Types of fear we need to deal with
Types of fear we need to deal with
As a general approach we can specify at least 8 distinct types of fear that are affecting believers today. The list of 8 types of fear is by no means exhaustive and you may think of others (this approach is modified from that of the late Roger Price). The point of this list is for you to identify which if any of these fears is/are still active in your life or the lives of your loved ones. Please make a note of those affecting you as we go through the 8 distinct types of fear.
1. Inherited (familial) fear
2. Learned fear
The inherited type of fear is often produced in the children of nervous mother who are constant worriers. It is thought that babies can even be affected by this in the nervous mother's womb for 9 months. Sometimes the inherited fear after a major accident with trauma can pass to the baby in the womb. One bible teacher suggests it would be helpful to pray over the babies whilst still in the mother's womb during the pregnancy.
Learned fear can be when a child sees her mother overreacting to a mouse/spider, and it is as though the fear transfers from the mother to the child. Sometimes an over protected child learns to be fearful in life from his overprotective mothers sensing that he/she ought to be afraid of everything
Fears of both these types may require prayer and counselling to remove them. The counselling can employ 2 Corinthians 5:17 with a view to helping the subject get a clear revelation of their fear belonging to the old life and no longer give place to it. Prayer using the blood of Jesus can also be used to cut off these types of fear.
3. Identity related fear
Believers often have a faulty self-image (think of the magic mirrors at a fun fair that distort your appearance). Here are three biblical examples of people who had a faulty self-image that produced fear when the Lord called them into service.
In Exodus Chapter 4 we find Moses refusing the call of God because he was a poor speaker. God then appointed his brother Aaron to be Moses' speaker. It is interesting to note that there is nowhere in the bible that records Aaron giving any speeches. Moses' self-image was faulty and held him back from serving God. What in your self-image is faulty and stopped you taking up the call of God in your life?
Jeremiah was another man with a faulty self-image and argued with God that he was but a child. Who do you think knew best Moses/Jeremiah or the Lord?
Gideon was another man of God who argued with the Lord about his calling, he was from the smallest tribe and the least influential part of the family. Yet God saw him as a mighty man of valour.
Both introverts and extroverts can be prone to faulty self-images.
We need to have a clear picture of our own spiritual identity and walk true to your own identity.
Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
We need to come to an accurate self-knowledge of ourselves, not too high but not too low.
4. Residual Community Fear
Certain communities may carry a residual fear resulting from their horrific treatment in the past such as with the Jews and the holocaust. Other communities may have been conditioned to expect the worst in life which produces fear which often leads to terrible things both expected and happening in their lives. Others are afraid of losing control in their lives. Residual community fear often responds well to prayer by applying the blood of Jesus to the fear and this can set the subjects free.
More scripture Antidotes to Fear
Matthew 6:25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
And when the disciples were caught in a tempest at sea
Matthew 8:25 And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. 26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith
Jesus was asleep in the boat; he rebukes the winds and waves.
Have faith that Jesus is in your boat with you today.
Amen
Prayer
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