Southern Districts Community Bible Church
The Problem Of Fear (2)
- The Problem Of FearIntroductionA:- By way of introduction I wish to give some serious thoughts to each of us.# When a person is BORN AGAIN God does something to the Brain of a Human being .He Gives us Something new-A new Life- A new Birth- A New Nature.The Brain is no Longer-Read-DegenerateB:- This is a very important verse in the context of the current events In our World right nowPsa 11:3 If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?
Psalm 11:3 KJV 1900 3 If the foundations be destroyed, What can the righteous do?Foundations:-refers to the Basis of God Thinking .Destroyed :-to Tear down to Break down to break in pieces.What shall the righteous do?this is not so much a question but a statement that their is little the righteous can do.1. One of the problems of life, even the Christian life, is fear.Psychologists tell us that we are born with two fears:The fear of falling.The fear of noise.We soon develop many more.Members of a psychology class asked 500 people, "What are you afraid of?"They listed 7,000 fears.This is sad because Jesus came to deliver us from fears.2. Let us make a study of fear and how the Christian can overcome it.Two Kinds Of FearThe Bible speaks of 2 kinds of fear.1. There is a commanded fear.(Eccles 2:13; Prov 1:7; Rom. 3:l8; Heb. 11:7; Acts 9:31; 10:2, 22, 35).Ecclesiastes 2:13 KJV 1900 13 Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness.Proverbs 1:7 KJV 1900 7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: But fools despise wisdom and instruction.Romans 3 KJV 1900 1 What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision? 2 Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God. 3 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? 4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged. 5 But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man) 6 God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world? 7 For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner? 8 And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just. 9 What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; 10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: 11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. 12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. 13 Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: 14 Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: 15 Their feet are swift to shed blood: 16 Destruction and misery are in their ways: 17 And the way of peace have they not known: 18 There is no fear of God before their eyes. 19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. 20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. 21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. 27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. 28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. 29 Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: 30 Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. 31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.Hebrews 11:7 KJV 1900 7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.Acts 9:31 KJV 1900 31 Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.Acts 10:2 KJV 1900 2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.Acts 10:22 KJV 1900 22 And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.Acts 10:35 KJV 1900 35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.Leads to holiness. (2 Cor. 7:l; Acts 2:43-47).2 Corinthians 7 KJV 1900 1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. 2 Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man. 3 I speak not this to condemn you: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die and live with you. 4 Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation. 5 For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears. 6 Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus; 7 And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more. 8 For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season. 9 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. 10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. 11 For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter. 12 Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, I did it not for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear unto you. 13 Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all. 14 For if I have boasted any thing to him of you, I am not ashamed; but as we spake all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, which I made before Titus, is found a truth. 15 And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him. 16 I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all things.Acts 2:43–47 KJV 1900 43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.Working out salvation. (Phil. 2:12).Philippians 2:12 KJV 1900 12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.Evangelism (2 Cor. 5:11).2 Corinthians 5:11 KJV 1900 11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.2. There is a forbidden fear.This fear is synonymous with dread, alarm, fright, terror, apprehension, anxiety, perplexity and distrust.This fear is condemned. (Psa. 91:5; Lk. 12:32).Psalm 91:5 KJV 1900 5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; Nor for the arrow that flieth by day;Luke 12:32 KJV 1900 32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.Love casts out this fear. (l Jno. 3:19).John 3:19 KJV 1900 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.This kind of fear is not to be confused with caution.The fear of overdose causes one to read the label on a prescription bottle.The fear of getting run over will cause one to look both ways before crossing the street.The fear of measles or polio will cause one to take the vaccine.These types of fears are normal and good.Areas Of Fear1. Men fear failure.Fear of failure caused the one talent man to do nothing. (Matt. 25:25).Matthew 25:25 KJV 1900 25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.Many today are afraid to fail.Career School Athletics Leadership The greatest failure is not trying and failing, but it is never trying!2. Men fear the unknown future.This