)

The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life. John 6: 63 (NIV)