Overcoming Fear

Most fears adults face fall in two categories

• Things lost
• Things received

HOW WOULD LIFE BE DIFFERENT FOR YOU IF YOU DID NOT HAVE FEAR?

Two types of fear

• Healthy fear
• Crippling fear

People’s biggest fears

• Dying/ getting old
• Rejection
• Public speaking
• Losing control
• Future

Fear is the direct result of sin

2 Timothy 1:7 For the Spirit God does not give us fear, but gives us power, love and self-discipline

What is God trying to accomplish in us

• His power through the Holy Spirit
• Love
• Self-discipline

Genesis 15:1 After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision:

“Do not be afraid, Abram.
    I am your shield,
    your very great reward.

Genesis 15:2-5 But Abram said, “Sovereign Lord, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?” ³ And Abram said, “You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir.”

⁴ Then the word of the Lord came to him: “This man will not be your heir, but a son who is your own flesh and blood will be your heir.” ⁵ He took him outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”

Genesis 15:6 Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.

Apostle Peter was afraid

Matthew 14:28-30 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

²⁹ “Come,” he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. ³⁰ But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

There is one thing that Peter did wrong in all of this

He took his eyes off of Jesus

We know that living out our faith is our best choice, but we often times are TOO BUSY

1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear

Hebrews 12:1-3 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, ² fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³ Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.