Fear Not Study in ESVThings to note:

Often happens at critical times of transition when encouragement is needed.

There is a mixture of happening at beginning and subsequent times. Command not to fear Note object of fear At least once for every key leader

Things to Study: Study reason why they should not fear What to do instead of fear Study use of be courageous in the context (found 11x)

1. Examples of God Speaking Directly to People God to Abraham (God reaffirms His promise as Abram doubts in a

vision) i. Genesis 15:1 After these things the word of the Lord came to

Abram in a vision: “Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.”

God to Isaac (after his struggle to establish himself in the land)i. Genesis 26:24 And the Lord appeared to him the same night and

said, “I am the God of Abraham your father. Fear not, for I am with you and will bless you and multiply your offspring for my servant Abraham’s sake.”

God to Jacob (Jacob moves to Egypt during famine) but something newi. Genesis 46:3 Then he said, “I am God, the God of your father.

Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make you into a great nation.

God to Moses (second battle after moving out of wilderness. First defeats Sihon king of Moabites and now facing Og King of Amorites)

i. Numbers 21:34 But the Lord said to Moses, “Do not fear him, for I have given him into your hand, and all his people, and his land. And you shall do to him as you did to Sihon king of the Amorites, who lived at Heshbon.”

ii. Same story…Deuteronomy 3:2 But the Lord said to me, ‘Do not fear him, for I have given him and all his people and his land into your hand. And you shall do to him as you did to Sihon the king of the Amorites, who lived at Heshbon.’

God to Joshua (transition to lead Israel) – first time leading but was already serving Moses)

i. Joshua 1:3–9 3 Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses. 4 From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun shall be your territory. 5 No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you. 6 Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do

according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. 8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

ii. (Second major battle) Joshua 8:1 And the Lord said to Joshua, “Do not fear and do not be dismayed. Take all the fighting men with you, and arise, go up to Ai. See, I have given into your hand the king of Ai, and his people, his city, and his land.

iii. (before fighting 5 Amorite kings) Joshua 10:8 And the Lord said to Joshua, “Do not fear them, for I have given them into your hands. Not a man of them shall stand before you.”

iv. (before fighting northern kings) Joshua 11:6 And the Lord said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid of them, for tomorrow at this time I will give over all of them, slain, to Israel. You shall hamstring their horses and burn their chariots with fire.”

God to Isaiah i. (not be like the people) Isaiah 8:12-13 12 “Do not call conspiracy

all that this people calls conspiracy, and do not fear what they fear, nor be in dread. 13 But the LORD of hosts, him you shall honor as holy. Let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.

God to Jeremiah i. (Jeremiah’s calling) Jeremiah 1:8 Do not be afraid of them, for I

am with you to deliver you, declares the Lord.” ii. (after fall of Jerusalem) Lamentations 3:57 You came near when

I called on you; you said, ‘Do not fear!’ God to Ezekiel

i. (Ezekiel’s calling) Ezekiel 2:6 And you, son of man, be not afraid of them, nor be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns are with you and you sit on scorpions. Be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, for they are a rebellious house.

ii. (Ezekiel’s calling) Ezekiel 3:9 Like emery harder than flint have I made your forehead. Fear them not, nor be dismayed at their looks, for they are a rebellious house.”

God to Daniel i. (after a terrifying vision) Daniel 10:12 Then he said to me, “Fear

not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words.

ii. (after a terrifying vision) Daniel 10:19 And he said, “O man greatly loved, fear not, peace be with you; be strong and of good courage.” And as he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.”

2. Examples of Jesus Speaking Directly to People

Jesus to His Disciples i. (general teaching)Matthew 10:26 “So have no fear of them, for

nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.

ii. (general teaching)Matthew 10:28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

iii. (general teaching)Matthew 10:31 Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.

iv. (Jesus’ transfiguration)Matthew 17:7 But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.”

v. (Jesus calms the storm) Matthew 8:26 And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.

vi. (Jesus calms the storm) Mark 4:40 He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?”

vii. (Jesus calms the storm) Luke 8:25 He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, “Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?”

viii. (Jesus walking on the water)Matthew 14:27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”

ix. (Jesus walking on the water) Mark 6:50 for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”

x. (Jesus walking on the water) John 6:19–20 19 When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were frightened. 20 But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.”

xi. (general teaching) Mark 13:7 And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet.

xii. (calling his disciples) Luke 5:10 and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.”

xiii. (general teaching) Luke 12:4 “I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do.

xiv. (general teaching)Luke 12:7 Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.

xv. (general teaching) Luke 12:32 “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

xvi. (general teaching) Luke 21:9 And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once.”

xvii. (general teaching) John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

Jesus to Mary i. (after the resurrection) Matthew 28:10 Then Jesus said to them,

“Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”

Jesus to Jairus i. (healing Jairus’ daughter) Mark 5:36 But overhearing what they

said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.”

ii. (healing Jairus’ daughter) Luke 8:50 But Jesus on hearing this answered him, “Do not fear; only believe, and she will be well.”

