God's Solution for Fear

Title: God’s solution for fear
Date: June 4, 2009
Text: 2 Timothy 1:7-9
Introduction:
- Everyone knows what it is like to be afraid. We all have things that we are afraid of
- Storms, spiders, snakes
- There are hidden fears that motivate us too
- Fear of failure causes many people to never start, or try anything that is not completely safe.
- Fear of rejection makes us afraid to do anything that could draw criticism or give someone a chance to laugh at us
- There are two kinds of fear :
- Fear that is good - Keeps us from driving 100 mph, or other foolish things that you can think of... and
- Fear that is harmful - This is the "spirit of fear" mentioned here
- This fear paralyzes us, keeps us from doing things we could or should do.
- Perhaps there is a fear that you need to overcome today.
Satan's Purpose For Our Fear
- Satan is a master at using our fears.
- He can keep us from being an effective Christian, or happy person by using our own fears ...
- He uses the "spirit of fear" to make our lives miserable. Worry and fear can make our life miserable!
There was a lady who died in 1916 named Hetty Green. She was called America's greatest miser. When she died in 1916, she left an estate valued at $100 million. But she was so miserly that she ate cold oatmeal in order to save the expense of heating the water. When her son had a severe leg injury, she took so long trying to find a free clinic to treat him that his leg had to be amputated because of advanced infection. I am sure she was worried about losing her wealth, so she didn't even enjoy her life!
- We can be so afraid of losing our wealth or job that we never enjoy or really experience life
- I know some people who are so afraid that something is going to happen to their marriage, that they never get close, or have the intimacy they could have ...
- We all know people who are "worry warts" and they are miserable!
- He also makes us ineffective
- Many times we do not share our faith with someone because of fear.
- What will they think of me? What if I turn them off? What if I mess up?
- They probably won't listen to me anyway!
- These are the common fears satan uses to make us ineffective witnesses!
- Sometimes we don't get involved in service because of fear-
- I could never teach or lead a Bible Study
- I could never encourage a brother
- I could never be a pastor, missionary ...
- Fear can keep us from serving God
- Satan's method for using fear:
o He uses our past sins
o He uses the possibilities of the future
o He uses the potential of failure
o He uses the certainty of criticism
- Satan is a master at using our fears to stop us, to bind us, and to rob us!
God's Gifts for Overcoming Our Fears
- 2 Tim 1:7-9
- God has not given us the "spirit of fear", But He has given us three things that will help us overcome fear:

A - The gift of Power
- Through Christ Jesus, I can do anything God wants me to do!!!
- (Phil 4:13) I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
- That means anything God wants me to do, I can do it...
- God gives me
- 1. Power to be saved - (John 1:12) But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
- 2. Power to be a witness for Him - (Acts 1:8) But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
- 3. Power to be Joyful - (Rom 15:13) Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
- 4. Power to make you a strong believer - (Rom 16:25) Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, ...
- 5. Power to endure trials – (2 Cor 12:9) And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
- If you are trusting in, drawing from , relying on, believing in the one who has the power, He will give you the power you need!
- God is a powerful God
- Don't be afraid! use his power!!!
B. The Gift of Love
- At first glance, It does not seem that Love could be effective in conquering fear
- (1 John 4:18) There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
- Here is how this works:
- 1. Love for God
- The more we love God, the less fear we will have.
- It is a matter of trust. When we realize that God will take care of us, it relieves our fear.
- (Rom 8:28) And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
- Love of God relieves our fears!
- 2. Love for Others
- The more we love others the less fear we will have.
- Love causes us to overcome our fear for the good of others .
- Rescue workers - Ambulance drivers ...
- Love causes us to tell others about Jesus.
- To serve in church
- To help others in need...
C. The Gift of a Sound Mind
- Most of the time our harmful fears are the result of wrong thinking.
- But something happens when we are saved and begin to trust God.
- Our mind is renewed! –
- (Rom 12:2) And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
- 1. In my way of thinking, I may be afraid I won't make it financially –
- but IF I trust in God and put him first, I will be assured He will take care of me!
- (Luke 12:28) If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?
- 2. I may be afraid of dying...
- That fear is calmed by knowing –
- (2 Cor 5:8) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
- We could go on and apply this to every other fear we may have.
- When we think Biblically, we have a "sound mind".
Conclusion

- Conquering fear is not a matter of self determination, or will power
- It is a matter of dependence on the God whom we can trust and love. In Christ you can conquer your fear.

[Adapted from sermon by Rev. Otis Nixdorf
Pastor, East Side Baptist Church, Independence, MO]