Fear Not

(#209, Hinkley/Yermo, Sept 1948; Radio July 1949; Imperial, 1958)

Read Luke 21:25-28.

For a long time fear has gripped the world.  Fear of wars, disasters, economic collapse, labor revolutions, dictatorship, poverty, starvation and a host of other things. Each day we wonder what startling news item will face us.

Fear is a terrible thing. It brings bondage, causes unrest, ruins health.  From the human point of view fear is justifiable for the natural man knows not where to turn for help. For the child of God who cannot drift beyond his Heavenly Father's love, there is no fear.

One of the most comforting phrases of Scripture is "Fear not."  It is surprising to note the variety of circumstances around God's children when these words were spoken.

ƒ    Fear Not.

    1.  Josh 1:9: conquest of Canaan (giants, walled cities, etc.)

    2.  Matt. 14:27: disciples on storm-tossed sea.

    3.  Ac. 18:19: Paul facing opponents of the gospel.

    4.  Jn 14:1: Apostles about to be thrown into the teeth of a world that would hate them.

ƒ    The Modern Application.

    1.  We need not be afraid to live.  God says "fear not" to the father who has lost his job, to the mother, to those suffering on beds of pain, to young people facing an unsympathetic world.

    2.  We need not be afraid to die (Psalm 23:4).

    3.  We need not fear what comes after death (John 14:19).

ƒ    The antidote to fear, Psalm 34:4.

w   John 14:1: Fear not, you believe in God, believe also in Me.

w   Mark 5:36: Only believe.

w   Ps. 34:4: Seek the Lord.

w   Ps. 46:2,7: God is our refuge.

When Christ becomes the objective of our lives -- when we see Him and He fills our vision -- we need not fear!

Fear and faith never dwell in the same abode.