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[Annoucer] (0:00 - 0:18) Think about the Bible like you never have before. You're listening to Christian Questions. Experience more episodes, videos, and Bible study resources at ChristianQuestions.com.

Our topic is: "Why Did the Angel Say Fear Not?" Here's Rick, Jonathan, and Julie.

[Rick] (0:19 - 0:29) Welcome everyone. I'm Rick. I'm joined by Jonathan, my co-host for over twenty-five years. Julie, a longtime contributor, is also with us.

Jonathan, what's our theme scripture for this episode?

[Jonathan] (0:29 - 0:45) Luke 2:10-11: "And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which will be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."

[Rick] (0:45 - 2:00) When Jesus came to earth two thousand years ago, he came to pay the price for Adam's sin by willingly offering himself as a just and equal ransom price to redeem Adam, and, therefore, the entire human race from sin and death. To prepare for his coming as a man, God sent the angel Gabriel to deliver preparatory messages to John the Baptist's father, Zacharias, and to Jesus' mother, Mary. Joseph would be guided by spiritually-driven dreams.

When Jesus was born, a whole host of angels made the announcement to some lowly shepherds who were in the fields with their flocks. When the angelic announcement came, it was prefaced with some beautiful words of assurance: "Fear not!"

This reassuring "fear not" sentiment would echo repeatedly throughout Jesus' entire ministry! As we look at the question, "Why did the angel say fear not?" we want to approach it from the perspective of, there was an immediate need for that. But there is a much, much bigger lesson behind it.

Let's go to that account in Luke, where the announcement for Jesus' birth is made. Jonathan, let's go to Luke 2:8-10.

[Jonathan] (2:00 - 2:24) This is from the King James Version: "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came unto them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which will be to all people."

[Julie] (2:25 - 2:45) We all know what fear is. It's to be frightened, terrified, seized with alarm. The Greek word here is "phobeo."

Does that sound familiar? In English, a "phobia" is an anxiety disorder involving excessive and persistent fear of a situation or object. Rick, why was "fear not" the first thing this angel said?

[Rick] (2:45 - 3:34) This is important because it sets a guideline for us to understand the power of these two words; "fear not." The angels say "fear not" because you're talking to these shepherds, you've appeared unannounced, and you know what?

They're afraid. But here's the message, the bigger message; "fear not."

What's about to be proclaimed, or what is happening right here and right now is from God, and it is for you. Have faith, have courage, and have peace, for you are protected and loved in all of these things! That's the big picture, the big message of "fear not."

With that in mind, we've already heard the angel begin that proclamation. Let's go back and finish what the angel was proclaiming in Luke 2:11-14:

[Jonathan] (3:34 - 3:57) "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

[Julie] (3:57 - 4:12) These are lowly, humble shepherds--really "nobodies" in society. Imagine the fear, the thrill, the hope to have this privilege of hearing the message in the still of the night, under the vast expanse of the starlit heavens.

[Rick] (4:12 - 4:53) It would have been really amazing, and the fear that would have come to them initially would have been overwhelming, and then to see all of this--obviously we know it provoked them to go look. You see that the "fear not" message really helped them to move forward. This "fear not" messaging from God to humanity--and there's a theme here of a "fear not" messaging from God to humanity--has already, just in this one instance, played a necessary role in preparing those who would surround Jesus at the beginning of his earthly ministry.

We want to look at the "fear not" experiences, just very briefly, of Zacharias and then of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Let's start with "fear not, Zacharias;" Luke 1:11-13.

[Jonathan] (4:53 - 5:18) This was the dramatic announcement of the birth of John the Baptist: "And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.

But the angel said to him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John."

[Rick] (5:18 - 5:58) It's such a comforting message. You see this mighty angel appear before you--again, completely unannounced, completely unexpected--and the initial fear is immediately met with "fear not," you don't need to be afraid. Then there's this huge message of comfort and guidance as to what's coming. No need to fear, as this spiritual message--I am delivering a message from God, this angel is essentially saying--it's come to you as a blessing and an assurance.

Incidentally, what's going to happen with you and Elisabeth with the birth of your son John is going to begin to change the entire world. That's a huge, huge "fear not" message!

[Jonathan] (5:59 - 6:30) For the young woman Mary, the events that were to unfold around her would be world-changing. After appearing to Zacharias, the angel Gabriel would later appear to her with startling news. Luke 1:28-29: "And the angel came in unto her (Mary), and said, Hail, thou that art highly favored, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.

And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be."

[Julie] (6:30 - 6:43) Interestingly, unlike with the shepherds, this angelic visit doesn't immediately start with a "fear not." Instead, Mary is told first that she's "highly favored" and "blessed," but she doesn't understand what the angel meant.

[Rick] (6:44 - 7:19) She hears this beautiful introduction: You are "highly favored" with God. I mean, did you ever have some angelic being just say to you, you're "highly favored" with God?

This is literally out of this world! This message is that big! It begins to provoke a sense of wonder here.

