OVERCOMING PART 2 - FEAR

Scripture: “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)

Fear is one of the most universal struggles in human life. Some fear failure. Others fear rejection. Many live with the constant shadow of financial uncertainty, disease, or death. The world even has a name for it—“the age of anxiety.” Recent surveys reveal that 37% of young adults in the UK report daily experiences of anxiety or fear (Office for National Statistics, 2023).

But Scripture tells us plainly: fear is not from God. In fact, 2 Timothy 1:7 says that fear is “the spirit of fear.” That phrase suggests more than a fleeting feeling—it is an oppressive presence that grips, binds, and enslaves. Yet God has given His children something far better: power, love, and a sound mind.

Paul writes these words to Timothy, a young pastor facing persecution in Ephesus. Timothy struggled with timidity—Paul often had to encourage him to be bold (see 1 Corinthians 16:10-11 “Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do. 11 Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren.”). Fear threatened to silence his ministry.

But Paul’s words cut through the fog of fear:

• “Power” – The Greek word dunamis means supernatural strength, the same root from which we get “dynamite.” Believers are not weak; they are Spirit-empowered.

• “Love” – The word agape reminds us that God’s love, poured into our hearts (Romans 5:5), enables us to face even hostile circumstances with courage.

• “Sound mind” – From the Greek sophronismos, meaning “self-control, discipline, healthy and stability.” In contrast to fear’s chaos, God gives clarity of thought and a settled spirit.

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Paul’s message is this: fear does not define us—faith does.

We are reminded of this by God’s words in Isaiah 41:10 “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God.”

It was the Psalmist who writes in Psalm 27:1 “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?”

We found a chapter dedicated to having victory of fear which is connected to our relationship with the Father, Jesus says in John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” 

Christ’s peace is not fragile like the world’s peace; it surpasses fear.

During World War II, the German pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer was imprisoned for opposing Hitler. In a letter from prison, he wrote: “In normal life, we hardly realise how much more we receive than we give, and life cannot be rich without such gratitude. Fear imprisons, but gratitude liberates.” Bonhoeffer faced death without surrendering to fear because he trusted Christ.

Corrie Ten Boom, who survived Ravensbrück concentration camp, echoed the same truth: “Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength.”

The Nature of Fear

Fear is not just an emotion—it affects every part of life:

• Physically – Fear increases stress hormones, raising heart rates and weakening the immune system.

• Mentally – It clouds decision-making, leading to irrational choices.

• Spiritually – It distracts from God’s promises and magnifies problems over His power.

  
  

Yet Scripture gives the antidote: love casts out fear (1 John 4:18). Why? Because fear is focused inward—on self, survival, and weakness—while love looks outward and upward. When God’s love fills the heart, fear loses its grip.

How to Overcome Fear

1. Remember God’s Presence

   Fear thrives in loneliness. But Hebrews 13:5 assures us, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” When fear whispers, “You are alone,” God answers, “I am with you.”

2. Rest in God’s Promises

   Every fear can be answered with Scripture. Afraid of the future? Jeremiah 29:11. Afraid of death? John 11:25–26. Afraid of failure? Philippians 1:6. The promises of God form a shield against the lies of fear.

3. Renew Your Mind Daily

   Romans 12:2 calls us to be transformed by renewing our mind. Fear begins with thoughts; victory begins with replacing lies with truth.

4. Rely on God’s Power

   In Acts 4, Peter and John faced threats from authorities. Instead of retreating in fear, they prayed for boldness. The Spirit filled them, and they spoke with power. Fear retreats where God’s Spirit reigns.

Today, fears are multiplied by media. The 24-hour news cycle thrives on fear—economic collapse, pandemics, wars. Social media fuels insecurity, comparing our lives with curated images of others. No wonder anxiety has skyrocketed.

But believers are called to live differently. Paul’s words to Timothy are words to us: God has not given us fear, but power, love, and a sound mind. While the world trembles, the Christian stands firm, not because of inner strength, but because of Christ within.

A Barna study in 2021 found that Christians who regularly practiced prayer and Bible meditation reported lower anxiety levels by 28% compared to those who rarely did. Faith disciplines are not abstract—they are practical weapons against fear.

Our Closing Challenge

Fear will always knock at your door. But you don’t have to answer. Instead, answer with faith in God’s promises. Let His Spirit fill you with courage, His love steady your heart, and His truth guard your mind.

“Fear knocked at the door. Faith answered. No one was there.” – Unknown