Powerful Living Online Bible Study Series. Lessons on the six common emotions to help during this difficult times. Lesson 4 discusses FEAR. Embracing God's love and power to overcome the power of fear.
2. God’s Power is Limitless
To Help and Heal
Summar y and Introduction
Anxiety *Fear
Anger Fr ustr ation
Depr ession Power lessness
Disclaimer: The lessons, information, and links at this site are intended for biblical
teaching and educational purposes and should not be construed as medical advice or
instruction. In no way are any of these teachings meant to be a substitute for
professional medical care or counseling.
Text: God's Power to Help Hurting People, Publisher: Urban Ministries (c)2003; Editor: Dr. Colleen Birchett.
(c)2009 Queen Phillips, Majestic Worldwide Ministries, Inc.
3. John 16:33 Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have
[perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials
and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be
confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it
of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]” (AMP)
There’s absolutely nothing that can overtake us if we put our TOTAL trust and confidence
in Him and obey the Word.
Consequently, these lessons are designed to teach you how to embrace the power of God
that’s available in the Person of the Holy Spirit. He will empower you to handle and
overcome anxiety, anger, depression, frustration, and feeling powerless during this
economic downturn.
The truth is what Jesus told His disciples over 2000 years ago are applicable today. Do you
believe it? Do you want help? Would like to experience the compassion of the One who
created you in His image and likeness?
If so, you’re at a good place to begin the healing process. We’ll focus on six (6) emotions
that are most common during stressful and challenging times. It is my prayer that you
receive the encouragement for which this series is purposed.
4. …natural response to the thought or
appearance of danger, or situations
beyond your control.
…disabling, negative emotion, if not
controlled, can result in physical
immobilization, emotional, or mental
impairments and disorders.
5. In the beginning.. In the Garden of Eden—Genesis 3:10 He replied, “I heard
you walking in the garden, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked.”
Disobedience to God’s instructions in the Garden of Eden changed man’s course and placed all
of humankind on a downward spiral that could only be reversed by the Plan of Salvation that
comes through faith in Jesus Christ, and the indwelling of God the Holy Spirit.
With the fall came fear! Man’s natural response is to hide, and he’s been hiding ever since.
He was created with an internal alarm system that ‘s triggered by act of disobedience. How
do you know this? Did you think how is that toddlers know they shouldn’t touch that glass
figurine on the end table, so they look at the adult before or while reaching for it?
When man’s conscious was awaken to good and evil the exposure of
finiteness, inadequacies, and insecurities in the Presence of a holy and sovereign God caused
fear to awaken. Consequently, we can never meet His expectations or His standards.
Therefore, He gives us an OPTION— believe in, adhere to, trust in, and rely on His Son Jesus
Christ and the power of His Spirit to calm our fears and live an abundant life of peace free from
the “spirit of fear” (2 Tim. 1:7)
6. Biologically-based fear is a physical state of tension in the
presence of a perceived or suspected danger to the body1 . Our bodies are
designed to react to physical danger in order to protect us when we’re afraid…
i.e. running, fighting, or hiding. Native fears common to everyone are: Fear of
death , fear of falling (a native fear that seems present at birth. Other fears
are learned within the context of the environment. Biologically-based fear
involves the total physical, biological, sociological, psychological, mental, and
spiritual self. In essence, we are created us an internal alarm system for our
good… a “positive” fear (reverential fear) that was designed to respect and
reverence His holiness, majesty, and omnipotence, and trust God for our
protection, provision, progress and productivity in accordance with His way of
doing things. (**See slide #9)
Something happened that caused the internal alarm system to
malfunction…. Man disobeyed God in the beginning (Gen 3)
1 God's Power to Help Hurting People, Publisher: Urban Ministries (c)2003; Bertha Swindall
7. Emotionally-based fear is directly or indirectly related to the
basic fear of death. Because of the basic fear of death or physical
danger, one’s emotions drives them to react or behave in a way they
wouldn’t ordinarily if they weren’t afraid. Emotionally-based fear is
driven by your thoughts and feelings; and if not controlled can result
in more complicated emotional disabilities/disorders.
The bible is filled with examples of both biologically and emotionally
based fears.
Life’s experiences can be a direct link to our emotionally-based fears
because of an biologically-based fearful event in our past.
Simple Examples: Immunizations and doctor appointments. Being
burned by a hot surface. Afraid of the dark. As a adults, many of you
are currently dealing with fears (phobias) from childhood experiences.
Something happened. What? Where did FEAR come from? The “fall “ of mankind.