Gabriel's greeting is one of incredibly great favor. Her reaction, though, her reaction becomes confused and fearful. The angel is going to continue and then give her the needed assurance.

Let's look at Luke 1:30-33:

[Jonathan] (7:19 - 7:44) "And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shall call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest:

and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end."

[Julie] (7:44 - 8:00) How do you respond to this? I mean, think if you're Mary. You're telling me I'm going to have a son who will "be called the Son of the Highest," who will be a king forever?

The Messiah everyone has been waiting for is going to be born to ME? Yeah, I think a "fear not" is needed here, and maybe even a "don't panic!"

[Rick] (8:02 - 8:19) You're right. When we look at these experiences, these three--with the shepherds, with Zacharias, and especially with Mary--what they're being told is beyond their ability to comprehend in the realm of their normal human experience. It's just so incredibly important!

[Jonathan] (8:20 - 8:29) There is no need to fear, Mary, as this spiritual message has come to you to strengthen and assure you!

[Rick] (8:29 - 8:41) That's the point. The message was valuable. It had important things for her to do. It was couched in a "fear not," because God has "highly favored" you.

That's how we can begin to see this unfold.

[Jonathan] (8:41 - 9:04) The angel continued to explain how this miracle would take place, and then ended his message with more miraculous news. Luke 1:36-37: "And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.

For with God nothing shall be impossible."

[Rick] (9:05 - 10:04) This angel gives Mary all of these details, and then finally says, and you know what, you're not alone in this, because Elisabeth (that old cousin of yours who's beyond childbearing age), she's actually pregnant. The whole thing is put in place. But it's interesting, you mentioned, Julie, the "fear not" was such a needed aspect to this.

You have the "fear not," but what's the end of the angel's message? It's "fear not," "...for with God nothing shall be impossible." That is what we want to understand as the big message of what "fear not" in the scriptures surrounding Jesus always means.

It's bigger than just, oh, be calm in the moment. It's much more, be calm in the moment to see the glory of God unfold through...fill in the blanks. This is an exercise for us as we go through these.

These are just three experiences. There's lots more to come. We want to look at how we begin to Find the Faith to Face Our Fear:

[Julie] (10:04 - 10:31) The angelic announcements to "fear not" before and at the birth of Jesus were necessary assurances for those receiving these messages. In each case, something new and different was happening. In each case, the recipients needed to know that these things were all from God, and, therefore, all for everyone's ultimate blessing. Because of who God is, that's where we have credibility behind that "fear not."

[Rick] (10:31 - 11:08) Yeah, there is no greater credibility in all of creation than God's word. When you have a messenger from God delivering God's word, you can be assured that the "fear not" is full of not just assurance, it's full of guarantees. Don't need to go down those roads.

This is a powerful, powerful beginning to some tremendous lessons that will follow. With all that God was doing at that time, one truth shines out with amazing clarity, and that is God takes care of those individuals used to further His will!

[Jonathan] (11:08 - 11:18) These experiences were mighty examples of God's powerful purposes being revealed. Did this "fear not" encouragement continue during Jesus' ministry?

[Rick] (11:19 - 12:06) It should be no surprise that the "fear not" assurances did continue. As we now look into Jesus' ministry, we'll not only see him always assuring his followers, but we will also see a pattern of spiritual growth along with those assurances. There's a pattern that builds with all of this.

Putting all of these things in order will teach us some very, very deep "fear not" lessons. Now we're going to fast forward to the ministry of Jesus, because he said "fear not" to his followers many times. When we look at all of these instances, there are tremendous lessons, and there is actually a progression that is revealed in all of these.

We've got, I think, seven "Fear Not" Points. Let's begin with our first "Fear Not" Point:

[Julie] (12:06 - 12:13) Jesus calls for individuals to follow him; being called to follow Christ can provoke internal fear.

[Jonathan] (12:13 - 12:25) If we do feel fear, we're in good company. The Apostle Peter was drawn by Jesus three separate times over a period of months before he fully and finally followed him.

[Rick] (12:25 - 12:50) Let's look at Simon Peter's third drawing to Jesus. The context of this is Jesus had been in Simon's boat preaching to a large crowd. They had been fishing all night before, they caught nothing, and so the preaching is done, the fishing from the previous night is done, you think, okay, we're done.

Well, no, not exactly, because here's what happens next. Luke 5:4-7:

[Jonathan] (12:50 - 13:05) "When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch. Simon answered and said, Master, we worked hard all night and caught nothing, but I will do as you say and let down the nets."

[Julie] (13:06 - 13:13) Peter's an experienced fisherman, listening to a carpenter tell him how to do his job, but he trusted Jesus enough to try.

[Jonathan] (13:13 - 13:45) Continuing with verse 6 : "When they had done this, they enclosed a great quantity of fish, and their nets began to break; so they signaled to their partners in the other boat for them to come and help them. And they came and filled both of the boats, so that they began to sink."

