Discipleship 101 - Battling Fears

Living Hope Presbyterian Church

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Matthew 10

Matthew 10: 24 “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. 25 It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household. 26 “So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. 27 What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. 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. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. 32 So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, 33 but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.

ESV: The Holy Bible, English Standard Version ©2011 Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved.

Sermon Summary: The sermon delves into the essence of discipleship as portrayed in the Gospel of Matthew, particularly in chapter 10. It emphasizes the challenges and fears that disciples may face in following Jesus, highlighting the need to acknowledge Christ boldly and without fear. Through various anecdotes and teachings, the sermon underscores the value of disciples in the eyes of God, the inevitability of truth prevailing, and the assurance of eternal life for those who endure in faith.

Key Points:

• Jesus calls laborers to follow Him and empowers them with authority to preach and heal.
• Discipleship involves imitating Christ and enduring hardships without fear.
• The consequences of following Jesus may lead to being maligned, mocked, or even persecuted.
• Jesus reassures disciples of God’s care, the truth prevailing, and the eternal value they hold in His eyes.

Bible Verses Mentioned:

• Matthew 10:24-33

Humor and Anecdotes:

• The speaker shares a personal anecdote from middle school about feeling embarrassed to be seen with his parents, drawing a parallel to not being ashamed to acknowledge Christ openly.

Key Quotes:

• “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master.”
• “Truth will always prevail.”
• “You are on the side of the Lord of all things.”

Themes:

• The theme of discipleship: Following Jesus involves challenges, imitation of Christ, and enduring hardships without fear.
• The theme of value: Disciples are reminded of their infinite value in God’s eyes, demonstrated through Christ’s sacrifice.
• The theme of fearlessness: Trusting in God’s sovereignty, truth prevailing, and the assurance of eternal life help overcome fear.

Discussion Questions:

1. How does the concept of acknowledging Christ openly impact your daily life and interactions with others?
2. In what ways can the assurance of God’s care and value for you help combat feelings of fear or inadequacy?
3. Reflect on a time when you felt challenged to stand firm in your faith despite potential ridicule or opposition. How did you navigate that situation?

Metaphors and Stories:

• Sparrows: Used as a metaphor to illustrate God’s care for even the smallest creatures, emphasizing the infinite value disciples hold in His eyes.
• Middle school anecdote: Highlights the theme of not being ashamed to acknowledge Christ openly, drawing parallels between earthly embarrassment and spiritual boldness.