Jesus to Paul i. (calling Paul) Acts 18:9–10 9 And the Lord said to Paul one night

in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, 10 for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.”

Jesus to John i. (vision of Christ) Revelation 1:17 When I saw him, I fell at his

feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last,

Jesus to the Church in Smyrna i. (instruction to the church) Revelation 2:10 Do not fear what you

are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.

3. Examples of God Speaking Directly to People through an Angel God (through the Angel of the Lord) to Hagar (God protects Hagar and

Ishmael)i. Genesis 21:17 And God heard the voice of the boy, and the

angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, “What troubles you, Hagar? Fear not, for God has heard the voice of the boy where he is.

God (through an angel) to Gideon (God calls Gideon)i. Judges 6:23 But the Lord said to him, “Peace be to you. Do not

fear; you shall not die.” The Angel of the Lord to Elijah

i. 2 Kings 1:15 Then the angel of the Lord said to Elijah, “Go down with him; do not be afraid of him.” So he arose and went down with him to the king

God (through an angel) to Zechariah (Elizabeth will give birth)i. Luke 1:13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid,

Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.

God (through the angel Gabriel) to Mary (accept miraculous birth of Jesus)

i. Luke 1:30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.

God (through an angel) to Joseph (accept Mary’s pregnant condition from the HS)

i. Matthew 1:20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.

God (through an angel) to Mary at the Tomb (Jesus resurrected)i. Matthew 28:5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be

afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. God (through an angel) to the Shepherds (announcement of Jesus’

birth)i. Luke 2:10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I

bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. God (through an angel) to Paul (Paul facing peril at sea)

i. Acts 27:24 and he said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.’

4. Examples of God Speaking to People Though a Prophet God (through Isaiah) to Hezekiah (through his servants) (facing

Assyria’s invasion)i. 2 Kings 19:6 Isaiah said to them, “Say to your master, ‘Thus

says the Lord: Do not be afraid because of the words that you have heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have reviled me.

ii. Isaiah 37:6 (facing Assyria’s invasion)Isaiah said to them, “Say to your master, ‘Thus says the Lord: Do not be afraid because of the words that you have heard, with which the young men of the king of Assyria have reviled me.

God (through Isaiah) to Ahaz (threat from Syria)i. Isaiah 7:4 And say to him, ‘Be careful, be quiet, do not fear, and

do not let your heart be faint because of these two smoldering stumps of firebrands, at the fierce anger of Rezin and Syria and the son of Remaliah.

God (through Jahaziel) to Jehoshaphat, Jerusalem and All Judah i. 2 Chronicles 20:15 (threat of Moabites and Ammonites)And he

said, “Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the Lord to you, ‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s.

ii. 2 Chronicles 20:17 (threat of Moabites and Ammonites)You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’ Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you.”

God (through Isaiah) to the Israelites i. Isaiah 10:24 (threat of Assyrians) Therefore thus says the Lord

God of hosts: “O my people, who dwell in Zion, be not afraid of the Assyrians when they strike with the rod and lift up their staff against you as the Egyptians did.

ii. Isaiah 40:9 (general instructions) Go on up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good news; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good news; lift it up, fear not; say to the cities of Judah, “Behold your God!”

iii. Isaiah 41:10 (general instructions) 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.

iv. Isaiah 41:13 (general instructions) For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.”

v. Isaiah 41:14 (general instructions) Fear not, you worm Jacob, you men of Israel! I am the one who helps you, declares the Lord; your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel.

vi. Isaiah 43:1 (general instructions) But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.

vii. Isaiah 43:5 (general instructions) Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you.

viii. Isaiah 44:2 (general instructions) Thus says the Lord who made you, who formed you from the womb and will help you: Fear not, O Jacob my servant, Jeshurun whom I have chosen.

