Fear Not

Isaiah 43:1 But now, this is what the LORD says-- he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.     In Christ, we are called to live by faith not by fear! How do we overcome fear? 1 John 4:18 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.Understanding FearDefinitions Fear (Hebrew): "Falling back" "a cowering before a superior force" Worry (Anglo-Saxon): “choke or strangle.”Anxiety (Latin): "to suffocate, press tightly, or to strangle."   Distress (English): "to cause sorrow or misery, suffering, to exhaust of weaken with strain"Panic (Greek): "To be filled with terror" Timidity (English): "Being easily frightened or having no self-confidence"  Results of FearPowerlessness, confusion, faithlessness Origin of Fear SIN: Ultimately fear is caused by the separation from God. “I am afraid” (Gen. 3:10).     Overcoming Fear By FAITH Hebrews 11:6And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. 2 Corinthians 5:7For we live by faith, not by sight.1. By faith, we must believe in the promise of salvationLuke 2:10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.Romans 8:15 For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. 2. By faith, we must submit to the Holy Spirit through the word Romans 10:17Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. 3. By faith, we must repent of our sins1 John 1:9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 4. By faith, we must have the fear of the Lord Isaiah 8:12-14 "Do not call conspiracy everything that these people call conspiracy; do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it. 13 The LORD Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread, 14 and he will be a sanctuary