OVERCOMING FEAR

I. Realm of fear (areas where fear operates).

A. Failure (Matthew 25:25). But God has promised us success (I Corinthians 15:58). We ought to do the best we can and leave the results up to God.

B. Unknown. Detrimental not only to individuals but also to congregations (Proverbs 29:18). Many congregations have been hindered from growing, expanding, building buildings, and "taking on new works" because of their fear of the unknown.

C. Responsibility. Our responsibilities are proportional to our abilities. Many Christians fail to fulfill their responsibilities to be fishers of men because of their fear (Luke 5:10).

D. Old age. But the Bible makes a connection between old age and honor/glory (Titus 2:1-5).

E. What others will say (Luke 12:4-7). Often precipitates wrongdoing (Matthew 26:69-75).

F. Death (Hebrews 2:15). Death, which is inevitable (Hebrews 9:27), can be a gateway to association with Jesus (Philippians 1:21-23).

II. Result of fear.

A. Prevents a person from doing the will of God. Men seek to excuse themselves and rationalize.

B. Renders one useless in serving God. Those who departed from mount Gilead (Judges 7:3).

C. Brings defeat. Peter sank when he became fearful (Matthew 14:28-31).

D. Contagious (Deuteronomy 20:8; Joshua 14:8).

E. Takes lives. In excess of 20,000 persons commit suicide each year, many because they are afraid to go on living.

F. Will cause a person to be lost (Revelation 21:8).

III. Remedy for fear.

A. Remember that fear is strictly prohibited (II Timothy 1:7).

B. Enthrone Christ (I Peter 3:14-15).

C. Put your trust in God (Proverbs 3:25-26).

D. Take courage in the fact that God is on your side (Psalm 118:6).

E. Never take counsel of your fears.

F. Do those things you are afraid of doing.

1. God’s word provides us with confidence that our fears can be overcome.