UNSAFE WORD: BAD FEAR
(Message by Tanny Keng)
0. Introduction
a) The Bible mentions two specific types of fear (good fear & bad fear). The good fear is beneficial and is to be encouraged. The bad fear is a detriment and is to be overcome.
b) 10 top strong human fears:
i) Losing your freedom.
ii) The unknown.
iii) Pain.
iv) Disappointment.
v) Misery.
vi) Loneliness.
vii) Ridicule.
viii) Rejection.
ix) Death.
x) Failure.
1. Bad Fear
a) Bad fear mentioned in the Bible is not beneficial at all. This is the “spirit of fear” mentioned in 2 Timothy 1:7: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (NKJV). A spirit of fearfulness and timidity does not come from God.
b) Sometimes we are afraid, sometimes this “spirit of fear” overcomes us, and to overcome it we need to trust in and love God completely. "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.” (1 John 4:18 NKJV). No one is perfect, and God knows this. That is why He has liberally sprinkled encouragement against fear throughout the Bible. Beginning in the book of Genesis and continuing throughout the book of Revelation, God reminds us to “Fear not.”
c) Isaiah 41:10 NKJV encourages us, "Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." Often we fear the future and what will become of us. But Jesus reminds us that God cares for the birds of the air, so how much more will He provide for His children? "Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” (Matthew 10:31 NKJV). Just these few verses cover many different types of fear. God tells us not to be afraid of being alone, of being too weak, of not being heard, and of lacking physical necessities. These admonishments continue throughout the Bible, covering the many different aspects of the “spirit of fear.”
d) In Psalms 56:11 NKJV the psalmist writes, “ In God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” This is an awesome testimony to the power of trusting in God. Regardless of what happens, the psalmist will trust in God because he knows and understands the power of God. The key to overcoming fear, then, is total and complete trust in God. Trusting God is a refusal to give in to fear. It is a turning to God even in the darkest times and trusting Him to make things right. This trust comes from knowing God and knowing that He is good. As Job said when he was experiencing some of the most difficult trials recorded in the Bible, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him. Even so, I will defend my own ways before Him.” (Job 13:15 NKJV).
e) Once we have learned to put our trust in God, we will no longer be afraid of the things that come against us. We will be like the psalmist who said with confidence “But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name, Be joyful in You." (Psalms 5:11 NKJV).
The End ...
0. Introductiona) The Bible mentions two specific types of fear (good fear & bad fear). The good fear is beneficial and is to be encouraged. The bad fear is a detriment and is to be overcome.
b) 10 top strong human fears:
i) Losing your freedom.
ii) The unknown.
iii) Pain.
iv) Disappointment.
v) Misery.
vi) Loneliness.
vii) Ridicule.
viii) Rejection.
ix) Death.
x) Failure.
1. Bad Fear
a) Bad fear mentioned in the Bible is not beneficial at all. This is the “spirit of fear” mentioned in 2 Timothy 1:7: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (NKJV). A spirit of fearfulness and timidity does not come from God.
b) Sometimes we are afraid, sometimes this “spirit of fear” overcomes us, and to overcome it we need to trust in and love God completely. "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.” (1 John 4:18 NKJV). No one is perfect, and God knows this. That is why He has liberally sprinkled encouragement against fear throughout the Bible. Beginning in the book of Genesis and continuing throughout the book of Revelation, God reminds us to “Fear not.”
c) Isaiah 41:10 NKJV encourages us, "Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." Often we fear the future and what will become of us. But Jesus reminds us that God cares for the birds of the air, so how much more will He provide for His children? "Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” (Matthew 10:31 NKJV). Just these few verses cover many different types of fear. God tells us not to be afraid of being alone, of being too weak, of not being heard, and of lacking physical necessities. These admonishments continue throughout the Bible, covering the many different aspects of the “spirit of fear.”
d) In Psalms 56:11 NKJV the psalmist writes, “ In God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” This is an awesome testimony to the power of trusting in God. Regardless of what happens, the psalmist will trust in God because he knows and understands the power of God. The key to overcoming fear, then, is total and complete trust in God. Trusting God is a refusal to give in to fear. It is a turning to God even in the darkest times and trusting Him to make things right. This trust comes from knowing God and knowing that He is good. As Job said when he was experiencing some of the most difficult trials recorded in the Bible, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him. Even so, I will defend my own ways before Him.” (Job 13:15 NKJV).
e) Once we have learned to put our trust in God, we will no longer be afraid of the things that come against us. We will be like the psalmist who said with confidence “But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name, Be joyful in You." (Psalms 5:11 NKJV).
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