5/21/23 - Don’t Misplace Your Fear - Matthew 10:25-33 - Pastor Jason Fritz

Matthew chapter 10 contains preparation for what is to come. If you are boldly speaking the name of Jesus you need assurances in the face of opposition. God gives you three.

Assurance #1 The opposition is no judge. God is.

"So have no fear of them for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.”
-Matthew 10:26

Man’s approval or condemnation is not what counts. His opinions will not matter on the day of judgment. They won’t even be heard. Everything that everyone does, including our actions and our persecutors’ actions, will be evaluated by God. His judgment will be perfect and absolute. For there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. Every action, every word, every thought, every intent, every choice. It all will be laid bare before God. It all will be made known. Nothing is or will be concealed or hidden from His sight. Therefore you and I are to live in such a way that we will not be ashamed at His return. 

“Now, little children, remain in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not draw back from Him in shame at His coming.”
-1 John 2:28

Assurance #2 When you encounter opposition don’t respond with misplaced fear, instead respond with proper fear: Not in man but in God who has all the power.

Jesus tells his disciples not to waste their concern on those in authority who can only kill their bodies but cannot kill their souls. Instead, they should reserve their fear for the one who can kill both body and soul in hell. Beginning in June I want to bring a series of messages on heaven and hell but for now we must understand that God alone has the power over everyone’s eternal destination. Man may kill the body but he cannot destroy your soul which lives forever.

Jesus is describing what the Old Testament often calls the "fear of the Lord." This is not intended to be abject terror, or panic. Rather, this is the healthy kind of "fear" for which you would have for a weapon. If you’ve ever fired a shotgun, rifle or handgun you understand and respect its capabilities and you don’t take it lightly. A while ago I bought a filet knife to trim brisket. This thing is so sharp I have to think carefully about how I handle it. I move slowly with it in my hand. Godly fear involves great and profound respect and, at the same time, it demands we acknowledge that God can utterly destroy those who are against Him. This is a right and proper fear. 

There’s a simple principle in life - a greater fear will drive out a lesser fear. Jesus insists that death should not be avoided at all costs. The death of the body is not the ultimate loss. The death of body and soul together in hell is the ultimate loss. The message His apostles preach of salvation through faith in Jesus will bring the promise of eternal life in body and soul to many people, as well as to themselves.

Assurance #3 God is with you and He is for you.

Now what Jesus says next is comforting. He balances proper fear with the truth that this same powerful God also cares deeply for His own people.

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
-Matthew 10:29-31

So be bold Christian and take up a position on top of the roof. In doing so, you will be acknowledged by Jesus himself!