Healing Streams Ministry, Savannah, GA. All scriptures are from the ESV unless otherwise noted.

Transcription

1 Healing Streams Ministry, Savannah, GA. All scriptures are from the ESV unless otherwise noted. What are you afraid of? OK, maybe you aren t afraid of anything. Let s put it this way: are you anxious, do you experience dread over certain events, are you weighted down with concerns, are you chronically worried, do you get stressed out, are you shy around people, do you avoid speaking in public, or run from times of conflict and confrontation? All these are forms of fear. And they stand in the way of the life Jesus wants to live in us. Jesus is the Fearless One who has overcome the world, the flesh and the devil and is bringing to us the Perfect Love of the Father so that we too can become overcoming ones and live valiant lives, trusting our God even in situations of peril. FEAR is: False Evidence Appearing Real Fear is therefore a mighty stronghold that the enemy seeks to build in every believer to quench faith, stymie love and turn us away from the challenges of the high calling. And he builds it upon the other strongholds we have been studying: Unbelief in God s perfect love is the root to all fears; Accusation makes us feel cut off and condemned; Bitterness binds the pain of the past to us; unhealed Trauma makes our world feel very insecure; Rejection sends frightful messages to our heart; Self-rejection blocks us from believing that God really can love us, Envy/jealousy insist that others are getting a better deal; and Occult involvement always brings massive amounts of fear. No wonder that fear is something of an emotional pandemic. But the Lord has great remedies! There are two kinds of fear that are good and helpful: godly fear and fear awareness of immediate danger. But beware both of these can quickly turn into the wrong kind of fear. Godly fear is respect, honor and acknowledgment of who God is. It is a healthy awareness that God holds us accountable for our choices. But being afraid of God, or of what God may do, or of what God may allow, or of what God may ask of us comes directly from the enemy. Fear awareness of immediate danger enables us to deal with trouble and rescue the situation. Science has identified this as the flight or fight response of the General Adaptation Syndrome (see Digging Deeper in Lesson 1) and we need it to gear our bodies up for immediate action. But this quickly becomes bad fear if a) we are paralyzed or panicked and cannot act decisively or b) there is no real response we can make because we are being alarmed by imagined or future dangers, not immediate, life-threatening ones. This kind of fear response keeps most people living stressed up and breaks down health like a hammer. The Bible gives 365 commands not to be in fear, one for every day of the year. When we are in fear in any of its forms we are not trusting God. The critical issue is heart trust in God. You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock. Isaiah 26:3-4 Fear is a spiritual issue not a personality problem. Watch this progression carefully: 1 1) Fear is the opposite of love. Perfect love casts out fear; perfect fear casts out love. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For whoever fears has not been perfected in love. We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4: ) Fear is little faith or no faith. Jesus upbraided the disciples for having little faith and no faith when they became afraid over concern for their daily needs and during the storm at sea. And why are you anxious O you of little faith? Matthew 6:28, 30

2 He said to them, "Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?" Mark 4:40 3) Fear is the opposite of faith. Fear works in the same way faith does but in the opposite direction: faith looks past the problem of the visible reality to see its solution in the Invisible Reality of God and therefore becomes the substance in us that God uses to fulfill His purposes. Fear looks at the visible problem, ignores the Invisible Savior, and becomes the substance the enemy uses to fulfill his purposes for us. Job lamented that what he feared came upon him (Job 3:24-26). Fear is false protection it actually brings trouble our way! Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1-2 For the thing that I fear comes upon me, and what I dread befalls me. Job 3:25 4) Fear is spiritual blindness. It keeps us from seeing with our eyes of faith. It minimizes what God can do, shrinks us as His vessels, and magnifies what the enemy is doing. There we saw the [giants] and we seemed to ourselves like grasshoppers. Numbers 13:33 5) Fear is actually a sin. Fear compounds the natural problem by bringing in a spiritual one unbelief and distrust in God over what is taking place. Fear is rooted in the sin of unbelief. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin. Romans 14:23 6) Fear is spiritual bondage. It enslaves us and carries us captive to the enemy s mindset. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear. Romans 8:15 7) Fear is an evil spirit. Spirits of fear love to manifest the nature of fear in us and use fear to derail our lives and destroy our health. They are liars and bullies. Fear that comes from the enemy is never telling you the whole truth otherwise you would calm down and trust God. Notice that we have a choice to make: we can have either fear OR power, love and a sound mind. We cannot have it both ways! Even the presence of a little stress can begin robbing anyone of confidence in God (power), love (releasing our hearts) and soundness of mind (thinking clearly, remembering readily). Notice also how the Trinity are our new resources: the Holy Spirit is our Power, the Father is Perfect Love to us, and Jesus is our new Mind. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 KJV More ways of getting free from the power of fear in addition to the 8 Steps (Lesson 7). 2 1) Let perfect love cast out fear work on renewing the true image of God in your heart. God is love and real love is of God (Jn 4:16). Keep your thoughts fixed on who God really is (Isa 26:3). There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For whoever fears has not been perfected in love. We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4: ) Let the Word undercut the power of fear increase faith and trust by God s Word. Remember that we build faith by staying in the Word (Ro 10:17). Scriptures really do counter fear. 3) Resist fear keep obeying despite your fears; don t give ground to the enemy. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7 4) Let deliverance cast fear out. Call a friend who can do spiritual warfare. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 5) Let loving release fears from your heart love cats, dogs, friendly people. Love in your heart will cast out fear, just as knowing God s love for you casts out fear. 6) Let laughter release fears from your heart. A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22 7) Let a willingness to die to self release you from fear. If we are harboring a fear of death, other fears will always defeat us this has to be dealt with first. A willingness to suffer, even die, for Christ defeats most fears, since the fear of death is the root of all fears (He 12:14-15). When we don t care what happens so long as His good will for us will be done, we slip out of the snare of fear. Surrender always brings peace. What is the worst that could happen? Die and be with Jesus (Job 13:15-16)? Take up his cross daily... For whoever would save his life will lose it. Luke 9:23-24 They have conquered him for they loved not their lives even unto death. Revelation 12:11

