Do Not Be Afraid

Holy Week  •  Sermon  •  Submitted   •  Presented   •  40:46
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We are defined by our fears, controlled by our fears, and manipulated by our fears. But God does not want us to live in fear! Because of the resurrection, the power of fear is broken and we can live free in Christ.

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Introduction

What are you afraid of? My fear of dogs story…
Fear is a major issue in our society. According to a recent study by Chapman University:
59% of Americans live in fear of a loved one dying
55% are very afraid of a potential economic collapse
49% are very afraid biological warfare in the near future
54% are more fearful than hopeful about what lies ahead in 2022-2023
Fear is such a powerful factor that it often even defines our identity.
The Enneagram identifies your basic fear, and then defines your personality based on what you’re afraid of
Your basic fear is being worthless, therefore your basic desire is to feel valuable. That motivates you to be an achiever (3).
Your basic fear is being unwanted, therefore your basic desire is to feel loved. That motivates you to be a helper (2).
Your basic fear is missing out (fomo), therefore your basic desire is to be satisfied. That motivates you to be an extroverted, spontaneous, enthusiast (7).
TED Talk, Tim Ferriss said, “You should write your fears instead of writing your goals because most people are motivated more by fear than by accomplishments.”
We are defined by fear, motivated by fear, controlled by fear, dominated by fear. Our fears are taken advantage of—the media has for years used fear to manipulate us.
Last month, March, more than 1/4 Americans reported symptoms of anxiety disorder (over 93 million people)!
God does not want you to live in fear!
The most often repeated command in the Bible is: “Do not be afraid.”
2 Timothy 1:7 (NET), “For God did not give us a Spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
2 Timothy 1:7 NET
7 For God did not give us a Spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control.
1 John 4:18, “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear…”
1 John 4:18 ESV
18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.

Body: Matthew 28:1-10, 20b (NET)

Two quick observations that help us overcome fear
Jesus is alive (Matt 28:5-6).
Matthew 28:5–6 NET
5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.6 He is not here, for he has been raised, just as he said. Come and see the place where he was lying.
Jesus is with us (Matt 28:18-20).
Matthew 28:18–20 NET
18 Then Jesus came up and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,20 teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
If Jesus is alive and is with you through the community of His people, then you can truly say with the psalmist, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me… ” (Ps 23:4).
Psalm 23:4a ESV
4 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.

Testimony (Corinne)

Invitation

1 John 4:18
What are you afraid of? Will you come and give your fear to Jesus and receive His perfect love?
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