FEAR NOT

A Fear of Others

Matthew 1:18-25

Do you fear what others think about you?

• Obsessing about what people think leads to forgetting about what God thinks.
  • “…before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit…” ( 18)
  • “…not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly.” (v. 19)
• Sometimes pleasing God means disappointing
  • “…do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.” (v. 20)
  • “…you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.” (v. 21)
• Obsessing about what GOD thinks leads to forgetting about what people think.

Live for God Instead of People

• Be ready to be CRITICIZED. 
  • Galatians 1:10
  • To make the biggest difference be ready to endure critics.
• Be OBEDIENT.
  • Psalm 119:105
  • Imagine what God might do with one simple act of obedience.

“Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name JESUS.” (Matthew 1:24-25)