What Are You Afraid of Now? Acts 18:1–17
This weekend is Halloween, and I’ll admit it, Halloween always creates a conflict in my heart.
On the one hand, I love the candy (any kind of Reese’s, especially Pieces), but I’ve never understood why anyone would intentionally want to be scared.
Of course, Halloween’s fear is a fear we choose, one we can control.
We know the monster is a teenager in a mask.
We know the movie will end.
And we know we can always turn the lights back on.
But the fears that weigh on us as adults aren’t like that.
The fear of failing.
The fear of not being enough, or of being too much.
We can fear for our kids.
Fear that things will never change.
Those don’t disappear on November 1st. And they quietly shape how we live.
Sometimes fear makes us run.
Sometimes it makes us hide.
And sometimes it makes us go silent.
On Sunday we’re in Acts 18, where we find the great apostle Paul; after years of opposition, rejection, and disappointment, he is worn down and afraid.
One night the risen Jesus comes to him.
He doesn’t tell Paul there’s nothing to fear, and he doesn’t change Paul’s circumstances.
He gives him something better: “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you.”
That’s the heart of our passage, and perhaps exactly what some of us need to hear.
Before Sunday, read Acts 18:1–17 and consider one simple question:
What are you afraid of now?
Sermon Outline
What Are You Afraid of Now? | Acts 18:1–17
Big Idea: We find courage to face our fears when we trust in Christ’s presence, protection, and purpose.
1. Paul’s Reasons to Be Afraid (Acts 18:1–9)
A long, hard road: Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, and now Corinth
“I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling” (1 Cor. 2:3)
You can be faithful and afraid at the same time
2. Jesus’ Reasons Not to Be Afraid (Acts 18:9–10)
His presence: “For I am with you.” We are not just watched by God; he is with us.
His protection: “No one will attack you to harm you.” Our enemies don’t get the final word. Jesus does.
His purposes: “I have many in this city who are my people.” Just because we can’t see what God is doing doesn’t mean he isn’t doing anything.
3. What Is Your Fear Keeping You From Doing? (Acts 18:9–17)
Fear can silence our witness
Fear can silence our love (2 Cor. 6:11)
Fear can silence our hope
The Savior Who Faced Our Fears
Jesus faced Gethsemane and the cross so he could say to frightened disciples, “I am with you always” (Matt. 28:20).
Key Line: Don’t let what you’re afraid of determine what you’re faithful to.
Small Group Discussion: What Are You Afraid of Now?
Acts 18:1–17 | Psalm 27
Heartbeat: Jesus doesn’t tell a frightened Paul there’s nothing to fear. He tells him, “I am with you.” Christian courage doesn’t come from the absence of fear but from confidence in the presence and promises of Christ.
Invitation: When you were a child and afraid of the dark, what helped more: someone convincing you there was nothing to fear, or someone staying with you? Why do you think the presence of someone we trust makes such a difference?
Invitation: Our fears grow up with us. What’s something that used to frighten you but doesn’t anymore? And what’s something you’re afraid of now? Not necessarily your greatest fear, but one that’s actually influencing how you live.
Dissent: Paul describes arriving in Corinth “in weakness and in fear and much trembling” (1 Corinthians 2:3). Does it surprise you that someone as faithful as Paul could also be so afraid? Do you tend to think of fear as a failure of faith? Why?
Discovery: Jesus gives Paul three reasons to keep going: his presence, his protection, and his purposes (Acts 18:9–10). Which of these promises do you most need to hear right now? What would it look like to actually believe it?
Possibility: Paul saw opposition in Corinth, but Jesus saw people who would belong to him. Where in your life have you begun to assume you already know how the story ends? How might trusting God’s unseen purposes change the way you approach that situation?
Ownership: Fear can silence our witness, our love, or even our hope. Where has fear made you silent? Is there someone you’ve stopped pursuing, something you’ve stopped praying for, or something you’ve been afraid to say? What is your silence protecting you from—and what might it be costing you?
Commitment: Jesus doesn’t ask Paul to become fearless. He tells him to keep speaking. What’s one step of obedience you believe Christ is calling you to take this week, even if you’re still afraid? How can this group pray for you and encourage you as you take it?
Call to Worship: Psalm 27
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall.
Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident.
One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple.
For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock.
And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the LORD.
Hear, O LORD, when I cry aloud; be gracious to me and answer me!
You have said, “Seek my face.” My heart says to you, “Your face, LORD, do I seek.”
Hide not your face from me. Turn not your servant away in anger, O you who have been my help. Cast me not off; forsake me not, O God of my salvation!
For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the LORD will take me in.
Teach me your way, O LORD, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies.
Give me not up to the will of my adversaries; for false witnesses have risen against me, and they breathe out violence.
I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living!
Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!”
Confession of Sin
Leader: Almighty and merciful God, You have promised never to leave us or forsake us, yet we so often live as though we are alone.
Congregation: We confess that we have allowed our fears to become greater than our faith.
We fear failure more than we trust your faithfulness. We fear rejection more than we trust your acceptance. We fear an uncertain future more than we trust your sovereign purposes.
Leader: Forgive us for the ways fear has silenced us. We have withheld words of truth, encouragement, and love. We have avoided difficult conversations, withdrawn from people you have called us to love, and protected ourselves rather than giving ourselves in service to others.
Congregation: Forgive us for losing hope, for measuring your faithfulness by what we can see, and for forgetting that you are always at work, even when we cannot understand your ways.
Lord, we believe; help our unbelief.
Leader: Turn our eyes again to Jesus Christ, who loved us and gave himself for us. Renew our confidence in your presence, strengthen our faith in your promises, and give us courage to follow wherever you lead. Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
Hear the good news:
Brothers and sisters, our confidence is not that we have been fearless, but that Jesus Christ has been faithful. Through his death and resurrection, our sins have been forgiven, our greatest enemy has been conquered, and we have been reconciled to God.
The One who gave himself for us will never abandon us.
Therefore, to all who repent of their sins and trust in Jesus Christ, I declare this good news:
Your sins are forgiven.
The Lord is your light and your salvation.
The Lord is the stronghold of your life.
What can man do to you?
Take courage, for Christ is with you!
Thanks be to God!
