Fear

Lexham Survey of Theology Human Emotions

Emotions are an essential part of human life that, though broken by sin, are

The only way to have no emotions is to be dead.

Unregulated

Fear is a fundamental human emotion characterized by a distressing feeling aroused by the perception of danger, threat, or pain, whether real or imagined. It's a survival mechanism that triggers physiological and psychological responses to alert us to potential harm.

Fear is a basic, intense emotion rooted in us, designed to protect us from harm. Primal Emotion: Fear arises when we perceive a danger, either physical or psychological. This could be a physical threat like a predator or a psychological threat like social rejection. Perceived Threat: Fear triggers a cascade of physiological changes, including increased heart rate, rapid breathing, and the release of stress hormones like adrenaline. Physiological Response: Fear can also manifest as anxiety, apprehension, or even panic, depending on the intensity and perceived threat. Psychological Response: Unregulated Fear:

Matthew 10:24–33 ESV

24 “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. 25 It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household. 26 “So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. 27 What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. 28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. 32 So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, 33 but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.

1 Peter 3:14–17 ESV

14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.

Read 8-17 for context

Trusting God with a bad situation is an act of Faith!

Hebrews 13:5–6 ESV

5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 6 So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”

Regulated Fear

Reverential fear, particularly in religious contexts, refers to a deep respect and awe for a higher power, often God, combined with a sense of humility and obedience. It's not about terror or dread, but rather a profound understanding of the divine's power and holiness, leading to a desire to live in accordance with their will. 

1 Peter 2:15–17 ESV

15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. 16 Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. 17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.

Proverbs 24:21 ESV

21 My son, fear the Lord and the king, and do not join with those who do otherwise,

Jude 17–23 ESV

17 But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. 18 They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” 19 It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. 22 And have mercy on those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.

We must hate anything that stains are pure white garment.

2 Timothy 1:5–7 ESV

5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. 6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, 7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Close :

Hebrews 4:15–16 ESV

15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 10:19–22 ESV

19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

In closing remember: Christ has experienced every emotion we have and bore them upon himself so that we may be healed from the emotions that plaque our inner man.

So draw near to the Throne of Grace so that you may receive help in your time of NEED!