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I. AN AGREEABLE RESEMBLANCE. A flock (Psalm 79:13; John 10:27). The flock of Christ is —

1. A purchased flock (1 Corinthians 6:20; 2 Peter 2:1; Acts 20:28).

2. A flock washed in the blood of Jesus (1 John 1:7; Revelation 1:5).

3. A chosen flock (Matthew 20:16; Mark 13:20).

4. A marked flock (2 Timothy 2:19; John 13:35).

5. A patient flock — under provocations, and amidst sufferings and delays (Job 1:22; Romans 12:12; Luke 21:19; Hebrews 10:36; Hebrews 12:1, 2; Hebrews 6:12; Romans 2:7). Christ an example (1 Peter 2:21-25).

6. A harmless flock (Matthew 10:16; Philemon 1:2, 15).

7. A flock exposed to troubles and enemies (Ephesians 6:11, 12, 13).

8. A useful flock.

II. A DISTRESSING TRUTH. A little flock.

1. Small at its commencement.

2. Small at the present day, when compared with the great bulk of mankind.

III. A BENIGNANT ENGAGEMENT. "It is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."

1. The kingdom of His power (Psalm 105:12, 13; Daniel 4:3).

2. The kingdom of His grace (2 Corinthians 3:18).

3. The kingdom of glory (1 Corinthians 6:9). This is heaven, and in this view of it conveys —

(1)  The idea of power. A kingdom implies a sceptre, authority, and dominion.

(2)  The idea of glory. It is the abode of glorified spirits. It is the abode of the celestial hierarchy. It is the abode of Jesus. It is the abode of God the Father.

(3)  The idea of felicity (Revelation 7:9-17). It is our Father's good pleasure (Isaiah 63:16).He is our Father —

1. By right of creation (Malachi 2:10).

2. By right of preservation.

3. By right of redemption (Galatians 3:13; Job 19:25).

4. By right of adoption (Romans 8:15, 16). It is His good pleasure to give us the kingdom. It is not a debt but a gift — a free gift.

IV. A PROHIBITION. "Fear not." What is it that true believers are not to fear?

1. They are not to fear God with a slavish fear (Romans 8:15; 1 John 4:18). A filial fear they must have (Psalm 89:7; Hebrews 12:28; Psalm 34:9).

2. They are not to fear man (Isaiah 57:11; Matthew 10:28).

(1)  The wrath of man (Psalm 124:1-3; Psalms 82:29).

(2)  The power of man (Hebrews 13:6; Isaiah 36:29).

(3)  The policy of man (Job 5:12, 13; 1 Corinthians 1:25).

3. They are not to fear the instruments of human cruelty (Isaiah 54:17).

4. They are not to fear suffering under affliction (John 14:33; Job 5:19-22; 2 Corinthians 4:17; Romans 8:10).

5. They are not to fear Satan (Romans 6:20).

6. They are not to fear death (Romans 8:38, 39; 1 Corinthians 15:55; 2 Corinthians 5:5).

7. They are not to fear hell (John 3:18; John 5:36; Isaiah 54:9).The reason why they ought not to fear —

1. It dishonours God.

2. It slanders His power (1 Chronicles 16:24).

3. It slanders His faithfulness (2 Timothy 2:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:24).

4. It slanders His wisdom (1 Timothy 1:17).

5. It slanders His care (1 Peter 5:7; Matthew 7:11; Isaiah 27:3).

6. It slanders their calling — they are called to be saints (Isaiah 51:2).

7. It slanders their cause, viz., religion, the cause of God (Deuteronomy 23:29).

8. It is hurtful to them — it distracts their minds (Luke 8:22-25).

9. It produces hypocrisy and dissimulation (Isaiah 57:11; Genesis 20:2-11; Genesis 26:19).

10. It enfeebles the soul (Isaiah 7:2).

11. It strengthens the enemy (Judges 3:2).

12. It discourages the saint (Deuteronomy 20:8).APPLICATION.

1. Are you comprised in this little flock?

2. Go on with undaunted courage, knowing that God will help you, and afterwards give you the kingdom.

(J. Blackmore)

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KJV: Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

WEB: Don't be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the Kingdom.