"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT WHO NOT TO FEAR, AND HOW GOD VALUES HIS CHILDREN"

"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT WHO NOT TO FEAR, AND HOW GOD VALUES HIS CHILDREN"

Matt 10:28 “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”

Matt 10:29 “Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will.”

Matt 10:30 “But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.”

Matt 10:31 “Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.”

Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.

1. Jesus tells us who not to fear, and who to fear.

Matt 10:28 “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”

The reason Jesus even talked about not fearing, was due to the fact that He knew murderous persecution would come upon His followers. And thus He was preparing them.

In preparing them he said there was someone greater to fear than those who could kill your body.
He of course was speaking of fearing God.
God is able to destroy both the soul and the body in hell.
Man can only kill your body, but they cannot touch your soul.
So do not fear man, but fear God.

God is greater than any enemy we might have.
And therefore we can take comfort in trusting Him.

2. Jesus tells us about God being in control of all things and knowing all things.

Matt 10:29 “Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will.”

Matt 10:30 “But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.”

Jesus asked His disciples a question about sparrows.
Sparrows by the way were considered worthless in that society, or near worthless.
But, Jesus said that these near worthless creatures cannot die and fall to the ground without Your Father knowing about it.
In fact, Jesus not one sparrow dies apart from the will of God.
Even sparrows are in God's will, and under His control.
God attends the funeral of every sparrow.

Jesus goes on to say that the very hairs of our head are numbered.
So, God knows when a sparrow dies, and He knows the exact number of hairs on your head at any one time.

So, the Lord is in control of even a little birds life.
And, the Lord knows every detail of your life, using the number of your hairs as an illustration of His complete knowledge..

3. Jesus tells us again not to fear, but states the value He places upon us.

Matt 10:31 “Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.”

Wrapping up what Jesus was trying to get across, He tells His followers not to fear.
They either were fearing, or certainly would in the days ahead have to deal with fear.
Here's God's reasoning for us.
We are not to fear, because we are of more value than many sparrows.

In other words, don't be afraid, because we are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.

Some Questions:

1. Are you afraid at this present time?

2. Do you know exactly what you are afraid of?

3. Have you thought it through carefully to identify just exactly what it is you are afraid of?

4. How have these verses made you feel about your fear?

5. Will you read through the devotional again, and prayerfully ask God to help you with your fear?

A Prayer:

Father, how helpful and comforting Your Word is to us. There is so much in this life to make us afraid. But, there is so much in Your Word to help us not to be afraid. Thank You for helping us with our fears. You are in control of our lives, and You have good plans for our lives, You have no evil thoughts towards us, but only good ones, to give us a hope and a future. Thank You, Father. In Jesus name, amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia