The Emotion Quotient – Part Two
“The Fear Factor”
1 Peter 3:13-15 - ©Larry L. Thompson (2003)
“Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? [14] But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." [15] But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
Introduction:
Black Bart was a professional thief whose very name struck fear as he terrorized the Wells Fargo stage line. From San Francisco to New York, his name became synonymous with the danger of the frontier. Between 1875 and 1883 he robbed 29 different stagecoach crews. Amazingly, Black Bart did it all without firing a shot. Because a hood hid his face, no victim ever saw his face. He never took a hostage and was never trailed by a sheriff. Instead, Black Bart would later say from prison that he didn’t need to fire a shot; all he had to do was to use fear to paralyze his victims. “Fear, the face of the unknown, was my weapon of choice, my weapon of intimidation.” His sinister presence and his threat of words was enough to overwhelm the toughest stagecoach guard.
We also live in a changing world marked by terrorism, wars, and the constant threat of nuclear, biological or chemical extinction. But praise God, whatever fearful situation we may face; there are biblical immutables that are forever the same: We must fight fear by anchoring our lives in this truth: Our MASTER never changes, our MESSAGE never changes, and our MISSION never changes. What is urgently needed today is an anointing of the Holy Spirit to relate our foundational unchanging gospel to the fearful changing world in which we live.
Fear is such a strange emotion, and as we consider this week’s EMOTION QUOTIENT we find that people have a huge range of fears they face everyday. I read this week of some fears that people have that have been given names. See if you can guess what these fears are before I tell you.
Peladophobia: fear of baldness or fear of bald people.
Aerophobia: fear of drafts.
Porphyrophobia: fear of the color purple.
Chaetophobia: fear of hairy people.
Levophobia: fear of objects on the left side of the body.
Dextrophobia: fear of objects on the right side of the body.
Auroraphobia: fear of the northern lights.
Calyprophobia: fear of obscure meanings.
Thalassophobia: fear of being seated.
Stabisbasiphobia: fear of standing and walking.
Odontophobia: fear of teeth.
Graphophobia: fear of writing in public.
Phobophobia: fear of being afraid.
The Apostle Peter has some reassuring words for us today from 1 Peter 3:13-1. In Christ there is “No need for Fear!” We learn from this text that…
• Our Suffering is Inevitable
• Our Situation is Intimidating
• Our Solution is Infallible
Fear is something EVERY ONE of us will experience. For instance, many people fear change, when new situations in family or relationship or surroundings change then you may be frightened. Experiencing fear is normal; however, to be paralyzed by fear is an indication that you question God’s ability to take care of you. So what do we know about this week’s EMOTION QUOTIENT, FEAR and HOW TO HAVE VICTORY IN LIFE?
I. THE SUFFERING IS INEVITABLE (v.13-14)
“Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? [14] But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.”
Peter’s question must have hung in the air for a long moment when the Christians who first received this letter heard it. They were no strangers to fear and suffering and indeed had suffered for doing good. Peter is addressing strong believers, they were very zealous for the Lord, in fact in the original language of the Greek New Testament these were people who "burned with zeal" to desire earnestly to obey the Lord! What was it that they were so passionate about? Serving Christ regardless of how fearful the consequences!
Peter was not dismissing the fear and suffering that was all too real to them. In fact Peter was telling them that as a result of their righteous lives and God’s care, their blessedness would be such as to turn the fear and suffering from themselves to those who were persecuting them and that their suffering would actually result in their joy.
Someone asked C.S. Lewis, “Why do the righteous suffer?” “Why not?” he replied. “They’re the only ones who should be able to take it.”
There is something about facing our fears that allows our faith, if it a genuine faith, to shine! What good is our faith if it’s never tested? The trying of our faith is more precious than gold the scripture instructs! Greatness often lies hidden beneath an easy or comfortable life, only to emerge when we are forced to face our fears in Christ.
“Cradles of Eminence” is a book which produced a revealing study involving 413 “famous and exceptionally gifted people who have helped change the world.” The author spent years attempting to understand what produced such greatness; to find a common thread that ran through all of these outstanding lives. Surprisingly, the most outstanding fact was that virtually all of them, 392 of 413, had to overcome the personal fears associated with great suffering or failure in order to become who they were.
