Victory Over Fear
"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, love, and a sound mind."
- II Timothy 1:7
WHAT IS FEAR?
FEAR is a condition of the human psyche. Contrary to the teachings of psychologists and doctors, fear is fundamentally a spiritual issue rather than a neurological reaction of flight or fight.
The Cambridge Dictionary defines fear as "an unpleasant emotion or thought that occurs when you are frightened or worried by something dangerous, painful, or bad that is happening or might happen." Our word "fear" comes from the Greek word Phobos, from which we derive the word "phobia."
There are many types of phobias. Some are somewhat humorous, for example, Ablutophobia – fear of taking baths. Others are rather strange, such as Geniophobia - fear of chins. Then there are the more common phobias like Lyophobic – fear of being in dark places. Interestingly, there is even a phobia called Theo phobia – fear of religion or gods.
Fear results from past traumas, learned behaviors, entertainment, and environments. Some teach that all types of phobias are related to the five primary fears:
Fear of Extinction or Death.
Mutilation or Invasion of the Body.
Loss of Self-Control
Separation, Abandonment, or Rejection.
Humiliation, Shame, or Worthlessness.
WHEN DID FEAR BEGIN?
Shortly after, God created Adam and Eve, the first man and woman. God gave them one law – not to eat the fruit from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. They disobeyed the Lord by listening to the serpent's voice and eating the fruit. The guilt and shame of their sin introduced the concept of fear as the Bible reveals, "And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked, and I hid" {Genesis 3:10}.
Adam knew that God had told them they would die if they ate the forbidden fruit. Although they did not physically die immediately, their spirits did. Thus, the fear of isolation, death, separation, and shame became inherent to human nature. That's why Paul wrote in Romans 5:12, "By one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned" and that “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God" Romans 3:23.
Thus, the seeds of fear, anxiety, anger, and torment became part of the human spiritual DNA. That’s why the Bible tells us, "We are by nature the children of wrath" {Ephesians 2:2} and "children of disobedience" {Colossians 3:6}). That began in the Garden of Eden.
WHAT DOES FEAR PRODUCE?
Fear produces varying degrees of alarm, anxiety, worry, terror, nervousness, neurosis, depression, and panic. Fear does not discriminate between those who are successful and those who are poor – it affects everyone.
Some try to hide their fear through alcohol and drug addiction—others through business and entertainment. The depressed reveal their fear by isolating themselves. Fear of failure, commitment, and low self-esteem wreck marriages, ruin families, and often end in murder or suicide.
Many will not acknowledge their fears because fear is rooted in pride – and always ends in sin. If they admit they have sinned, there is a need for a Deliverer, Savior, and Prince of Peace. Now, one must choose to repent and seek the help of Jesus Christ or reject Him and continue in sin.
Fear and sin produce death of the body and of the spirit that will result in” the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. This is the second death” {Revelation 21:8, NIV}. However, we can choose victory over defeat, freedom over slavery, and peace rather than fear.
FREEDOM FROM FEAR
Since the beginning of time, God has wanted fellowship with humanity. Sin separates us from the only Holy God {Deuteronomy 6:4}. Therefore, something had to happen to destroy sin's power and defeat fear. In His love for humanity, God made a way to conquer fear, "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" {Romans 5:8} and "Through death, he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil" {Hebrews 2:14}.
Jesus Christ rose again, conquering death and hell with power. He defeated fear and can "Deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage" {Hebrews 2:15}. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me" {John 14:6}.
Where there is life, death cannot have dominion. Jesus made it possible for those who desire to be free from the spirit of fear to be, "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" {John 6:36, NIV}. Through obedience to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we are delivered from the spirit of fear because God gives us "Power, love, and a sound mind" 2 Timothy 1:7, NLT.
YOU CAN BE DELIVERED from every type of sin, fear, addiction, depression, and psychotropic medication. Jesus Christ can heal and deliver anyone who will serve Him with all their heart, mind, and strength.
The Apostle John wrote that "Fear has torment" {1 John 4:18}, and the Oxford Dictionary defines torment as severe physical or mental suffering or anguish. Lust, shame, depression, hatred, grief, and unforgiveness torment the mind, spirit, and body.
Do you know someone who is bound by fear, depression, or addiction? Jesus Christ is the answer.
In the kingdom of God, there is "Righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost" {Romans 14:17}. We can choose to be free from the power of Satan when we repent of our sins {Acts 26:18} and begin to “live and walk in the Spirit” {Galatians 5:25}.
You can count on a promise: "There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear" {1 John 4:18}. Serve God and find victory over every fear.
