Print

ISAIAH 12:2

"TRUSTING OR FEARING"

Intro: Jesus said, in the last days men's hearts would fail for fear. We are living
       in fearful days. Violent crimes on increase. It seems every month they find some
       new carcinogenic agent. Dietetic soda. We live in fear of health, safety, security.

I. "I WILL TRUST AND NOT BE AFRAID."  WHO CAN SAY THIS?
        A. The man who is praising the Lord. Vs. 1.
                1. It is amazing how praising the Lord can alleviate fear.
                        a. It seems to pull things into proper perspective.
                        b. If you are praising God for His love, power, protection,
                           concern, fears seem to vanish.
        B. The person that is comforted by God. Vs. 1.
                1. Jesus said, "And I will pray the Father..."
                        a. The word comforter, parakletos, means one alongside to help.
                        b. Fear so often strikes when we're alone.
                        c. When trouble comes, it's good to have someone standing with
                           you. When that someone is God, fear is dispelled.
        C. That person who has experienced God's salvation.
                1. We have seen God work time and again.
                2. Our confidence grows and fear goes.

II. TEXT OFTEN TWISTED.
        A. Some say, "I will not trust, and not be afraid."
                1. They feel no need of God in their lives.
                2. Many older people become hardened and set.
                        a. "I lived as I wanted, I am ready to face the consequences."
                3. Some feel no need for God, they are willing to take their chances.
                4. My heart goes out to them. They are victims of Satan's lies.
        B. Some say, "I will not trust, I am afraid."
                1. Their lives are tormented by fears, but the will not trust the Lord.
                2. I have very little to say to these people who refuse to trust.
                        a. If you are drowning and I throw you a life preserver, the only
                           one on board.
                        b. If you refuse to grab it because.
                                1. It's the only one, you wanted a choice.
                                2. You don't believe you're drowning.
                                3. You don't trust it.
                                4. It's painted yellow.
                        c. What can I say as you go down? "Poor fool."
        C. I will trust, and be afraid.
                1. We immediately recognize the inconsistency of such a statement.
                        a. If you are afraid, you are not trusting.
                        b. These are mutually exclusive.
                        c. If you are gripped with fear over some circumstance, you are
                           not trusting enough.

III. "I WILL TRUST, AND NOT FEAR." WHAT GLORIOUS, FEARLESS LIFE WE HAVE IN CHRIST."
        A. I will not fear the past.
                1. Some are plagued by their past.
                        a. They did such evil.
                        b. They have tried and failed so many times.
                2. Jesus has blotted out my past.
                        a. "If any man is in Christ..."
                        b. "The blood of Jesus Christ, God's Son..."
        B. I will not fear the present.
                1. The Lord is in control, my life is in His hand.
                2. Nothing happens but He allows.
                3. If He allows, He has a reason.
        C. I will not fear the future.
                1. Wars, catastrophes, famines, economic collapse.