I am speaking to some today who are in the midst of great suffering and failure. It has torn at your heart and sapped your strength. You are a weary follower of Christ, you are afraid of the future and you are beaten up. And it’s all because of fear, because of your suffering, suffering you believe is undeserved and unwelcome! Could it be that while you see your suffering as your enemy, God wants to use your fears and pain as a friend? A friend who will take you by the hand and heart and show you the depths of God’s sufficiency? “Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed” My friends suffering is inevitable, face it in the strength of the Lord! Be passionate about your faith, desire him earnestly.
The believer who suffers persecution will be blessed by God. How can a person who is suffering persecution be blessed? When a person focuses his mind and life upon the things of this world, those things can be taken away in a heartbeat. The person can be stricken with a disease, suffer a heart attack, have an accident, go through bankruptcy, and lose everything he has through an economic slump or stock market crash. A person of the world can suffer such a crushing blow that fear destroys them and leaves them hopeless and helpless in life; but that is not the case of a true believer. The mind and life of the true believer is focused upon Jesus Christ; therefore, no matter what he fears or suffers, he still has his most cherished possession—Jesus Christ, the very Son of God. He knows that Jesus Christ is going to look after him, protect him from his fears and sufferings, and take care of him: that Christ, by authority of His promise, will ultimately work everything out for good. The Christian who possesses Christ and all the promises of Christ will live in victory over fear.
Consider a partial list of God’s promises to us in the face of our worst fears:
• God will work all things out for good. (Romans 8:28)
• God will provide all the necessities of life. (Matthew 6:33)
• God will give you His glory in the face of insults. (I Peter 4:14)
• The life of Christ is best manifested through us in fear and suffering (2 Cor. 4:11)
• God provides GREAT rewards for those who stand in fear and suffering (Matt. 5:11-12)
• God will preserve us and take us to Heaven as we stand in Him against our fears and sufferings (2 Tim. 4:8)
While suffering is inevitable we also know that when we stand against our fears and stand firm in our suffering God has blessed us with His promises and His word is TRUE.
Illustration of Nancy Phy: Cancer in the sinus cavity and removed half her face in NY. She made four resolutions and faithfully kept them: 1) I will never complain; 2) I will keep the witness of Christ strong in my life; 3) I will count my blessings; 4) I will use this suffering to try to bring those I love to Christ. She kept all four resolutions and while her suffering was inevitable, her fears were not because of her victory in Christ.
II. THE SITUATION IS INTIMIDATING (v.14)
“But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.”
Phobeo, (fob-eh’-o) is from the Greek (phobos); to frighten, to be alarmed; to be in awe of, exceedingly fearful.
“Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.” The apostle Peter is saying literally “Do not be intimidated by FEAR that is attempting to destroy you.”
What do Christians fear about being a Christian? We fear many things as it relates to this worlds perception of us. We fear that somehow they will think were fanatics. That they won’t see us as regular people not unlike themselves with goals and hopes and mortgages and dentist bills! We fear being misunderstood that they will conclude that we think we are better than they are. Even as followers of the Lord for many years we should never underestimate the fear that most people have in the need to be accepted!
In the historical context of this scripture Peter instructs us not to be afraid to assert your love and passion for God! It is worth the risk of being misunderstood to be a person of faith! What it comes down to is this: Am I as a follower of Christ willing to allow the Lord to direct my life, shape my ethics and control my conduct, even if it puts me at odds with the culture in which I live? The Christian who lives a godly life is going to face the fear of rejection and intimidation in a culture that embraces a philosophy that says “There are no moral absolutes and all truth is subjective!” In such a culture God’s word charges us, “Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.”
The phrase “Fear not” or “Be not afraid” is found 365 times in the word of God! That’s one for every day! “Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.”
Zig Ziglar says: FEAR is: False Evidence Appearing Real! We often run from the imaginary and as Job lived, “that which I feared the most has came to pass.”
