Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church-Friedheim
Celebrating our 167th Year
A 21st Century Parish
with a 1st Century Faith
Acts 2:42
Pentecost 5
June 19, 2005
Matthew 10:24-33
Fear Factor
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Introduction: Reality television shows are like anchovies, you either likes ‘em or you don’t! The series “Fear Factor” is one show I have never seen, nor will I problem ever watch. In my estimation there’s plenty of fear to deal with.
Have you ever been so afraid that you were kept from doing something you really wanted to do or knew you should do? Has fear every kept you from expressing in word or deed the message of Christ? In the Gospel lesson for today, St. Matthew records a sermon of Christ to His disciples that shows how Jesus keeps fear from interfering. Let’s listen, shall we?
I.
The fear of Failure. "Therefore do not fear them, for there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known. "What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear {whispered} in {your} ear, proclaim upon the housetops.” Matthew 10:26-27 (NAS)A.
Like Jesus’ disciples, we may be tempted to fear that the proclamation of His Gospel in our words and deeds may come to naught.B.
Jesus overcomes such fear with the promise that His message will not fail, It will be as victorious as was He in overcoming sin, death, and Satan for us.C.
Therefore, we are liberated to proclaim His glorious message “upon the housetops.”II.
The Fear of Death. "And do not fear those who kill the body, but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matthew 10:28 (NAS)A.
The fear of bodily death was well founded for Jesus’ disciples. While it may not appear imminent for disciples of Christ today in America we would do well to ponder its possibility and our reaction.B. Jesus overcame the fear of bodily death with His promise of life eternal with Him and the eschatological promise of the resurrection of the body.
C. Therefore, we are liberated to proclaim Him as the Lord of life and death.
III. The fear of want. "Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And {yet} not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. "But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. "Therefore do not fear; you are of more value than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:29-31 (NAS)
A. Although we may not be threatened by death, like Jesus’ disciples we may be tempted to fear that our proclaiming of Jesus’ message may cost us some of the necessities of life.
B. Jesus overcomes this fear with His beautiful promise of god’s intimate and extensive providence. The Lord will provide.
C. Therefore, we are liberated to acknowledge Him before men as the good and gracious Lord, who provided for our ultimate need on Good Friday.
Conclusion: Because Christ overcame all possible threats to His mission for us, we can be confident that He also provides us with His strength and comfort to keep fear from interfering with our discipleship. The ultimate reward of such discipleship is that He will acknowledge us before His Father in heaven.
+ Soli Deo Gloria +