Fear (Matthew 10:26-33)

12th Sun in Ordinary Time.

"So do not be afraid of them..." (Mt 10:26). "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body..." (Mt 10:28). "So don't be afraid..." (Mt 10:31).

• What do you fear?
• Being lonely? Not loved? Not honored? Not acknowledged? Not recognized? Not given credit? Taken for granted? Ignored? Betrayed?
• Making mistakes? Taking risks? Fearing loss? Getting robbed? Getting cheated? Getting scammed? 
• Getting sick? Getting weak? Getting fat? Getting old? Dying? 
• Losing it? Losing your grip? Losing control? Losing your influence? Losing loved ones? Losing money? Losing your job? [Fearing your boss?]
• Injustice? The world getting worse? Getting MAGA? Getting woke?
• If you boldly live out your Christian faith, what additionally might you be afraid of (Mt 10:16-19, 21-23, 25)?

1. What are at least 3 reasons why you should never fear anything or anyone (Mt 10:26, 28, 31)? Is it reasonable and practical to never have any fear?
• Who should you fear (Mt 10:28b; Isa 8:12-13; Heb 10:31)? Why (Isa 41:10; Rom 8:31-32, 35, 37-39)? [Dt 10:20-21; Prov 1:7; 9:10]
2. What should you boldly speak up and proclaim (Mt 10:27)? Why (Mt 10:26; Lk 8:17; Eccl 12:14)?
• Why might you be hesistant to do so (Prov 29:25)?
3. Why does Jesus use illustrations about sparrows and hair and grass (Mt 10:29-31; 6:28, 30; Ps 84:3; 139:1-3, 5; 1 Pet 5:7)?
4. Why should you never keep your Christian faith a secret (Mt 10:32-33)? 
• Did Peter disown Christ (Mt 26:69-75)? How was he different from Judas (Mt 27:3-5)?

I. Why you live in fear. 

What happens when you do.

II. Why you should not fear anything. 

How you do so.