During this time we live in, we are tempted to fear every day. But this is not from God.
My friends in Christ: fear is our enemy. Fear is a device of Satan to try to stop us from walking by faith.
Jesus called Satan “the father of lies”.
John 8:44c “for he (the devil) is a liar and the father of lies.”
It is he who encourages fear of the things in this world, as one of his many lies to deceive mankind.
In fact, we might say we walk by one of two ways; either by faith or by fear of some kind.
When fear sneaks into our souls, we find excuses to not trust God and go forward by faith.
At times in our lives, God might even want us to enter into a dangerous situation to do His will; such as going to give our enemies the Gospel.
Maybe He wants you to care for someone whose sick with a contagious disease.
But fear will stop you from doing those things that God might want you to do.
For example, many of our doctors and nurses today must choose to put fear aside to take care of those in need.They can choose to live in fear, or by faith. And every day, we believers have that same choice here on earth.
Let’s look at some scriptures concerning fear.
First of all, the good type of fear mentioned in the Bible is fear for God. It also means to have awe and respect for Him.
It is right to fear God, who cannot only destroy our bodies but also our souls, so said Jesus.
But even though God is all-powerful, He is kind and tender towards those who turn to Him.
We see this principle in Mat 10.
First, Jesus tells us not to fear men, nor demons. Then He tells us who to rightly fear.
John 8:44c “for he (the devil) is a liar and the father of lies.”
It is he who encourages fear of the things in this world, as one of his many lies to deceive mankind.
In fact, we might say we walk by one of two ways; either by faith or by fear of some kind.
When fear sneaks into our souls, we find excuses to not trust God and go forward by faith.
At times in our lives, God might even want us to enter into a dangerous situation to do His will; such as going to give our enemies the Gospel.
Maybe He wants you to care for someone whose sick with a contagious disease.
But fear will stop you from doing those things that God might want you to do.
For example, many of our doctors and nurses today must choose to put fear aside to take care of those in need.They can choose to live in fear, or by faith. And every day, we believers have that same choice here on earth.
Let’s look at some scriptures concerning fear.
First of all, the good type of fear mentioned in the Bible is fear for God. It also means to have awe and respect for Him.
It is right to fear God, who cannot only destroy our bodies but also our souls, so said Jesus.
But even though God is all-powerful, He is kind and tender towards those who turn to Him.
We see this principle in Mat 10.
First, Jesus tells us not to fear men, nor demons. Then He tells us who to rightly fear.
Matt 10:26-28 “Therefore do not fear them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. “What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in your ear, proclaim upon the housetops. “Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
And then notice what Jesus says immediately after this.
And then notice what Jesus says immediately after this.
Matt 10:29-33 “Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. “But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. “So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows. “Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. “But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven.
He tells we believers to trust God, because now that we have turned to Christ, He is on our side.
And He is a tender and merciful God towards those who turn to Him.
And not only that, but He also protects and guards His own.
Hopefully you’ve seen this by now throughout the Bible, such as in Psalm 91, which we’ll see later on.
God even protects His own from diseases while everyone else might be suffering or dying.
NOTHING IS GOING TO HAPPEN TO YOU UNLESS IT’S PART OF GOD’S PLAN FOR YOU; such as with Job when he was appointed to bring glory to God through suffering. (see Job 1&2)
And also remember, God will not give any of His children more than they can handle!
He prepares us in our souls and spirits with the Word of God, so that we are strong spiritually and even willing to bear what He asks of us, all to His glory.
1 Cor 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
There’s a promise from our faithful God and Father. So, we must remember too, as believers we now live in the sphere of
God’s love.
This is a vital point.
And He is a tender and merciful God towards those who turn to Him.
And not only that, but He also protects and guards His own.
Hopefully you’ve seen this by now throughout the Bible, such as in Psalm 91, which we’ll see later on.
God even protects His own from diseases while everyone else might be suffering or dying.
NOTHING IS GOING TO HAPPEN TO YOU UNLESS IT’S PART OF GOD’S PLAN FOR YOU; such as with Job when he was appointed to bring glory to God through suffering. (see Job 1&2)
And also remember, God will not give any of His children more than they can handle!
He prepares us in our souls and spirits with the Word of God, so that we are strong spiritually and even willing to bear what He asks of us, all to His glory.
1 Cor 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
There’s a promise from our faithful God and Father. So, we must remember too, as believers we now live in the sphere of
God’s love.
This is a vital point.
As God’s children, He loves us beyond what we can imagine.
And when we have faith in His love for us, we no longer live in fear, because we know He can conquer anything for us.
1 John 4:16-18 We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. By this, love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is, so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.
2Ti 1:7 For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
So when we fear, and we all fall into it at times, then we are not living in God’s love. We aren’t trusting God’s love to some degree in our lives.
