FEAR
We must admit that all of us as human beings live some kind of fear. We may not even consciously know it but our reactions to people or situations will prove it. Life without fear is a life of victory. Let us face this fact and consider ways to overcome our fears and live life to the full!
Let us go back to the origin of fear.
There was no fear in Adam and Eve when they lived in the Presence of the LORD GOD in the garden of Eden. When they disobeyed GOD and ate of the forbidden fruit, sin entered their hearts. They became afraid of GOD and hid from Him!
- Sin in me makes me Fearful of GOD.
It causes me to hide from GOD. The Almighty GOD is a consuming fire because He is Holy. Any impurity of sin is consumed by Him. GOD'S heart is full of love and compassion for mankind. He loves me and desires to hold me in His close embrace. He made a way for me to enter into this relationship with Him through His own Son JESUS. The LORD JESUS paid the price for my sin on the cross to go through the fire of the wrath of GOD to enter into the loving Presence of the Almighty GOD. When I confess my sins and repent of my sins, I receive pardon from GOD through JESUS. I am justified in the Presence of GOD as I receive His grace and favour. I experience the unconditional amazing love of the Almighty GOD!
The following Scripture clearly paints the picture of Moses, a friend of GOD, entering the Presence of GOD fearlessly while the children of Israel are scared to get near to GOD.
Exodus 20:18-21
Now all the people witnessed the thunderings, the lightning flashes, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking; and when the people saw it, they trembled and stood afar off. Then they said to Moses, "You speak with us, and we will hear; but let not God speak with us, lest we die." And Moses said to the people, "Do not fear; for God has come to test you, and that His fear may be before you, so that you may not sin." So the people stood afar off, but Moses drew near the thick darkness where God was.
Once I experience the love of GOD by entering into His very Presence through the LORD JESUS, it is the Fear of GOD that keeps me there.
1 John 4:17-19
Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us.
When I humble myself before GOD and repent of my sin, He forgives me for JESUS' sake, fills my heart with His love and draws me into His embrace. GOD'S perfect love replaces all fear in my heart.
Rather than hiding from GOD, I hide in CHRIST, Who is my shield and my exceedingly great reward.
- The Fear of GOD keeps me from falling back into a life of sin.
Proverbs 3:7
Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil.
Living in the fear of GOD keeps me from all other fear.
The devil reverses this in people with his lies. He takes away the fear of GOD and puts the fear of everything else in man.
I have to overcome fear through faith and replace it with GOD'S love.
FEAR - Fear is the Enemy’s Anchoring Rope.
FAITH - Faith’s Anchor Is Trust and Hope.
Knowing GOD and understanding His character makes me fear GOD.
Fear of GOD is healthy like the sensory nervous system that makes me react and pull back from danger keeping me from injury.
Not having the fear of GOD is like living with Diabetic neuropathy or Leprosy - numb feet and hands that are exposed to injury.
Fear of GOD will keep me from certain pleasures of this world that are not pleasing to GOD.
Fear of GOD will make me keep my attitude and behaviour with GOD and others in check.
Leviticus 25:17
Therefore you shall not oppress one another, but you shall fear your God; for I am the LORD your God.
Matthew 10:28-31
And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father's will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
I need to fear GOD because He is the One Who has authority to destroy my soul and body in hell.
Proverbs 9:10
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
As I grow in the knowledge of GOD I will walk in the fear of GOD.
- Fear of Man makes me live as a slave of man
Proverbs 29:25
The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe.
Isaiah 51:7
"Listen to Me, you who know righteousness, You people in whose heart is My law: Do not fear the reproach of men, Nor be afraid of their insults.
I should not fear the insult and shame people can bring on me.
Hebrews 13:5-6
Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." So we may boldly say: "The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?"
Fear of man makes me covet what others have, pushing me to conform to their lifestyle.
1 Samuel 15:24
Then Saul said to Samuel, "I have sinned, for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD and your words, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice.
Fear of people makes me disobey GOD.
Psalm 27:1-3
The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked came against me To eat up my flesh, My enemies and foes, They stumbled and fell. Though an army may encamp against me, My heart shall not fear; Though war may rise against me, In this I will be confident.
I should not fear my enemies.
1 Peter 3:6
as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror.
I must respect and honour my husband but not fear him.
I must overcome any fear by doing him good and not evil all the days of my life.
Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God's minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. - Romans 13:1-4
I need not fear the king or the governing authorities if I do good and not evil.
I must read and study and obey GOD'S word, the Bible and grow in the knowledge of GOD. I must also spend time with the LORD in prayer and grow in my relationship with the LORD JESUS. As I so walk in the fear of GOD the fear of man will fade away!
- Fear of Pain - Fear Sickness or Danger for Myself or My Loved Ones
Am I afflicted with this kind of fear?
In the Scriptures, we read about Job, who was upright and blameless before GOD. Although Job feared GOD he also feared calamity that could come upon himself and his family. GOD permitted Satan to buffet him with the very things he feared so that He could overcome his fears. Through his experiences Job learnt the greatness of the Almighty GOD Who alone is to be feared.
In trying to protect our children from pain, we can go to the extent of controlling their lives. Hannah left little Samuel in the temple. I must leave my children in the able, loving hands of GOD so that they may grow in GOD.
Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
I will overcome this fear by the knowledge of His love that helps me understand that through every situation GOD is working for the eternal good of myself and my loved ones.
I can trust in GOD'S faithfulness. He will not permit any temptation or test that is too big for me to overcome.
1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
When Peter stepped out of the boat in faith, he walked on the water towards JESUS. The moment he turned his eyes off the LORD and saw the boisterous wind and the sea, he started to drown. Immediately the LORD stretched out His hand and caught Peter.
By constantly looking to JESUS Who is the Author and the Finisher of my faith, I can overcome all fear and doubt in my life.
This is a very common fear not only in mankind but in all living creatures in this fallen world of sin.
Hebrews 2:14-15
Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
Through sin the devil has got a foothold into our lives causing us to fear death.
The LORD JESUS not only died as a human being, but also paid the penalty for our sin. When the guilt and power of sin is taken away from our lives, fear of death will also leave.
1 Corinthians 15:54-57
So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." "O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?" The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
A Christian therefore can face death boldly because it is a way to victory!
This truth was literally proven in the lives of convicted drug dealers who were executed in Indonesia on 29th April 2015. Andrew and Myuran, were Australians and were in prison for 10 years. During this time they came to know the grace of GOD and accepted the forgiveness GOD offered them through the LORD JESUS. Their lives were marvellously reformed and transformed. Much plea for clemency was rejected. Andrew led the other 6 on death row also to salvation in the LORD. These 8 Christians faced the firing squad bravely, and while singing 'Amazing Grace' entered their eternal home in peace! According to the local mortician, Andrew and Myu had left their bodies with happiness, joy and a smile on their faces!!
John 14:1-3
"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. "In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.
Fear of death is the fear of the unknown. The Bible has given clear descriptions of Heaven so that we may prepare ourselves for this glorious dwelling place without sin.
John 11:25-26
Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. "And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?"
For a born-again believer who is living 'In CHRIST', death is a gateway to eternal life and freedom. When the time comes for me to leave this body, the LORD, through His Spirit in me will carry my soul and spirit into His Glorious Presence!
Living in this Hope of the resurrection, makes me overcome the fear of death.
Jeremiah 29:11-13
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.
I have to believe that the GOD Who created me as a unique person has a good plan for me.
As I diligently seek His will for my life He will guide me in that path that is the best for me.
GOD sees beyond what I can see.
He desires the best for me with eternal perspective.
Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.
GOD guides me through His word which is the map book or the Manufacturer's manual for me.
Psalm 32:8
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.
John 16:13
"However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.
GOD'S Spirit in me is like the GPS system.
I have to learn to be navigated by the Gentle Promptings of the Spirit.
I can overcome the fear of the future by seeking GOD'S guidance and walking in obedience in the path He has set out for me.
Fear Failure in What I Do
James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Isaiah 41:13
For I, the LORD your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you, 'Fear not, I will help you.'
The All-Wise, Almighty GOD has promised the wisdom and the strength I need in every situation. Not only that but as a Father, He holds my hand and encourages me.
Trusting GOD and depending on His wisdom and strength I can be successful in what I do.
- Fear of Lack of Provision
Being a child of the Most High GOD, if I am anxious and worried about my provision, I need to work on getting my priorities and goal corrected.
Matthew 6:31-33
"Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' "For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
My motive should be to use my life to serve GOD and to further His Kingdom.
