Fear

Fear –as being afraid

FEAR—One’s apprehension in a dreadful situation. Fear is not only an emotion, it is a spirit (2 Tim. 1:7) Also called the spirit of bondage (Rom. 8:15).

  1. Why Did People Experience Fear?
    1. Fear of punishment for sin; when Adam and Eve hid from God (Gen. 3:8-10); Sarah denied her laughter (18:15), or when Paul preached judgment to a governor (Acts 24:25).
    2. Fear of dangerous storms at sea (Acts 27:17,29).
    3. Fear of being killed, is why Isaac said, “She is my sister” (Gen. 26:7); Elijah was afraid of Jezebel’s death threat (1 Kings 19:3); Death is the “king of terrors,” (Job 18:14). Peter was afraid he would die when he began to sink (Mt. 14:30).
    4. Fear of losing one’s loved ones. Jacob was secretly afraid of Laban (Gen. 31:31); Jacob sent Joseph’s ten brothers to Egypt to buy corn. But Jacob didn’t send Benjamin because he was afraid he might lose his last born, and most likely to live longest; and all that was left of his dearest Rachel (Gen. 42:4).
    5. Fear of bringing bad news (1 Sam. 3:15; 2 Sam. 12:18).
    6. Fear of an enemy (1 Sam. 28:5; Jn. 20:19).
    7. Fear of a person in authority (Neh. 2:2).
    8. Fear of what another person might do (1 Sam. 18:12,15).
    9. Fear of what others might say (Gal. 2:12).
    10. Fear of the future (Gen. 21:17).
  2. The Command Not To Be Afraid
    1. Given by God (Gen. 21:17; 26:24; Acts 18:9).
    2. Given by Moses (Ex. 14:13; 20:20).
    3. Given by Joshua (Josh. 10:25).
    4. Given by Samuel (1 Sam. 12:20).
    5. Given by David (1 Chron. 22:13).
    6. Given by the prophets: Elijah (1 Kings 17:13), Jahaziel (2 Chron. 20;15,17),  ezekiah (2 Chron. 32:7), Isaiah (Isa. 44:2,8), Jeremiah (Jer. 42:11).
    7. Given by Jesus (Mt. 14:27; Mk. 5:36; Lk. 12:4,7,32; Jn. 6:20).
    8. Given by an angel (Lk. 1;13,30; 2:10; Acts 27:23-24)
  3. How To Conquer Fear
    1. God is love, we need to fall in love with God and allow Him to be perfected in us. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love (1 John 4:18). Love (Rom 5:5; Gal 5:22; Col 1:8; 1Pet 1:22)
    2. By trusting in God (Ps. 56:4,11). Fear is a result of not trusting in God and His perfect love (1 John 4:18). Fear is blasphemy against the promises of God. Those who rest in the perfect love of God don’t have any fear.
    3. By believing in Jesus. He said, “Do not fear, only believe.” (Mk. 5:36).
    4. By knowing God is with us (Gen. 26:24; Duet. 31:6,8; Ps. 23:4; Isa. 43:5).
    5. By knowing Jesus is with us (Jn. 6:20; Acts 18:9-10).
    6. By knowing God is our Savior, Psalms 27:1 (ESV) – 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? Psalms 27:3 (ESV) – Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident (Ps. 27:1,3).
    7. By knowing God is our refuge (Ps. 46:1-2; 91:1-6; Heb. 13:6).
    8. By knowing God will fight for us (Deut. 3:22; 20:3-4; 2 Chron. 20:15-17).
    9. By obeying the Lord (1 Sam. 12:20-21; 1 Chron. 22:12-13).
  4. Courage As The Answer To Fear

    5. (See Courage also Fear of The Lord.)

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