Don’t Let Fear Shut You Up

Fear can make us do foolish things. The other day I went to the grocery store to return a bottle of ranch. I’m standing in line for several minutes and finally get up to where I am next in line. I get out the receipt so I will be ready only to discover to my horror that I have grabbed the wrong receipt!

I panic. I get out of line and walk back into the store only to think, “oh no! If I try to walk out now they will think I’m stealing it, if I try to explain they will just assume I’m lying. It will be awkward and uncomfortable and a huge hassle.” So, in this moment, I’ve let fear take over right? Rather than just give it a try and see what happens. I walk over to where the bottles of ranch are kept, and put it on the shelf.

So now, when someone does inventory at the grocery store there will be an unexplained extra bottle of ranch dressing courtesy of a panicked and fearful Jon Winkelman.

Here’s the point of the story. When we allow fear to take over we become paralyzed and unable to think or act rationally.

Fear is a weapon used by our enemy to keep us silent about Christ.

We fear what people will think, we fear what they will say, we fear what they might do. And so we are silent.

And in our silence, another soul walks silently into hell.

There are two questions we will work to answer this morning.

How do we defeat fear?

What actions can be taken to inspire boldness?

That’s what we want to talk about this morning.

We come to a new chapter where Paul’s second missionary journey is drawing to a close.

In chapter 18 we deal with

1. The protestation against preaching in Achaia 18:1-22

There are two ways fear is defeated in the life of the believer.

When fear is defeated, we are free to boldly proclaim Christ.

When Christ is proclaimed the church gains purpose, growth, and strength.

Paul meets Aquila and Priscilla in this chapter.

Two ways fear is defeated, #1…

1. Fear Is Defeated By Fellowship vv. 1-8

Books, movies, and television shows have all used a situation so often it has become common.

Some bully is surrounded by his friends and mouthing off. Then he goes to far and his friends back off.

Suddenly the bully is all alone and his courage turns to fear.

As believers in Jesus Christ we must recognize that there is fear in isolation. Courage and boldness grow when we realize that there are godly men and women fighting by our side!

The church desperately needs fellowship.

There are two kinds of fellowship in these verses. The first kind of fellowship is a little surprising.

a. Christians should have secular fellowship vv. 1-4

READ v. 1

After leading some of the philosophical elites to Christ, Paul moves on to Corinth (S).

Corinth was geographically situated to where it was a major crossroads for trade. This made it a strategic city to have a church in.

However, Corinth was a dark place. One commentator described it this way.

The Lexham Bible Dictionary Overview

First-century Corinth was a city rich in both history and wealth due to its geographic advantages. It was a city of cultural diversity, a hub of Roman paganism, and a hotbed for immorality. It also hosted the biannual Isthmian games, which drew throngs from across Greece.

While Corinth was an ideal city to reach from a strategic standpoint, it was also a difficult city to reach. Nevertheless, that is where Paul goes.

He comes into the city and gets a pleasant surprise.

READ v. 2

Paul meets a Jewish couple who had left Rome. It is unclear whether they were already believers or if they came to Christ through Paul’s ministry. Either way, they meet and fellowship.

Their fellowship is centered around two unique things. The first we have already seen. They are Jewish. There is a national loyalty and fellowship which they enjoy. The second thing we find in verse three.

READ v. 3

This Jewish couple that just happened to leave Rome and just happened to end up in Corinth, and just happen to meet Paul; just also happen to be of the same trade. This is a divine appointment!

But notice with me that the two things their fellowship initially centers around are not spiritual things! Their fellowship is based on nationality and occupation.

As believers we need this kind of fellowship. We need to spend time together outside of church.

I have a friend from Bible school who is fond of saying that Christians need to play together.

This is how fear is defeated. Fear is defeated in community. Community is not built by simply gathering once per week for a few hours. Community is built when we let one another into our lives and do life together!

With this support system in place, Paul is able to minister more effectively.

READ v. 4

It is probably around this time, while fellowshipping with Priscilla and Aquila and reasoning in the synagogue, that Paul writes 1-2 Thess.

We saw this word “reasoned” back in ch. 17. But it is worth repeating.

Reasoned – διαλέγομαι (dialegomai) converse; discuss; argue. To discourse. To consider or examine a topic in speech with others.

Reasoned – διαλέγομαι (dialegomai)

Paul dialogues with people every Sabbath. Through these conversations, he persuades them.

Persuaded – πείθω (peithō) persuade; convince. To cause somebody to adopt a certain position, belief, or course of action.

Persuaded – πείθω (peithō)

Both Jews and Greeks are reasoned with and persuaded.

This reasoning and persuading is the process of conviction whereby men’s minds are changed about who Christ is, about their sin, and about the need of a Savior.

This is what we call repentance. That moment when they believe, when their mind is finally changed, is the moment of salvation.

