25 November 2007

Fear not, O Jacob, My servant

Fear not, O Jacob, My servant
Text: Isaiah 44

Series:
"Behold, My Servant"

Message Notes

(I) NOTING THE PROBLEM OF FEAR

“Fear not, for I am with you…” Isaiah 41:10

“Fear not, I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13

“Fear not, you worm Jacob…I will help you…” Isaiah 41:14

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you…” Isaiah 43:1

“Fear not, for I am with you…” Isaiah 43:5

“Fear not, O Jacob My servant…” Isaiah 44:2

1. Repetition of phrase “Fear not”

a) Because fear kept rising up

b) Because fear had not been banished completely

c) Because fear still threatened

d) Because fear still prevailed

e) Because fear was widespread

2. Addressing fear effectively

a) Knowledge of God’s Presence

b) Faith in God’s Promises

c) Trust in God’s Power

d) Confidence in God’s relation to His servant

(II) REPLACING FEAR WITH FAITH

“Yet hear now, O Jacob My servant,
And Israel whom I have chosen.
Thus says the LORD who made you
And formed you from the womb, who will help you:
‘Fear not, O Jacob My servant;
And you, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen.
For I will pour water on him who is thirsty,
And floods on the dry ground;
I will pour My Spirit on your descendants,
And My blessing on your offspring…’ ”
Isaiah 44:1-3

1. Faith comes from hearing God speak to us

“Yet, hear now, O Jacob My servant…” Isaiah 44:1

2. Faith comes from believing what God says to us

“Thus says the LORD who made you And formed you from the womb, who will help you:
‘Fear not, O Jacob My servant…’ ”
Isaiah 44:2

3. Faith comes from being filled with the Spirit of God

“I will pour My Spirit on your descendants” Isaiah 44:3a (Cf. Acts 2 )

4. Faith comes with appreciating the blessings of God outpoured

“…I will pour… My blessing on your offspring” Isaiah 44:3b

(III) RAMIFICATIONS

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7

1. What God has not given

The spirit of fear!

2. What God has given

a) Power

b) Love

c) A sound mind