NO FEAR:

Context:

- there's lots of work to be done.

- laborers are to go out proclaiming the Kingdom.

- they will be sheep in the midst of wolves.

- family and friends will turn against them.

- they will get the same treatment Christ received.

Matthew 10:26-27 “...So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops..."

What do you think is unseen but will be made known?

- error of those who persecute God's workers.

- innocence and integrity of those who take the abuse (like Christ).

- the truth that Jesus is!

1 Corinthians 4:5 "...Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God..."

- are we ready to have the purposes of our hearts disclosed?

How can this help a person "have no fear"?

- being on the side of truth has a long term reward.

- temporary suffering can be endured with the future in sight (like Christ).

Where does Jesus do most of His intimate teaching?

- apart from the masses.

- in places with more solitude.

Where does Jesus tell His followers to do their proclaiming?

- where everyone can hear.

Do we freely and fearlessly proclaim the truth of Christ Jesus?

How does the Lord's direction to speak boldly in public places contradict America's current stance on religious activity?

- America's policies attempt to remove this activity from public places.

- Do these policies lead to persecution?

- Do we fear this persecution?

Matthew 10:28-33 "...And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 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. So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven..."

Are there those who can actually kill you for proclaiming Christ?

- this is certainly happening in other parts of the world.

- did this happen at Columbine in America?

Are there those who can humiliate you for proclaiming Christ?

Will this keep you from proclaiming Christ?

Why should the threat of death or humiliation not prevent you from being a laborer?

- temporal death or humiliation is a small thing compared with eternal death.

What is the result of denying Christ before men for self preservation?

- preserving current status in this world but losing kingdom status.

How is this passage consistent with Jesus teachings on the resurrection of all?

 - both body and soul are destroyed in hell.

How can the sparrow reference reduce fear?

- fear comes from thinking you're on your own in an extremely dangerous situation.

- are we ever on our own?

- does God care about His creation?

- does God interact with His creation?

If you die for your Christian stance, does that mean God doesn't care?

- did Father God care for Jesus Christ when He hung on the cross?