Belief and salvation occur simultaneously and are a result of the conviction of the Holy Spirit.

Every Sabbath Paul would reason in the synagogue and every day he would work with Priscilla and Aquila. The fellowship they provided gave Paul the ability to work without fear.

If we want to be free from fear, we must have a community of believers who have our back. Believers we can call or text or snap at a moments notice. Believers who pray for us, who challenge us, and who bear our burdens.

This community of believers cannot be built on Sunday alone. We must meet together throughout the week.

Fellowship was the backbone of the early church. We have already seen this in Acts. Turn to 2:42.

Acts 2:42 NKJV

And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Acts 2:42 NKJV

And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.

From the very beginning, the church was built on fellowship.

tells us that we are called into fellowship (S).

1 Corinthians 1:9 NKJV

God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

If we are going to defeat fear and be effective for Christ, we need to fellowship with one another on more than just Sunday.

Fellowship is built through connection and time together.

To defeat fear, we need secular fellowship. As we enjoy this fellowship the second kind of fellowship develops. Christians should have secular fellowship and…

b. Christians should have strengthening fellowship vv. 5-8

READ v. 5

Everything that happens in vv. 5-8 seems to hinge on the arrival of Silas and Timothy. Their fellowship and encouragement empower Paul to testify to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ!

v. 5 – Silas and Timothy arrive from Berea (ch. 17). Everything that happens in vv. 5-8 seems to hinge on the arrival of Silas and Timothy.

As in 17:16, Paul is compelled by the Spirit to speak.

When we live our lives in submission to the Holy Spirit, He tells us when and what to speak.

Paul testifies to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ.

He is declaring Jesus as Messiah. He is the one promised to Adam and Eve who will crush the head of serpent. He is the one promised to Abraham who will bless all nations. He is the one promised to David who will rule eternally. He is the one Isaiah spoke of who was wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities, chastised for our peace, and who healed us with His stripes! He bore our iniquities, and through Him we are justified and declared righteous!

Jesus is the Christ!

That is what Paul proclaims to the Jews. We find their response in v. 6

READ v. 6

They oppose and blaspheme.

The Jews resist the message Paul preaches. Instead of belief, they blaspheme.

And so, Paul, who back in ch. 9 was told he would bear Christ's name to Gentiles, turns to them.

In saying he is going to the Gentiles, Paul says that he is clean.

Clean – καθαρός (katharos) pure; clean. Guiltless, characterized by freedom from guilt or responsibility; conceived of as being clean.

Clean – καθαρός (katharos)

Paul, having presented the gospel, is stating that if they choose to reject Christ, he is guiltless. He has done his part.

This reminds us yet again that we are not responsible to make people believe. We are messengers who proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. What those who hear do with that message is between them and the Lord.

After declaring that he will go to the Gentiles, Paul does just that.

READ v. 7

Two facts make me believe that this man is a Gentile. First is his name. It is a Latin name, not a Jewish name. Second, that he is called “one who worshiped God.” This phrase is normally reserved for those who are proselytes, meaning Gentiles who have converted to Judaism.

The idea seems to be that Paul ceases to teach in the synagogue and continues his ministry from this man’s house.

This way those who were interested could still come there from the synagogue, but Gentiles could come as well.

Again we see fellowship strengthening Paul and his ministry. Here it is the fellowship with this Gentile man.

The result of this change is many people coming to Christ as seen in v. 8.

READ v. 8

In a truly astonishing turn of events, the ruler of the synagogue believes! It is almost as though not meeting in the synagogue enables Crispus to respond. His whole household believes as well. From it seems that Paul baptizes Crispus as well (S).

1 Corinthians 1:14 NKJV

I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius,

In addition to Crispus, many Corinthians also believe.

The order of events here is very important. They hear first. Then they believe. Then they are baptized.

This lines up with (S).

For the gospel to be believed, it must be heard.

Romans 10:14 NKJV

How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?

For the gospel to be believed, it must be heard.

We see in this verse that the hearing comes first. They hear, then they believe. After belief, comes baptism. 16:31 makes it clear that belief is what saves.

Yet what we see here is that to the early church there was no such thing as believing and not being baptized as a public declaration of your faith in Christ and an identification with His death, burial, and resurrection. It is a symbolization of the death of our old man and the birth of the new!

v. 8 – Believed and were baptized. The belief came first. And belief is what saves (16:31). Yet what we see here is that to the early church there was no such thing as believing and not being baptized as a public declaration of your faith in Christ and an identification with His death, burial, and resurrection. It is a symbolization of the death of our old man and the birth of the new!

In the early church salvation was always followed by baptism.

Paul is able to reach these people, able to lead the ruler of the synagogue to Christ, because of the fellowship he had!

Timothy and Silas come and Paul is emboldened to preach. He fellowships with Justus and is strengthened to continue his ministry.