There’s no condemnation here; because none of us will be perfect until we die and go to be with the Lord in heaven.
But right now, by faith, we have a chance to live in the love of God, which casts out fear!
Again, NOTHING IS GOING TO HAPPEN TO YOU UNLESS IT’S PART OF GOD’S PLAN FOR YOU!
God knows how to protect His children!
So many times in the Bible, God tells us, even commands us, to not be afraid.
Why? – He is saying to us “I’ve created the entire universe. Do you think I can’t control all things and protect you when it’s My will???”
And when we have faith in His love for us, we no longer live in fear, because we know He can conquer anything for us.
1 John 4:16-18 We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. By this, love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is, so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.
2Ti 1:7 For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
So when we fear, and we all fall into it at times, then we are not living in God’s love. We aren’t trusting God’s love to some degree in our lives.
There’s no condemnation here; because none of us will be perfect until we die and go to be with the Lord in heaven.
But right now, by faith, we have a chance to live in the love of God, which casts out fear!
Again, NOTHING IS GOING TO HAPPEN TO YOU UNLESS IT’S PART OF GOD’S PLAN FOR YOU!
God knows how to protect His children!
So many times in the Bible, God tells us, even commands us, to not be afraid.
Why? – He is saying to us “I’ve created the entire universe. Do you think I can’t control all things and protect you when it’s My will???”
Let’s look at some of these commands to not be afraid.
Our God is always in control, despite Satan’s evil schemes in this world.
Phil 4:4-7 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
When we go to God in prayer and give him our fears, He gives us His peace.
Look at this beautiful passage that the Spirit gave to Peter:
1 Peter 5:6-11 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Satan wants us to fear, but God says cast all of your worries on Me!
We must be firm in the faith, because our God is ultimately in control!
Look what the Lord said to Joshua when he was facing the enemies of Israel…
Our God is always in control, despite Satan’s evil schemes in this world.
Phil 4:4-7 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
When we go to God in prayer and give him our fears, He gives us His peace.
Look at this beautiful passage that the Spirit gave to Peter:
1 Peter 5:6-11 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Satan wants us to fear, but God says cast all of your worries on Me!
We must be firm in the faith, because our God is ultimately in control!
Look what the Lord said to Joshua when he was facing the enemies of Israel…
Deut 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”
Do you believe that?
Are you living in fear right now in your heart?
Or will you obey God’s command to be courageous and not fear, because Jesus is with you, always.
And let’s just say the Lord appoints you to go through some type of suffering one day, look what He says:
Rev 2:10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.
There are all types of prisons in this life; even now we are like prisoners in our own homes.
Well, look what God promises to those who remain faithful in the suffering; it’s called the crown of life!
This is a reward that LASTS FOREVER, granted to the believer in heaven.
Do you believe that?
Are you living in fear right now in your heart?
Or will you obey God’s command to be courageous and not fear, because Jesus is with you, always.
And let’s just say the Lord appoints you to go through some type of suffering one day, look what He says:
Rev 2:10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.
There are all types of prisons in this life; even now we are like prisoners in our own homes.
Well, look what God promises to those who remain faithful in the suffering; it’s called the crown of life!
This is a reward that LASTS FOREVER, granted to the believer in heaven.
Is it worth it to trust God, no matter what He asks us to go through, knowing in the end we are His children and He will certainly reward us for having faith through it all?
Remember, we either live in faith or in fear.
Remember, we either live in faith or in fear.
Will we have faith in this time of testing, or will we give in to fear?
It’s one or the other in our hearts.
Fear is one of Satan’s greatest weapons.
Whenever I have fear, I try to stare it in the face, because I know it’s a lie that Satan wants me to run from.
So, when we fear (and we all will at times), let’s cast all our fears on the Lord!
Let’s give them to the Lord and ask Him for more faith and more strength!
Don’t give in to fear; it’s a lie and a trap!
Live like children of the King; because if you are a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, you ARE a child of the King.
And Jesus promises to never leave us or forsake us. Amen?!
Ps 37:24 I have been young and now I am old, Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken Or his descendants begging bread. Maybe this is you; you are worried about not having enough food. But maybe God is simply testing your faith.
Do you remember how Jesus fed thousands of people from a small basket of fish and bread?
Maybe we all need this awesome reminder right now; and we need to share this with our friends who are scared and doubting.
It’s one or the other in our hearts.
Fear is one of Satan’s greatest weapons.
Whenever I have fear, I try to stare it in the face, because I know it’s a lie that Satan wants me to run from.
So, when we fear (and we all will at times), let’s cast all our fears on the Lord!
Let’s give them to the Lord and ask Him for more faith and more strength!
Don’t give in to fear; it’s a lie and a trap!