ix. Isaiah 44:8 (general instructions) Fear not, nor be afraid; have I not told you from of old and declared it? And you are my witnesses! Is there a God besides me? There is no Rock; I know not any.”

x. Isaiah 51:7 (general instructions) “Listen to me, you who know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear not the reproach of man, nor be dismayed at their revilings.

xi. Isaiah 51:12 (general instructions) “I, I am he who comforts you; who are you that you are afraid of man who dies, of the son of man who is made like grass,

xii. Isaiah 54:4 (general instructions) “Fear not, for you will not be ashamed; be not confounded, for you will not be disgraced; for you will forget the shame of your youth, and the reproach of your widowhood you will remember no more.

xiii. Isaiah 54:14 (general instructions) In righteousness you shall be established; you shall be far from oppression, for you shall not fear; and from terror, for it shall not come near you.

God (through Jeremiah) to the Israelites i. Jeremiah 10:2 (general instructions) Thus says the Lord: “Learn

not the way of the nations, nor be dismayed at the signs of the heavens because the nations are dismayed at them,

ii. Jeremiah 10:5 (general instructions) Their idols are like scarecrows in a cucumber field, and they cannot speak; they have to be carried, for they cannot walk. Do not be afraid of them, for they cannot do evil, neither is it in them to do good.”

iii. Jeremiah 17:8 (general instructions) He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear

when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”

iv. Jeremiah 23:4 (general instructions) I will set shepherds over them who will care for them, and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall any be missing, declares the Lord.

v. Jeremiah 30:10 (facing captivity) “Then fear not, O Jacob my servant, declares the Lord, nor be dismayed, O Israel; for behold, I will save you from far away, and your offspring from the land of their captivity. Jacob shall return and have quiet and ease, and none shall make him afraid.

vi. Jeremiah 46:27 (facing captivity) “But fear not, O Jacob my servant, nor be dismayed, O Israel, for behold, I will save you from far away, and your offspring from the land of their captivity. Jacob shall return and have quiet and ease, and none shall make him afraid.

vii. Jeremiah 42:11 (facing captivity) Do not fear the king of Babylon, of whom you are afraid. Do not fear him, declares the Lord, for I am with you, to save you and to deliver you from his hand.

viii. Jeremiah 46:28 (facing captivity) Fear not, O Jacob my servant, declares the Lord, for I am with you. I will make a full end of all the nations to which I have driven you, but of you I will not make a full end. I will discipline you in just measure, and I will by no means leave you unpunished.”

ix. Jeremiah 51:46 (facing captivity) Let not your heart faint, and be not fearful at the report heard in the land, when a report comes in one year and afterward a report in another year, and violence is in the land, and ruler is against ruler.

God (through Joel) to the Israelites i. Joel 2:21 (general instructions) “Fear not, O land; be glad and

rejoice, for the Lord has done great things! ii. Joel 2:22 (general instructions) Fear not, you beasts of the field,

for the pastures of the wilderness are green; the tree bears its fruit; the fig tree and vine give their full yield.

God (through Zephaniah) to Israel i. Zephaniah 3:16-17 (general instructions) On that day it shall be

said to Jerusalem: “Fear not, O Zion; let not your hands grow weak. The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.

God (through Haggai) to Zerubbabel, Joshua and the People i. Haggai 2:5 (general instructions) according to the covenant that

I made with you when you came out of Egypt. My Spirit remains in your midst. Fear not.

God (through Zechariah) to the Israelites i. cursing among the nations, O house of Judah and house of

Israel, so will I save you, and you shall be a blessing. Fear not, but let your hands be strong.”

ii. Zechariah 8:15 (general instructions) so again have I purposed in these days to bring good to Jerusalem and to the house of Judah; fear not.

God (through Zechariah) to the Israelites - Jesus quotes Zechariah's Prophecy in Zechariah 9:9

i. John 12:15 (coming of Christ)“Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt!”

5. Declarations of Not Fearing (because of God) (general instructions) Psalm 3:6 I will not be afraid of many thousands of people who have

set themselves against me all around. Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of

death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Psalm 27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalm 27:3 Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident.

Psalm 34:4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.

Psalm 46:2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,

Psalm 56:3–4 3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. 4 In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?

Psalm 56:3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. Psalm 56:4 In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be

afraid. What can flesh do to me? Psalm 56:11 in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can man do to

me? Psalm 78:53 He led them in safety, so that they were not afraid, but

the sea overwhelmed their enemies. Psalm 91:4–8 4 He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings

you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. 5 You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, 6 nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday. 7 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. 8 You will only look with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked.

