The Future is Nothing to Fear with God - January 2, 2022

by Pastor Chuck Ryan

The Future Is Nothing To Fear With God
Text: Matthew 2:13-23
Thesis: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may
have life and have it to the full.”
- John 10:10
1. Do not attempt to face the future alone. Satan is warring against the
children of God.
* Jesus said “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy...”
A. Joseph and Mary were warned by “An Angel of the Lord… Herod is
going to search for the child and kill him.” (Vs. 13)
1. We must not be naïve; we have an enemy that seeks to take our life.
a. The enemy, Satan is a deceiver.
b. An example is in “The Garden of Eden”.
* “Then the LORD God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” The
woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”
Genesis 3:13
2. Jesus goes the extra mile in trying to warn us about deception in the end times.
* “Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming ‘I am
the Christ,’ and will deceive many… If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake
of the elect those days will be shortened. At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or, ‘There
he is!’ do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to
deceive even the elect - if that were possible.”
Matthew 24:4-5 & 22-24
3. God’s word warns us that Satan will be on a killing rampage in the last days.
* “But woe to the earth and the sea because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury because
he knows that his time is short.”
Revelation 12:12
4. Peter gives us a warning and instructions concerning the evil one.
* “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for

someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you
throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” know that your brothers
1 Peter 5:8-9

2. Face the future with God close by your side! Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life,
and have it to the full.”
A. Joseph recognized the voice of God and led his family according to God’s instruction. (Vs. 14
& 15)
B. Mary was a strong woman of Faith, and it is evidenced in her encounter with the Angel
Gabriel.
* “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her.”
Luke 1:38
C. Joseph and Mary were obedient to God’s plan.
* “And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.”
Matthew 2:14-15

Action Steps:
1. Renew your commitment to God:
* “For nothing is impossible with God.” Luke 1:37
2. Renew your commitment to God’s Word.
* “If possible, even the very elect would be deceived.”
Matthew 24:24
3. Renew your commitment to prayer.
* “Prayer is the key to power.”
4. Renew your commitment to share the “Good News” of Jesus.
* “Jesus came to seek…” Luke 19:10
* “Jesus tarries… not wanting anyone to perish.”
2 Peter 3:9
5. Renew your commitment to Sunday worship.
* “Forsake not the assembling together…” Hebrews 10:25