OVERCOMING WORLDLY
FEAR
The churches of Christ Greet You (Romans
The dictionary says
fear
is the state of anxiety or dread; uneasiness or concern; to be afraid.
A
Christian should also be aware that FEAR is one of the great sins used
by
the evil one to devour the child of God (1 Peter 5:8) - i.e., to keep
the
penitent, baptized believer from doing the work of our Father. Fear is
one
of the flaming darts thrown by the scheming devil (cf. Ephesians 6:11,
16).
The spirit of worldly fear is not given to us by God (2 Timothy 1:7);
however,
it is among the trials used by God to test the disciple’s faith (James
1:2-3;
1 Peter 1:6-7).
How does one
overcome
Satan’s use of fear and pass the test of God? By the grace of God
saints
have been given a protective armor to wear. Part of that armor consists
of
the shield and breastplate of faith (Ephesians 6:16; 1 Thessalonians
5:8).
Therefore, FAITH in Jesus is the victory that overcomes worldly fear (1
John
5:4-5). The righteous shall walk by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7) and live
by
faith (Romans 1:17; Galatians 2:20; Hebrews 10:38). Faith comes by
hearing
the word of God (Romans 10:17).
The Christian is
commanded
to take the Gospel to the people of the world (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark
16:15-16). Many of us do not obey that command because people are the
ones we fear the most. David knew the glory of the Lord, and thus he
could say: “I will not
be afraid of many thousands of people who set themselves against me all
around” (Psalm
3:6). Loved ones, our struggle is not against people – i.e.,
flesh and blood
(Ephesians 6:12). In fact, we are told not to fear those who can kill
the
body but not the soul (Matthew 10:28).
Children of the
King
have the privilege to ask God for wisdom to help in overcoming our fear
(cf.
Matthew 7:7-8). But we must ask in faith, never doubting (James 1:5-8).
If
you have been hoping in prayer for more courage to face the trials and
fears
of each day, then remember, “Faith is the assurance of things hoped
for”
(Hebrews 11:1). If you are ready to remove fear from your life, then it
will
happen to you “according to your faith” (Matthew 9:29).
Please take heed
to
these two closing thoughts:
(a) “Faith without
works
is dead” (James 2:14-26). You must allow your faith to move you to
obedient
action in overcoming fear. God has never been pleased with the
do-nothing,
cowardly, or fearful servant (Matthew 25:24-30; Revelation 21:8). A
faith
that obeys is necessary if you ever expect to please God and live
without
fear (Hebrew 11:6ff).
(b) “There is no
fear
in love” (1 John 4:18). You may have great faith, but if you do not
have
love, you still are nothing (1 Corinthians 13:2, 13). Love for God and
your
neighbor are the two greatest commands found in Holy Writ (Matthew
22:36-40).
God is love (1 John 4:7-8).
May your heart
continue
to be cleansed by faith (Acts 15:9)...then you will obtain the outcome
of
your faith – the salvation of your soul (1 Peter 1:9), along with
fearlessness
in your walk with the Lord.