“…God doesn’t want us to be prisoners of our fears. The Bible says, ‘Do what is right and do not give way to fear,’ (1 Peter 3:6).” Billy Graham, We all have fears, even Christians. That’s the purpose of this lesson: Another Benefit of Faith in God is Overcoming Fear.
Questions for discussion:
- What is Godly fear in the Bible?
- What does the Bible say about overcoming fear?
- What does Jesus say about fear?
- What is the root of fear in the Bible?
- How to replace fear with faith?
What is Godly fear in the Bible?
Proverbs 9:10 NIV “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
“In the American Commentary on the Old Testament, George R. Berry writes that “the fear of the Lord is not a philosophy or speculation. It has to include a religious element.” The fear spoken of in these verses are relating to respect. Respect of the Lord means His followers are being aware of what is right and wrong and making a conscious effort to avoid evil. As believers, we want to obey and be pleasing in His sight. In the words of Charles Bridges, ‘the fear of the Lord is that affectionate reverence, by which the child of God bends himself humbly and carefully to his Father’s law.’” Ashley Hooker Bible Study Tools.
1 John 4:18 NIV “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.”
In this verse, we’re told there is not any fear in love. The fear of the Lord is a good thing and not to run from. His love drives out fear and is made perfect in love.
What does the Bible say about overcoming fear?
Fear of Man is a Trap
Proverbs 29:25 NIV “Fear of man will prove to be a snare,
but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.”
What does fear do to us? It traps us within its web. We can’t seem to get free. It also can lead to other problems and sin. Trusting in God sets us free from its entanglement.
God is Our Help
Isaiah 41:13 NIV “For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.“
How does it make you feel to know that God Himself will help you out of your fear? It is personal, He takes hold of your hand. His touch comforts you and builds your strength.
The Lord is on Our Side
Psalm 118:6 ESV “The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”
If the Lord God Almighty is on our side, who is against us? Our victory is in Christ Jesus, we have nothing to fear. You have to trust for it to work.
What does Jesus say about fear?
John 14:27 NIV “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Jesus is talking to His disciples at the last supper and preparing them for trials they would undergo. His is leaving them with a peace which is unmatched with anything they have known. We too, can have this peace in our fears.
What is the root of fear in the Bible?
Jesus Calls the Root of Fear
Mark 4:35-40 NIV “That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, ‘Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?’ He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, ‘Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?’”
Here is fear without faith. All the miracles they had seen and they didn’t trust He would take care of them.
The storms in these waters were known to be quick and very rough. It would be natural to have fear but knowing Jesus was with them should have calm them.
In Jesus’ words we hear what the root of fear is. “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?“
How to replace fear with faith?
1. Salvation
Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God_ not by works, so that no one can boast.”
The first step to faith is trusting in Jesus Christ as your Savior. If you have not done so, do it now. God loves you and will be there for you.
2. Trust
Mark 5:35-36,38-42 “While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. ‘Your daughter is dead,’they said. ‘Why bother the teacher anymore?’ Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, ‘Don’t be afraid; just believe.’”
When they came to the home of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. He went in and said to them, ‘Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep.’ But they laughed at him.
After he put them all out, he took the child’s father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was. He took her by the hand and said to her, ‘Talitha koum!’ (which means ‘Little girl, I say to you, get up!’). Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished.”
When Jesus overheard those who told the synagogue leader to leave Jesus alone, He told him not to be afraid but to believe his daughter would be healed.
When we are afraid, sometimes we are not able to think straight. Go to the Lord then to help overcome the fear.
3. Pray
Philippians 4:6-7 NIV “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
- Do not be anxious
- Thank Him
- Give Him your request
The result? Peace that is unlike anything you have experienced.
4. Lean not on your thinking.
Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Don’t try to figure it out yourself. Your wisdom is not as good as God’s. Submit to His way and you will be helped.
5. Read God’s Word.
Psalm 94:19 NIV “When anxiety was great within me,
your consolation brought me joy.”
In those moments of fear, God will comfort your heart and bring joy back to you. You can find God’s comfort by reading His Word. It’s written for you to be strengthened.
6. Think good things.
Philippians 4:8 NIV “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Whenever you are struck with fear, go immediately to Him. Thank God for all the good things He has given you. Read His Word, think about your love for your family, reject fear in the Lord’s name.
7. Take one day at the time.
Matthew 6:34 NIV “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
So many times fear takes place because of trying to figure out things in the future. It’s a normal thing to do but usually fruitless. We spend too much time borrowing trouble from tomorrow.
Conclusion
Fear can really create a prison for us. It limits our movements, our good thoughts, our love for others and inhibits us in many ways.
None of us are immuned. But we all have a remedy if only we humble ourselves and ask God for it. We have the benefit of faith in a God who loves us personally and will help us under all conditions.
If you have questions, feel free to comment. Jackie
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