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[Do not be afraid]
Joseph’s brothers went to Egypt again
They were taken to Joseph’s house.
They were frightened.
Genesis 43:18 Now the men were frightened when they were taken to his house. They thought, "We were brought here because of the silver that was put back into our sacks the first time. He wants to attack us and overpower us and seize us as slaves and take our donkeys." 23 "It's all right," he said. "Don't be afraid. Your God, the God of your father, has given you treasure in your sacks; I received your silver." Then he brought Simeon out to them.
They had a foolish fear.
They were afraid because
1. They did not know who the supreme master was
The master was Joseph, their brother, and he was supreme in Egypt.
2. They misunderstood that Joseph was going to do harm to them.
Joseph just wanted to see his dreams come to pass.
He has no intention of doing harm to them.
3. They felt guilty of having sold Joseph.
Genesis 42:21 They said to one another, "Surely we are being punished because of our brother. We saw how distressed he was when he pleaded with us for his life, but we would not listen; that's why this distress has come upon us."
Don’t quarrel on the way
Genesis 45:24 Then he sent his brothers away, and as they were leaving he said to them, "Don't quarrel on the way!"
They could have blamed each other for Joseph.
[Why We Are Afraid?]
What are you afraid of?
- Study? Job? Business?
- Marriage? Relationship? Persecution?
- Health?
However, most of our fears and worries are baseless.
Why are you afraid?
1. Because we do not believe supreme God is our Father and He is in control of everything (Relationship & Power)
He is our father
Romans 8:15 For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father."
Our Father is Almighty and reigns
Revelation 19:6 Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: "Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns.
Revelation was written when the emperor worship was prevalent.
Emperor Domitianus, the self-proclaimed “Lord and God” and ruthless dictator, reigned from AD 81 to 96.
Don’t fear. I hold the keys
Revelation 1:17-18 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.
Nothing can happen apart from God’s will
Matthew 10:29-31 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
2. Because we do not know what our God is going to do for us
We do not know God’s plan for us
Good gifts to us
Matthew 7:11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
For the good of us
Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all--how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?
To Israel
Jeremiah 29:10-11 This is what the LORD says: "When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
3. Because we commit sins and we lose confidence
No longer worthy
Luke 15:18-19 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.'
Jacob was afraid
n Because he was moving against God’s promise.
Genesis 35:11-12 And God said to him, "I am God Almighty; be fruitful and increase in number. A nation and a community of nations will come from you, and kings will come from your body. The land I gave to Abraham and Isaac I also give to you, and I will give this land to your descendants after you."
n Because he was not sure of the future
Genesis 46:1-4 So Israel set out with all that was his, and when he reached Beersheba, he offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac. And God spoke to Israel in a vision at night and said, "Jacob! Jacob!" "Here I am," he replied. "I am God, the God of your father," he said. "Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. I will go down to Egypt with you, and I will surely bring you back again. And Joseph's own hand will close your eyes."
He sympathizes with our weaknesses
Hebrews 4:13-16 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Psalms 56:3 When I am afraid, I will trust in you.
1. Remember your relationship to God; you are his son and he is your father
2. Remember how mighty our God is and he is in control of everything
3. Remember God has good plans for you
4. Remember Christ has come to bear your weaknesses
Song: 3. God is good all the time
Do Not Be Afraid_20161211.docx