A Spirit of Fear

[Aeliana]

A “spirit of fear” is a sense of anxiety, dread, or timidity that goes beyond healthy caution. the Bible shows us that fear that stems from a lack of trust in God or from believing false narratives about His character. It can often become a detrimental force in the our life.

2Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.”

We are meant to live under His power and truth rather than under an oppressive sense of anxiety or despair.

There is a difference between “the fear of the LORD,” which is reverential awe for God and a “spirit of fear,” which is rooted in unbelief or wrong thinking.

There is a need in understanding the nature of a spirit of fear. We can resist it through reliance on God’s promises and the Holy Spirit.

Without a good understanding of it we might become controlled by a spirit of fear. For- instance have you ever been paralyzed by a decision? What is the right course to take? What will happen if you make the wrong choice?​

It can be immobilizing as we think about what could happen if we make a mistake. However, often, the fear inside of us makes the consequences or problem seem much more earth-shattering than they truly are.

Instead, we must trust that no matter what happens, even if we make the wrong choice, God is still holding on to us. He is always with us, no matter what path we take.

 

[Gabby]

Fear is the belief that someone or something poses a threat. It is the anticipation of danger, evil, or pain that may be real or imaginary. It can be crippling and controlling and this is why fear is one of the tactics Satan uses to grab hold of us.

The truth is, Satan knows the weaknesses of our minds and uses these weaknesses to influence fear over us. He uses fear for several reasons. Fear diminishes our courage and causes us to retreat. It affects our ability to do the things we need to do
Fear steals our peace of mind and influences rational thoughts and actions in a negative way

I think the most important reason why Satan uses fear as a weapon against us is that fear is in direct opposition to our faith. Being fearful completely contradicts an important promise of God.

7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.
2 Timothy 1:7

So if you feel anything other than power, love or a sound mind in any situation, it's not coming from the Lord and goes against what the scriptures say about God's promises.

 

[DavidTree]

A “spirit of fear” is a sense of anxiety, dread, or timidity that goes beyond healthy caution. the Bible shows us that fear that stems from a lack of trust in God or from believing false narratives about His character. It can often become a detrimental force in the our life.

2Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.”

We are meant to live under His power and truth rather than under an oppressive sense of anxiety or despair.

There is a difference between “the fear of the LORD,” which is reverential awe for God and a “spirit of fear,” which is rooted in unbelief or wrong thinking.

There is a need in understanding the nature of a spirit of fear. We can resist it through reliance on God’s promises and the Holy Spirit.

Without a good understanding of it we might become controlled by a spirit of fear. For- instance have you ever been paralyzed by a decision? What is the right course to take? What will happen if you make the wrong choice?​

It can be immobilizing as we think about what could happen if we make a mistake. However, often, the fear inside of us makes the consequences or problem seem much more earth-shattering than they truly are.

Instead, we must trust that no matter what happens, even if we make the wrong choice, God is still holding on to us. He is always with us, no matter what path we take.

Great Post and TRUE

Based on your accurate presentation of fear when misplaced.

Did JESUS ever use 'fear' in His teaching?

 

[Eternally-Grateful]

Great Post and TRUE

Based on your accurate presentation of fear when misplaced.

Did JESUS ever use 'fear' in His teaching?

to the lost I would say yes.. They need to fear judgment..

to the saved or found. No. He taught love

 

[DavidTree]

to the lost I would say yes.. They need to fear judgment..

to the saved or found. No. He taught love

I believe Jesus and the Apostles teach us BOTH =
a.) to fear God which is a GREAT asset to avoid sin and thusly avoid judgment
b.) to love God because HE loves us

The first two commandments are for us to love God and to love our neighbor.

We can easily bring forth scripture verses that are warnings/things to be feared even when we are saved

God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, And to be held in reverence by all those around Him.

Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people— saying with a loud voice, “Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.”

 

[Gabby]

Answer to fear is what Jesus says to us. Here is one that has always worked for me.

33 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.]
John 16:33

 

[DavidTree]

Answer to fear is what Jesus says to us. Here is one that has always worked for me.

33 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.]
John 16:33

GREAT scripture - Thank You

Would you agree that there are different types of fear and/or misplaced fears?

Would you agree that JESUS and the Apostles expressed a spiritually healthy type of fear?

 

[civic]

A “spirit of fear” is a sense of anxiety, dread, or timidity that goes beyond healthy caution. the Bible shows us that fear that stems from a lack of trust in God or from believing false narratives about His character. It can often become a detrimental force in the our life.

2Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.”

We are meant to live under His power and truth rather than under an oppressive sense of anxiety or despair.

