Behold, Ten Words of Wonder : Fear Not

Luke 2:10 CSB

10 But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people:

Intro: Today we begin our Christmas series Behold, Ten Words of Wonder. These 10 words are found in these three phrases: Fear not, Good News, Great joy for all the People. These phrases express the very essence of the Christmas message and encapsulate the hope of the Gospel message. Today We begin this series with “Fear Not”.

I. What did they Fear?

Luke 2:8–9 CSB

8 In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.

A. The Shepherds feared the Glory of God. The Glory of God is a manifestation of His presence.

B. This fear of God began in Genesis 3.

II. Why Did They Fear?

Genesis 3:8 CSB

8 Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden.

A. Fear of God wasn’t natural. It wasn’t how we were originally created to live.

B. Human kind walked and talked with God.

C. They had a real relationship

D. The fear of God began with sin. It is only in this sinful state that man began to fear God.

1. They feared the Judgement of a Holy God

2. They feared death.

III. Why Should They No Longer Fear?

A. A solution is foretold 4000 years before it’s fruition

Genesis 3:14–15 CSB

14 So the Lord God said to the serpent: Because you have done this, you are cursed more than any livestock and more than any wild animal. You will move on your belly and eat dust all the days of your life. 15 I will put hostility between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.

B. The day had finally arrived.

Galatians 4:4 CSB

4 When the time came to completion, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law,

Luke 2:10–12 CSB

10 But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: 11 Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped tightly in cloth and lying in a manger.”

The answer to their fears had come.

Hebrews 2:14–18 CSB

14 Now since the children have flesh and blood in common, Jesus also shared in these, so that through his death he might destroy the one holding the power of death—that is, the devil—15 and free those who were held in slavery all their lives by the fear of death. 16 For it is clear that he does not reach out to help angels, but to help Abraham’s offspring. 17 Therefore, he had to be like his brothers and sisters in every way, so that he could become a merciful and faithful high priest in matters pertaining to God, to make atonement for the sins of the people. 18 For since he himself has suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted.

2. But with this Answer comes a warning

Hebrews 3:7–14 CSB

7 Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: Today, if you hear his voice, 8 do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, on the day of testing in the wilderness, 9 where your ancestors tested me, tried me, and saw my works 10 for forty years. Therefore I was provoked to anger with that generation and said, “They always go astray in their hearts, and they have not known my ways.” 11 So I swore in my anger, “They will not enter my rest.” 12 Watch out, brothers and sisters, so that there won’t be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. 13 But encourage each other daily, while it is still called today, so that none of you is hardened by sin’s deception. 14 For we have become participants in Christ if we hold firmly until the end the reality that we had at the start.

i. Do not Harden your hearts

ii. Encourage each other daily in the Gospel

Hebrews 3:15 CSB

15 As it is said: Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.

In conclusion:

We look at this amazing narrative. Man sinned against God and lives in fear of Judgement and death. God sends His only Son Jesus as a baby to live as the God-man, perfect sinless to offer himself a sacrifice unto God for you. There maybe those today who are listening. Maybe you have been in church your entire life but you have never listened to the voice of God pursuing you. Just like the author of Ephesisans emplores us to do. “ If you can hear the voice of God” Speaking to you; If you can feel him drawing you to himself. Do not harden your heart in rebellion but allow Him to redeem you. If you will repent and believe He will forgive your sins. Then just as the Shepherds you too can live with out fear.