1.   The Church is facing many problems today.     

     2.   Men are trying to change the church from a divine institution into a
          man-made institution.     

     3.   All too often, faithful brethren turn an apathetic eye to these
          occurrences.     

     4.   I'm convinced that one of the reasons these false teachers are not
          being stopped is fear.     

     5.   Both on the faithful brother's part and the false teacher's.     

     6.   Fear is probably the greatest problem that the church faces today.     

     7.   Fear:
          a.   Shows a lack of faith in God.
          b.   Causes one to disobey God.
          c.   Will cause others to disobey God.
          d.   Will cause one to incur God's wrath.

          A.   "They are stronger than we."  Think of all that God had done
               for them.
               1.   He had performed the ten plagues through Moses.
               2.   He split the Red Sea right down the middle.
               3.   He led them in a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. 
                    This was a continual reminder of God's presence.
               4.   He gave them manna and quail.
               5.   What a lack of faith they show here!     

          B.   God was with them and yet they feared men (14:9).
               1.   God had already shown that he could destroy whole
                    armies.
               2.   God had also promised that he would give them the land
                    (13:2).
               3.   They should have followed Joshua's advice 
                    (13:30; 14:8-9).     

          C.   Do we sometimes fear when we shouldn't?
               1.   FEAR = False Evidence Appears Real.
               2.   Our Lord has promised to be with us (Mt. 28:20).
               3.   We have a constant reminder of His presence - His Word
                    (Mt. 24:35).
               4.   Rom. 8:31.
               5.   Mt. 10:28.     

          A.   Because of their fear, they rejected God's leadership (14:4).
               1.   Joshua said this was rebellion (14:9).
               2.   God said they did not believe Him (14:11).
               3.   Paul also called it "unbelief" (Heb. 3:19).     

          B.   When people fear today, it sometimes causes them to disobey
               God.
               1.   Some fear to do personal work and therefore, disobey
                    Matthew 28:19-20.
               2.   Some fear poor attendance and therefore turn to
                    gimmickry to draw people to services (Jn. 12:32).
               3.   Some fear false teachers and therefore disobey (Rom. 16:17).
               4.   Some fear ridicule and do not defend the Lord when he is
                    attacked (Mk. 8:38).     

          A.   The fear of the spies was contagious (14:1-2).     

          B.   As a result of their fear, the congregation became fearful and
               disobeyed.

          C.   We must be sure that we do not cast a stumbling block for our
               brethren (Rom. 14:13).
               1.   Our fears can be contagious to others.
               2.   By not doing the things we should, we are not setting the
                    proper examples.
               3.   By doing this, we bear some of the responsibility for
                    their actions.     

          A.   They would not be allowed to enter into the promised land
               because they did not trust the Lord (14:22-23).
               1.   The unfaithful spies were killed by the plague (14:37).
               2.   These people did not deserve the promised land.     

          B.   Fear today will cause us to be punished.
               1.   We are not to be fearful but bold and courageous.
               2.   Rev. 21:8; look at how God views the fearful.

     1.   Let us try to follow Joshua and Caleb's example.   

     2.   Num. 14:24; 32:11-12.     

     3.   Rev. 21:7.     

     4.   Many fear to obey the gospel.     

     5.   Our Lord offers his invitation (Mt. 11:28-30).  There is no reason to
          be fearful.     

     6.   Give invitation - Plan of Salvation.