If we are going to defeat fear, we must have fellowship that strengthens.

Fellowship is built through mutual purpose and direction.

Paul and these believers all have the same goal, to see people come to Christ.

When our fellowship is built on Christ, we are able to strengthen one another.

Fear is a problem that all of us face. It is a tactic, an attack used by Satan to silence us. To defeat fear, we need fellowship. We need fellowship, not just on Sunday, but throughout the week. And we need fellowship that encourages and strengthens us to fulfill the task we have been given.

Fear is defeated by fellowship. Secondly…

2. Fear Is Defeated By Lordship vv. 9-17

Raise your hand if you’ve ever been on a roller coaster (S).

Roller coasters give you an adrenaline rush. They are a little bit scary because of the speed and they way they flip and move.

But what helps to limit our fear is knowing that the course is laid out. The coaster will follow the path that has been designed for it.

Because we know that there is a plan and that the roller coaster will follow that plan, we can be confident.

Life is kind of like a roller coaster. There are ups and downs, twists and turns. There are moments of adrenaline fueled excitement, and there are moments of stomach lurching uncertainty.

No matter what life throws our way, we have no need of fear because the God we serve has everything laid out! He knows the end from the beginning! Everything in your life and mine is following the course He has laid out!

Fear is defeated when we submit ourselves to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and trust the master planner who has laid out the course of life!

We know the end! There is no need to fear.

However, there are moments when we fear the circumstances we face. In those moments there are two reasons we need not fear.

#1. There is no need to fear because…

a. When Jesus is Lord there is prevention vv. 9-11

READ v. 9

We need to recognize that this is not how we can expect God to speak to us today. Everything He needs to say to us has already been revealed in His Word.

For example, we don’t need to be told to speak and not fear, because we see it right here! We also see it other places in Scripture.

In this vision Paul is told not fear, not to keep silent, but to speak.

The opposite of fear is speaking of Christ!

Failure to speak of Christ means that we are giving in to fear. When we give in to fear we are not walking in the Spirit, and we are not living in the resurrection power of Christ.

Look at what Paul writes to Timothy in (S).

2 Timothy 1:7–8a NKJV

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God,

We do not have a spirit of fear! Why not? God tells Paul in the next verse. So God says, don’t fear, speak, don’t be silent, because…

READ v. 10

Paul has three vital facts revealed to him here.

1 - God’s presence

Don’t be afraid, Paul. I am with you.

We have this very same promise! As Jesus was leaving He gave what we call the great commission. Part of that is His promise that He would be with us always (). Hebrews reminds us of that promise. (S).

Hebrews 13:5 NKJV

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.”

The God of the universe. The One who spoke everything we know into existence. The One who gives sight to the blind, makes the lame walk, and raises the dead. The God in whom we live and move and have our being. The God of eternity, the Lord of glory, the maker of heaven and earth is on our side! He will never leave. He will never forsake. His love is everlasting.

Because He is on our side, we have nothing to fear.

God is present. He is with us no matter what we might be enduring.

2 - God’s preservation

Until we are finished doing what God has called us to do and finished reaching who God has called us to reach; we are untouchable! How do we know when we are finished? When God allows us to be moved on.

This is not a promise for all of us at all times. This is a specific promise to Paul at a specific time and for a specific purpose. However, we know that each of us has a calling, we have a race to run and until we are finished, God will prevent harm from touching us.

The will of God is the only safe place to be.

When we are in the center of His will doing what He has called us to do, nothing can harm us. That’s because we are fulfilling His purpose. That’s the third thing Paul has revealed to him here.

3 - God’s purpose

God already knew that there were many in Corinth who would place their faith in Christ.

God is telling Paul that He will preserve him because there is work to be done! Do want the best life insurance? Serve the Lord faithfully and you will live until you have fulfilled His purpose!

God has our lives planned out and when we walk in His will and submit to His Lordship we are safe until we’ve fulfilled our calling.

Paul follows God’s direction and has a powerful ministry in Corinth.

READ v. 11

A year and a half Paul spends in Corinth.

What does he do there? He teaches the Word of God.

v. 10 – I have many people in this city. Is this why Paul will not be attacked? Or is this a reference to those who will believe?

Missionaries, pastors, Sunday school teachers, this is what we do. We teach the Word.

That’s what Paul will later write to Timothy in (S).

2 Timothy 4:2 NKJV

Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.

This is all we have to say. We don’t preach opinion or philosophy. We preach Christ as He has been revealed in His Word!

We don’t preach self help, we preach the Word. We don’t preach societal norms, we preach the Word!

For a year and a half God preserves Paul and his ministry.

Preservation is the result of Christ and His mission being the center of our lives.

The important thing to remember is that preservation will always be temporary.

There is no need to fear because we are preserved by the power of Christ. Anything He allows into our lives is for His glory and our good.