fear has kept many congregations of the Lord from growing, expanding, building, adding missionaries, and otherwise doing more work for Christ.Some are afraid to build or afraid to add a work program because they fear a depression or something else looming on the horizon.3. Men fear truth.Truth often puts us or someone else we love in a bad light.Truth demands we admit we are wrong and demands change.It is tragic when men fear the light.John 8:32; James 1:18.John 8:32 KJV 1900 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.James 1:18 KJV 1900 18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.4. Men fear responsibility.The one talent man did not out of fear want to assume responsibility. (Matt. 25:25).Matthew 25:25 KJV 1900 25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.Fear kept the Israelites from their responsibility of conquering the land. (Deut 1:22-46).Deuteronomy 1:22–46 KJV 1900 22 And ye came near unto me every one of you, and said, We will send men before us, and they shall search us out the land, and bring us word again by what way we must go up, and into what cities we shall come. 23 And the saying pleased me well: and I took twelve men of you, one of a tribe: 24 And they turned and went up into the mountain, and came unto the valley of Eshcol, and searched it out. 25 And they took of the fruit of the land in their hands, and brought it down unto us, and brought us word again, and said, It is a good land which the Lord our God doth give us. 26 Notwithstanding ye would not go up, but rebelled against the commandment of the Lord your God: 27 And ye murmured in your tents, and said, Because the Lord hated us, he hath brought us forth out of the land of Egypt, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us. 28 Whither shall we go up? our brethren have discouraged our heart, saying, The people is greater and taller than we; the cities are great and walled up to heaven; and moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakims there. 29 Then I said unto you, Dread not, neither be afraid of them. 30 The Lord your God which goeth before you, he shall fight for you, according to all that he did for you in Egypt before your eyes; 31 And in the wilderness, where thou hast seen how that the Lord thy God bare thee, as a man doth bear his son, in all the way that ye went, until ye came into this place. 32 Yet in this thing ye did not believe the Lord your God, 33 Who went in the way before you, to search you out a place to pitch your tents in, in fire by night, to shew you by what way ye should go, and in a cloud by day. 34 And the Lord heard the voice of your words, and was wroth, and sware, saying, 35 Surely there shall not one of these men of this evil generation see that good land, which I sware to give unto your fathers, 36 Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh; he shall see it, and to him will I give the land that he hath trodden upon, and to his children, because he hath wholly followed the Lord. 37 Also the Lord was angry with me for your sakes, saying, Thou also shalt not go in thither. 38 But Joshua the son of Nun, which standeth before thee, he shall go in thither: encourage him: for he shall cause Israel to inherit it. 39 Moreover your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, and your children, which in that day had no knowledge between good and evil, they shall go in thither, and unto them will I give it, and they shall possess it. 40 But as for you, turn you, and take your journey into the wilderness by the way of the Red sea. 41 Then ye answered and said unto me, We have sinned against the Lord, we will go up and fight, according to all that the Lord our God commanded us. And when ye had girded on every man his weapons of war, ye were ready to go up into the hill. 42 And the Lord said unto me, Say unto them, Go not up, neither fight; for I am not among you; lest ye be smitten before your enemies. 43 So I spake unto you; and ye would not hear, but rebelled against the commandment of the Lord, and went presumptuously up into the hill. 44 And the Amorites, which dwelt in that mountain, came out against you, and chased you, as bees do, and destroyed you in Seir, even unto Hormah. 45 And ye returned and wept before the Lord; but the Lord would not hearken to your voice, nor give ear unto you. 46 So ye abode in Kadesh many days, according unto the days that ye abode there.Fear will keep us from fulfilling our responsibility in fishing for men. (Lk.5:10 ).Luke 5:10 KJV 1900 10 And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.We are not required to be successful, but to try.We are not required to know all the answers, but to sow the seed in love.5. Men fear old age.Yet, the Bible teaches us that honor and glory are attached to old age. (Lev. 19:32; Prov. 16:31; 20:29; 1 Tim. 5:1 ).Leviticus 19:32 KJV 1900 32 Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the Lord.Proverbs 16:31 KJV 1900 31 The hoary head is a crown of glory, If it be found in the way of righteousness.Proverbs 20:29 KJV 1900 29 The glory of young men is their strength: And the beauty of old men is the gray head.1 Timothy 5:1 KJV 1900 1 Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren;Men often achieve some of their greatest accomplishments in old age.Old age is an indication that one is nearer his home.It is not wise to fear what God has planned for us.6. Men fear insecurity.They fear hunger and not having enough.See Matthew 6:24-34; Psalm 37:25; Philippians 4:19 ).Matthew 6:24–34 KJV 1900 24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. 25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? 26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? 27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? 28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? 