Psalm 112:7 He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord.

Psalm 112:8 His heart is steady; he will not be afraid, until he looks in triumph on his adversaries.

Psalm 118:6 The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?

Proverbs 3:24 If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.

Proverbs 3:25–26 25 Do not be afraid of sudden terror or of the ruin of the wicked, when it comes, 26 for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught.

Proverbs 29:25 The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.

Proverbs 31:21 She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet.

Isaiah 12:2 “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.”

Isaiah 35:4 Say to those who have an anxious heart, “Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.”

Luke 1:74–75 74 that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve him without fear, 75 in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.

Romans 8:15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”

Philippians 1:12–14 12 I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. 14 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

2 Timothy 1:7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Hebrews 11:23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.

Hebrews 11:27 By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible.

1 Peter 3:6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.

1 Peter 3:13–14 13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled,

1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.

Quote from Psalm 56:4,11 1. Hebrews 13:5–6 5 Keep your life free from love of money,

and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 6 So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”

6. Examples of People Speaking to People Midwife to Rachel (giving birth)

i. Genesis 35:17 And when her labor was at its hardest, the midwife said to her, “Do not fear, for you have another son.”

Joseph's Steward to Joseph's Brothers (finding their money in the sack)

i. Genesis 43:23 He replied, “Peace to you, do not be afraid. Your God and the God of your father has put treasure in your sacks for you. I received your money.” Then he brought Simeon out to them.

Joseph to Brothers (facing Joseph’s possible wrath)i. Genesis 50:19 But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in

the place of God? ii. Genesis 50:21 So do not fear; I will provide for you and your

little ones.” Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them. Joshua and Caleb to the Israelites (after spying out the land)

i. Numbers 14:9 Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not fear the people of the land, for they are bread for us. Their protection is removed from them, and the Lord is with us; do not fear them.”

Moses to the Israelites i. Exodus 14:13 (facing Pharaoh’s army) And Moses said to the

people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again.

ii. Exodus 20:20 (general instructions) Moses said to the people, “Do not fear, for God has come to test you, that the fear of him may be before you, that you may not sin.”

iii. Deuteronomy 1:21 (before entering the land) See, the Lord your God has set the land before you. Go up, take possession, as the Lord, the God of your fathers, has told you. Do not fear or be dismayed.’

iv. Deuteronomy 3:22 (before entering the land) You shall not fear them, for it is the Lord your God who fights for you.’

v. Deuteronomy 7:18 (before entering the land) you shall not be afraid of them but you shall remember what the Lord your God did to Pharaoh and to all Egypt,

vi. Deuteronomy 18:22 (general instructions) when a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the word does not come to pass or come true, that is a word that the Lord has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously. You need not be afraid of him.

vii. Deuteronomy 20:1 (facing war) “When you go out to war against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and an army larger than your own, you shall not be afraid of them, for the Lord your God is with you, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.

viii. Deuteronomy 20:3 (facing war) and shall say to them, ‘Hear, O Israel, today you are drawing near for battle against your enemies: let not your heart faint. Do not fear or panic or be in dread of them,

ix. Deuteronomy 31:6 (Joshua to succeed Moses) Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”

Moses to Joshua

i. Deuteronomy 31:7–8 7 (Joshua to succeed Moses)Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you shall go with this people into the land that the Lord has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall put them in possession of it. 8 It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”

Joshua to the Israelites i. Joshua 10:25 (after victory over 5 Amorite kings) And Joshua

said to them, “Do not be afraid or dismayed; be strong and courageous. For thus the Lord will do to all your enemies against whom you fight.”

Jael to Sisera i. Judges 4:18 (deceiving Sisera) And Jael came out to meet Sisera

and said to him, “Turn aside, my lord; turn aside to me; do not be afraid.” So he turned aside to her into the tent, and she covered him with a rug.

Boaz to Ruth i. Ruth 3:11 (kinsman redeemer situation) And now, my daughter,

do not fear. I will do for you all that you ask, for all my fellow townsmen know that you are a worthy woman.

Women Attending the Wife of Phinehas to Her i. 1 Samuel 4:20 (giving birth) And about the time of her death the

women attending her said to her, “Do not be afraid, for you have borne a son.” But she did not answer or pay attention.

