Genesis 3:7-10 After the fall, man’s relationship with God was marred with fear. Humans are born with two innate fears — the fear of falling and the fear of loud noises. Maybe fear of God and people is also innate?
Two Extreme Examples
1 Samuel 9:2 Saul was taller than any of the people.
18-21 He did not think highly of himself.
10:9 God changed his heart; however, he still battled with an inferiority complex.
10:20-24 Why was he hiding?
15: 15:18-24 We have often seen in our day how a political leader, because of fear of the people, will do that which is not right. We see this in Christian leaders also who compromise God’s Word to appease the people because of fear. Many religious organizations have problems because of the fear of losing people or to influence better attendance.
After he sinned, the rest of his life he was jealous of David to extent of murder.
Galatians 2:11-14 Peter was afraid of James; fear can make cowards of us all.
Our concern is not controlling our fears. Often people say, “You have to learn to live with your fears,” but the Scriptures teach us to conquer fear. Different positive thinking classes, seminars, and books teach how to control fear so you can live with it. However, when we believe and act on God’s Word, we will be released from the bondage of fear.
2 Timothy1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of timidity [fear], but of power and love and discipline [KJV sound mind, ESV self-control].
POWER
John 20:19 Hiding for fear of the Jews who three days earlier crucified Jesus.
Acts 1:8; 4:5-12; 5:27-32 The holy spirit eliminated the fear. Our faith and the relationship we have with God and Christ holds a decisive factor in relating with people.
LOVE Romans 8:14-16; 29-39
1 John 4:18-21 Perfect love casts out fear. All people want to be wanted, love to be loved; die to self and think of the other.
Sound mind, self-control
Philippians 4:6-10; 1 Corinthians 10:13 He was in prison during the sunset years of his life contemplating whether he should live or die, yet he had no fear. Why did he have confidence, trust, and faith? He prayed and controlled his thinking to focus on scriptural verities.
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