Live like children of the King; because if you are a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, you ARE a child of the King.
And Jesus promises to never leave us or forsake us. Amen?!
Ps 37:24 I have been young and now I am old, Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken Or his descendants begging bread. Maybe this is you; you are worried about not having enough food. But maybe God is simply testing your faith.
Do you remember how Jesus fed thousands of people from a small basket of fish and bread?
Maybe we all need this awesome reminder right now; and we need to share this with our friends who are scared and doubting.
Luke 9:12-17 Now the day was ending, and the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the crowd away, that they may go into the surrounding villages and countryside and find lodging and get something to eat;
for here we are in a desolate place.” But He said to them, “You give them something to eat!” And they said, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish, unless perhaps we go and buy food for all these people.” (For there were about five thousand men.) And He said to His disciples, “Have them sit down to eat in groups of about fifty each.” They did so, and had them all sit down. Then He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed them, and broke them, and kept giving them to the disciples to set before the people. And they all ate and were satisfied; and the broken pieces which they had left over were picked up, twelve baskets full.
My friends, God does not forsake His own children. He will make a way where there is no way. He may even do a miracle in your life.
Those who repent before Him and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ will be saved. They become His adopted ones, and they are under His mighty wings.
Ps 37:28 For the Lord loves justice
And does not forsake His godly ones;
They are preserved forever,
But the descendants of the wicked will be cut off.
Isa 41:10 ‘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.’
Let’s close with Psalm 91, as it is appropriate to the thing many are fearing right now; deadly disease.
And does not forsake His godly ones;
They are preserved forever,
But the descendants of the wicked will be cut off.
Isa 41:10 ‘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.’
Let’s close with Psalm 91, as it is appropriate to the thing many are fearing right now; deadly disease.
Ps 91:1-3 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!”
For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper
And from the deadly pestilence.
For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper
And from the deadly pestilence.
We each must ask ourselves, do I really believe this?
Do I really believe vs. 3, that God’s power and God’s faithfulness can save me from deadly disease?
Let’s go on!
Let’s go on!
Ps 91:4-10 He will cover you with His pinions, And under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.
You will not be afraid of the terror by night, Or of the arrow that flies by day; Of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, Or of the destruction that lays waste at noon. A thousand may fall at your side And ten thousand at your right hand, But it shall not approach you. You will only look on with your eyes And see the recompense of the wicked. For you have made the Lord, my refuge, Even the Most High, your dwelling place. No evil will befall you, Nor will any plague come near your tent.
You will not be afraid of the terror by night, Or of the arrow that flies by day; Of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, Or of the destruction that lays waste at noon. A thousand may fall at your side And ten thousand at your right hand, But it shall not approach you. You will only look on with your eyes And see the recompense of the wicked. For you have made the Lord, my refuge, Even the Most High, your dwelling place. No evil will befall you, Nor will any plague come near your tent.
Again, vs. 10 says no disease will come near our home. For those who trust the Lord, He promises to protect them.
And IF God allows sickness in your home, that simply means that’s part of God’s plan for your life; God is testing your faith and remember, the Bible says the angels are watching us to observe our faith in God even when things aren’t going well for us.
Now we see more of the faithfulness and power of our God and Savior.
Ps 91:11-16 For He will give His angels charge concerning you, To guard you in all your ways. They will bear you up in their hands, That you do not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread upon the lion and cobra, The young lion and the serpent you will trample down.
“Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name.”He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him.”With a long life I will satisfy him And let him see My salvation.”
Read Psalm 91 over and over if you’re struggling with fear.
It’s God Word that heals us and gives us strength.
Do not live in fear, my friends. Fear is a liar. It’s one of Satan’s greatest ways to deceive us.
In John 8:44c, Jesus said: “for he (the devil) is a liar and the father of lies.”
In Mark 1:15, Jesus also said: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”
Acts 16:31 And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”
Rom 10:8-11 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.”
Don’t give into the devil’s temptations to fear, which we often hear through the media, friends, and politicians.
Instead, choose faith over fear, because our God and Savior and Creator is in ultimate control.
“Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name.”He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him.”With a long life I will satisfy him And let him see My salvation.”
Read Psalm 91 over and over if you’re struggling with fear.
It’s God Word that heals us and gives us strength.
Do not live in fear, my friends. Fear is a liar. It’s one of Satan’s greatest ways to deceive us.
In John 8:44c, Jesus said: “for he (the devil) is a liar and the father of lies.”
In Mark 1:15, Jesus also said: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”
Acts 16:31 And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”
Rom 10:8-11 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.”
Don’t give into the devil’s temptations to fear, which we often hear through the media, friends, and politicians.
Instead, choose faith over fear, because our God and Savior and Creator is in ultimate control.