A Nugget from New Life Network
(by Chris Musgrove of Future Now)
Scripture for the Day (August 24, 2018)
Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. (Hebrews 2:14-15, ESV)
Fear does not come from God, it is of the devil. In Genesis 3:9-10 we see the first the time the word afraid is mentioned in the Bible. “Then the LORD God called to Adam and said to him, ‘Where are you?’ So he said, ‘I heard your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.'”
Adam declared he was afraid right after he and Eve had given into the temptation and obeyed the devil and disobeyed God. Adam and Eve were now subject to the spirit of fear that comes from the devil.
“Fear not” is in the Bible 170 times and “be not afraid” 29 times. That’s at least 199 times God’s Word instructs us directly to not be afraid. Some accounts say there are at least 365 related verses that tell us in some fashion not be afraid (one for every day of the year). I think God is trying to tell us something!!!
II Timothy 1:7 says, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
I John 4:18 in the New International Version says, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”
One of the main causes of fear is an excessive concern about one’s self: Self-preservation, self-image, what the future holds for one’s self, etc. Those feelings may not be on the surface, but they are some of the real causes of fear. If a person is filled with love for someone else, then the focus is away from self and on the other person. The perfect love that comes from Christ should fill our lives. As it does, it crowds out all fear.
The best example of perfect love is Jesus on the cross. He did not have to do that, but He did it because He loved us enough to die for us. He knew it was the only way that you and I could be set free. Do you remember Him asking the Father if there was any other way? There was no other option. His death and resurrection was the only way!!! There had to be a blood sacrifice.
For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father! (Romans 8:15)
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. (Isaiah 41:10)
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. (Joshua 1:8-9)
