24 December 2006

Fear not, I am with you

Fear not, I am with you
Text: Isaiah 41:10; Luke 1, 2

Series:
” That It Might Be Fulfilled”

Message Notes

(I) FEAR- THE PROBLEM OFTEN NOT DEALT WITH THOROUGHLY

1. An innate problem

2. A deep-seated problem

3. A problem often not well dealt with

4. A problem that can well break a person down completely

(II) FEATURES OF FEAR NOT DEALT WITH

1. Dismay at the prospect of war Isaiah 41:10-12

“But thus is a people robbed and plundered…” Isaiah 42:22

2. Discouragement from trials of life

“When you pass through the waters…
When you walk through the fire…” Isaiah 43:2

(III) FIGHTING FEAR SUCCESSFULLY

“Fear not, for I am with you…” Isaiah 41:10; 43:5

“Do not fear, nor be afraid…” Isaiah 44:8

“Do not be afraid…” Luke 1:13; 2:10

1. Promise of God

2. Presence of God

3. Power of God

4. Proofs: These may be found in the lives of those who have trusted

a) In Biblical times

i) Servants of God

ii) History of Israel

iii) History of the Church

b) In present times

(IV) FEARLESS APPROACH TO LIFE TO BE DEVELOPED

1. Focus on Faith in God’s Word

“Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people” Luke 2:10

2. Focus on Jesus the Saviour

“For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord” Luke 2:11

3. Focus on Facts

“And this will be a sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger” Luke 2:12

4. Fulness of Joy

“Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them” Luke 2:20