31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.Psalm 37:25 KJV 1900 25 I have been young, and now am old; Yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his seed begging bread.Philippians 4:19 KJV 1900 19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.7. Men fear growth.Some fear the church will become sinful if it gets "too big."Sinfulness has little to do with "bigness" or "littleness."It relates to our love for God and His word.It may be possible to get too big, but many congregations have been destroyed by dividing or by being afraid to grow.8. Men fear what others will say and think about them, or do to them.Jesus forewarned us that men would speak against us and warned us against all men speaking well of us. (Lk. 6:26).Luke 6:26 KJV 1900 26 Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.Fear led Peter to deny Christ. (Matt. 26:69-75). See John 19:38 .Matthew 26:69–75 KJV 1900 69 Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee. 70 But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest. 71 And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth. 72 And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man. 73 And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee. 74 Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew. 75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.John 19:38 KJV 1900 38 And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus.Fear leads people to smoke, drink, use drugs, steal, commit fornication, etc.9. Men fear death. (Heb. 2:15).Hebrews 2 KJV 1900 1 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. 2 For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; 3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; 4 God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? 5 For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak. 6 But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him? 7 Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands: 8 Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him. 9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. 10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. 11 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, 12 Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. 13 And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me. 14 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. 16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. 17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. 18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.The Christian need not fear death.( 1 Corinthians 15:50-58 ; 1 Thess 4:13-18 )1 Corinthians 15:50–58 KJV 1900 50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. 51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 KJV 1900 13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.See Matthew 5:10-12; Psalm 23:4; Revelation 21:4.Matthew 5:10–12 KJV 1900 10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.Psalm 23:4 KJV 1900 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.Revelation 21:4 KJV 1900 4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.Matthew 5:10–12 KJV 1900 10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.Psalm 23:4 KJV 1900 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.Revelation 21:4 KJV 1900 4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.The Tragic Effects Of Fear1. Fear makes life a wretched experience and warps the personality.Fear has torment. ( 1 John 4:18 ).1 John 4:18 KJV 1900 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.2. Fear will prevent one from doing the will of God.Talents Confession Teaching & personal work Forming friendships or relationships3. Fear renders one useless.God told Gideon, "Whosoever is fearful and afraid, let him return and depart early from Gilead." (Judges 7:3 ).Judges 7:3 KJV 1900 3 Now therefore go to, proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, Whosoever is fearful and afraid, let him return and depart early from mount Gilead. And there returned of the people twenty and two thousand; and there remained ten thousand.There is no place in the kingdom for the fearful.4. Fear brings defeat. ( Matt 14:28-31 ).Matthew 14:28–31 KJV 1900 28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. 29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. 31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?5. Fear brings on the very thing we fear.Peter's fear of sinking brought on his sinking.Fear of dropping the pass often causes the player to do that very thing.Fear of disease often brings on illness.6. Fear spreads and is contagious. (Deut. 20:8; Josh. 14:8 ).Deuteronomy 20:8 KJV 1900 8 And the officers shall speak further unto the people, and they shall say, What man is there that is fearful and fainthearted? let him go and return unto his house, lest his brethren’s heart faint as well as his heart.Joshua 14:8 KJV 1900 8 Nevertheless my brethren that went up with me made the heart of the people melt: but I wholly followed the Lord my God.The fear of one elder or a few members can permeate the church and keep some great work from being done.Fear can paralyze."I was so afraid that I could not move."Fear can virtually immobilize a church and make it inactive.7. Fear kills and destroys.Thousands kill themselves every year.Many say, "I am afraid to go on living.8. Fear will cause a person to be lost. (Rev. 21:8; Matt. 25:25,30; Deut. 1:26-46 ).Revelation 21:8 KJV 1900 8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.Matthew 25:25 KJV 1900 25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.Matthew 25:30 KJV 1900 30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.Deuteronomy 1:26–46 KJV 1900 26 Notwithstanding ye would not go up, but rebelled against the commandment of the Lord your God: 27 And ye murmured in your tents, and said, Because the Lord hated us, he hath brought us forth out of the land of Egypt, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us. 28 Whither shall we go up? our brethren have discouraged our heart, saying, The people is greater and taller than we; the cities are great and walled up to heaven; and moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakims there. 29 Then I said unto you, Dread not, neither be afraid of them. 30 The Lord your God which goeth before you, he shall fight for you, according to all that he did for you in Egypt before your eyes; 31 And in the wilderness, where thou hast seen how that the Lord thy God bare thee, as a man doth bear his son, in all the way that ye went, until ye came into this place. 