A Fearful King and a Faithful Prophet

Sermon preached by Matthew DelValle on January 4, 2026 at First Baptist Church in Delphi, Indiana. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠First Baptist Church⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ is an evangelical church in Delphi, Indiana helping people find and follow Jesus. Our mission is to declare God's truth, disciple God's people, delight in God's Son, and display God's glory. Join us for Sunday Worship at 10:30am. Sunday School begins at 9:30am. We gather at 103 S. Indiana Street, Delphi, Indiana 46923.

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Introduction 

Big Idea: The fear of man leads to moral collapse, while the fear of God produces faithful witness—even unto death. 

1. Herod’s Fear and John’s Faithfulness [Mt. 14:1–5] 

A. The Crowd’s Report [Mt. 14:1] 

B. The Confused Reaction [Mt. 14:2] 

C. The Convoluted Reason [Mt. 14:3] 

D. The Courageous Rebuke [Mt. 14:4] 

E. The Cowardly Restraint [Mt. 14:5] 

2. Herod’s Weakness and Herodias’ Revenge [Mt. 14:6–12] 

A. The Daughter’s Dance [Mt. 14:6] 

B. The Prideful Promise [Mt. 14:7] 

C. The Mother’s Machinations [Mt. 14:8] 

D. The Conflicted Command [Mt. 14:9–11] 

E. The Faithful Followers [Mt. 14:12] 

Conclusion