Can you imagine their reaction? They would be saying, "Stop everything! This large catch is an emergency!

If the nets break, we'll lose all these valuable fish. But now there are so many fish that the boats are sinking! What do we do?

How is this even possible?"

[Julie] (13:45 - 13:58) Here's a lesson for us, because being overwhelmed and not being able to comprehend something can contribute to fear. Even though these men had seen Jesus perform miracles, this was just too much to take in. It was too personal.

[Rick] (13:58 - 14:30) It was. It was too big, too personal, too overwhelming. You have that panic sets in.

Here's what you're seeing; you're seeing Jesus' power through God's spirit. You're seeing that power through God's Spirit;

it was unmistakable. Jesus had tremendous influence on them individually. He was exerting that influence by using God's spirit for this miracle of fishing.

Here's what happens. Simon Peter pays attention! Luke 5:8-11:

[Jonathan] (14:31 - 15:32) "But when Simon Peter saw that, he fell down at Jesus' feet, saying, Go away from me Lord, for I am a sinful man! For amazement had seized him and all his companions because of the catch of fish which they had taken;

and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, Do not fear (KJV: Fear not), from now on you will be catching men. When they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him."

I can relate to Peter. He told Jesus he was a sinful man, not worthy of being called. For me, I came from a sinful, worldly background.

Plus, my family has a history of mental illness. When our Heavenly Father called me to follow His son, like Peter, I also was scared and didn't feel worthy and capable. God showed me that if I was willing, He could certainly work all things out in me.

That doesn't mean that I didn't get anxious or don't get anxious trying to do my best to serve Him.

[Rick] (15:33 - 15:44) Just want one point on what you just said, Jonathan. You're in the same boat, no pun intended, as Simon Peter. Really, because you see it, but it's like, oh my goodness, it's so big.

[Jonathan] (15:44 - 15:49) A lesson for us, Rick and Julie; we want faith to replace our fear.

[Rick] (15:49 - 16:29) That's the point, isn't it? Faith to replace our fear. That's what Simon Peter had to learn. Jesus--to teach him that lesson--said essentially two very important words:

"Fear not!" You don't have to be afraid. I'm here.

I know what I'm doing. That's a profound lesson! Your experience really does fit in with this, as God was calling you out of wherever you happen to have been and saying, it's okay.

There's something bigger and stronger and more fulfilling here. Just trust in Me. We need to be Finding the Faith to Face Our Fear:

[Julie] (16:29 - 16:59) The call to true discipleship can be full of uncertainty. "FEAR NOT!" You don't need to be afraid! Just like with Simon, things in our lives might not go the way we hoped, but when Jesus calls, his message is simple:

"Fear not" and follow me! I know your sins seem overwhelming and unconquerable, but I say to you, follow me, trust in me and with my strength, you can also become fearless fishers of men!

[Rick] (17:00 - 17:55) It comes down to "fear not." You don't have to be afraid because you can rely on my strength, and my strength will carry you through anything and everything. This is at the point of being called, of being drawn.

There's this tremendous assurance in that being drawn that says, you don't have to worry. God has drawn you, and Jesus essentially saying to us through scripture, I know who you are and what you're capable of,

and I know that if you can just put your faith in me as your Lord and master, you can progress and move forward. Jonathan, that was your exact experience in that calling. This doesn't seem right.

It doesn't seem normal, and yet it is happening. That's our first "Fear Not" Point:

Jesus is calling for individuals to follow him. Let's move on to our second "Fear Not" Point:

[Julie] (17:56 - 18:06) Answering the call and walking with Jesus. Once committed, we now strive to put aside our fears as we acknowledge and trust the leading of God through our Lord Jesus.

[Jonathan] (18:07 - 18:27) That reminds me of Psalm 32:8: "I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you shall go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you."

In other words, God's providence will be with you. This is why Jesus is saying "fear not," and it's so reassuring.

It allows us to access the Heavenly Father.

[Rick] (18:27 - 19:40) It does. "I will instruct you...with My eye upon you." Think about that. It's not, I will instruct you, just read the book and you'll be fine.

It's, "I will instruct you...with My eye upon you." You see that personal direction, that personal guidance. That's where "fear not" comes in because that's what we are promised if we are following Jesus.

Now look, just because we follow doesn't mean our lives are going to change overnight. On the contrary, we often experience the very same doubts, the very same fears, the very same inconsistencies as we did previously, and this can accelerate our natural fears.

"FEAR NOT!" You don't need to be afraid. Jesus knew this would happen.

He knew this is the natural response of broken humanity. He explained this new reality to us in the context of the Sermon on the Mount. When we go to the Sermon on the Mount, he's talking to his followers.

All these other people are listening, but he's talking to his followers, and he's teaching them what a Christ-like life should look like. We're going to take some excerpts. We're going to look at Luke 12:25, 27-32:

[Jonathan] (19:41 - 20:28) "And which of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life's span?... Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin;

but I tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass in the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, how much more will He clothe you? You men of little faith!

