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: Matt. 8:25-26, 2 Tim. 1:7

2. Unhealthy fear is driven by circumstances & false perceptions: Matt. 8:24-25, Matt. 11:28-31

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

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

B. Jesus’ Compassion to us in our fears

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

2. He allows fearful circumstances to teach faith: Matt. 8:24, Ps. 56:1-4

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

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