3 8) Let prayer put your fears to rest as you release your concerns to God. Cast your cares on Him. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 9) Let obedience lead you out of fear by taking you through your fears. Taking decisive action (just do it) defeats a lot of fears. Once you have finally struggled through despite your fears, the same fears will have less power over you in the future. Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. Hebrews 12: ) Learn to recognize the voice of fear (the way it impresses upon you) and stop listening to it. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. Hebrews 5:14 The best time to start trusting God is when you are caught in fear. When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you I will not be afraid. Psalm 56:3-4 WEB (a deliberate choice) The best way to get free of fear is by the 8 R s (see Lesson 7, page 47). 1) Recognize that fear is a sin the sin of not trusting God. Deal with it immediately. 2) Take Responsibility for it getting the better of you don t blame others or your circumstances. 3) Return to the Father; make an honest confession of your sin; and receive His mercy and help. 4) Renounce all unbelief and begin confessing faith in the goodness, love and power of your God. End notes for Fear Not! 1 For fear as sin and opposite of faith: Teaching and insights from Be In Health teaching and materials, Dr. Henry W. Wright, Thomaston, Georgia, seminar notes, October Modified list from Ed Kelly teaching, Ibid. Job lamented that what he feared came upon him anyway (Job 3:25). Sometimes we act as if holding on to a fear will protect us. Sometimes we just bury our head and pretend it is not out there. A better way is to ask the fruitful question: what am I really afraid of? Then hold that deepest fear up to the light of Christ until you find something in Him that answers it. For instance: what is the worst thing that could happen to you? That you would die? Well, in that case you would go to heaven. So why are you so afraid? Or is it that you would lose a loved one? God forbid that it should happen, but if it did, Jesus would be right there to comfort you and lead you (if you let Him) to the other side of grieving where you would experience a resurrection of your life on earth. But living in fear of losing someone will rob you of your life on earth now. See how this works? Make it work for you!

4 The thing I greatly fear What I need to see in Jesus to let that fear go Fear is such a prevalent enemy and it can take so many forms. Not everyone has known what it is like to live with dread, panic or phobias. On the other hand, anxiety and worry are like the common cold and flu bugs of the spiritual life. We never tire in winter of swapping knowledge about our favorite remedies, so take some time now to share what works for you. What do you do when you are afraid? Who do you call? Where do you go? What natural remedies work best? Example: turning on the lights or a TV at night. What spiritual remedies work best? Are there times when running away from what you fear is wisdom? How about the other times? Has fear ever backed you into a corner? What fears have you fought through to final victory? What fear has paralyzed you? How could you prepare if you were to meet it again? Have you ever applied the 8 R s? Ever thought to apply them? Why not? Fear in all of its forms is the cause of many illnesses. Fear is sin (confess it as such) and fear is an evil spirit (resist it). Fear blocks power, love and a sound mind. Choose which you want to live with. Fear and faith are opposites fear is rooted in distrust of God and unbelief in His Word. Fear actually works to bring what you fear upon you! The best time to defeat fear is from the first moment you discern it nip it in the bud. Faith in the perfect love of the Father casts out fear and establishes our hearts. 3 things to know in order to overcome fear. 1) Jesus has overcome the world, the flesh and the devil He will always be victorious. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." John 16:33 2) We overcome through faith in Him. Faith in God s love and power overpowers our fear. For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world our faith. 1 John 5:4 3) Our heart becomes established as faith opens our eyes to behold God s perfect love. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For whoever fears has not been perfected in love. We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:18-19 Faith lifts and leads; fear drives. Fear focuses on the thing feared never on God. Learn to recognize when you are in fear and deal with it first then you will be able to work with the problem it represents and receive the Lord s guidance and help so much more readily. Ask the fruitful question: What am I really afraid of? Find it and deal with it! Remember: the best time to gain victory over fear is when you are feeling fear (Ps 56:3-4). When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. In God I will not be afraid. What can flesh do to me? Psalm 56:3-4 WEB