When we have completed the work God has for us, preservation is lifted and protection engages.

#2. There is no need to fear because…

b. When Jesus is Lord there is protection vv. 12-17

READ v. 12

Paul has been in Corinth for over a year and a half. The Jews get fed up with him, possibly because their leader got converted, and they drag him to the authorities.

This could definitely be a time of fear. But remember, Paul has already been told God is with him.

God has been preserving him from harm, now He is going to be protected in the midst of difficulty.

READ v. 13

Here we encounter the complete misunderstanding of what Paul is teaching.

We don’t know if this is deliberate or not, but it certainly seems like they haven’t been listening to Paul.

Paul is actually teaching the exact opposite. He is teaching that Christ fulfilled the law. He is teaching that the law brings us to Christ! He is teaching the whole point and purpose of the law. Don’t be surprised if and when this happens.

Unintentionally though, they pay Paul a compliment. Did you catch it? Read the verse with me again and let’s see if you spot it.

Paul was persuading people!

He was leading them out of bondage to the law and into a relationship with Jesus Christ!

But now he has been brought before the ruler of this province.

READ v. 14

This is the protection of God! Paul doesn’t even get to speak!

This heathen ruler affirms Paul’s testimony. There was no wrongdoing, no crimes they could accuse Paul of. Like Daniel in ancient times, all they could accuse Paul of was serving the Lord with faithfulness.

May that be true of us.

Gallio tells them that if Paul was guilty, he would tolerate them coming to him.

READ v. 15

Since their complaint is not really a legal one, Gallio says he doesn’t care.

Again, this is God’s protection.

READ v. 16

He drives them from his judgment seat.

He forces them away!

What preservation!

God uses a heathen ruler to protect Paul.

God can and will use extraordinary means in the protection of His children.

Corrie Ten Boom - The Hiding Place. WWII - Hiding Jews. They’re under the table.

We have nothing to fear! God will protect us.

When we are walking with the Lord, doing His will, and serving where He has placed us; He will protect us.

This means that anytime something bad is allowed to happen there are only two reasons for it. 1 - We have gotten out of His will and He is working to bring us back. 2 - The trial or difficulty is part of God’s perfect plan for our lives!

We see how God uses difficulty and trial to accomplish His purpose in v. 17.

READ v. 17

In v. 8, Crispus was the ruler of the synagogue. Apparently he is removed when he becomes a Christian.

Now Sosthenes is the rule and he gets beaten in front of the judgment seat and Gallio doesn’t even care.

However, this seems to be a turning point in Sosthenes’ life. I believe he is the same man mentioned in (S).

1 Corinthians 1:1 NKJV

Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,

All appearances are that Sosthenes comes to Christ after these events.

God uses difficult circumstances to accomplish His will.

The trials and difficulties we endure are divine appointments directing us where God wants us to go.

Paul experiences God’s protection here.

Both protection and trial are part of God’s plan.

Because He has a plan, there is no reason to fear.

We already know how the story of mankind ends. Our own personal stories will end with us in the presence of Jesus! He is the one who holds tomorrow. Don’t live in fear. Trust the perfect plan of Jesus.

Conclusion

When we have opportunity to share our faith, there is often fear.

Satan’s goal in using fear is to keep us silent.

Don’t let fear shut you up. Instead, defeat it.

Fear is defeated by fellowship.

We need more fellowship within the body of Christ.

This fellowship needs to happen outside these walls as well as inside.

When we fellowship we have opportunity to encourage and strengthen one another.

Fear is defeated by lordship.

We must submit ourselves to the Lord’s control.

When we do we find that we are preserved and protected by the Lord.

When we walk in His will we are safe. Anything allowed into our lives will make us more like Christ.

My prayer is that we would be free from fear.

We have not been given a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.

May our fellowship bring us strength to proclaim Christ.

May our submission to Christ bring us courage and boldness.

May we share the good news of Jesus without fear.

#202 Amazing Grace

Acts 18:1–17 NKJV

After these things Paul departed from Athens and went to Corinth. And he found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla (because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome); and he came to them. So, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tentmakers. And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and Greeks. When Silas and Timothy had come from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ. But when they opposed him and blasphemed, he shook his garments and said to them, “Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” And he departed from there and entered the house of a certain man named Justus, one who worshiped God, whose house was next door to the synagogue. Then Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his household. And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized. Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city.” And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them. When Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews with one accord rose up against Paul and brought him to the judgment seat, saying, “This fellow persuades men to worship God contrary to the law.” And when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, “If it were a matter of wrongdoing or wicked crimes, O Jews, there would be reason why I should bear with you. But if it is a question of words and names and your own law, look to it yourselves; for I do not want to be a judge of such matters.” And he drove them from the judgment seat. Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. But Gallio took no notice of these things.