GOD is the best boss I could ever work for. He is just, and merciful.
He is the richest - All the gold is His and the silver is His. The cattle on a thousand hills is His also!
He is also my loving Heavenly Father and only has my best interest at heart.
I can never out give Him because He is no man's debtor.
The following story clearly illustrates GOD'S miraculous provision. The widow first gave a meal to GOD'S servant Elijah even in her need and was blessed. The blessing was mutual!
1 Kings 17:8-16
Then the word of the LORD came to him, saying, "Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. See, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you." So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, indeed a widow was there gathering sticks. And he called to her and said, "Please bring me a little water in a cup, that I may drink." And as she was going to get it, he called to her and said, "Please bring me a morsel of bread in your hand." So she said, "As the LORD your God lives, I do not have bread, only a handful of flour in a bin, and a little oil in a jar; and see, I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it, and die." And Elijah said to her, "Do not fear; go and do as you have said, but make me a small cake from it first, and bring it to me; and afterward make some for yourself and your son. "For thus says the LORD God of Israel: 'The bin of flour shall not be used up, nor shall the jar of oil run dry, until the day the LORD sends rain on the earth.' " So she went away and did according to the word of Elijah; and she and he and her household ate for many days. The bin of flour was not used up, nor did the jar of oil run dry, according to the word of the LORD which He spoke by Elijah.
My husband and I stepped out of secular work to serve GOD 19 years ago. We travel around the world to preach the Gospel and to teach about the Kingdom of GOD. We continue to experience amazing abundant provision from GOD through people.
- Fear of Various Living Creatures and Animals
When GOD made Adam and Eve He commanded them to have dominion over all creatures. The beasts fear mankind.
Genesis 9:1-2
So God blessed Noah and his sons, and said to them: "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth. "And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be on every beast of the earth, on every bird of the air, on all that move on the earth, and on all the fish of the sea. They are given into your hand.
GOD wanted Job to understand that He was more powerful than all the great and mighty creatures.
Job 41:8-11
Lay your hand on him; Remember the battle--Never do it again! Indeed, any hope of overcoming him is false; Shall one not be overwhelmed at the sight of him? No one is so fierce that he would dare stir him up. Who then is able to stand against Me? Who has preceded Me, that I should pay him? Everything under heaven is Mine.
If I am restored to my place in the original structure of authority set by GOD and dwell under His shadow, I don't need to fear any other creature.
Psalm 91:1, 13
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. ... You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra, The young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.
David was such a man who knew his position in GOD.
1 Samuel 17:34-36
But David said to Saul, "Your servant used to keep his father's sheep, and when a lion or a bear came and took a lamb out of the flock, "I went out after it and struck it, and delivered the lamb from its mouth; and when it arose against me, I caught it by its beard, and struck and killed it. "Your servant has killed both lion and bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, seeing he has defied the armies of the living God."
When I am about GOD'S work I am given authority over every power of the enemy.
Luke 10:2-3, 17-19
Then He said to them, "The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. "Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves. ... Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name." And He said to them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. "Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
Satan and his demons are forces of darkness that work against GOD and His purposes for mankind. They work on people through deception and fear. They get a foothold into the lives people through idol worship. They thrive in the garbage of sin such as anger, bitterness, envy and malice.
1 John 4:4
You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
The only way to overcome such unclean spirits is to have GOD'S Holy Spirit in me.
Matthew 12:43-45
"When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. "Then he says, 'I will return to my house from which I came.' And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order. "Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first. So shall it also be with this wicked generation."
As I am filled with the Holy Spirit and live sensitive, submissive and obedient to Him I don't need to fear any evil spirit. I will also have the authority to cast them out of people in the name of the LORD JESUS, setting them free from such possession and oppression.
- Fear of Falling Spiritually
Romans 3:23
..for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
I don't need to fear falling because I have already fallen, together with all of mankind!
1 Corinthians 10:12-13
Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
Ephesians 2:8
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
Romans 5:1-2
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
If I recognize that I am saved by grace and continue to stand in this grace, I have no fear of falling.
Romans 4:4-5
Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness,
Jude 1:24-25
Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, Both now and forever. Amen.
If I think I am standing, I will always have the fear of falling. I must realise that I have already fallen and am prone to constantly fall. I must know that I am standing in CHRIST alone by His grace and as long as He is my confidence, I will not fear.
