Join Tim and John as they talk about life and study on why she should not fear.

Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-beginning and https://uppbeat.io/t/pecan-pie/halloween-time

Transition Song: https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/

Introduction: Fear Not!

Fear is one of the oldest emotions known to humankind—and still one of the strongest. From the first time Adam and Eve hid in the garden, to the present day, fear has followed us. It takes many forms: fear of failure, fear of rejection, fear of the unknown, fear of loss, fear of death. For some, it’s a low hum in the background of life. For others, it’s a crippling force that steals sleep, joy, and peace.

We live in a world that thrives on fear. News cycles sensationalize danger. Entertainment profits from horror. Social media magnifies our anxieties. Even in the rhythms of our daily lives, we encounter fear: What if I lose my job? What if I get that diagnosis? What if I’m not enough?

Yet over and over again, God speaks to the fear in His people.

One of the most repeated commands in all of Scripture is this: “Do not be afraid.” Not because there is nothing scary in the world—but because God Himself promises to be with us.

• When Abram was afraid of the future, God said, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield” (Genesis 15:1).
  
• When Joshua was afraid to step into Moses’ shoes, God said, “Be strong and courageous…for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).
  
• When Mary trembled at the angel’s words, “Do not be afraid” was the message (Luke 1:30).
  
• When Jesus approached His disciples walking on water, as they screamed in fear, He told them, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid” (Matthew 14:27).
  

God doesn’t minimize fear—but He does outmatch it. He doesn’t say “fear not” as a suggestion or motivational quote. He commands it—because He backs it up with His power, His presence, and His promises.

This message comes at a time when fear is even celebrated in culture. As the so-called “spooky season” rolls around, we find haunted houses, horror films, costumes, and ghost stories. While some of it is playful, much of it glorifies fear. But the Christian response is not to retreat into denial or to pretend fear doesn’t exist—it’s to confront fear with truth.

And that truth is this:

You are not alone.
You are not abandoned.
You are not without hope.

This study will explore what the Bible actually says about fear, and why followers of Christ can live differently in a fearful world. We'll look at real stories—of people who faced terrifying odds—and how God met them. We'll examine the commands, the encouragements, and the comfort that Scripture offers.

Because at the heart of the gospel is a God who steps into darkness, speaks peace into storms, and leads His people through the valley of the shadow of death—not around it.

So the question isn’t, “Will we feel afraid?”

The question is, “What will we do with our fear?”

This is a message of courage—not rooted in ourselves, but rooted in Christ.
He is our strength.
He is our peace.
He is the reason we can stand firm and say with confidence:
“I will not fear… for You are with me.”

Key Theme One: Why Fear Not?

Isaiah 41:10 (ESV)

“Fear not, for I am with you;
be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Fear Is Natural—But Not Sovereign

Fear is one of the most instinctive human reactions. It’s hardwired into us for survival. A sudden noise, an uncertain future, a threatening situation—fear tells us to pay attention. But while fear is natural, it was never meant to rule us.

God never condemns His people simply for feeling fear—but He does command us not to remain in it. Isaiah 41:10 shows us why.

Why Not Fear? Because God Is With You

The first reason God gives is His presence:

“Fear not, for I am with you.”

When fear shouts, “You’re alone!”—God gently but firmly says, “No, you’re not.”

This is not empty reassurance. It is the steady, unchanging promise of the Almighty. The same God who walked with Abraham, stood beside Moses, and filled the temple in Isaiah’s vision now stands with you. Not just beside you—but fighting for you.

“I am your God.”
That’s not a generic blessing. It’s personal. Covenantal. Relational. He doesn't just say, “I am God,” but “I am your God.”

Fear Not—Because You Are Not Powerless

“I will strengthen you, I will help you…”
God doesn’t just sympathize—He strengthens. He helps. He upholds.

• When your legs feel like they’re giving out from stress, He gives you strength.
  
• When the pressure mounts and the path forward seems impossible, He helps.
  
• When everything is falling apart, He holds you up.
  

He never commands what He won’t equip you to do. If He says “Fear not,” it’s because He will supply everything you need to stand.

“Fear Not” Is a Command—Not a Suggestion

This is important: “Fear not” is not a comforting phrase meant only to soothe. It is a command from the Lord.

Why? Because fear left unchecked becomes a prison. It steals clarity. It breeds confusion. It paralyzes purpose. And ultimately, it pulls us away from trust in God.

To live in fear is to live in functional atheism—as if God were not present, not powerful, and not good.

But Isaiah 41:10 breaks that lie:

• God is present — “I am with you.”
  
• God is powerful — “I will uphold you.”
  
• God is good — “I will help you.”
  

Application: Faith Doesn’t Deny Fear—It Defeats It

Faith doesn’t mean you’ll never feel afraid. It means you refuse to let fear have the final word.

• When fear whispers, “You’re not enough”—remember, God is your strength.
  
• When anxiety tells you, “You’ll be overwhelmed”—remember, God will help.
  
• When worry grips you, “This is too much”—remember, God is upholding you.
  

Fear is real.
But so is God.
And God is greater.

Key Theme Two: Faith Over Fear – Peter Walks on Water

Matthew 14:27–31 (ESV)

But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”
And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.”
He said, “Come.”
So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

Fear Comes in the Storms of Life

Peter and the other disciples were caught in a storm, battered by waves and fear. Then they saw Jesus—walking on the water.

