GENEROSITY

Gen. 21:8-21, Rom. 6:1-11, Matt. 10:24-39

Introduction

One possible outcome of the fall of man was 'FEAR'. That was the reason why when Adam heard the movement of God in the garden, and realised that the two of them were naked, they had to hide themselves from the presence of God. When questioned by God, Adam replied that they were afraid. Fear exchanged our faith in God from the beginning. 

Somehow, any time a person does something wrong, fear sets in, even without being prompted, and begins to find excuses to free himself. Fear, in all its manifestations, is a terrible thing man has to deal with. 

Fear can be referred to as unpleasant emotion caused by the threat of danger, pain, or harm. It is one obstacle that can prevent us from accomplishing God’s purpose for us and through us.  Both in the OT and NT, the people of God were encouraged severally never to fear and today, we as the Children of God are also been encouraged not to fear because He, God, is with us. Hallelujah!

Fear basically is the absence of faith.

Internal Fears:

This is an internally generated fear.

Genesis 21: 8-21 presents to us a narrative of how Hagar (Sarah’s maidservant who was presented to Abraham her husband to help raise children through her Gen. 16:1-4) and her son Ishmael which she gave birth to were sent out of the house of Abraham and how God provided for them in the wilderness. 

Sarah asked to Abraham to “Cast out this slave woman with her son, for the son of this slave woman shall not be heir with my son Isaac.” Genesis 21:10 (ESV).  Her fear was related to her own inner struggles and lack of knowledge of God concerning her Isaac. She may not have been aware of the promise the Angel of the Lord gave her husband Abraham (Gen. 17:19-21).

Abraham also developed fear within him from Sarah’s request. This might be because he had forgotten the promise of God concerning his son Ishmael so he feared for him. The word of God came to him (Gen. 21:12-13) to probably remind him of this promise which helped him to overcome his fears and to take action. 

In the wilderness, Hagar had to leave the boy in the shade of a bush and stayed a distance saying, “Let me not look on the death of the child.” Genesis 21:16 (ESV). Again, she also probably did not know the word of God concerning her son so she was wrapped up in fear that the boy was going to die.

Most of the internal fears we generate are due to the lack of knowledge about whom we represent as children of God and also about the promise, purpose, and will of God concerning our individual lives. Some of us also forget about these promises when we get into challenges. 

Consider the following negative self-image we hold for ourselves;

I can not do it...

I can not survive...

There is nothing good in me...

I am a mistake...

I am here by accident...

I will definitely fail...

I am bad luck... and the like.

Beloved in Christ, have you forgotten about these promises and the purpose of God for us?

I know the plans I have for you - Jeremiah 29:11

He is our shepherd so we shall not want -  Psalm 23

You are the head and not the tail – Deut. 28: 13

His promises are yeah and Amen – 1 Cor. 1:20

He that is living in us is greater than he that is in the world – 1 John 4:4 

Every challenge and difficulty that we may be facing is finished – John 19:30 and many other promises.

Remember what Hosea 4:6 says, that; "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; Because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children." 

Let us seek to know the will, purpose, and promises of God concerning our lives and also constantly remember them and it will encourage us to live in the purpose and will of God concerning our lives as the obstacle of fear will be overcome

External Fears:

This fear develops from the immediate environment of the individual. It can originate from the family, community, church, workplace, etc.

Have you ever walked in a lonely environment at night? The fearful chills and goose pimples. Maybe you have experienced a threat in your life that gave you sleepless nights with its carried fear. 

Jesus says to the disciples, “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of men for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you... you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake..." Matthew 10:16-18 He added that "Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, and you will be hated by all for my name's sake." Matthew 10:21-22 (ESV)

Jesus did not encourage them to retaliate but rather showed them a way saying, "When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next..." Matthew 10:23. How are you dealing with your fears and the people that scare you? Some people cause more harm at the end of the day than what they feared for.

Jesus tells us, “So have no fear of them" Matthew 10:26 (ESV) For God's plans and purpose for you can never be thwarted by the scheme of men.

The songwriters, Donald Koch, and Andrew Shawn say;

No guilt in life, no fear in death

This is the power of Christ in me

From life's first cry to final breath

Jesus commands my destiny

No power of hell, no scheme of man

Can ever pluck me from His hand

Till He returns or calls me home

Here in the power of Christ I'll stand

Are you afraid in your Christian life because of fear of criticism from people? Jesus says "Fear not". Let’s always remember to go to God and receive His strength to endure to overcome. 

The apostle Paul writes to the Romans and reminds them that when Christians were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, they joined in his death. Thus, we need to make a conscious effort to bury our old lives in the world and live our new lives in Christ. (Rom. 6:3-4.) 

The only fear that we must dread is that which we bring upon ourselves as a result of our own dishonor and blasphemy of the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Bury your past and live the new life in Christ Jesus. Swimming in the poor of grace to continue in sin that would surely drift you out of the hands, plans, and purpose of God. 

"Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?" Romans 6:1-2 (ESV)

Although fear is intangible, it has a very strong and negative impact on the person who is struggling with it. It affects the whole personality, and physically weakens the one who is struggling with it. 

Scholars have indicated that there are about 366 "Fear Not" in the Bible. That gives us a "Fear Not" capsule a day in a year. In the face of all the problems facing humanity, those who know their God, have no cause to fear. 

Remember that, the Lord will never reduce “your army figures”, to the barest minimum, if He has not developed a divine plan to scatter the enemy forces. On the other hand, before He allows you to be put into the overheated furnace, He sends the “One like the Son of Man” to welcome you. Neither will Jesus invite you into the storms, if He is not already walking on the waters. 

As we go through the Bible, we have enough assurances from God to help us weather the storms. 

Keep in memory of Isaiah 41:10,

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Let's always remember this great promise and hold onto it.

As a result of the coming of the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ, into our world, the issue of fear, for whatever reason, is completely catered for. We are told that the coming of Christ has fully taken care of all the curses against humanity,(Gal. 3: 13-14). When on Calvary, Jesus cried, “It is finished”, He was saying that Divinity had both executed and accepted the plan for the redemption of humanity. Faith for humanity has consumed all fears.

We are also told that Jesus, the Lion of Judah, holds the keys of death and hell, (Rev. 1: 18). Death, which created, and continues to create fear in man, has been conquered by Jesus. As a result, Jesus invites all mankind to Himself to enjoy His peace “…which passes all understanding”,(2 Thess. 3: 16). 

Conclusion

Fear not precious one, for 

"We have an anchor that keeps the soul, 

Steadfast and sure whilst the billows roll;

Fastened to the Rock which cannot move,

Grounded firm and deep in the Saviour’s love."

Shalom aleichem...