1. In this verse Jesus gave encouragement and instructions to the apostles. 2. In our lesson we are concentrating on the Lord's instruction: "let not your heart be afraid." Discussion: I. LET US FIRST EXAMINE THE LORD'S STATEMENT IN ITS CONTEXT
A. Jesus had revealed to the apostles in John 13:33 that He was leaving them. B. In John 14-16 Jesus spoke to the apostles: 1. to comfort their troubled hearts 2. to prepare them for the Great Commission. C. As the apostles carried out the Great Commission they would be hated and persecuted (John 15:18; 16:1-4). D. As the apostles faced these difficulties it would be important for them to remember that Jesus told them to avoid letting their hearts be afraid. E. We would do well to remember the Lord's words as well. II. LET US EXAMINE 3 BIBLE CHARACTERS WHO DID NOT LET THEIR HEARTS BE AFRAID
A. In 1 Samuel 17, David did not let his heart be afraid when he overcame the challenge issued by Goliath. 1. While David visited his brothers he heard Goliath's challenge (vs.23, 8-10). 2. Notice how the Israelites reacted (vs.11, 24). 3. David: a. decided to accept Goliath's challenge (vs.32) b. took on the giant with his staff, 5 smooth stones, and his sling (vs.40) c. had something to say to the giant (vs.45-47). 4. Notice how the Israelites reacted after David killed Goliath (vs.52a). 5. About 1000 BC David did not let his heart be afraid. B. In Daniel 6, Daniel did not let his heart be afraid when he overcame the challenge of being cast into the den of lions. 1. Daniel was given a high position in the Persian government (vs.1-3). 2. The other officials looked for something to use against Daniel (vs.4-5). 3. A law was enacted that was designed to entrap Daniel (vs.6-9). 4. Notice how Daniel reacted, even though he knew about this law (vs.10). 5. Daniel's rescue made quite an impression on the king (vs.25-27). 6. About 500 BC Daniel did not let his heart be afraid. C. In Esther 4, Esther did not let her heart be afraid when she overcame the challenge of approaching the king. 1. Through God's providence, Esther became queen of Persia. 2. Haman convinced the king to make a law to kill all the Jews at a certain time. 3. Mordecai urged Esther to approach the king on behalf of her people (vs.8b). 4. There was a problem (vs.11). 5. Esther finally sent a message to Mordecai (vs.15-16). 6. (5:1-3) Esther approached the king, and he received her. 7. Another law was put into effect that allowed the Jews to defend themselves. 8. Notice how the Jews responded after they destroyed their enemies (9:17). 9. About 500 BC Esther did not let her heart be afraid. III. APPLICATION
A. David, Daniel, and Esther faced some serious challenges, but they overcame their challenges because they did not let their hearts be afraid. B. To help us avoid letting our hearts be afraid, let us: 1. trust God, especially concerning things that are unknown (Psalm 56:3) 2. live one day at a time (Matthew 6:34) 3. fill our hearts with love (1 John 4:16-18). Conclusion:
1. We are living in challenging times, but we must not be overcome by fear. 2. Notice the connection between the Lord's peace and not letting our hearts be afraid (John 14:27).
