FEAR NOT: HE IS RISEN

FEAR NOT: HE IS RISEN

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Matthew 28:1-10

Key Verse: “And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said...” (Matthew 28:5-6 KJV)

Supporting Texts: Mark 16:6; Luke 24:5-7; John 20:19-20; 1 Corinthians 15:20-22; Romans 8:11; Revelation 1:17-18

Description: The resurrection of Jesus Christ removes fear and fills believers with hope, victory, confidence, and assurance of eternal life.

INTRODUCTION
Matthew 28 records the most glorious event in human history: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. After enduring betrayal, suffering, crucifixion, and burial, Jesus rose triumphantly from the grave exactly as He had promised. When the women came to the tomb early in the morning, expecting to find the body of Jesus, they were met with a heavenly announcement that changed the course of history forever: "Fear not... He is risen."

The resurrection is the foundation of the Christian faith. Without the resurrection, the cross would merely represent the death of a good man. However, because Jesus rose from the dead, His sacrifice was accepted by God, His claims were validated, and His victory over sin, death, and Satan was established forever. The empty tomb became the ultimate proof that Christ is Lord and that His promises can be trusted.

The message "Fear Not: He Is Risen" remains relevant today. People are surrounded by fear arising from uncertainty, sickness, economic challenges, persecution, and the unknown future. Yet the resurrection of Jesus provides hope in every circumstance. Because Christ lives, believers can face life with courage, confidence, and unwavering faith.

1. THE RESURRECTION REMOVES THE FEAR OF DEATH
The greatest fear of humanity was conquered through Christ's resurrection.

a) Jesus Defeated Death (Matthew 28:6)
The empty tomb testified that death could not hold the Son of God.

b) Christ Holds the Keys of Death (Revelation 1:18)
Jesus has complete authority over death and the grave.

c) Eternal Life Is Guaranteed (John 11:25-26)
Those who believe in Christ will live even after physical death.

d) Death Has Lost Its Sting (1 Corinthians 15:55-57)
The resurrection transformed death from a defeat into a victory.

Biblical Example: Lazarus was raised from the dead by Jesus, demonstrating Christ's power over death (John 11:43-44).

2. THE RESURRECTION CONFIRMS GOD'S PROMISES
The resurrection proves that God always fulfils His Word.

a) Jesus Rose As He Predicted (Matthew 28:6)
Everything happened according to His promise.

b) God's Word Never Fails (Isaiah 55:11)
The resurrection validates the reliability of Scripture.

c) Faith Is Strengthened Through Fulfilled Prophecy (Luke 24:6-8)
The disciples remembered Christ's words after His resurrection.

d) Believers Can Trust God's Promises Today (Numbers 23:19)
If God fulfilled the promise of resurrection, He will fulfil every other promise.

Biblical Example: God's promise to Abraham regarding Isaac was fulfilled despite seeming impossibilities (Genesis 21:1-3).

3. THE RESURRECTION BRINGS VICTORY OVER FEAR
The risen Christ replaces fear with confidence.

a) The Angel's Message Was "Fear Not" (Matthew 28:5)
God's first message concerning the resurrection was one of comfort and courage.

b) Christ Brings Peace to Troubled Hearts (John 20:19-20)
The risen Lord greeted His fearful disciples with peace.

c) God's Presence Dispels Fear (Isaiah 41:10)
Believers need not fear because God is with them.

d) Perfect Love Casts Out Fear (1 John 4:18)
The love demonstrated through the resurrection overcomes fear and anxiety.

Biblical Example: Joshua was encouraged to be strong and courageous because God was with him (Joshua 1:9).

4. THE RESURRECTION GIVES BELIEVERS A LIVING HOPE
Because Christ lives, believers have a glorious future.

a) Hope Is Anchored in a Living Saviour (1 Peter 1:3)
The resurrection provides living hope rather than empty optimism.

b) Trials Are Temporary (Romans 8:18)
Present sufferings cannot compare with future glory.

c) Heaven Is Guaranteed for Believers (John 14:1-3)
Jesus has prepared an eternal home for His followers.

d) Despair Is Replaced with Expectation (Psalm 42:11)
The resurrection gives reason to trust God in difficult seasons.

Biblical Example: Job maintained hope in God despite suffering, believing in future redemption (Job 19:25-27).

5. THE RESURRECTION RELEASES BELIEVERS INTO DIVINE ASSIGNMENT
The risen Christ commissions His followers for service.

a) The Women Were Sent with Good News (Matthew 28:7)
They became the first witnesses of the resurrection.

b) The Gospel Must Be Proclaimed (Matthew 28:19-20)
The resurrection message is for all nations.

c) Divine Power Accompanies the Mission (Acts 1:8)
The Holy Spirit empowers believers to fulfil their assignment.

d) Every Believer Has a Kingdom Purpose (Ephesians 2:10)
God calls His people to meaningful service.

Biblical Example: Peter became a bold preacher after encountering the risen Christ (Acts 2:14-41).

6. THE RISEN CHRIST IS PRESENT WITH HIS PEOPLE
The resurrection assures believers of Christ's continual presence.

a) Jesus Met the Women Personally (Matthew 28:9)
The risen Lord revealed Himself to His followers.

b) Christ Is Always with His Church (Matthew 28:20)
His presence remains with believers until the end of the age.

c) The Holy Spirit Reveals Christ Today (John 14:16-18)
Believers experience Christ's presence through the Spirit.

d) God's Presence Guarantees Victory (Romans 8:31)
If God is for us, no opposition can ultimately prevail.

Biblical Example: The disciples on the road to Emmaus encountered the risen Christ and their hearts burned within them (Luke 24:13-32).

CONCLUSION
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the greatest declaration of victory ever made. The angel's words, "Fear not: He is risen," continue to bring hope and assurance to believers around the world. Through His resurrection, Jesus conquered death, fulfilled God's promises, defeated fear, and secured eternal life for all who trust in Him.

As believers, we must live in the reality of the empty tomb. Fear should not dominate our lives because our Saviour lives. No challenge is greater than His power, no situation is beyond His control, and no promise of God can fail. Let us walk in faith, confidence, and joy, knowing that the risen Christ is with us and that His victory is our victory.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, thank You for the resurrection of Jesus Christ in Jesus name.

2. Lord, let the power of the resurrection be manifested in my life in Jesus name.

3. Father, deliver me from every spirit of fear and anxiety in Jesus name.

4. Lord, strengthen my faith in Your promises in Jesus name.

5. Father, fill my heart with resurrection hope in Jesus name.

6. Lord, help me to walk in the victory Christ secured for me in Jesus name.

7. Father, empower me to be a bold witness of the gospel in Jesus name.

8. Lord, let every dead situation in my life receive new life in Jesus name.

9. Father, help me to fulfil my divine assignment faithfully in Jesus name.

10. Lord, let the presence of the risen Christ continually abide with me in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall walk in the power of Christ's resurrection.

2. Every spirit of fear shall lose its hold over your life.

3. The Lord shall breathe new life into every dead situation around you.

4. You shall experience victory over every challenge confronting you.

5. God's promises concerning your life shall come to pass.

6. You shall walk in divine courage and confidence.

7. The power of death and destruction shall not prevail against you.

8. You shall fulfil your God-given assignment with excellence.

9. The presence of the risen Christ shall continually guide and strengthen you.

10. You shall live in resurrection power, divine favour, and everlasting hope, in Jesus' name. Amen.

For more insights on this subject get my book "The Power of His Resurrection" and other books from Selar: https://selar.com/p87j417257