Fear Thou Not; for I Am With Thee
The sermon emphasizes that fear is a tactic of Satan to weaken faith, but we can overcome fear by trusting in God and recognizing His goodness and mercy.
A.B. Simpson emphasizes that fear is a tool used by Satan to weaken our faith and hinder our blessings. He highlights how fear, rooted in falsehood, can paralyze us and lead to distrust in God. Simpson references Job's experience with fear, illustrating its destructive nature, and encourages believers to confront fear with the truth of God's promises. He reminds us that instead of succumbing to fear, we should trust in the Lord, who assures us of His goodness and mercy. Ultimately, every fear is a call to deepen our trust in God as the remedy for our anxieties.
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Satan is continually trying to weaken our faith by fear. He is a great metaphysician and knows the paralyzing effect of fear-the great enemy of faith. If he can cause us to fear, he will stop us from trusting and hinder the very blessing we need. Job found the peril of fear and gives us the sorrowful testimony I feared a fear, and it came upon me (Job 3:25, margin). Fear is born of Satan, and if we would only take time to think a moment we would see that everything Satan says is founded upon a falsehood. He is the father of lies. Even his fears are falsehoods and his terrors ought to serve as encouragements.
When Satan tells you, therefore, that some ill is going to come, you may quietly look in his face and tell him he is a liar.
Instead of ill, goodness and mercy shall follow you all the days of your life. And then turn to your blessed Lord and say, What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee (Psalm 56:3). Every fear is distrust, and trust is the remedy for fear.
Sermon Outline
- The Enemy of Faith
- The Source of Fear
- The Remedy for Fear
- Trust in God
- Distrust is the root of fear
Key Quotes
“What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee (Psalm 56:3)” — A.B. Simpson
“Even his fears are falsehoods and his terrors ought to serve as encouragements.” — A.B. Simpson
“You may quietly look in his face and tell him he is a liar.” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- When faced with fear, take time to think and recognize that Satan's fears are based on lies.
- Trust in God and His goodness and mercy will follow you.
- Distrust is the root of fear, and trust is the remedy.