Samuel to the Israelites i. 1 Samuel 12:20 And Samuel said to the people, (Samuel’s

farewell address) “Do not be afraid; you have done all this evil. Yet do not turn aside from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart.

David to Abiathar i. 1 Samuel 22:23 (facing death) Stay with me; do not be afraid,

for he who seeks my life seeks your life. With me you shall be in safekeeping.”

Jonathan to David i. 1 Samuel 23:17 (facing death) And he said to him, “Do not fear,

for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you. You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you. Saul my father also knows this.”

Saul to the Medium of En-dor i. 1 Samuel 28:13 (facing death) The king said to her, “Do not be

afraid. What do you see?” And the woman said to Saul, “I see a god coming up out of the earth.”

David to Mephibosheth i. 2 Samuel 9:7 (facing death) And David said to him, “Do not fear,

for I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan, and I will restore to you all the land of Saul your father, and you shall eat at my table always.”

Absolom to His Servants

i. 2 Samuel 13:28 (being asked to murder) Then Absalom commanded his servants, “Mark when Amnon’s heart is merry with wine, and when I say to you, ‘Strike Amnon,’ then kill him. Do not fear; have I not commanded you? Be courageous and be valiant.”

Elijah to the Widow of Zarephath i. 1 Kings 17:13 (facing starvation) And Elijah said to her, “Do not

fear; go and do as you have said. But first make me a little cake of it and bring it to me, and afterward make something for yourself and your son.

Elisha to His Servant i. 2 Kings 6:16 (facing Syrian army) He said, “Do not be afraid, for

those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Gedaliah to the Israelites

i. 2 Kings 25:24 (facing Chaldean army) And Gedaliah swore to them and their men, saying, “Do not be afraid because of the Chaldean officials. Live in the land and serve the king of Babylon, and it shall be well with you.”

David to Solomon i. 1 Chronicles 22:13 (Solomon charged to build the temple) Then

you will prosper if you are careful to observe the statutes and the rules that the Lord commanded Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Fear not; do not be dismayed.

ii. 1 Chronicles 28:20 (Solomon charged to build the temple) Then David said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous and do it. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed, for the Lord God, even my God, is with you. He will not leave you or forsake you, until all the work for the service of the house of the Lord is finished.

Hezekiah to the People i. 2 Chronicles 32:7 (facing threat of Assyrians) “Be strong and

courageous. Do not be afraid or dismayed before the king of Assyria and all the horde that is with him, for there are more with us than with him.

Nehemiah to the Nobels, Officials and People i. Nehemiah 4:14 (task of building the wall) And I looked and arose

and said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.”

Eliphaz to Job i. Job 5:21 (general instructions) You shall be hidden from the lash

of the tongue, and shall not fear destruction when it comes. ii. Job 5:22 (general instructions) At destruction and famine you

shall laugh, and shall not fear the beasts of the earth. Zophar to Job

i. Job 11:15 (general instructions) Surely then you will lift up your face without blemish; you will be secure and will not fear.

Gedaliah to the Jews

i. Jeremiah 40:9 (facing exile) Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, son of Shaphan, swore to them and their men, saying, “Do not be afraid to serve the Chaldeans. Dwell in the land and serve the king of Babylon, and it shall be well with you.

Summary of Fear Not Study

(not including results from people to people)

1. Fear ExpressionBy God to Man (including through angels and prophets)a. Fear expressions including… Fear not x-31, Do not fear – x16, Do not

be frightened – x1, Do not be afraid – x23, Neither let them be afraid – x1, Have no fear – x2, You shall not fear – x1, Does not fear – x1, Do not be fearful – x1, Why are you afraid? – x3, They shall fear no more – x1 Total = at least 81 times

b. Other expressions including…i. Do not be dismayed – x9, Nor be dismayed – x2ii. Nor be in dread – x1iii. Do not be alarmed – x1iv. Do not be terrified – x1v. Do you let your hearts be troubled – x1vi. Do not let your heart be faint – x2vii. Take heart – x2viii. Be not confounded – x1ix. Let not your hands grow weak – x1

