“Breaking The Chains of Fear”
1 John 4:17-19
Sermon Series: “Chains”
Introduction: Fear is really no laughing matter. It is very serious in many cases. If we are truly honest, we have to admit that we deal with fear in various ways and degrees in our lives. This is what we are talking about when we talk about fear. Fear can be defined as timidity, cowardice, and anxious concern. It is an unpleasant and often strong emotion caused by an awareness of danger. We do need to distinguish, however, that there are different types of fear. One is an adrenaline reaction to a dangerous situation. This is called “fight or flight,” and it is a God-designed response meant for our protection. Another type is the fear of God. This type of fear is a reverence and is commended by God. A third type of fear that is not of God is anxious concern, timidity, or cowardice.
Write down some of the things that you struggle with in regard to fear. These can be personal or extend to others, especially your family, maybe more especially your children.
- Fear is devilish (Romans 8:15, Hebrews 2:15)
- Fear is disobedience (Scripture tells us not to fear over and over again).
- Fear dishonors God (because it is a lack of faith).
- Fear is destructive to us.
A. Spiritually-It puts us in bondage instead of freedom.
B. Physically-One doctor estimates that 90% of chronic patients are
because of fear.
C. Emotionally-Paralyzes, Neutralizes, Victimizes, and Monopolizes
Warren Wiersbe has written, “If people are afraid, it is because of something in the past that haunts them, or something in the present that upsets them, or something in the future that they feel threatens them.”
Clayton King said, “Fear is faith in the wrong thing. It is faith in reverse.” Really, it comes from believing Satan’s lies (Root-Plant-Fruit). So the way to overcome fear is by changing our belief system. If we think differently, fear will be evicted, and our behavior will then change.
How do we need to change our thinking? What do we need to believe in order to overcome fear in our lives?
Main Idea-Key: We overcome fear in our lives to the degree that we are secure in the love of God.
- Fear and love are opposites.
- Perfect love casts out fear.
- Fear involves torment.
- He who fears has not been made perfect in love.
- We love Him because He first loved us.
A. The Cross (Romans 5:8)
B. HisPromises(Romans8:31ff.)
C. Covers us past, present, and future
Conclusions-Application:
1. Non-Christians: You should fear judgment, but you don’t have to because Jesus loves you so much that He died for you. Repent and trust Him today so you can be secure in the love of God and free from condemnation.
2. Christians: What do we have to fear if God loves us perfectly? He is in control and always bringing about what is best for us. Jesus conquered death, hell, and the grave. We are eternally secure. Let’s repent of fear and change the way we think. Let’s look at these common fears in light of the love of God.
