​Introduction:
1. In 1 John 4:18, a subject is mentioned 4 times that God wants His people to overcome and avoid -- "fear."
2. In our lesson we are covering a number of passages that show us:
a. why we must overcome and avoid "fear"
1) We will look at some Bible characters that struggled with "fear."
2) We will look at the consequences they faced because of "fear."
b. how to overcome and avoid "fear."
3. The first point we need to make is that . . .
Discussion:
I. DIFFERENT TYPES OF "FEAR" ARE ADDRESSED IN THE BIBLE
A. On the positive side, the Bible teaches us to "fear God" (Ecclesiastes 12:13).
1. This type of "fear" involves respect, honor, and reverence.
2. This type of "fear" will lead us to do God's will [this point is well illustrated by Noah -- Hebrews 11:7].
B. On the negative side, the Bible teaches us not to allow our hearts to be filled with "fear" (John 14:27 -- Jesus
said, "Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid").
1. This type of "fear" involves anxiety, dread, apprehension, etc.
2. This type of "fear" must not be confused with "caution."
C. With these general matters before us, let us allow the Bible to show us . . .
II. WHY WE MUST OVERCOME "FEAR" [A number of Bible characters struggled with "fear," and they
faced some serious consequences]
A. Abraham
1. He demonstrated his "fear" in Genesis 12:11-13; 20:1-2.
2. "Fear" led Abraham to practice deceit.
B. Moses
1. He demonstrated his "fear" in Exodus 3:11, 13; 4:1, 10.
2. "Fear" led Moses to offer excuses to God.
C. Elijah
1. He demonstrated his "fear" in 1 Kings 19:1-4.
2. "Fear" caused Elijah to become despondent.
D. Job
1. He demonstrated his "fear" in Job 3:25.
2. Job's "fear" became a reality.
E. Peter
1. He demonstrated his "fear" in:
a. Matthew 14:30
b. Matthew 26:69-75.
2. Peter's "fear" caused him to sink in the water and to deny Jesus.
F. The one-talent man
1. He demonstrated his "fear" in Matthew 25:24-25.
2. "Fear" prevented this man from using what he had been given.
G. These Bible characters show us why we must overcome "fear."
H. Let us turn our attention to passages that teach us . . .
III. HOW TO OVERCOME "FEAR"
A. We must remember that the Lord forbids "fear."
B. We must remember that "fear" does not come from God (2 Timothy 1:7).
C. We must remember what will happen to "the fearful" (Revelation 21:8).
D. We must place our trust in God, especially when it comes to things that are unknown (Proverbs 3:5-6).
E. We must live one day at a time (Matthew 6:34).
F. We must fill our hearts with love (1 John 4:18).
Conclusion:
1. According to Psalm 56:1-2, David often faced fearful situations.
2. To overcome fear, David placed his trust in God (Psalm 56:3), and he was always mindful of God's
presence (Psalm 23:4).