There is a difference between “the fear of the LORD,” which is reverential awe for God and a “spirit of fear,” which is rooted in unbelief or wrong thinking.

There is a need in understanding the nature of a spirit of fear. We can resist it through reliance on God’s promises and the Holy Spirit.

Without a good understanding of it we might become controlled by a spirit of fear. For- instance have you ever been paralyzed by a decision? What is the right course to take? What will happen if you make the wrong choice?​

It can be immobilizing as we think about what could happen if we make a mistake. However, often, the fear inside of us makes the consequences or problem seem much more earth-shattering than they truly are.

Instead, we must trust that no matter what happens, even if we make the wrong choice, God is still holding on to us. He is always with us, no matter what path we take.

1 John 4:18
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.

 

[Gabby]

GREAT scripture - Thank You

Would you agree that there are different types of fear and/or misplaced fears?

Would you agree that JESUS and the Apostles expressed a spiritually healthy type of fear?

I'm not a bible expert, but I don't think Jesus had fear. Sorrow yes, like when He weep over Jerusalem and Lazarus.

And Matthew 26:53 tells us-
Do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will immediately provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels?

Now the Apostles had a lot of fear.

Like when Jesus and his disciples encounter a violent storm while crossing the Sea of Galilee in Matthew 8:23-27.

The disciples, experienced fishermen, become terrified as the boat is tossed by the waves and begins to fill with water. Jesus, initially asleep, is awakened by the disciples who fear for their lives. He then commands the wind and waves to be still, and the storm immediately ceases, leaving the disciples in awe and wonder at his power.

And Peter walking on water in Matthew 14:26–33.

26 And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified and said, It is a ghost! And they screamed out with fright.
27 But instantly He spoke to them, saying, Take courage! I AM! Stop being afraid! [Exod. 3:14.]
28 And Peter answered Him, Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.
29 He said, Come! So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water, and he came toward Jesus.
30 But when he perceived and felt the strong wind, he was frightened, and as he began to sink, he cried out, Lord, save me [from death]!
31 Instantly Jesus reached out His hand and caught and held him, saying to him, O you of little faith, why did you doubt?
32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.
33 And those in the boat knelt and worshiped Him, saying, Truly You are the Son of God!

This is the one that makes me stop and think. According to the Gospels, most of the disciples fled in fear after Jesus' arrest, with only one disciple, John, remaining with Jesus at the cross alongside some women, including Mary the mother of Jesus

Now after Pentecost it was a different story.

 

[Eternally-Grateful]

I believe Jesus and the Apostles teach us BOTH =
a.) to fear God which is a GREAT asset to avoid sin and thusly avoid judgment

in this context. fear is not fear as we think, but a respect. showing reverence and awe of a wonderful God

b.) to love God because HE loves us

yes. Amen

But it is because of his love we do not have to fear as in fear like the nonbeliever

The first two commandments are for us to love God and to love our neighbor.

We can easily bring forth scripture verses that are warnings/things to be feared even when we are saved

God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, And to be held in reverence by all those around Him.

Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people— saying with a loud voice, “Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.”

yes

the unbeliever should fear judgment.

A believer does not have to fear judgment, Because Jesus already took this on his body at the cross..

 

[DavidTree]

I'm not a bible expert, but I don't think Jesus had fear. Sorrow yes, like when He weep over Jerusalem and Lazarus.

And Matthew 26:53 tells us-
Do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will immediately provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels?

Now the Apostles had a lot of fear.

Like when Jesus and his disciples encounter a violent storm while crossing the Sea of Galilee in Matthew 8:23-27.

The disciples, experienced fishermen, become terrified as the boat is tossed by the waves and begins to fill with water. Jesus, initially asleep, is awakened by the disciples who fear for their lives. He then commands the wind and waves to be still, and the storm immediately ceases, leaving the disciples in awe and wonder at his power.

And Peter walking on water in Matthew 14:26–33.

26 And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified and said, It is a ghost! And they screamed out with fright.
27 But instantly He spoke to them, saying, Take courage! I AM! Stop being afraid! [Exod. 3:14.]
28 And Peter answered Him, Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.
29 He said, Come! So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water, and he came toward Jesus.
30 But when he perceived and felt the strong wind, he was frightened, and as he began to sink, he cried out, Lord, save me [from death]!
31 Instantly Jesus reached out His hand and caught and held him, saying to him, O you of little faith, why did you doubt?
32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.
33 And those in the boat knelt and worshiped Him, saying, Truly You are the Son of God!

This is the one that makes me stop and think. According to the Gospels, most of the disciples fled in fear after Jesus' arrest, with only one disciple, John, remaining with Jesus at the cross alongside some women, including Mary the mother of Jesus

Now after Pentecost it was a different story.

