Do Not Fear What Man Can Do

Central Idea:

Faith in God grants believers boldness to live without fear of human opposition or harm.

Psalm 118:6 ESV

The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?

INTRODUCTION

Imagine standing defenseless against a vast army, surrounded and outnumbered, yet feeling a peace so deep that no fear could penetrate your heart.

Ps 11:6 is not naïve bravery, but steadfast faith rooted in God’s unshakable promises.

Today, we explore how this truth shapes our lives as believers as Christians, freeing us from fear and empowering us to witness boldly in a challenging world.

OBJECTIVE

True Faith in God is the Source of Courage

Courage in Christ Comes Through Faith, Not Circumstance

Man’s Power Is Limited, but God’s Power Is Eternal

1. True Faith in God is the Source of Courage

Hebrews 13:5–6 ESV

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”

The assurance of God’s presence should banish fear — He walks with us, even in the darkest valleys

Psalm 23:4 ESV

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

In times of distress, our refuge is not in man, but in the Almighty

Psalm 118:8–9 ESV

It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.

Application: When you face betrayal, rejection, or hostility from others, remember that the Creator of heaven and earth stands by your side — trust in Him, not in the fleeting approval of men.

2. Courage in Christ Comes Through Faith, Not Circumstance

2 Timothy 1:7 ESV

for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Romans 8:31 ESV

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Joshua 1:9 ESV

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Faith transforms our perspective; we look beyond what man threatens to what God promises.

The apostles, though threatened and beaten, boldly preached because they trusted in the risen Christ

Acts 4:18–20 ESV

So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.”

Faith transforms our perspective; we look beyond what man threatens to what God promises.

Philippians 1:28 ESV

and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God.

3. Man’s Power Is Limited, but God’s Power Is Eternal

Matthew 10:28 ESV

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.

Isaiah 51:12 ESV

“I, I am he who comforts you; who are you that you are afraid of man who dies, of the son of man who is made like grass,

The power of man is temporary, physical, and ultimately constrained by God’s will.

Fear of man can lead to compromise, but fear of God leads to life and integrity.

Application: Place your reverence in God, not man. Fear of man may cost you your conviction; fear of God secures your eternity.

CONCLUSION

The psalmist’s question still rings true today: “What can man do to me?” (Psalm 118:6). Yes, man can inflict pain, but only God holds your soul.

As followers of Christ, we must live with bold, fearless faith — not because life is easy, but because God is with us.

Whether in trials, persecution, or moments of doubt, we must cling to His promise: “I will not fear.” So take courage. Stand firm. And never let the fear of man outweigh your faith in the Almighty.