They didn’t recognize Him at first. In fact, they were terrified, thinking He was a ghost.

Jesus’s first words? “Take heart. It is I. Do not be afraid.”

In the middle of the storm—Jesus speaks peace.

He doesn’t calm the storm immediately. He speaks into it. And in doing so, He teaches us that His presence is our peace, not our circumstances.

Faith Steps Out of the Boat

Peter does something remarkable—he steps out of the boat.
His faith, even if imperfect, responds to Jesus’s call.

For a moment, faith overcomes fear.
Peter does what should be impossible—he walks on water. But then…

“When he saw the wind, he was afraid…”

Fear crept in the moment Peter took his eyes off Jesus and placed them on the storm.

This is often how it works:

• As long as our focus is on Christ, we can do what fear says is impossible.
  
• But when we obsess over the wind and waves—our circumstances, dangers, worst-case scenarios—we sink.
  

Jesus Catches Sinking Saints

Peter begins to sink, but he does the right thing:

“Lord, save me!”

He doesn’t try to swim back to the boat on his own. He doesn’t give up. He calls out to Jesus—and Jesus immediately grabs hold of him.

Jesus doesn’t shame Peter. He doesn’t let him drown. He rescues—and then gently corrects.

“O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

Not, “How dare you.” But, “You were doing it! You just needed to keep trusting.”

Application: Keep Your Eyes on Jesus

Fear isn’t conquered by self-confidence. It’s conquered by God-confidence.

• Storms will come.
  
• Fear will rise.
  
• But Jesus says, “Do not be afraid… Come.”
  

We walk above the waves when we walk with Him. And when we start to sink—He still holds us.

Reflection Questions:

• Where is fear trying to keep you in the boat?
  
• What storms are pulling your eyes away from Jesus?
  
• How can you respond in faith this week—even if your voice shakes?

Key Theme Three: Surrounded by God – Elisha and the Invisible Army

2 Kings 6:15–17 (ESV)

When the servant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. And the servant said, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?”
He said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”
Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.”
So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

Fear Sees the Enemy—Faith Sees the Lord

Elisha’s servant wakes up to a nightmare:
The city is surrounded by a hostile army. The enemy has come with horses and chariots. There’s no way out.

He panics—understandably.

“Alas, my master! What shall we do?”

This is fear’s favorite question:
“What are we going to do?”
It assumes we’re alone. That it’s up to us. That we’ve already lost.

But Elisha responds with faith and vision:

“Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”

The servant couldn’t see it yet—but Elisha could. The hills were filled with heavenly forces: horses and chariots of fire.

Faith Prays, and Eyes Are Opened

Elisha doesn’t argue. He prays:

“O Lord, open his eyes that he may see.”

That’s what we need most when fear comes—not more facts, but clearer faith.

When the servant’s spiritual eyes are opened, he sees what was true all along:
They weren’t surrounded by the enemy. The enemy was surrounded by God.

Application: You Are Never Alone

Fear lies. It says you are abandoned.
But faith says, “The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” (Psalm 46:7)

What you see in the natural may be terrifying—
but what’s true in the spiritual is even greater.

You are not alone.

• God surrounds His people with protection.
  
• He commands unseen armies.
  
• His presence goes before, behind, and beside you.
  

Even if you feel surrounded—you’re surrounded by Him.

Reflection Questions:

• Are you more focused on what the enemy is doing—or what God is doing?
  
• When fear floods your heart, do you stop to ask God for vision?
  
• How would your choices change if you truly believed God’s army is with you?

Key Theme Four: Jesus in the Storm – Fear Meets the Voice of Peace

Matthew 14:26–27 (ESV)

But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear.
But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”

Fear Looks at the Storm—Faith Looks at the Savior

The disciples were seasoned fishermen, used to storms. But this one was different.
They were exhausted, battered, and alone in the dark.

Then—something appears on the water. A figure walking toward them.

They don’t recognize Him.
They assume the worst—“It’s a ghost!” Fear always fills in the blanks with panic.

But immediately, Jesus speaks.

“Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”

Three short commands that can anchor the soul:

1. Take heart – have courage.
   
2. It is I – the same voice that spoke creation is here.
   
3. Do not be afraid – because fear must bow in His presence.
   

Application: Jesus Doesn’t Remove Every Storm—But He Joins Us In It

Sometimes God doesn’t calm the sea immediately.
Sometimes He walks across the waves to meet us in it.

He doesn’t shame the disciples for their fear—He speaks into it.

• He meets us in our lowest, darkest moments.
  
• He reveals Himself in the storm, not just after it.
  
• And He reminds us that His presence is our peace.
  

Conclusion: “Fear Not”—Because He Is With You

The command to “Fear not” appears over 300 times in the Bible.
It’s not because we never have reason to feel fear—
but because we have a greater reason not to stay in it.

Isaiah 41:10 — “I am with you.”
2 Kings 6 — “Those who are with us are more…”
Matthew 14 — “It is I.”

The answer to fear is always God’s presence.

So whether you're facing:

• Inner anxiety
  
• Real enemies
  
• Overwhelming circumstances
  
• Or uncertainty about the future
  

God's Word is clear:
Fear not. You are not alone. He is with you.

Reflection Questions:

• Where have you allowed fear to take root in your life?
  
• Have you asked God to open your eyes to what He’s doing behind the scenes?
  

What would it look like this week to walk in courage instead of fear?