And do not seek what you will eat or what you will drink, and do not keep worrying. For all these things the nations of the world eagerly seek;

but your Father knows that you need these things. But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you. Do not be afraid (KJV: Fear not), little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom."

[Rick] (20:28 - 20:52) Basically Jesus is saying to us, okay, look at all those stresses, all of the things that are happening in your lives, and you're not going to be able to change them just by working harder or by getting fearful or being anxious or trying harder, running faster; "fear not." Your life is now following me. It's got something different guiding it overall.

That's the power of following after Jesus.

[Julie] (20:53 - 21:23) But Rick, what about those who naturally have a harder time managing anxiety than others? God recognizes that it might be more difficult for them to embrace that peace that comes with "fear not." For these listeners, we strongly recommend listening to two of our past episodes:

#1274, "If I Have God's Peace, Why Am I So Stressed?" #1124, "Does My Anxiety or Depression Invalidate My Christianity?" Spoiler alert! The answer is no.

[Rick] (21:24 - 22:36) That's important because many of us have overwhelming anxiety and many have depression and all kinds of things along those lines. They are difficult. Many times when you have those things, you look at these things and you discount yourself. I can't do that, I can't do that, I can't do that, I can't do that.

Here's the message. The message is, you can! God doesn't expect you to do it in the exact same way as somebody who doesn't have those difficulties, but He works with us through those difficulties.

He helps us. I will tell you unequivocally, I know many Christians with lots of anxiety and depression. I know Christians who've gone through suicidal tendencies and all of these things.

My greatest respect for my fellow Christians goes to those who deal with those things in a very big way, because I see the fight. I know that by God's grace, even though it feels like you're not making big progress, the Lord looks at the heart and looks at the effort and He's telling you, don't be afraid. I've got you in this.

That's a big message that we need to embrace. We need to be Finding the Faith to Face Our Fear:

[Jonathan] (22:37 - 23:06) A life of discipleship is a life of specific priorities. It is a life where we learn to manage our experiences and take care of our earthly responsibilities as a subset of our devotion and service to God through Jesus.

"FEAR NOT!" You do not need to be afraid! As the issues of life continue, we can continue following the peace of God as an overwhelmingly powerful companion as we manage the anxieties of our lives.

[Rick] (23:07 - 23:30) God's peace needs to become a companion as we work through these things. That's why "fear not" is repeated so many times by Jesus to his followers. The power of Jesus calling us to follow him and assuring us of our ability to overcome through God's peace is such encouragement.

[Jonathan] (23:30 - 23:40) We can see how reassuring Jesus is as we begin our journey of discipleship. What do his assurances bring us as we mature in Christ?

[Rick] (23:41 - 24:19) One of the many beautiful facets of walking as true disciples of Christ is the fact that this journey is surrounded by encouragement and strength. No matter what stage or difficulty of the journey we may be experiencing, we will always be guided by solid faith-strengthening truth and faith-strengthening encouragement. We need to expand this.

Let's look at assurances as we now begin to grow in Christ because those first two points were being called and then answering the call. Now let's move a little bit further. Let's go to our third "Fear Not" Point:

[Julie] (24:19 - 24:31) The demanding transformation of true discipleship. Viewing our physical circumstances through God's eyes teaches us to face our human circumstances with HIS courage.

[Jonathan] (24:31 - 24:48) Joshua needed this perspective when he stepped into the impossible task of leading Israel. Joshua 1:9: "Have I not commanded you?

Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."

[Rick] (24:48 - 26:04) You have this tremendous promise given to Joshua. Now Joshua had no small task. Moses is now off the scene and you've got the nation of Israel who needs a leader.

Earth to Joshua, you're on. You understand he has got to answer this call and it's overwhelming. What it says here is that you have to be able to stand up in God's strength.

Don't tremble. Don't be afraid. I'm "with you wherever you go."

Just like that previous promise you read, Jonathan, before, about God giving instruction with His eyes upon you. This is what we are given. This is the baseline of our "fear not" experience.

A life of discipleship is a life of service. We're called to give, to extend ourselves, to engage in any part of the work of the gospel that God directs us to. Sometimes you get afraid.

"FEAR NOT!" You don't have to be afraid. Jesus knew,

he already knew how daunting this can be and he prepared his followers to work through God's spirit as disciples. We're going to take a look at when Jesus sent out his apostles to preach. He had to set them up because he was sending them out without him.

We want to understand the big picture of what was happening here.

[Julie] (26:05 - 26:16) He outlined three specific things that they, and therefore we, should not fear in Matthew 10:24-31. First, don't fear persecution:

[Jonathan] (26:16 - 26:39) "A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a slave above his master. It is enough for the disciple that he become like his teacher, and the slave like his master. If they have called the head of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign the members of his household!

Therefore, do not fear them (KJV: fear them not), for there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known."

