How does "Do not be afraid" connect with other biblical assurances of peace? Key Verse: John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid.” The Setting • Upper Room, just hours before the cross • Jesus prepares His disciples for turmoil they never imagined • He offers peace first, then commands courage: the gift precedes the call Why the Command “Do Not Be Afraid” Matters • Fear signals a heart leaning on sight rather than faith (2 Corinthians 5:7) • Christ’s own peace—unshakable, divine—replaces worldly calm that depends on circumstances • The command is rooted in His presence: “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20) Old Testament Foundations of Fearless Peace • Genesis 15:1 – “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” • Exodus 14:13 – “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the LORD’s salvation.” • Joshua 1:9 – “Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” • Psalm 23:4 – “I will fear no evil, for You are with me.” • Isaiah 41:10 – “Do not fear, for I am with you… I will strengthen you.” • Isaiah 43:1 – “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine.” Key link: Every assurance of peace is anchored in God’s personal presence and covenant faithfulness. New Testament Expansion • Luke 2:10 – Angelic birth announcement: “Do not be afraid… good news of great joy.” • Matthew 28:5 – Empty-tomb angel: “Do not be afraid… He is risen.” • John 20:19-21 – Risen Christ: “Peace be with you.” Fear yields to resurrection reality. • Philippians 4:6-7 – Prayer trades anxiety for “the peace of God… guarding hearts and minds.” • John 16:33 – “In Me you may have peace… take courage; I have overcome the world!” • 2 Thessalonians 3:16 – “May the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way.” Key link: Peace reaches its fullest expression in the finished work and ongoing reign of Jesus. A Single Thread Woven from Genesis to Revelation • Same command, same promise, same God • Peace is never self-generated; it is bestowed by the Lord of peace • The antidote to fear is always His person—“I am your shield,” “I am with you,” “I have overcome” • Revelation 1:17 – Glorified Christ repeats it: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last.” Eternity secures the promise. Living the Assurance Today • Dwell on the Giver: rehearse His character (faithful, sovereign, near) • Memorize key verses; speak them when anxiety rises • Replace worry with prayerful thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6) • Worship shifts focus from threat to throne (Psalm 34:3-4) • Encourage others; shared testimony multiplies peace (2 Corinthians 1:3-4) Key Takeaways • “Do not be afraid” is never a bare command—it is yoked to God’s gift of peace. • From Abram to the apostles, peace rests on His unchanging presence. • Christ’s cross and resurrection transformed temporary calm into eternal security. • Receiving His peace enables courageous obedience in every circumstance. |
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