Declarations about Feara. Fear Expressions not afraid – x4, I will fear no evil – x1, Whom shall I

fear, of whom shall I be afraid – x1, My heart shall not fear – x1, Delivered me from all my fears – x1, will not fear –x2, When I am afraid – x3, Shall not be afraid – x3, They were not afraid – x1, will not fear – x2, is not afraid – x2, not be afraid – x4, The fear of man lays a snare – x1, Fear not – x1, Without fear – x2, Fall back into fear – x1, God gave us a spirit not of fear – x1, Do not fear – x1, Have no fear of them – x1, No fear – x1 Total = at least 34 times

b. Other Expressions i. Nor be troubled – x1

By Man to Mana. Fear expressions including… Do not fear – x15, Do not be afraid – x17,

Fear not – x1, Shall not fear – x4, Shall not be afraid – x2, You need not be afraid – x1Total = at least 40times

b. Other expressions including…i. Or be dismayed – x6ii. Let not your heart faint – x1iii. Or panic – x1iv. Or be in dread – x1

Summary of Fear Expressions (Terminology) Fear Not

155 times in Scripture (mostly from God or in relation to God)

Fear is a heart issue (heart be troubled, heart be faint, take heart)

Dismayed, alarmed, terrified, troubled, confounded, in dread, weak hands

2. Things that Instill Fear (circumstances)By God to Man (including through angels and prophets)a. God may not fulfill his promise – x3 (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob)b. The enemy – x4c. What others fear – x1d. The people – x8 (people’s looks)

i. God’s calling – x5e. After a terrifying vision – x2f. Those who kill the body – x2g. Storm – x3h. Jesus walking on the water – x3i. Wars and rumours of wars – x2j. Vision of Christ – x1k. What you are about to suffer – x1l. Death – x3 (Hagar and Ishmael; Gideon)m. Promise of a baby in old age – x1n. Taking Mary as your wife – x1o. Jesus’ resurrection – x1p. An angel appears – x1q. Death because of shipwreck – x1r. Threatening attack – x5s. The signs – x1t. Their idols – x1u. When heat comesv. Facing captivity – x4w. The king of Babylon – x1Declarations about Feara. Evil – x1b. People – x7c. Enemy – x2d. War – x1e. Earth gives way and mountains be moved – x1f. Terror – x2g. Pestilence – x1h. Destruction – x1i. Bad news – x1j. Snow – x1k. The king’s edict – x1l. The anger of the king – x1m. Anything that is frightening – x1n. Suffer for righteousness’ sake – x1By Man to Manb. Giving birth – x1

c. Finding money in the sack – x1d. Facing Joseph’s potential wrath – x1e. The people in the land – x2f. Facing an army – x3g. Preparing to conquer the land – x1h. People – x5i. When you go to war – x1j. Not having a husband – x1k. Giving birth – x1l. Facing death – x6m. Asked to murder – x1n. Facing starvation – x1o. Building the temple – x3p. Building the wall – x1q. Destruction – x2r. Famine – x1s. Beasts – x1t. Facing exile – x1

Summary of Circumstances that Instill Fear Difficult People

Threats, Anger, Lookse.g. enemies, war, looming attack

Challenging Situations Physical environments

e.g. storms, snow, earthquakes, pestilence Unfair accusations

e.g. suffering for doing good, marry a “virgin” who is pregnant

Economic threatse.g. pestilence, starvation

Disasterse.g. shipwreck, captivity, “destruction”

General discouragemente.g. “bad news”, evil, terror

Overwhelming Tasks Project bigger than obvious resources

e.g. become a great nations, have a child in old age, conquer the land, build the temple, rebuild the wall

3. Reason Why They Should Not FearBy God to Man (including through angels and prophets)a. I am your shield; – x1b. your reward shall be very great – x1c. I am with you – x9

i. You came near – x1ii. It is I – x3iii. The Lord will be with you – x1iv. My Spirit remains in your midst – x1