[Rick] (26:39 - 27:02) He's saying, they are persecuting me. Of course they're going to persecute you! It's not something to be afraid of because all of these things are going to be come out anyway in the end through God's judgment of each individual in the Day of Judgment.

He's saying--it's not something to say, well, it's going to be overwhelming and unfair. No, no, "fear not." Just move forward with what you've been given.

[Julie] (27:03 - 27:08) After don't fear persecution, second, don't fear when preaching. Let's continue with verse 27:

[Jonathan] (27:09 - 27:26) "What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in your ear, proclaim upon the housetops. Do not fear (KJV: fear not) 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 Gehenna."

[Rick] (27:26 - 27:43) Again, you have Jesus saying, I'm telling you these things in private. There's going to come a time where you speak them out without fear because they--the people who may rebel against what you're saying--have no power over your life. That's a powerful "fear not" statement in our preaching.

[Julie] (27:43 - 27:53) The third "don't fear" is very personal because we all sometimes feel alone or minimized and unimportant. Don't fear being forgotten. Continuing with verse 29:

[Jonathan] (27:53 - 28:25) "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. So do not fear (KJV: fear ye not); you are more valuable than many sparrows."

Don't forget that God is watching over the details of our lives. Remember the verse we previously read in Psalm 32:8 that said, "I will counsel you with My eye upon you." We are not alone, no matter what.

[Rick] (28:25 - 29:12) Yeah, and it's so good to go back to that verse again and again and again, because here, "...do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows." God sees the world. God's got overall control of the world and your life and the details of your life are very significant.

For those of us who have fear that continually plagues us through anxiety and so forth, this is a huge scripture because it's basically saying God sees the small details of your life and those small details of your life are in His hands. Don't be afraid. Jesus is telling us you don't have to be afraid.

You're more valuable than all of these other things that God has under His control. Don't let those things overwhelm you. Again, it comes down to Finding the Faith to Face Our Fear:

[Julie] (29:12 - 29:31) As disciples, what we are sent to accomplish might not go well. It might not go smoothly or even achieve the results we expect, but "FEAR NOT!" You don't need to be afraid!

You don't need to know the details. God knows them AND He has all the details and your efforts securely in HIS hands!

[Rick] (29:31 - 30:16) Look, folks, just let me be blunt, okay? Sometimes I get myself into circumstances and I want to know where it's going. I need to know--"need"--I need to know what the next chapter is.

Then the experience unfolds and I realize, Rick, you don't need to know any of that. All you need to know is, what is your present? What is your next small step?

Because all of that is in His hands. You don't need to be afraid. We've got the "Fear Not" Point, this third point of the demanding transformation of true discipleship.

It demands that we change, that we grow, and that's a hard thing. Now let's get in that process of the change. Let's get to the fourth "Fear Not" Point:

[Julie] (30:17 - 30:29) That's hard testings, because discipleship inevitably brings difficult trials. These trials are hard on purpose because learning to be like Jesus doesn't happen in an environment of ease and comfort.

[Jonathan] (30:29 - 30:54) But with these challenges comes promises of deliverance through the experience. Not that it will be removed entirely. 1 Corinthians 10:13: "No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man;

and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it."

[Rick] (30:54 - 32:18) This is a tremendous, tremendous promise. It really helps us to realize that whatever our circumstance, there is a way through it; the promise for strength and fortitude to endure all the way through any and all experiences.

Now look, some experiences are long experiences. Some of the difficult trials and traumas in our lives go for years and years and years.

This promise applies to those as well, working through the experience. God doesn't generally normally just snap away our difficulties. He works us through them because that is the hard testing that's required to be a disciple of Jesus.

It's a beautiful promise. As we fight the good fight, we just don't have to be afraid. Let's look at an example of hard testings.

Let's look at an experience with the apostles and with Jesus. It was nighttime. The apostles were in a boat and they were without Jesus.

You all know the account. The winds and the waves were battering that boat and it was difficult and they were rowing hard and getting nowhere and rowing hard and getting nowhere and the boat's getting water in it. They fought to keep things stable.

Then Jesus shows up, but he doesn't show up in a normal way. Matthew 14:25-29:

[Jonathan] (32:18 - 32:28) "And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, It is a ghost! And they cried out in fear."

[Julie] (32:28 - 32:42) Of course they were terrified! The fourth watch of the night is somewhere between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m., so it's dark. They're exhausted,

and now they're seeing someone or something they don't recognize coming towards them on the water.

[Jonathan] (32:42 - 32:59) Continuing with verse 27: "But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, Take courage, It is I; do not be afraid (KJV: do not be afraid).

Peter said to him, Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water. And he said, Come! And Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water... "

[Rick] (32:59 - 33:43) You see this overwhelming fear. These are experienced men who are on the sea, and they feel like they're going to sink. Jesus comes along and basically says, "fear not," and he changes their environment by his mere presence, miraculously changes their environment.

That's such a great symbol of what our lives are like. Sometimes we are rowing hard, but the boat is filling up and we're not getting anywhere and we get frustrated and full of anxiety. Jesus is saying, "fear not."

