Live Free Without Fear (Matthew 10:26-33)

Questions: Live Free Without Fear (Mt 10:26-33).

“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 afriad…” (Mt 10:31). [6/14/26. 12th Sun in Ordinary Time.]

Previous sermon: Love Jesus More Than My Kids (Matthew 10:1-42).

It has often been said that in the Bible the command “Do not be afraid” and “Fear not” appears 365 times, one for each day of the year. But that is a “nice” and “neat” common myth. Depending on the translation, it appears only between 70-100 times throughout Scripture.

What should you not be afraid of?

  1. Don’t be afraid of persecution (Mt 10:21-26).
  2. Don’t be afraid to tell the truth (Mt 10:27).
  3. Don’t be afraid of dying (Mt 10:28-31).
  4. Don’t be afraid of what others think (Mt 10:32-33).
  5. Don’t be afraid of unrest and distress (Mt 10:34).
  6. Don’t be afraid of rejection from your family (Mt 10:35-36).
  7. Don’t be afraid because losing loved ones by loving God more (Mt 10:37).
  8. Don’t be afraid of losing your life for the Cross (Mt 10:38-39).
  9. Don’t be afraid of anything and everything because you will be rewarded (Mt 10:40-42).

Why should you not be afraid?

  1. Truth will ultimately be revealed (Mt 10:26-27).
  2. Man can only harm your body (Mt 10:28).
  3. God values and treasures you dearly (Mt 10:29-31).
  4. Your love and loyalty will be rewarded (Mt 10:32-33).

Live Free, Leave Fear (Live Free Without Fear). Living freely without fear has costs, requirements and benefits that includes:

  1. Sorrow (Mt 10:25-26), Sadness and Suffering (Mt 10:34-39).
  2. Sagacity (Mt 10:27-28).
  3. Security (Mt 10:28-31).
  4. Standing firm (Mt 10:32-33).
  5. Solidarity (Mt 10:40-42).