JESUS was BLESSED with fear = and so are we when we follow Christ

Isaiah 11:2
1There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse,
And a Branch shall grow out of his roots.
2The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him,
The Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
The Spirit of counsel and might,
The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.

Hebrews 5:7
JESUS, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear, though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him, called by God as High Priest “according to the order of Melchizedek,” of whom we have much to say, and hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing.

TRUTH = the Holy Scriptures Speak of differing types of 'fear' as well as what the 'fear' is:
a.) directed towards,
b.) directed away from
c.) or derived from

When we are walking in perfect love is when we do not fear the Truth.
We fear the Truth when we run away from it or seek to ignore it and those who speak it.

SHALOM

 

[Eternally-Grateful]

JESUS was BLESSED with fear = and so are we when we follow Christ

Isaiah 11:2
1There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse,
And a Branch shall grow out of his roots.
2The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him,
The Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
The Spirit of counsel and might,
The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.

Hebrews 5:7
JESUS, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear, though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him, called by God as High Priest “according to the order of Melchizedek,” of whom we have much to say, and hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing.

TRUTH = the Holy Scriptures Speak of differing types of 'fear' as well as what the 'fear' is:
a.) directed towards,
b.) directed away from
c.) or derived from

When we are walking in perfect love is when we do not fear the Truth.
We fear the Truth when we run away from it or seek to ignore it and those who speak it.

SHALOM

fear here is not fright, or panic. or anxiety

fear here is respect. trust, a confidence that is placed in the lord and not ourself.

 

[Gabby]

JESUS was BLESSED with fear = and so are we when we follow Christ

Isaiah 11:2
1There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse,
And a Branch shall grow out of his roots.
2The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him,
The Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
The Spirit of counsel and might,
The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.

Hebrews 5:7
JESUS, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear, though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him, called by God as High Priest “according to the order of Melchizedek,” of whom we have much to say, and hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing.

TRUTH = the Holy Scriptures Speak of differing types of 'fear' as well as what the 'fear' is:
a.) directed towards,
b.) directed away from
c.) or derived from

When we are walking in perfect love is when we do not fear the Truth.
We fear the Truth when we run away from it or seek to ignore it and those who speak it.

SHALOM

Right that is a different fear, goes like this:

Reverent fear of God is a deep respect and awe for God, recognizing His holiness, power, and authority while also acknowledging His love and mercy. It's not simply being afraid, but rather a profound reverence that leads to wisdom, obedience, and a closer relationship with God. This fear is a key aspect of a believer's relationship with God, influencing their actions, attitudes, and understanding of His nature.

 

[DavidTree]

fear here is not fright, or panic. or anxiety

fear here is respect. trust, a confidence that is placed in the lord and not ourself.

Right that is a different fear, goes like this:

Reverent fear of God is a deep respect and awe for God, recognizing His holiness, power, and authority while also acknowledging His love and mercy. It's not simply being afraid, but rather a profound reverence that leads to wisdom, obedience, and a closer relationship with God. This fear is a key aspect of a believer's relationship with God, influencing their actions, attitudes, and understanding of His nature.

You are both correct.

@Gabby = We see that JESUS, in fact, had the correct type of fear = Isaiah 11:2

Did you notice what the "fear of the Lord: is attached to???

@Alieana @Gabby Question: What type(s) of fear is one influenced by when they devalue and/or ignore Truth of the Word?

 

[101G]

A “spirit of fear” is a sense of anxiety, dread, or timidity that goes beyond healthy caution. the Bible shows us that fear that stems from a lack of trust in God or from believing false narratives about His character. It can often become a detrimental force in the our life.

2Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.”

We are meant to live under His power and truth rather than under an oppressive sense of anxiety or despair.

There is a difference between “the fear of the LORD,” which is reverential awe for God and a “spirit of fear,” which is rooted in unbelief or wrong thinking.

There is a need in understanding the nature of a spirit of fear. We can resist it through reliance on God’s promises and the Holy Spirit.

Without a good understanding of it we might become controlled by a spirit of fear. For- instance have you ever been paralyzed by a decision? What is the right course to take? What will happen if you make the wrong choice?​

It can be immobilizing as we think about what could happen if we make a mistake. However, often, the fear inside of us makes the consequences or problem seem much more earth-shattering than they truly are.

Instead, we must trust that no matter what happens, even if we make the wrong choice, God is still holding on to us. He is always with us, no matter what path we take.

When FAITH comes... FEAR leaves. because FEAR is nothing but, False Evidence Appearing Real. whereas FAITH is Fully Assured In This Hope.

101G.