Why Are You Afraid?

Why Are You Afraid?

Introduction
Fear is a powerful emotion. It can paralyze, distort our vision, and weaken our faith. In our world today, fear shows itself in countless ways—anxieties about health, violence, terrorism, governments, and the future of our children. Yet again and again, Jesus told His disciples, “Do not be afraid.” Even in moments of darkness, storms, and overwhelming circumstances, He called them to trust rather than tremble. Scripture reminds us that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). The question, then, is this: why are we afraid?

Fear and Faith in Conflict
Fear often undermines our faith. In Matthew 8:23–27, when the disciples faced a storm, they cried, “Lord, save us, we are perishing!” Jesus answered, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Fear and faith do not coexist well. Fear shrinks trust in God and magnifies danger. Jesus wanted His followers to realize that His power over storms, seas, and even death is greater than anything we face.

Jesus’ Words of Courage
We see this repeated throughout the Gospels:

• In Matthew 10:26–28, He told His disciples not to fear persecutors but to fear God, who holds eternal authority.

• In Matthew 14:22–27, He told terrified disciples in the storm, “Be of good cheer; it is I; do not be afraid.”

• In Matthew 17:1–7, during the transfiguration, as His glory shone and the Father’s voice thundered, He touched Peter, James, and John and said, “Arise, and do not be afraid.”
  Jesus always points His followers away from earthly dread and toward eternal trust.

Fears About Our Children
Parents often face unique fears. We worry about our children’s safety, choices, health, and most importantly, their faith. Jairus, a synagogue ruler, begged Jesus to heal his dying daughter (Luke 8:40–56). Jesus reassured him: “Do not be afraid; only believe.” The greatest responsibility of parents is to give their children to God—through example, teaching, and diligent training. Deuteronomy 4:40 emphasizes keeping God’s commands so it may go well with us and with our children. Timothy’s faith was nurtured from infancy by his mother and grandmother (2 Timothy 3:14–15). Parents cannot guarantee faith, but we must give every opportunity by showing reverence for God’s word and living it before our children.

Fears About Death
The fear of death has haunted humanity since the beginning. Shakespeare called it “the undiscovered country.” Yet Scripture gives a different view. Isaiah 26:19 declares, “Your dead shall live… awake and sing.” Jesus promised in John 14:1–3 that He was preparing a place for His followers. Moses and Elijah appeared in glory on the mount of transfiguration (Luke 9:30–31), showing that death is not the end but a new existence. Paul assures us in 1 Corinthians 15:20–55 that Christ’s resurrection is the firstfruits of our own. The faithful will receive incorruptible, immortal bodies. For them, death has no sting. But for those outside of Christ, death begins a dreadful existence. Choice makes the difference.

Conclusion
Jesus repeatedly asked, “Why are you afraid?” If our trust is in Him, we need not fear storms, persecution, the fate of our children, or even death itself. Fear cripples faith, but faith conquers fear. The challenge is ours: to replace anxiety with trust, dread with hope, and fear with faith.

Why Are You Afraid? Sermon Outline:

I. Introduction

• Fear is a universal human experience.

• Jesus consistently told His disciples, “Do not be afraid.”

• Question for today: Why are we afraid?

II. Fear and Faith in Conflict

• Matthew 8:23–27 – Fear and little faith in the storm.

• Fear magnifies danger and minimizes trust.

III. Jesus’ Words of Courage

• Matthew 10:26–28 – Fear God, not man.

• Matthew 14:22–27 – In storms, Jesus says, “It is I; do not be afraid.”

• Matthew 17:1–7 – Transfiguration: “Arise, do not be afraid.”

IV. Fears About Our Children

• Common parental anxieties.

• Jairus’ daughter (Luke 8:40–56) – “Do not be afraid; only believe.”

• Parental responsibility: give children to God.

• Deuteronomy 4:40 – Keep God’s commands for your children’s good.

• 2 Timothy 3:14–15 – Timothy taught from infancy by mother and grandmother.

V. Fears About Death

• Human dread of death.

• Isaiah 26:19 – Dead shall live.

• John 14:1–3 – Jesus prepares a place.

• Luke 9:30–31 – Moses and Elijah appeared in glory.

• 1 Corinthians 15:20–55 – Resurrection of the dead, incorruptible bodies, victory over death.

VI. Conclusion

• Fear cripples faith; faith conquers fear.

• Jesus calls us to trust, not tremble.

Call to Action
Jesus asks each of us, “Why are you afraid?” Do not let fear rob you of faith. Trust Him with your children. Trust Him with your death. Trust Him with your eternity. If you need to be baptized, restored, or strengthened, make that choice today.

Key Takeaways

• Fear diminishes faith; faith grows when fear is surrendered to Christ (Matthew 8:26).

• Jesus calls us not to fear man but to fear God alone (Matthew 10:28).

• Parents must train children diligently in God’s word (Deuteronomy 4:40; 2 Timothy 3:15).

• For the faithful, death is not the end but a glorious new existence (Isaiah 26:19; John 14:2–3; 1 Corinthians 15:52–55).

• Trust removes fear; Christ offers peace that surpasses understanding.

Scripture Reference List

• Matthew 8:23–27 – Fear in the storm, little faith.

• Matthew 10:26–28 – Fear God, not men.

• Matthew 14:22–27 – Jesus walking on water.

• Matthew 17:1–7 – Transfiguration.

• 2 Timothy 1:7 – Spirit of power, not fear.

• Luke 8:40–56 – Jairus’ daughter.

• Deuteronomy 4:40 – Obedience for children’s blessing.

• 2 Timothy 3:14–15 – Timothy’s upbringing.

• Isaiah 26:19 – Promise of life after death.

• John 14:1–3 – Jesus prepares a place.

• Luke 9:30–31 – Moses and Elijah in glory.

• 1 Corinthians 15:20–55 – Resurrection victory.

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO