2 Corinthians 2:10-11 KJV 10 To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; 11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
Romans 8:1-17 KJV There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. 10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. 12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. 13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
2 Timothy 1:7 KJV For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
1 John 4:17-18 KJV Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. 18 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.
Hebrews 2:14-15 KJV Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
SO far we have looked at discouragement, confusion and deception. We have by no means exhausted the subjects but merely touched on it. If the devil finds that he can defeat you with a single weapon every time then he will certainly continue to use it or variations of it since you constantly allow yourself to be entrapped there in.
The end result of all this is to blind your minds to the truth of God's word, to deflect you from becoming effective in God's service, to prevent you from realizing victory in your life.
He will play you against each other. He will probe until he finds your weak spot and will apply pressure until you cave in. Do NOT trust him, not for a second, not for a fraction of a second, not for ANY amount of time. He will try to make you ineffective. He will try to split you up and pit you against each other. He can play you like a musical instrument if you are unaware and the music he produces from you will not be for God's glory. Be sober, be vigilant, be on guard, be aware, be watchful, be prepared.
Victory in Christ, contrary to what many preach is not complete physical and financial and social wholeness. It is the realization and certainty that in spite of what the enemy tries, you are able to rise above it because you are connected to the Risen Lord who said These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33 KJV...so the world cannot overcome you...Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. Romans 8:37 KJV and you are positively aware that ALL things work together for YOUR good even though you may not see the end product
THE BIBLE SPEAKS OF TWO KINDS OF FEAR
1. There is a fear that is commanded This kind of fear involves respect, honor, reverence, and a sense of awe.
For Instance:
Psa_19:9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
Psa_25:14 The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.
Psa_33:18 Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;
Psa_34:7 The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.
Psa_34:9 O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him.
Psa_34:11 Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
Psa_103:11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
Psa_103:13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.
Psa_103:17 But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;
Pro_1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Pro_9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
Pro_14:27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
Pro_15:16 Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.
Pro_19:23 The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.
Pro_22:4 By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.
Then there is the other kind of fear which we talk about today
Psychologists tell us that we are born with two fears, the fear of falling and the fear of noise; but we soon develop many more. In fact man has defined a lot of fears or phobias. A phobia is an intense but unrealistic fear that can interfere with the ability to socialize, work, or go about everyday life, brought on by an object, event or situation. (Free Dictionary)
Psychologists state some common phobias as:
Arachnophobia: The fear of spiders.
Ophidiophobia: The fear of snakes.
Acrophobia: The fear of heights.
Agoraphobia: The fear of situations in which escape is difficult.
Cynophobia: The fear of dogs.
Astraphobia: The fear of thunder and lightning.
Trypanophobia: The fear of injections.
Social Phobias: The fear of social situations. In many cases, these phobias can become so severe that people avoid events, places, and people that are likely to trigger an anxiety attack.
Pteromerhanophobia: The fear of flying.
Mysophobia: The fear of germs or dirt.
Satan preys upon man by instilling fear in them thorough a web of lies deception and confusion
In the battle we are engaged in, we need to gather intelligence on the enemy's strategies and plans. We need to verify that these are accurate reports and not merely there to mislead or misdirect us. To some people, lies come so naturally that we do not even raise a question because they speak a lie as though it is true. Many have become the masters of deception, which may be an admirable asset in certain places in the world system but is totally unacceptable with God.
WE NEED TO BE AWARE OF THE SOURCE OF FEAR.
Fear does not come from God results from yielding devilish attacks... threat of exposure
2 Timothy 1:7 KJV For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
1 John 4:17-18 KJV Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. 18 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.
Hebrews 2:14-15 KJV Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
Luke 21:26 KJV Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
WE NEED TO BE AWARE OF THE RESULTS OF FEAR
Fear causes all manner of irrational behavior in people. We hide, run, pretend, lie etc.
Luke 19:12-21 KJV He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. 13 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. 14 But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us. 15 And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading. 16 Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds. 17 And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities. 18 And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds. 19 And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities. 20 And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin: 21 For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow.
Abraham feared for his life and lied. His son later did the same thing.
Genesis 12:11-13 KJV And it came to pass, when he was come near to enter into Egypt, that he said unto Sarai his wife, Behold now, I know that thou art a fair woman to look upon: 12 Therefore it shall come to pass, when the Egyptians shall see thee, that they shall say, This is his wife: and they will kill me, but they will save thee alive. 13 Say, I pray thee, thou art my sister: that it may be well with me for thy sake; and my soul shall live because of thee.
Genesis 26:6-7 KJV And Isaac dwelt in Gerar: 7 And the men of the place asked him of his wife; and he said, She is my sister: for he feared to say, She is my wife; lest, said he, the men of the place should kill me for Rebekah; because she was fair to look upon.
Adam and Eve became afraid after sinning and they hid.
Genesis 3:7-11 KJV And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. 8 And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. 9 And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? 10 And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. 11 And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?
1 John 4:17-18 KJV Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. 18 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.
Hebrews 2:14-15 KJV Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage
WE NEED TO KNOW VICTORY OVER FEAR
In Christ we find the peace and love that is the antidote to fear. His message constantly was “Fear not!”
John 14:27 KJV Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
2 Timothy 1:7 KJV For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
1 John 4:17-18 KJV Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. 18 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.
Hebrews 2:14-15 KJV Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
Hebrews 13:5-6 KJV Let your conversation be without covetousne ss; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
Psa_23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Psa_27:1 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?
Psa_40:3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.
Psa_46:2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
Psa_56:4 In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.
Psa_64:1 Hear my voice, O God, in my prayer: preserve my life from fear of the enemy.
