Antidotes to fear
The 20th century was called the age of anxiety
Fear plays an increasing key role in the 21st century consciousness.
We seem to engage in many issues today through a narrative of fear.
Our language has now incorporated the language of fear into everyday language and includes expressions such as ‘the politics of fear,’ ‘fear of crime,’ and ‘fear of the future’ etc. reflect the growing cultural significance of fear.
Many people today try to make sense of our experiences through a narrative of fear.
Our fears are not just confined to high profile risks such as terrorist attacks, climate change, or pandemics but also the ‘quiet’ fears of everyday life.
Biblical definitions of fear: there are several Hebrew words in the old testament that have a connotation of fear and the Greek equivalents of these in the New Testament are phobos and phobeo from which we derive the English words phobia and phobic.
The biblical words for fear cover a wide range of meanings ranging from mild uneasiness to stark terror and are usually defined by the context.
Fear and worry (anxiety etc.) are sin
Faith and fear are opposites and mutually exclusive.
What does our fear/worry say about God?
Is he unable to help you in your life situation?
Or is he unwilling to help you in your life situation?
The Christian should expect to become progressively free of fear.
Proof that fear and worry are sin
Romans 14:23 And he that doubts is damned if he eat, because he eats not of faith for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.
This scripture does not just apply to eating and drinking but more broadly to all our activities. If what we are doing is not done in faith, then it is sin.
So fear and worry are sin. (we say this not to condemn anyone but to encourage us to confess such sins).
Like father like Son
Ephesians 5:1 Be ye therefore followers (imitators) of God, as dear children.
Here the word followers can be more accurately translated as ‘imitators'.
Since God himself is not into fear and worry then we should be like him.
God is able and willing to set you free. God cares. Do not doubt.
Fear and worry detract from your new identity in Christ (will say more later).
The word of God is a powerful antidote to the fear we experience.
Antidote means a medicine or action taken or given to counteract a particular poison.
Fear is like a poison to us and can affect our health.
Jesus brought peace to the frightened disciples on resurrection day by speaking to them.
John 20:19 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus, and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
Paul’s prayer for peace.
Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which ‘passeth’ all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
One bible teacher [1] suggests using the word ‘bypassing’ in place of ‘passeth’ help us grasp the meaning of the scripture.
God has provided in the bible many other antidote scriptures to our fear. Here are two more examples.
Ex 13:13 And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you today:
for the Egyptians whom ye have seen today, ye shall see them again no more for ever.
Imagine never seeing your pressing problem again!
Proverbs 3:23 Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.
24 When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yes, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.
A scripture that can help you sleep well.
Amen
Prayer
In part 2 we discover that there are two main kinds of fear- good fear and bad fear.
For access to this text and links to the other parts of 'Dealing with Fear' please click below
[1] The late Roger Price of Chichester Christian Fellowship.