d. I will bless you – x1e. I will multiply your offspring – x1

f. I have given him into your hand – x5g. To deliver you – x1h. Made your forehead like emery, harder than flint – x1i. I have come because of your words – x1j. You have strengthened me – x2k. The hidden will be revealed – x2l. You are more valuable than many sparrows – x2m. It is your father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom – x1n. These things must take place first – x1o. Peace I leave you – x2p. No one will attack you or harm you – x1q. I am the first and the last – x1r. I will give you the crown of life – x1s. God has heard the voice of the boy – x1t. You shall not die – x1u. Your prayers have been heard – x1v. You will bear a son – x2w. You have found favor with God – x1x. That which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit – x1y. I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified – x1z. I bring you good news of great joy – x1aa.You must stand before Caesar – x1bb.The battle is not yours but God’s – x1cc. I am your God – x1dd.I will uphold you – x2ee.I am the one who help you – x1ff. I have redeemed you – x1gg.I have called you by name – x1hh.You are mine – x1ii. I will bring your offspring – x2jj. The Lord who made you – x2kk. I have chosen you – x1ll. Is there a God beside me? – x1mm. You will not be ashamed – x1nn.You will not be disgraced – x1oo.The approach of your widowhood you will remember no more – x1pp.You shall be established – x1qq.It shall not come near you – x1rr. The idols cannot do evil or good – x1ss. I will set shepherd over them who will care for them – x1tt. I will save you from far away – x6uu.The Lord has done great things – x1vv.He will rejoice over you with gladness – x1ww. He will quiet you with his love – x1xx.He will exult over you with loud singing – x1yy.Your king is coming – x1zz. I have purposed in these days to bring good to Jerusalem – x1Declarations about Feara. You are with me – x1b. Your rod and staff comfort me – x1

c. The Lord is the stronghold of my life – x1d. He led them in safety – x1e. He will cover them with his pinions – x1f. Under his wings you will find refuge – x1g. His faithfulness is a shield and buckler – x1h. Terror, arrow, pestilence and destruction …will not come hear you – x1i. The Lord is on my side – x1j. The Lord will be your confidence – x1k. Will keep your foot from being caught – x1l. God is my salvation – x2m. The Lord God is my strength and my song – x1n. God will come with vengeance – x1o. He will come and save you – x1p. Being delivered from the hand of our enemies – x1q. You did not receive the spirit of slavery…adoption as sons – x1r. God gave us a spirit of power and love and self-control – x1s. Seeing him who is invisible – x1t. You will be blessed – x1u. The Lord is my helper – x1

By Man to Mana. You have a son – x1b. Your God has put treasure in your sack – x1c. I will provide for you and your little ones – x1d. The Lord is with us – x2e. See the salvation of the Lord – x1f. He will work for you today – x1g. The Lord you God is with you – x3h. He will not leave you or forsake you – x3i. The Lord will go before you – x1j. The Lord will do to all your enemies – x1k. I will do all you ask – x1l. With me you shall be in safekeeping – x2m. You have borne a son – x1n. You shall be king – x1o. I will show you kindness – x1p. I will restore to you all the land – x1q. You shall eat at my table always – x1r. Have I not commanded you – x1s. Those who are with us are more than those who are with them. – x2

Summary of Why You Should Not Fear God’s Presence

“I am with you”, under his wings you will find refuge God’s Protection

“I am your shield”, the battle is not yours but God’s, God’s Promises/Blessings

“I will bless you”, “your reward shall be great”, “I will multiply your offspring”, give them into your hand, deliver you, your prayers have been heard, you are mine, I have chosen you,

God’s Peace

“Peace I leave you” he will quiet you with his love, God’s Reputation

“The Lord has done great things”, there is no God besides me,

4. What To Do Instead of FearBy God to Man (including through angels and prophets)a. Be strong and courageous - – x3

i. Be strong and of good courage – x1b. Arise and go up – x3c. Him you shall honor as holy – x1d. Fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell – x1e. Only believe – x2f. Go on speaking – x1g. Be faithful unto death – x1h. Stand firm, hold your position – x1i. Go out against them – x1j. Be glad and rejoice – x1k. Let your hands be strong – x1Declarations about Feara. I put my trust in you – x2b. In God I trust – x3c. He endured – x1By Man to Mana. Stand firm – x1b. Go up, take possession – x1c. Remember what the Lord your God did – x1d. Be strong and courageous – x3e. Server the Lord with all your heart – x1f. Be courageous and be valiant – x3g. Go and do as you have said – x1h. Live in the land and serve the king of Babylon – x2i. Observe the statutes and the rules – x1j. Remember the Lord...fight for your brothers etc. – x1

Summary of What to Do Instead of Fear Trust, Believe, have Faith

All these words are related to one another The object is always God

Take Action Be strong and courageous! Go…(do something) Keep on/endure the situation

Cultivate the Right Attitude Honour God Obey God’s Word Put everything into it e.g. Serve “with all your heart” Rejoice “Remember” what God has done

Also note the place of worry. (worry is a type of fear)

1. Be anxious for nothing Phil. 4:5-62. Don’t worry about tomorrow Matt. 5