Fear

Fear afflicts our lives one time or another. There are 300 references in the Bible, showing how serious 

the problem is. Fear of the unknown is the greatest  fear.

There are two kinds of fear in Scripture:

1. The fear of the Lord- Pro.1:7, 19:2.

2. The fear of man, Pro.29:25.

The 2nd is a direct product of sin-Gen.3:9-10.

God wants us to be free from its grip- Is. 41:10. (a command?)

Fear paralyses and makes us disloyal. We cannot live healthy Christian lives if we are gripped by fear.

There is healthy fear, that protects us (e.g. a passing car), but also unhealthy fear (the fear of man or from the devil).

How do we free ourselves from fear? 'Perfect Love....'-1 John 4:18. The command is 'Fear God' which is the conclusion- Eccl.12:13, but we also need to work out our Salvation with Fear and Trembling- Phil.2:12.

How do we recognize true fear? 

1. By its rise. It causes saving conviction of sin. It drives the soul to lay hold of Christ for Salvation.

2. It produces in the soul great reverence for God , His Word, His ways, keeping us afraid to turn to wrong, or do anything that offends or grieves His Holy Spirit, or causes the enemy to speak reproachfully.

God is not the Author of unclean Fear, that usually comes from a spirit-2 Tim.1:7-8.

The Holy Spirit dwells in the life of the believer, we cannot hold two opposing spirits simultaneously. There is no room for fear in the life of a true believer.

What do we do when fear comes upon us?  Ps.56:3.