32 Yet in this thing ye did not believe the Lord your God, 33 Who went in the way before you, to search you out a place to pitch your tents in, in fire by night, to shew you by what way ye should go, and in a cloud by day. 34 And the Lord heard the voice of your words, and was wroth, and sware, saying, 35 Surely there shall not one of these men of this evil generation see that good land, which I sware to give unto your fathers, 36 Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh; he shall see it, and to him will I give the land that he hath trodden upon, and to his children, because he hath wholly followed the Lord. 37 Also the Lord was angry with me for your sakes, saying, Thou also shalt not go in thither. 38 But Joshua the son of Nun, which standeth before thee, he shall go in thither: encourage him: for he shall cause Israel to inherit it. 39 Moreover your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, and your children, which in that day had no knowledge between good and evil, they shall go in thither, and unto them will I give it, and they shall possess it. 40 But as for you, turn you, and take your journey into the wilderness by the way of the Red sea. 41 Then ye answered and said unto me, We have sinned against the Lord, we will go up and fight, according to all that the Lord our God commanded us. And when ye had girded on every man his weapons of war, ye were ready to go up into the hill. 42 And the Lord said unto me, Say unto them, Go not up, neither fight; for I am not among you; lest ye be smitten before your enemies. 43 So I spake unto you; and ye would not hear, but rebelled against the commandment of the Lord, and went presumptuously up into the hill. 44 And the Amorites, which dwelt in that mountain, came out against you, and chased you, as bees do, and destroyed you in Seir, even unto Hormah. 45 And ye returned and wept before the Lord; but the Lord would not hearken to your voice, nor give ear unto you. 46 So ye abode in Kadesh many days, according unto the days that ye abode there.How To Overcome Fear1. Remember fear is strictly prohibited.(Deut. 1:21; Gen. 15:1 ; Isa. 44:8; Psa. 91:5; 1 Pet. 3:13-15; Lk. 12:4,7, 32; Jno. 14:27; Rev. 1:17,18; 2 Tim. 1:7 ).Deuteronomy 1:21 KJV 1900 21 Behold, the Lord thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the Lord God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged.Genesis 15:1 KJV 1900 1 After these things the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.Isaiah 44:8 KJV 1900 8 Fear ye not, neither be afraid: Have not I told thee from that time, And have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? Yea, there is no God; I know not any.Psalm 91:5 KJV 1900 5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; Nor for the arrow that flieth by day;1 Peter 3:13–15 KJV 1900 13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? 14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:Luke 12:4 KJV 1900 4 And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.Luke 12:7 KJV 1900 7 But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.Luke 12:32 KJV 1900 32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.John 14:27 KJV 1900 27 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.Revelation 1:17 KJV 1900 17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:Revelation 1:18 KJV 1900 18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.2 Timothy 1:7 KJV 1900 7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.It is a characteristic of the wicked. (Prov. 28:1 ).Proverbs 28:1 KJV 1900 1 The wicked flee when no man pursueth: But the righteous are bold as a lion.2. Enthrone Christ. ( 1 Peter 3:14,15 ).With Christ enthroned in our hearts we need not fear to live, for He is the living one.We need not fear death, because He died and is alive forevermore.We need not fear the hereafter, for He has the keys of Hades and death. (Rev. 1:17, 18 ).Revelation 1:17 KJV 1900 17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:Revelation 1:18 KJV 1900 18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.3. Put faith and trust in God. (Prov. 3:25, 26; 29:25; Psa. 56:11; 112:7; 46:1-3; Matt. 8:26;Proverbs 3:25 KJV 1900 25 Be not afraid of sudden fear, Neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.Proverbs 3:26 KJV 1900 26 For the Lord shall be thy confidence, And shall keep thy foot from being taken.Proverbs 29:25 KJV 1900 25 The fear of man bringeth a snare: But whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.Psalm 56:11 KJV 1900 11 In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid What man can do unto me.Psalm 112:7 KJV 1900 7 He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: His heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord.Psalm 46:1–3 KJV 1900 1 God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.Matthew 8:26 KJV 1900 26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.2 Tim. 1:12 ; Isa. 12:2. )2 Timothy 1:12 KJV 1900 12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.Isaiah 12:2 KJV 1900 2 Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: For the Lord JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; He also is become my salvation.Faith is the foe of fear.It is either faith of fear! (Isa. 26:3).Isaiah 26:3 KJV 1900 3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on thee: Because he trusteth in thee.4. Conceive of God as a Father. (Matt. 6:9; 7:7-12; Rom. 8:15 ).Matthew 6:9 KJV 1900 9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.Matthew 7:7–12 KJV 1900 7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. 9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? 10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? 11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? 12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.Romans 8:15 KJV 1900 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.5. Never lose sight of the fact that we are in the presence of God and His help is nigh. (Psa. 46:1, 2; 23; Gen. 26:24; Isa. 35:4).Psalm 46:1 KJV 1900 1 God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.Psalm 46:2 KJV 1900 2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;Psalm 23 KJV 1900 A Psalm of David. 