Let me get in the boat with you. Of course, Peter wanted to get out first. We know that that didn't work out quite as Peter had thought, but it was a great lesson in faith.

That's the point, folks. The point is to Find the Faith to Face Our Fear:

[Julie] (33:44 - 34:07) As a disciple, trying experiences can draw our attention and focus us on efforts to merely try and find balance when under stress. Sometimes, it's all we can do just to hang on to each other and whatever "boat" we're in so as not to sink! "FEAR NOT!"

You don't need to be afraid! The most fearful and unexplainable things before us can be our pathway to deliverance.

[Rick] (34:07 - 34:24) You can see how the "fear not" that the angel spoke at the birth of Jesus... See how big it is? See how far it stretches because it went through Jesus's ministry.

"Fear not" in the hard testings. Now let's change gears as we go to our fifth "Fear Not" Point:

[Julie] (34:24 - 34:32) I like this one; overwhelming blessings. Mixed in with our fear and difficulty will come blessings.

[Jonathan] (34:33 - 34:52) These are the blessings that leave us with speechless wonderment at the glory of God and His granting us a part of His glorious plan. 1 Corinthians 2:9: "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love him."

[Julie] (34:52 - 34:58) We can't even begin to comprehend the grandeur of God's plans and purposes for us!

[Rick] (34:59 - 36:07) You read that scripture, "...eye hath not seen, nor ear heard," nor has entered into your heart. You can't imagine. It is so big.

This is where the "fear not" has the other side. There are blessings in our lives that are beyond belief. Look, I will just tell you at this point when I look at the two of you here with me in this incredible experience,

this is a blessing which is beyond our comprehension. We talk about this regularly. How did we get here?

How did God allow us such a privilege to spend time talking about His word with whomever will listen? These are blessings that are bigger than we could ever imagine. This is why "fear not" is such an important aspect of our lives.

It takes that fearlessness in whatever way we can apply it to move forward. Let's move on to an example now of this overwhelming blessing experience. Jesus brought Peter, James, and John up to the Mount of Transfiguration.

They had no idea what they were in for. What began as a terrifying experience for them, became a blessing beyond their comprehension. Let's drop in on that in Matthew 17:5-7:

[Jonathan] (36:07 - 36:29) "While he was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and behold, a voice out of the cloud said, This is My beloved son, with whom I am well-pleased; Listen to him!" When the disciples heard this, they fell face down on the ground and were terrified.

And Jesus came to them and touched them and said, Get up, and do not be afraid (KJV: be not afraid)."

[Rick] (36:29 - 37:26) You have this overwhelming vision and this voice, this powerful voice, from heaven saying, "This is my beloved son, with whom I am well-pleased. Listen to him!" It was too big.

It was too much for those men, and they fell down terrified. The scripture says Jesus "touched them." I think it says that so he let them know, I am here with you in the midst of this vision, and you don't have to be afraid.

The overwhelming blessing that God has given you a glimpse of is now yours. He also told them, don't talk about this till later on. But it was something that they were given, a special gift, an overwhelming blessing, and he touched them and said, you don't have to be afraid.

Jesus, while he's not going to physically touch us, he touches us through many of our experiences and helps us to--you know what--Find the Faith to Face Our Fear:

[Jonathan] (37:27 - 37:54) Sometimes, we are awe-struck at what we are privileged to see. Whether it be the Lord's seemingly miraculous deliverance, or a breathtaking fulfillment of prophecy or the stark clarity of God's plan unfolding. In all cases, we glimpse the power of God and are told, "FEAR NOT!" You don't need to be afraid!

Stand up and honor the power of God in your daily life.

[Rick] (37:54 - 38:20) That's the point. We have these wonderful things, and our reaction after the overwhelming awe is to stand up and honor the power of God that guides us and delivers us and moves us forward and unfolds His plan before our very eyes. The comprehensiveness of the "fear not" assurances that Jesus brings us at every stage of our lives is truly astounding!

[Jonathan] (38:20 - 38:28) It is obvious that Jesus encourages us to be without fear in all of our experiences. Where does this fearlessness bring us?

[Rick] (38:28 - 39:02) That really is the big question. The destination of these "fear not" encouragements is Christian maturity. It's learning the hard lessons of life and growing through them as our faith gradually takes a firmer hold on our hearts and our minds.

As we will see, the whole purpose of Jesus telling us to "fear not" is so we can stand firm in faith and reflect the grace and the glory of our Lord Jesus in our lives.

[Julie] (39:03 - 39:06) You're saying we need to develop spiritual fearlessness.

[Rick] (39:08 - 39:31) Absolutely, positively do. Again, that doesn't come where our physicality is going to go away. If we are born with anxiety, you're going to still have it.

It doesn't mean you don't have spiritual fearlessness. It just means it's expressed through the difficulties and challenges that you have. God sees it, and God blesses us with that.

