And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. 24 And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. 25 And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” 26 And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. 27 And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?”   Matthew 8:23-27

A. Fear and God’s People

1. Unhealthy fear is not removed at conversion: Matthew 8:25-26, 2 Timothy 1:7

2. Unhealthy fear is driven by circumstances & false perceptions – Matthew 8:24-25

3. Unhealthy fear overcomes spiritual reasoning : Matthew 8:24-25, Numbers 13:1-2, Numbers 13:30-33

4. Unhealthy fear does not indicate being faithless: Matthew 8:26, Matthew 8:31

B. Jesus’ Compassion to us in our fears

1. He accompanies us in our fears: Matthew 8:23, Matthew 28:18-20

2. He allows fearful circumstances to teach faith: Matthew 8:24, Psalm 46:1-4

3. He challenges us to confront our fears: Matthew 8:26, John 21:17

4. He displays His power over our fears: Matthew 8:26, 1 John 4:18, Zephaniah 3:17