5 Scriptures to counter fear. Saying scripture over and over has power to slowly push back the attack of fear. Believing scripture has awesome and immediate power once it becomes a living and life-giving Word to you. Truth must be touching your heart and your spirit to really bring release and freedom. Take your stand on the truth as Jesus did and stoutly resist the temptation to fear (see also Ps 27:3; Ps 118:6; Pr 29:25; Isa 12:2; Isa 43:1; Lk 12:32; Ro 8:15). Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Fear not, for I am with you. Psalm 27:1 Be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 Look to me, and be you saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is none else. Isaiah 45:22 WEB Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows. Luke 12:7 So we can confidently say, "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?" Hebrews 13:6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7 It is actually an act of faith-fullness to confess our fears as unbelief and sin. Our Father loves an honest conversation, even if it is about our failings. Naming fear as sin begins the process of repentance and restoration to trust. As we do we enter into fellowship with the Father about the truth of our situation. The problem is not with God in what He has allowed it is with our inability or unwillingness to trust Him with it. Now that we are talking it over with Him, we can draw strength from our relationship. So let us go boldly to the throne of grace and obtain mercy, then re-discover His grace to help us in our time of need (He 4:16). Father, help me to remember to come running home to You whenever I fall into the arms of my enemy and find myself in the pigsty of fear in the future. I pray that You will grant me boldness to always know that I can come into Your presence no matter how fear-filled I happen to be. Help me to draw my strength from believing in Your love and power. A sample prayer for resisting an attack of fear. Don t panic if you can t remember it the way it is here He knows your heart! Pray it the way the Holy Spirit helps you to remember. Father, forgive me for falling into fear again. Thank You that I can come boldly into Your presence and ask You to cleanse me of this iniquity. Thank You that You love me and want to fellowship with me even now. Thank You that You have made great plans for how to help me and that even this situation will be made to work for my good. I ask You to send Jesus for my deliverance and to meet me by Your Spirit right where I am, as I am, and lead me forward. Strengthen me to hold on to You as I resist fear and watch for Your final victory to arrive. Confess and renounce in the generations of your family on both sides. Repent for each spirit you have entertained. Then confess and believe in the way God s Word is telling you to go.* Example: Father, I renounce (Fears about death, loss, Fear of man ) in the generations of my fathers and I repent of having walked in it myself. I repent of my own sin of (Fear of death, dying ). Forgive me and break its power over me and off my generations.

6 Fears about death, loss Fear of death, dying Fear of not going to heaven Fear of dying prematurely Fear of losing loved ones Fear of loss of relationships Fear of man Fear of public speaking Self-consciousness, shyness Inferiority, insecurity Fear of criticism, rejection Fear of inadequacy Fear of humiliation Fear of races/cultures Fear of abandonment Fear of being alone Fear of success/failure Fear of responsibility Fear of dependency Perfectionism, driven-ness Suspicion of others Controlling of others Fear of people in authority Fears about ministry Fear of deliverance Fear of evil spirits Fears about the future Panic attacks, phobias Fear of tomorrow, future Worry and anxiety Dread (expecting evil) Fear of change Fear of unknown Fears related to religion Afraid of God Fear of punishment Fear of losing salvation Superstitions Dread of obedience Fears related to illness Fear of disease, disability Fear of pain and suffering Fear of disfiguration Fear of doctors, hospitals Fear of needles, blood Night fears Nightmares, evil visions Fear of the dark Fears related to the environment Fear of poverty, lack Fear of allergic reactions Fear of animals, insects Fear of natural disasters Fear of suffocation, fires Fear of drowning, water Fear of noises, sirens Fear of heights Fear of enclosed spaces Fears related to sexuality Fear of sex or loss of it Fear of pregnancy, childbirth Fear of menopause Other fears Fear of war, conflict Fear of being robbed Fear of fear itself * Renunciation list modified from Be In Health teaching and materials, Dr. Henry W. Wright, Thomaston, Georgia, seminar notes, October Do it afraid! Whatever your fears are don t let them back you into a corner. Fears are bullies who want to rob you of peace and then block your path into the future. Don t let them! Things fear tries to stop me from doing My strategy for counteracting fear will be Confess these affirmations concerning fear (out loud if you need to) Fears are liars and bullies, and they are very deceptive at how they are lying to me. If I believe them a little, I get anxious; if I believe them a lot, I am tormented. When I believe a lie about God or myself, I lose the peace. When I begin believing the truth again, the peace returns. My feelings are the biggest liars in my life about God and myself. I only half believe what others tell me, but all too often, I believe my feelings no matter what they say. If I believed only the truth about God and myself, I would never fall into fear. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:32 If I only believed the truth about God and myself I would be full of peace and joy. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13 My feelings lie to me by mixing falsehoods with truth and by not telling the whole truth. I am going to bet all of my life on believing the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth!