Fear

[MsMediator]

Is all fear from the enemy? I am not talking about the fear of the Lord. I am talking about fear of everything else, such as fears of tomorrow, aging, loneliness, failure, uncertainty, relationships, money worries, fear of flying/driving, social phobias/anxiety, etc. Some people are debilitated by fear. I think some fear is justified for preservation purposes, such as fear of fire or natural disasters. They serve as a warning for how to react or behave in certain situations. However, other fears are more in our head, such as fear of failure.

When is fear from the enemy, and when is fear okay/justified? How do you approach fear?

 

[p_rehbein]

IMO, not all fear is bad. Some fear we are born with included in our Sympathetic Response System. These fears are there
to help protect us. Some fear is learned through experiences. Such as touching a hot stove or such. Some fear is phycological, such as fear of flying, or others.

There are a plethora of Scriptures concerning fear. Here are just a few:


2 Timothy 1:7 ESV / 184 helpful votes
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
1 Peter 5:8 ESV / 140 helpful votes
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
James 4:7 ESV / 139 helpful votes
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
1 John 4:18 ESV / 138 helpful votes
There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.
Isaiah 41:10 ESV / 120 helpful votes
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Ephesians 6:11 ESV / 118 helpful votes
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
Psalm 34:4 ESV / 110 helpful votes
I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.
John 8:44 ESV / 108 helpful votes
You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
2 Corinthians 2:11 ESV / 89 helpful votes
So that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.
1 John 3:8 ESV / 84 helpful votes
Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.
2 Corinthians 4:4 ESV / 84 helpful votes
In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
Philippians 4:6-7 ESV / 81 helpful votes
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
John 14:27 ESV / 80 helpful votes
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
Romans 8:15 ESV / 79 helpful votes
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!”
2 Corinthians 11:14 ESV / 77 helpful votes
And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.
Hebrews 2:14 ESV / 72 helpful votes
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,
Revelation 12:9 ESV / 71 helpful votes
And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.
Romans 16:20 ESV / 67 helpful votes
The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
Ephesians 4:27 ESV / 64 helpful votes
And give no opportunity to the devil.
2 Corinthians 11:3 ESV / 64 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful
But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.

 

[Pilgrimshope]

Is all fear from the enemy? I am not talking about the fear of the Lord. I am talking about fear of everything else, such as fears of tomorrow, aging, loneliness, failure, uncertainty, relationships, money worries, fear of flying/driving, social phobias/anxiety, etc. Some people are debilitated by fear. I think some fear is justified for preservation purposes, such as fear of fire or natural disasters. They serve as a warning for how to react or behave in certain situations. However, other fears are more in our head, such as fear of failure.

When is fear from the enemy, and when is fear okay/justified? How do you approach fear?

sometimes fear keeps us safe . For instance God made that feeling in us when we are standing on the edge of a cliff and feel unstable it’s telling us to back up we dont belong there a warning of danger is good and of Gods design for man

satan uses deceptions of things God has placed in us tomlewd us astray so he also manufactures fake fear the way to distinguish is to note what it is that has us afraid

am I in danger am I on the very edge of a cliff ? fear is good it’s working to help me telling me to back up

Or am I afraid of what someone might say about me or do too me if I talk about Jesus too much ? Will I lose my friend if I seem too excited about christ?

just an opinion and point fear itself is created by God to work internally to help man keep safe and be aware of danger

Satan didn’t create it or anything he only distorts and misuses what God designed and created to do good for man Satan twists everything and uses it against us fear is one of his tools but he won’t help us with it he’ll work to lead us away from our help

 

[GRACE_ambassador]

I once had a horrible fear of "going into Eternal fire and brimstone" But,
Immediately upon my faith/conversion, God Himself:

"...hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power,​

and of love, and of a sound mind." (1 Timothy 1:7)​

​

Praise His Wonderful Name! Amen.

 

[Pilgrimshope]

I once had a horrible fear of "going into Eternal fire and brimstone" But,
Immediately upon my faith/conversion, God Himself:

"...hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power,​

and of love, and of a sound mind." (1 Timothy 1:7)​

​

Praise His Wonderful Name! Amen.

Yeah Paul knew that fear also so he spent his time trying to persuade repentance

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭5:10-11‬ ‭

 

[studentoftheword]

When is fear from the enemy, and when is fear okay/justified? How do you approach fear?

In God's physical world there are 3 types of fear ----Primal fear ---Rational fear and irrational fear -----

Fear in this world can be either bad or good -----Rational fear can keep one safe from harm ----irrational fear can cause stress and anxiety which can bring on depression ----sickness and diseases -in ones mind and body ----


In God's Word----Fear is used in 2 ways as well ------

Strong's Concordance
phobos:
Usage: (a) fear, terror, alarm, (b) the object or cause of fear, (c) reverence, respect.

fear meant withdrawal, fleeing because feeling inadequate

Fear is commonly used in Scripture – sometimes positively (in relation to God) but more often negatively of withdrawing from the Lord (His will).


I say --fear of the Lord means having reverence ---respect for Him

Satan uses fear to keep people from God and His word ------this fear instills doubt and unbelief of the Gospel so people cannot get the right Faith to be saved ---

 

[MsMediator]

IMO, not all fear is bad. Some fear we are born with included in our Sympathetic Response System. These fears are there
to help protect us. Some fear is learned through experiences. Such as touching a hot stove or such. Some fear is phycological, such as fear of flying, or others.

There are a plethora of Scriptures concerning fear. Here are just a few:


2 Timothy 1:7 ESV / 184 helpful votes
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
1 Peter 5:8 ESV / 140 helpful votes
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
James 4:7 ESV / 139 helpful votes
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
1 John 4:18 ESV / 138 helpful votes
There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.
Isaiah 41:10 ESV / 120 helpful votes
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Ephesians 6:11 ESV / 118 helpful votes
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
Psalm 34:4 ESV / 110 helpful votes
I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.
John 8:44 ESV / 108 helpful votes
You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
2 Corinthians 2:11 ESV / 89 helpful votes
So that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.
1 John 3:8 ESV / 84 helpful votes
Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.
2 Corinthians 4:4 ESV / 84 helpful votes
In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
Philippians 4:6-7 ESV / 81 helpful votes
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
John 14:27 ESV / 80 helpful votes
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
Romans 8:15 ESV / 79 helpful votes
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!”
2 Corinthians 11:14 ESV / 77 helpful votes
And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.
Hebrews 2:14 ESV / 72 helpful votes
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,
Revelation 12:9 ESV / 71 helpful votes
And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.
Romans 16:20 ESV / 67 helpful votes
The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
Ephesians 4:27 ESV / 64 helpful votes
And give no opportunity to the devil.
2 Corinthians 11:3 ESV / 64 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful
But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.

Yes, I agree that some fear is natural and not necessarily bad, such as when one is faced with a dangerous situation or senses threat. Even then, God sometimes asks us to go into the unknown or enter these situations (for example, perhaps a warzone). If your fear causes hesitation or surrendering, is that from the devil? For example, how about a missionary deciding not to go a dangerous place or hiding his identity?

My question was more about fear of things we face in life on a more regular basis at some point, such as fear of aging, loneliness, disease/sickness (and unknown future), accidents/injury, death, etc. These are fears in our head rather than something caused by an external threat (like fire, warzone, etc.). Are these fears from the devil? Through the Bible, God tells us not to fear. I am not sure if these fears are part of our natural state (part of being human) or caused by the devil.

 

[MsMediator]

In God's physical world there are 3 types of fear ----Primal fear ---Rational fear and irrational fear -----

Fear in this world can be either bad or good -----Rational fear can keep one safe from harm ----irrational fear can cause stress and anxiety which can bring on depression ----sickness and diseases -in ones mind and body ----


In God's Word----Fear is used in 2 ways as well ------

Strong's Concordance
phobos:
Usage: (a) fear, terror, alarm, (b) the object or cause of fear, (c) reverence, respect.

fear meant withdrawal, fleeing because feeling inadequate

Fear is commonly used in Scripture – sometimes positively (in relation to God) but more often negatively of withdrawing from the Lord (His will).


I say --fear of the Lord means having reverence ---respect for Him

Satan uses fear to keep people from God and His word ------this fear instills doubt and unbelief of the Gospel so people cannot get the right Faith to be saved ---

What examples do you have for irrational fear?

 

[Mem]

My question was more about fear of things we face in life on a more regular basis at some point, such as fear of aging, loneliness, disease/sickness (and unknown future), accidents/injury, death, etc. These are fears in our head rather than something caused by an external threat (like fire, warzone, etc.). Are these fears from the devil? Through the Bible, God tells us not to fear. I am not sure if these fears are part of our natural state (part of being human) or caused by the devil.

There are couple of brothers that I listen to speak or write on certain subjects speak, respectively, to each side of the coin of fear. One approaches it from the side that we come into this world with a fear that we will not be welcomed, or accepted in this world and then also fear we will not be welcomed, or accepted, in the next world. And the other approaches the subject from the fear of rejection perspective. So, I think these both allude to our fear that our desire to be loved will not be met.

Is this an irrational fear? Well, it is if it, indeed, is true that we are actually loved, and so we'd go 'crazy' if we constantly try and 'convince' ourselves we are not loved, right? Ok, you might say, 'well, it certainly doesn't seem that I'm loved, seeing that it is obvious that so and so must hate me... it would seem reasonable that I am not accepted, nor loved, but am rejected..." However, if we're going by and using the gauge of someone other than God to determine our state of acceptance, someone that, even if does actually love us even if it doesn't seem so, we're judging whether we are loved by someone that doesn't even know how to love, since they are, also, going by someone other than God, Whom is the only One that can "show" us Who love actually IS personified.

Does that sound crazy? Because it makes perfect sense to me.

 

[Mem]

I am not sure if these fears are part of our natural state (part of being human) or caused by the devil.

Oh, I forgot to address this question. It is my opinion that these are 'natural fears' that the devil 'plays on,' or 'preys on' by the lie, 'you are unacceptable, a total reject,' and a lot of people have fallen for that lie. However, we combat him 'praying on' the love of God's Word, "I will never leave you, nor forsake you... You are mine..." The truth of God's love sets us free from our worst fears.

 

[justahumanbeing]

I've heard it mentioned that The Bible has 365 verses of the words, "Fear Not", in it. Whether this is true or not, I take it that God would not want us to be afraid. Jesus himself says "Fear not", so many times in the Bible. It's natural for us to be afraid. Just surrender your fears to God. God bless you.

 

[studentoftheword]

What examples do you have for irrational fear?

https://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/understanding-phobias-basics

Phobias are irrational and disabling fears. If you have one, you'll do almost anything to avoid what you're afraid of. Someone with a phobia understands that their fear is not logical. Still, if they try to squelch it, it only makes them more anxious.

People with a specific phobia have a persistent, irrational fear of particular objects or situations such as:

• Balloons
• Bugs
• Dentists
• Driving
• Enclosed spaces (claustrophobia)
• Germs
• High places (acrophobia)
• School
• Water
• Snakes
• Blood
• Flying
• Elevators

The fear is usually not of the thing itself, but of some terrible outcome, like falling from an airplane.

Other types of phobias

If you have agoraphobia, you have many fears that have three main themes:

• Leaving home
• Being alone
• A situation where you can't suddenly leave or get help and you feel trapped or helpless

 

[Karlon]

Is all fear from the enemy? I am not talking about the fear of the Lord. I am talking about fear of everything else, such as fears of tomorrow, aging, loneliness, failure, uncertainty, relationships, money worries, fear of flying/driving, social phobias/anxiety, etc. Some people are debilitated by fear. I think some fear is justified for preservation purposes, such as fear of fire or natural disasters. They serve as a warning for how to react or behave in certain situations. However, other fears are more in our head, such as fear of failure.

When is fear from the enemy, and when is fear okay/justified? How do you approach fear?

very interesting MsMediator. & quite educationally asked. certainly fear, the kind that has a negative worrisome connotation, never comes from the Lord. 2nd timothy 1:7, "for God hath not given us the SPIRIT OF FEAR, but of power, love & a sound mind". fear of lions, tigers, weather disasters & the like is normal as you said in the common sense, protective wise application. i think fears of failure are activated thru our condition response building it up as we grow just by way of nature & most assuredly, with the devil's nudge. some children grow up being beaten physically, mentally & spiritually by their parents & so become highly fearful in life. by course, we all know fear of God concerns resect or awe.

 

[SoldierofChrist]

Almost every time an angel appears in the Bible what do they say?

"Do Not Be Afraid, Be Strong"

Enough said

 

[Aaron56]

People with a specific phobia have a persistent, irrational fear of particular objects or situations such as:

• Balloons
• Bugs
• Dentists
• Driving
• Enclosed spaces (claustrophobia)
• Germs
• High places (acrophobia)
• School
• Water
• Snakes
• Blood
• Flying
• Elevators

Clowns.
Irrational? Grown men in full-faced makeup.
Don’t @ me bro.

 

[Magenta]

Almost every time an angel appears in the Bible what do they say?

"Do Not Be Afraid, Be Strong"

Enough said

Joshua 1:9

Deuteronomy 31:8

 

[Pilgrimshope]

Joshua 1:9

Deuteronomy 31:8

Amen just before he yells then not to be afraid they are so terrified they fall down as dead and then he lifts them up and gives strength

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: But fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭1:7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

a wise man fears god greatly , and then they meet him in thier fear of him alone , and are touched and lifted up as they begin to hear his voice and not the veil of the law

they were of this mind beforehand when the veil stood up

“Now therefore why should we die? for this great fire will consume us: if we hear the voice of the LORD our God any more, then we shall die.”
‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭5:25‬ ‭KJV‬‬

but when they lost all of themselves in his presence they heard the truth behind the curtain in the cloud

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”
‭‭John‬ ‭5:24‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The exact opposite as they thought who heard the law from outside the cloud behind the veil. The ot should tech everyone to fear God greatly d the New Testament should lift then back up to life through his love and mercy

 

[Karlon]

Joshua 1:9

Deuteronomy 31:8

the Joshua frame is scintillating! very nice.