OVERCOMING FEAR
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
(1 John 4:18)
Introduction: Fear: Is it good or bad?
·(Psa 56:3) When I am afraid, I will trust in you.
·(Prov 29:25) Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.
I. What is Fear?
A. “Fear” is the feeling of anxiety and agitation caused by the presence of real or imagined danger, evil, or pain.
B. Synonyms: “Fear”: dread, fright, alarm, dismay, terror, panic.
C. “Fear” is a feeling of reverence toward God.
II. What are the different types of fear?
A. Paralyzing fear - makes a person incapable of doing what he should. (Ex 13 & 14)
B. Protective fear - fear of real danger that causes one to take appropriate and necessary caution.
C. Illogical fear - fear when there is no basis for the fear.
·(Prov 28:1) The wicked man flees though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
III. What are we afraid of?
A. Animals - (Amos 3:8) The lion has roared-- who will not fear?
B. People - (Gen 26:7) … he was afraid to say, "She is my wife." He thought, "The men of this place might kill me on account of Rebekah, because she is beautiful."
C. Nations - (2 Sam 10:19) When all the kings … saw that they had been defeated by Israel, they made peace with the Israelites and … were afraid to help the Ammonites anymore.
D. War - (Exo 14:10) As Pharaoh approached,… They were terrified and cried out to the LORD.
E. Enemies - (Deu 2:4) They will be afraid of you, but be very careful.
F. Death - (Gen 32:11) Save me, I pray, from the hand of my brother Esau, for I am afraid he will come and attack me,
G. Sudden panic - (Prov 3:25) Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,
H. Adversity - (Job 6:21) you see something dreadful and are afraid.
I. The unknown - (Gen 19:30) Lot and his two daughters left Zoar and settled in the mountains, for he was afraid to stay in Zoar.
J. The limitations of life - (Eccl 12:5) when men are afraid of heights and of dangers in the streets… Then man goes to his eternal home and mourners go about the streets.
K. Consequences of our own actions - (1 Sam 3:15) Samuel lay down until morning and then opened the doors of the house of the LORD. He was afraid to tell Eli the vision,
III. When does fear become sinful?
A. When there is nothing to fear
·(Num 14:9) Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will swallow them up. Their protection is gone, but the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them."
B. When you fail to trust God
·(Psa 56:3) When I am afraid, I will trust in you.
·(Isa 12:2) Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation."
C. When fear is prompted by guilt.
·(Gen 3:8-10) But the LORD God called to the man, "Where are you?" He answered, "I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid."
·(Isa 33:14) The sinners in Zion are terrified; trembling grips the godless:
IV. How can you handle fear? (Mat 14:22-31)
A. See things as they really are, not as they appear to be.
B. See Jesus in the midst of your fears, and let Him calm them.
V. What is the remedy for fear?
A. Remember that God loves you.
·(1 John 4:19) We love Him because he first loved us.
B. Remember that God lives in you.
·(1 John 4:16) And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.
C. Cast all your fears upon God.
·(1 Pet 5: 7) Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
D. Fear God above all else.
·(Prov 9:10) "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