That brings us to our sixth "Fear Not" Point:

[Julie] (39:32 - 39:38) We've moved on now to the maturing process. Grow in Christ so Christ can be in us.

[Jonathan] (39:39 - 40:06) Over time, the spiritual maturity that comes as a result of this sanctifying process actually changes who we are-- we are transformed. Philippians 4:6-7: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

[Rick] (40:07 - 40:33) There is such power in "the peace of God" here... "the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension." This peace doesn't negate feelings of fear.

The feelings of fear still come, but what it does is it will help us to dissolve those fears into spiritually driven actions. That's a learning process. That's a maturing process.

That's another "fear not" process.

[Julie] (40:34 - 41:26) I recently read a devotional called "Missing Peace" from Pastor Craig Groeschel. I wanted to quote from that. He said: "This doesn't mean that we'll always feel happy or that we'll never experience anxiety or fear.

It does mean that we know how to find peace when we struggle, because peace is a byproduct of God's presence... The good news is that peace isn't found in the absence of problems. It's found in the presence of Jesus.

The Greek word for peace is "eirene" (which incidentally, if you know someone named Irene, that's where this comes from). It also means "wholeness." Jesus didn't just come so we can feel better some days.

He came to restore us--and our relationship to God--to wholeness." Or as our CQ volunteer Tamra says, "Jesus is the missing piece to our complete peace!"

[Rick] (41:27 - 42:36) It's such an important point. "Fear not" is for the purpose of God's peace. It opens the door so God's peace can settle in with us.

Let's go to another experience with Jesus. Now let's fast forward because this is after his ministry, after his crucifixion, and now he has been raised. He appeared first to the group of women that had come to the tomb to anoint the body and to pay respects.

They had no idea what they were going to find because the tomb was empty and then Jesus would appear to them. He'd been raised and he appears to these women that were on the way to the tomb. What happens is they are awestruck and they are bewildered because this is beyond their mental ability to comprehend.

What happened is they'd been given a task by the angels. They went to the tomb, an angel appeared to them, and the angel said to go. They're on their way thinking, what's happening here?

Then Jesus himself appears to them while they're on their way to do what the angel in the tomb had told them. Here's what Jesus said. Let me preface this by saying what he said is no surprise.

Matthew 28:10:

[Jonathan] (42:37 - 42:44) "Then Jesus said to them, Do not be afraid (KJV: Be not afraid): go and take word to my brethren to leave for Galilee, and there they will see me."

[Rick] (42:45 - 43:22) They've left the tomb. They are bewildered and saying, we've got to go do what the angel told us to do. Then Jesus himself appears and his first words; "fear not." You don't have to fear.

Here's what I want you to do with this bewilderment that you're not even--you're numb at this moment--but I'm showing you this is all within God's glorious plans. What this did for them, it helped them to find the faith to face their fear, which means WE have to Find the Faith to Face Our Fear:

[Julie] (43:23 - 43:49) These women were carrying details of the miraculous message of the unfolding of the gospel. We are also tasked with details of this message, and in some ways, it can be a fear-inducing responsibility. Why me?

How do I know? What if...? What was Jesus' response? FEAR NOT!

You don't need to be afraid! Carry what I've given you, and follow me as I show you the way!

[Rick] (43:49 - 44:47) We have all of those questions, and yet what happens is Jesus' response is, you don't have to be afraid. "Fear not." You are working within the confines of accomplishing God's plan, and it's overwhelming.

But you don't have to be overwhelmed by that which is overwhelming, because it's God's plan, and you are in His hands. So "fear not." It's a really powerful message, and Jesus continues it, even after his resurrection.

You see that all through his ministry, when he's drawing Simon Peter at the very beginning. Now after his resurrection, the message doesn't change. Why?

Because the message is always relevant to us here and now. You don't need to be afraid. You don't have to fear.

"Fear not." We've got this maturing process. Now let's get to our final "Fear Not" Point:

[Julie] (44:47 - 44:57) Now here's where we all want to get to; the crystallized character. Following Jesus on this path of self-sacrifice is the destiny of every disciple.

[Jonathan] (44:57 - 45:19) We are to walk this way until there are no more steps left for us to take. Romans 8:31-32: "What then shall we say to these things?

If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered him over for us all, how will He not also with him freely give us all things?"

[Julie] (45:19 - 45:32) Here's something to memorize: "If God is for us, who is against us?" That's a great little prayer you can say at all times.

According to this promise, the path to Christlikeness supplies all that we need in order to keep walking!

[Rick] (45:33 - 46:12) It does. It supplies all that we need. Thus, "fear not" again and again and again and again and again.

Now let's get to the seventh "fear not" proclamation from Jesus. Let's look at the Apostle Paul. He became the twelfth apostle long after Jesus took his position at the right hand of God's power.

Okay, Jesus has been glorified and then the Apostle Paul comes into the picture. He also had the privilege of being told "fear not," by Jesus directly. This is interesting.

This was at a time when Paul was in the exceptionally wicked city of Corinth and he needed dramatic encouragement.

