Overcoming Fear
By: Pastor Kenneth Howard-BrownePublish date: 06/02/2019
1. Why is it Ungodly to Have Fear?
a. 1 John 4:17-18 AMPC — In this [union and communion with Him] love is brought to completion and attains perfection with us, that we may have confidence for the day of judgment [with assurance and boldness to face Him], because as He is, so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love [dread does not exist], but full-grown (complete, perfect) love turns fear out of doors and expels every trace of terror! For fear brings with it the thought of punishment, and [so] he who is afraid has not reached the full maturity of love [is not yet grown into love’s complete perfection].
2. Hundreds of Different Kinds of Phobias.
a. Nomophobia: Fear of being without a cell phone.
b. Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia: Fear of long words.
c. Euphobia: Fear of good news.
d. Phobophobia: Fear of phobias.
3. Fear vs. Healthy Respect.
a. Your body is a temple, treat it as such.
b. Lack of fear does not mean faith.
c. Thrill seekers.
4. Different Areas of Fear in Christians.
a. Finances.
b. Self.
c. Hebrews 13:5-6 NKJV — Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 6 So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”
d. Family.
e. Other people’s expectations.
5. Fretting and Nervousness.
a. Joshua 1:9 NKJV — Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
b. Matthew 6:34 NKJV — Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
c. 1 Peter 5:6-7 AMPC — Therefore humble yourselves [demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation] under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you, 7 Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.
6. Fear is a Bondage.
a. Psalm 34:4 NKJV — I sought the Lord, and He heard me, And delivered me from all my fears.
7. It is Not God’s Plan For You to Fear Anything.
a. We need to be bold.
b. Proverbs 28:1 AMPC — The wicked flee when no man pursues them, but the [uncompromisingly] righteous are bold as a lion.
8. Fear Will Hold You Back.
a. Personal life.
b. Fear of taking the next step.
c. Business life.
d. Fear of attempting that new idea you have.
e. Family life.
f. Fear of finding that spouse, fear of commitment, fear of children ruining your lives.
9. Examples of Fears.
a. Fear is based in self-preservation of the flesh.
b. Matthew 10:28 AMPC — And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; but rather be afraid of Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell (Gehenna).
c. Fear of losing comfort: “If I give that car God has been telling me to give, I will have to ride a bike to work.”
d. Fear of losing capability: “If I give that money, that will limit my options.”
e. Fear of man: “What will people think of me if I put myself out there to win someone to Jesus?”
10. Achieving Confidence with God.
a. Renew your mind by washing it with the Word of God.
b. Get rid of the sin in your life.
c. Hebrews 4:16 NKJV — Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.