- [00:00:00] What an honor and privilege it is for me to be with you today. Thank you, Pastor JP, for the opportunity to come and speak. As we age, driving becomes more difficult, but thankfully it is Sunday and the roads are clear, so I am glad to be here with you. I recognize that half the congregation is missing due to the long three-day weekend, with folks traveling, but it is good to see those who are present once again. - [00:00:35] Today, as Pastor mentioned, we continue in the series \"Idols of the Heart,\" focusing on the theme of fear versus faith. Our passage for reflection is Matthew chapter 10. In this context, Jesus is sending out His disciples as His ambassadors to minister. Before commissioning them, Jesus offers words of encouragement to prepare them for the difficult task ahead. Matthew 10:1-15 contains the specific instructions Jesus gave the apostles, which are not directly applicable to the church universally but serve as a backdrop. - [00:01:34] Reading through the chapter carefully, we notice a recurring exhortation to \"fear not\"—in verses 26, 28, and 31, Jesus repeatedly commands His disciples not to fear. The particular fear Jesus addresses is the fear of confessing Christ openly before men, as explained in verses 32-33. Many believers struggle with sharing the gospel openly because of concern about rejection or what others will think. But we must remember that when people reject the gospel, they are rejecting Christ, not us. This fear of public testimony is significant because public confession of Christ is a vital evidence of true salvation. - [00:03:15] True salvation produces a desire for open confession of faith. Thus, the heart of Matthew 10:16-33 is a confrontation between fear and faith—a choice we all must make. Fear can be a powerful force, and its biblical definition, according to Merriam-Webster, is “an unpleasant and often strong emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of danger.” So where did fear originate in the first place? We look to Genesis 3 for the first appearance of fear. - [00:04:03] In Genesis 3:8-13, Adam and Eve hear the sound of the Lord in the garden and hide because they are afraid as a result of their nakedness. This fear is fundamentally rooted in shame—they now realize their nakedness and feel exposed. The self-consciousness and shame cause Adam and Eve to hide and blame others. Hiding is insecurities manifest, and blaming is a form of denial. This fearful response ruptures fellowship with God and with one another. - [00:06:27] Jesus sends His disciples out as ambassadors into a hostile world where opposition is certain. Matthew 10:16 warns that they will be “sheep among wolves” and instructs them to be “wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” Persecution will come primarily from organized religion and government authorities, which historically and prophetically will persecute believers. Even family members may turn against one another, as Jesus foretells in verses 21-23. This time of opposition aligns with the Tribulation period, though believers experience opposition throughout church history and to some degree today. - [00:11:50] Yet, with opposition comes opportunity. When believers face hostility, they are called to witness boldly. Verses 19-20 comfort believers by promising that the Holy Spirit will speak through them so they need not worry about what to say. However, this does not replace diligent Bible study and preparation. Just as a seminary professor emphasized, spiritual power flows through preparation and obedience to God\'s Word, not through neglect. - [00:14:18] The ministry of faithful endurance is an obligation. Verse 22 says, “the one who endures to the end will be saved.” Discipleship involves perseverance through suffering because salvation is ultimately realized at the end. God’s ambassadors must not flee persecution but endure, trusting in God’s sustaining grace. - [00:16:31] Although the earlier instructions were primarily for the apostles and the early church, verses 24-33 hold particular application for us today. Here, Jesus offers several compelling reasons why Christians must choose faith over fear. Biblical faith is a God-given ability to trust in the future God has promised—to obey confidently despite adverse circumstances. Hebrews 11:1 confirms faith as “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” JB Phillips’ translation beautifully captures this as putting full confidence in what we hope for, being sure of what we cannot see. - [00:19:42] The first reason for faith is that suffering is to be expected. Jesus reminds us that a disciple is not above his teacher—if Jesus was maligned as being in league with Satan, certainly His followers will suffer similar reproach. Suffering is part of the pilgrim life, and rather than fear it, we count it a privilege to suffer with Christ. - [00:21:19] The second reason is that God will bring everything to light. Verse 26 promises that nothing hidden will remain so, so we have nothing to fear from men because all will be publicly revealed by God. Our task is faithful proclamation, not pleasing men. In light of future divine judgment, present opposition loses its power to intimidate. - [00:22:58] Third, fear God alone—the one who can destroy both body and soul in hell (verse 28). The fear of God is the ultimate healthy fear; it cancels all other fears. Since men can only harm the body, and God alone holds eternal authority, Christians should revere God rather than men. - [00:23:51] Fourth, God cares intimately for His own. Verses 29-31 speak of God’s detailed providence—even the sparrows are not forgotten, and the very hairs of your head are numbered. This tender care of our heavenly Father means we are exceedingly valuable to Him. Therefore, we are assured of His sustaining help. - [00:25:31] Finally, Christ honors those who confess Him before others. Verses 32-33 warn that whoever acknowledges Christ before men will be acknowledged before the Father, but those who deny Him will also be denied. Confession means more than lip service; it demands a life consistent with faith—“walk and talk” must align. - [00:27:22] Jesus in heaven acts as our High Priest and Advocate, continually interceding and securing the benefits of His sacrificial work. Thus, our confession is not in vain but is backed by His gracious mediation. - [00:28:15] To conclude, I urge you: fix your eyes on faith, not fear. Isaiah 26:3 (NLT) says, “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you.” Here are practical steps to live by faith: First, acknowledge that your strength comes from the Lord. Second, start and end each day with prayer, maintaining communion with God. Third, correct any pessimism by cultivating optimism and a positive attitude rooted in trust in God. Lastly, commit yourself to obeying God’s Word because obedience is the fruit of living a life of faith, which ultimately glorifies God. - [00:30:00] May the Lord bless us all as we choose faith over fear, confidently proclaiming Christ, enduring persecution, and living for His glory until He returns. Amen.