[Julie] (46:12 - 46:37) Let me add a little flavor with some Bible Commentary by David Gusick: "Corinth was a major city of the Roman Empire, at an important crossroads of trade and travel. It was also a city notorious for its hedonism and immorality.

In classical Greek, to act like a Corinthian meant to practice fornication... One ancient writer described Corinth as a town where 'none but the tough could survive.'"

[Rick] (46:38 - 46:43) That's difficult. This is the context where the Apostle Paul is. Let's look at Acts 18:8-10:

[Jonathan] (46:44 - 47:09) "Crispus, the leader of the synagogue, believed in the Lord with all his household, and many of the Corinthians when they heard were believing and being baptized. And the Lord said to Paul in the night by a vision, Do not be afraid (KJV: Do not be afraid) any longer, but go on speaking and do not be silent;

for I am with you, and no man will attack you in order to harm you, for I have many people in this city.

[Julie] (47:10 - 47:41) "Fear not." This implies that he WAS afraid and we can assume he was afraid of the Jews who opposed him here and because the city itself was so dangerous. His message to repent and clean up your life to follow Jesus wasn't going to be very popular in this spiritually-polluted atmosphere.

Notice he says "no man will attack you to harm you." It didn't mean the experience was going to go away entirely, just that he would be protected through the experience. He ended up teaching there for eighteen months.

He was fully committed to the church at Corinth.

[Rick] (47:41 - 48:03) He settles into this environment, which is horrible, for eighteen months because he has no need to fear. You can see that the twelfth apostle, who came after the fact, still heard directly from Jesus those words, "fear not." This helps us to Find the Faith to Face Our Fear:

[Jonathan] (48:04 - 48:30) Jesus' message to Paul was clear-- do the work where and how you have been given opportunity. As our lives continue to unfold, our mission does not change.

Jesus said "Follow me," and he meant it. When faced with harsh conditions in our lives, our natural reactions can cause us to pause, but we have been told, FEAR NOT!

You don't have to be afraid!

[Julie] (48:30 - 49:00) Anyone can be a peaceful person, but we're talking about having peace WITH God. Ultimately, to be individually at peace with God, we must go through Jesus. Romans 5:1-2 says, "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God."

[Rick] (49:00 - 49:15) We need to have peace with God. To be able to have peace with God, we grow into the peace of God. That's how our lives need to develop.

One final scripture. Jonathan, let's look at Colossians 3:12-13:

[Jonathan] (49:15 - 49:33) "So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you."

[Rick] (49:33 - 52:06) To have the peace OF God, to have peace WITH God, we need to put these things into place. These are part of the "fear not" equation of our Christian lives. Put all of these things in place;

compassion, humility, gentleness, patience, and so forth, forgiving one another, making sure that we can see things through the eyes of God through Christ. In verse 14 <Colossian 3:14> it says: "Beyond all these things, put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity." Put that on.

It's scary to love unconditionally, but "fear not." You don't need to be afraid. Do it because Jesus showed us how.

In verse 15 <Colossian 3:15>, it says: "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts (we've been talking about that), to which indeed you were called into one body..." It's scary to let go of your individuality and become part of this body. "Fear not."

You don't have to be afraid. That's your calling. Verse 16 <Colossian 3:16> says: "Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you..."

Sometimes it's scary to let go of the way I want to see things, the way I'm used to thinking, the way I would like it to all come out, and let the word of Christ instead dwell there. It's scary, but you don't have to be afraid. In verse 17 <Colossian 3:17>: "Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus..."

There's our ego going right out the window, and that's also a scary thing. Make sure that we look at this and say, "Fear not!" I don't have to be afraid.

I can do things in the name of Jesus and not in my own name any longer. Going back to Luke 12:32, "Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."

Do you understand the magnitude of that and how overwhelming that is?! Yet the message is, don't be afraid! FEAR NOT!

What is about to be proclaimed or what's happening right now in your life is from God and it's for you. Have faith, have courage, have peace, because you're protected and you are loved in all of these things! Folks, we need to understand the message of Jesus.

At his birth, the message about Jesus was, "fear not!" The message of Jesus through the life of the apostles and the disciples was, "fear not!" The message right now is, "fear not!"

Why? It's God's plan, God's purpose working in you. Don't be afraid!

Think about it. Folks, we love hearing from our listeners. We welcome your feedback and questions on this episode and other episodes at ChristianQuestions.com.

Coming up in our next Episode" "How will I Choose to Live the Life That's Ahead of Me?"

Final Notes: copyright @2024 Christian Questions. In addition to this transcript, we provide comprehensive CQ Rewind Show Notes for every episode. They include every scripture quoted during the podcast, as well as graphics, illustrations and bonus material. Click the "CQ Rewind Show Notes" button near the audio player or sign up to receive these weekly at ChristianQuestions.com. This transcript was created using artificial intelligence. While we believe it to be accurate, we apologize for any errors that may exist.