1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 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. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: And I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.Genesis 26:24 KJV 1900 24 And the Lord appeared unto him the same night, and said, I am the God of Abraham thy father: fear not, for I am with thee, and will bless thee, and multiply thy seed for my servant Abraham’s sake.Isaiah 35:4 KJV 1900 4 Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: Behold, your God will come with vengeance, Even God with a recompence; He will come and save you.Courage is the very opposite of fear, and fear is eradicated by the consciousness of the Lord's presence. Josh. 1:9; Isa. 41:10; Matt. 14:27; Acts 18:9, 10 ; Heb. 13:5,6 .Deut. 20:1; 3:6; Neh. 4:14 ; 2 Kgs. 6:16; Exod. 4:13, 14 . *Psa. 118:6; Rom. 8:31.Joshua 1:9 KJV 1900 9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.Isaiah 41:10 KJV 1900 10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: Be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; Yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.Matthew 14:27 KJV 1900 27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.Acts 18:9 KJV 1900 9 Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:Acts 18:10 KJV 1900 10 For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.Hebrews 13:5 KJV 1900 5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.Hebrews 13:6 KJV 1900 6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.Deuteronomy 20:1 KJV 1900 1 When thou goest out to battle against thine enemies, and seest horses, and chariots, and a people more than thou, be not afraid of them: for the Lord thy God is with thee, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.Deuteronomy 3:6 KJV 1900 6 And we utterly destroyed them, as we did unto Sihon king of Heshbon, utterly destroying the men, women, and children, of every city.Nehemiah 4:14 KJV 1900 14 And I looked, and rose up, and said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, Be not ye afraid of them: remember the Lord, which is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses.2 Kings 6:16 KJV 1900 16 And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.Exodus 4:13 KJV 1900 13 And he said, O my Lord, send, I pray thee, by the hand of him whom thou wilt send.Exodus 4:14 KJV 1900 14 And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses, and he said, Is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee: and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart.Psalm 118:6 KJV 1900 6 The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: What can man do unto me?Romans 8:31 KJV 1900 31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?6. Rid ourselves of sin.Sin and fear are inseparable. (Gen. 3:6, 10) .Much fear comes from a sense of guilt. (Acts 2:37-47; 1 Jno. 1:7-10; Acts 8:22.).Genesis 3:6 KJV 1900 6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.Genesis 3:10 KJV 1900 10 And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.Acts 2:37–47 KJV 1900 37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. 40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. 41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. 42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.Acts 2:1 KJV 1900 1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.John 1:7–10 KJV 1900 7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.Acts 8:22 KJV 1900 22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.7. Work at the job of living a day at a time. (Phil. 3:13, 14 ; Matt. 6:34).Philippians 3:13 KJV 1900 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,Philippians 3:14 KJV 1900 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.Matthew 6:34 KJV 1900 34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.8. Fill our heart with love.The more we love, the less we fear.The mother who has a child in a burning house will forget her fear of fire, and rush to rescue her child.9. Pray (Psa 3:4,6; 55:4,5,16, 17, 22 ).Psalm 3:4 KJV 1900 4 I cried unto the Lord with my voice, And he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.Psalm 3:6 KJV 1900 6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, That have set themselves against me round about.Psalm 55:4 KJV 1900 4 My heart is sore pained within me: And the terrors of death are fallen upon me.Psalm 55:5 KJV 1900 5 Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, And horror hath overwhelmed me.Psalm 55:16 KJV 1900 16 As for me, I will call upon God; And the Lord shall save me.Psalm 55:17 KJV 1900 17 Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: And he shall hear my voice.Psalm 55:22 KJV 1900 22 Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.Fear led Peter to deny the Lord 3 times. (Matt. 26:69-75).Later we see him fearlessly preaching Christ. (Acts 2).What made the difference?Resurrection.Prayer ( Acts 1:13, 14).Acts 1:13 KJV 1900 13 And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.Acts 1:14 KJV 1900 14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.Matthew 26:69–75 KJV 1900 69 Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee. 70 But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest. 71 And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth. 72 And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man. 73 And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee. 74 Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew. 75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.Conclusion1. Yes, the Christian has a problem of fear.2. But he can overcome it with the help of God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. - Rock of Ages
Psalm 11:3KJV1900
Ecclesiastes 2:13KJV1900
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Matthew 6:24–34KJV1900
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Matthew 26:69–75KJV1900
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1 Corinthians 15:50–58KJV1900
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Judges 7:3KJV1900
Matthew 14:28–31KJV1900
Deuteronomy 20:8KJV1900
Revelation 21:8KJV1900
Matthew 25:25KJV1900
Matthew 25:30KJV1900
Southern Districts Community Bible Church
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