Disobedience to God reversed the good, and changed the course of life. ***Slide
#6
1 God's Power to Help Hurting People, Publisher: Urban Ministries (c)2003; Bertha Swindall
8. I John 4:16-18 “16 We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is
love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. 18 Such love has no fear, because perfect
love expels all fear. 17 And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the
day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world. If we
are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.”
In the Hebrew language “fear” meant “respect”. An attitude of worship toward
God differs from a fearful attitude weighed down with anxiety and distressful
feelings. Reverential fear (respect) toward God has rewards. The above scripture
substantiates this truth. God’s love for us, and our love for God empowers us to
live a life free of fear of death, punishment but instead a life assured of His
perfect love. So it is with our relationships here on earth. Relationships built on
trust and unconditional love for each and for God expels all fear, i.e. of fear of
rejection, fear of abuse, unfaithfulness, etc.
Only through the power of the Holy Spirit can you overcome dysfunctional fear
and receive the perfect love of God through Jesus Christ to live free from fear.
9. FAMILY Parent/child relationships
TIES
Family experiences
shape and mold
patterns of living
and thinking.
Cultures and
backgrounds
establishes belief
systems that
evokes fear.
11. Reality check- Irrational fear can subside if put to the reality test.
Face the truth -Getting help is easier if the person admits s/he is dealing with
fear.
Seeing from God’s perspective – Everything God created has
purpose, i.e. every emotion. Understanding God’s intent for our good to bring Him
glory should help us deal with FEAR, and allow Him to help us through EVERY
emotional problem. Of course getting the necessary counseling and therapy is a must.
“…God who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely
more than we might ask or think.” – Eph. 3:20
Not only should the fearful see from God’s perspective so should those
associated with the fearful person. Be sympathetic and empathetic.
Don’t judge or criticize. Be supportive. Don’t pressure.
12. Fight – attacking, destroying or under-standing the
source of fear (spiritual warfare; use the Word, faith and
the power of the Holy Spirit) “fight the good fight of
faith.”
Flight – running away in fear (Elijah, I King 19:3). Run
to where God is… get into His presence
Compromise – adjusting to the threat while in the
environment with it. (the disciples, John 20:19)
The three strategies could be ineffective if the Holy Spirit is
not permitted to give direction. The wrong strategy in
any situation where fear is can result in increased danger
rather than elimination of it.
13. **God understands our frailty –(Ex. Elijah
I Kings 19:3 )
God gives peace to pursue purpose
(Disciples, John 20:19-23)
God releases power to produce
passion (Disciples (Acts 1:8)
**Throughout God’s word, he says, “Fear not…” “Do not be afraid.”
Fear hinders faith. Without faith it is impossible to please God
(Hebrew 11:6)
14. is the key to overcoming FEAR. Like loving parents God is a
loving Father that desires for His precious creation to trust
Him totally. What peace to be in the embrace of loving
parents. It is a picture of God’s love for His children. He
doesn’t want anyone to live in fear. Fear torments. His love
provides protection, safety and security like a child holding
the hand of his father.
Embracing God’s love is like
trusting Him to carry you
through life’s challenges
confident that He will keep you
from the dangers because He’s
loves you more than you can
even imagine. How joyful it is
when God in His infinite
wisdom is carrying you.
15. 1. What is fear?
2. What are the two components of fear?
3. Are you living in fear? If so, take time to talk to God about your
fears. What caused your fear— childhood experiences, what
situations evokes fear in you? Now is the right time to receive
His power, and peace to help you overcome your fear.
16. Read the story of Joseph and his brothers in Genesis 37. Joseph was
afraid, why? What past experiences evoked biological and emotional fear?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Thank you for your loving-kindness, grace and mercy. I acknowledge that
I am living in fear. I am fearful of ________________(fill in the blank). Over and over in
your Word you say, “Do not be afraid, or “Fear not.” I thank you that you understand my
frailty and does not want me to be fearful, but to trust your unconditional love. Help me
to over my fear. Forgive me for not believing and trusting you. I repent before you now.
Thank you for your Son Jesus Christ who died on the cross and rose from dead to give me
victory over every sin, all guilt and fears. I receive your love. Come into my heart and take
away everything that keeps me from having a loving relationship with you as my heavenly
Father. Thank you for now for delivering me from all my fears. Let the gift of faith shine
through and your love permeate my countenance for all to see your glory. In Jesus’ name I
pray. AMEN.
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represent the views or beliefs of Majestic Worldwide Ministries, Inc.
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