There are legitimate fears, fears that cause us to be cautious! Like driving on I-95 in rush hour or the fear of snakes! That kind of fear is really more respect and can save us a lot of heartache! Peter wants us to not be afraid to live for Jesus to let his life dominate ours. Some wrongly conclude that such devotion will eradicate our individuality. On the contrary you will become the “Person” that God destined you to be when you. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.” How is that possible you ask? Is there an antidote for spiritual fear? Yes!
III. THE SOLUTION IS INFALLIBLE (v.14-15)
“But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.” [15] But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
The solution for fear is infallible, meaning it is without error if we simply make the personal application that is right before our eyes…“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
Verse 15 provides a very simple solution to apply in gaining victory over fear.
1. SPIRIT-FILLED DEDICATION
“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord…”
Peter states that believers are to “Set apart Christ as Lord...” Lord in the Greek is kurios, koo’-ree-os; supreme in authority, controller; God, Lord, master. It simply means we recognize Jesus Christ as Lord, our Savior and Messiah. Peter in no uncertain terms is challenging all believers too: Set apart the Lord Jesus as Lord in your hearts, giving first place to him in obedience of life. We have no need to FEAR when Christ is in His proper place in our lives. However what sounds easy appears to be our greatest problem.
In 1999 a Gallup poll showed that 78% of Americans expect to go to heaven when they die. However, less than 30% ever pray, read the Bible, or attend church on a regular basis. And Christians wonder why they are filled with fear!
The choice we will make every day is our response to this command: “In your hearts set apart Christ as Lord?”
A.W. Tozer: “People who have ‘set apart Christ as Lord’ have three distinct marks:”
1. They are only facing ONE DIRECTION
2. They never turn back in the face of FEAR
3. They no longer have PLANS of their own
The Spirit-filled Christian can say no to fear. Corrie Ten boom once said “In my times of fear I don’t wrestle, I nestle!” drawing so close to the Lord and Master of your life that you feel his continual shelter and protection.
The biblical solution to fear is first Spirit-filled Dedication
2. SCRIPTURE BASED EDUCATION
“Always be prepared to give an answer...”
Listen! The Spirit-filled life prepares us for education, but does not educate us; we must apply our hearts and minds to God’s word under the Lordship of Christ.
Look carefully at the word “answer.” The Greek word is apologia, (op-O-low-gee’-ah); to make a plea; to give an answer for clearing of self, to make a defense. It is where get our word ‘apologetics.’
Why must we know the word and have a scripture based education, because Satan is a liar and will attempt to use fear to overwhelm you with his lies. It is the Spirit filled Christian who is filled with the knowledge of scripture that is able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
Eph. 6:11;13:
“Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. [13] “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.”
‘Sunday only Christianity’ will not serve to defeat your fears! The Christianity Café is never going to fill the life of the believer with the power and knowledge of truth that enables them to give an answer and stand in the midst of an attack designed to cripple your life with fear.
2 Thess. 2:15:
“So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.”
God is looking and waiting for people to seek Him with passion, and to trust him with the faith of a child and to make Him Lord of their life! If your Bible is neglected and your spiritual passion is low, you won’t stand when fear strikes your heart or home! It doesn’t have to be that way! Our answer to fear is found in this verse and the solution to our emotions can be immediate. A life of Spirit-filled dedication committed to scripture based education is the answer to living in victory over our fears.
CONCLUSION:
I am going to close this service different than normal. I want everyone to look at the screen as I read the following scripture…
Exodus 14:13:
“Moses answered the people "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today…”
Deut. 31:6:
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Joshua 1:9:
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
2 Chron. 20:17:
“You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.”
Job 11:15:
“Then you will lift up your face without shame; and you will stand firm and without fear.”
1 Cor. 16:13:
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.”
Now please close your eyes and allow me to ask this question… “What is it in your life that is causing so much fear you are doing anything but standing firm?” Give your fear a name.
Now that you have named that fear it is time for you to apply this truth today and bring that fear to this altar by faith asking the Lord to fill you with His Spirit and guard your heart with His truth.
