Overcoming Fear

Overcoming Fear
2 Timothy 1:7

Introduction

What is fear?  Fear is defined as a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined; the feeling or condition of being afraid.  Our scripture says that God has not given us a Spirit of Fear.  The Greek word used for fear is deilia which is translated timidity, cowardice, or fear.  The story was told of a farmer who sat on the front porch of his shack, smoking his corncob pipe.  Along came a stranger who asked, “How’s your cotton coming?”  “Ain’t got none, “was the answer.  “Didn’t plant none. ‘Fraid of the boll weevil.”  “Well, how’s your corn?”   “Didn’t plant none. ‘Fraid of the drought.”  “How about your potatoes?”  “Ain’t got none.  Scared of the tater bugs.”  The stranger finally asked.  “Well, what did you plant?”  “Nothin’ “answered the farmer.  I just played it safe.”  

The farmer should have planted something, but he didn’t because of fear!  Although the story is humorous, the same could be said about a lot of Christians.  God has gifted every one of us in particular ways.  Those gifts, talents and abilities He has given us should be used to glorify Him and bless people, but instead of allowing God to use us, we don’t do anything because of fear.  God has given some of you dreams and visions of things He wants to do in your life, but you don’t move forward because of fear.  Let’s deal with this topic of fear and by doing so it is my prayer that you will overcome fear and not let it overcome you. 

I.  Reasons not to Fear

As a child of God, you do not need to live in fear.  There are at least two reasons why you should not fear. 

1.       

II. Fear doesn’t excuse us from God’s Work

III. Trusting God eliminates fear

IV. Fear immobilizes you

V. How to Resist Fear