Today, I listened to a sermon from Pastor Ray Johnston on the topic of fear that helped me a lot. I think I had been allowing fear to negatively influence my life. Below are notes from that sermon. I have added some things to it.
“I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4 NIV
Intro: 3 Theological statements about fear
1. Fear is not from God. “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7 ESV / NKJV.
2. Fear is forbidden in the bible. “Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'” Isaiah 41:10 NASAB.
Rick Warren, Ray Johnston, and others say the phrase “Fear not” appears in the Bible about 366 times. It obviously depends on the translation and how it is rendered.
3. Fear is so destructive. Fear will cause you to pull back from doing things that God has called you to do and so miss out on life. Fear will cause you to withdraw from your loved ones and so ruin your relationships.
The damage fear does
Fear:
- Paralyzes potential. The disciples “…were together with doors locked for fear of the Jewish authorities.” John 20:19
- Obliterates Joy. “Worry can rob you of happiness” Prov 12:25 GN; David said, “I am worn out by my worries” Psalm 55:2.
- Sabotages success. “Everything I fear and dread comes true” Job 3:25 GN; Adam “…I was afraid and hid from you.” Genesis 3:10 GN
Fear creates what it fears. - Eliminates Adventure. “…I was afraid and went and hid your talent in the ground…” Matthew 25:25; “…they are chocked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.” Luke 8:14
Finding Freedom from Fear – Forever!
“I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4 NIV
1. Accept the love God has for you. “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:18 NIV; “Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:39. Only God can love you unconditionally.
3 Kinds of Fear
Level 1: Surface fears.
Level 2: Subconscious fears.
Level 3: Soul fears.
2. Saturate your mind with God’s truth. “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32
3. Extinguish worry with worship. “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.” Psalm 34:4-5 NIV
4. Take a step of faith. Like Peter, get out of the boat. Matthew 14:25-33