In today's episode, the guys discuss how to find freedom from fear. First, the guys describe fear as a crippling emotion that destroys one’s ability to function effectively. It’s like a wild dog that you must keep on a short leash so you can control it. We fear physical things (spiders, snakes, heights) and intangible things (failure, what people think, etc.), and these fears can hold us back. However, not all fear is a terrible thing, and our own limitations give power to the work of God.
Next, the guys discuss how the fear of man is a snare. This kind of fear is usually brought on by three different causes: the desire for power, praise, and reputation. First, we are afraid that other people will have power over us. We also fear feeling inadequate by not receiving praise from other people. For reputation, we fear what other people will say or think about us. We can idolize acceptance by others because we wish to be part of a group and belong. We fear being “an outsider.” It is a constant snare to need approval from someone else because their standards and expectations are always changing. Even if we do get others’ approval, it still won't be satisfying because true approval can only be found in Christ. When we look vertically to Christ instead of horizontally to other people, it frees us from those exhaustive ways of living.
Lastly, the guys talk about how we have been designed in our very DNA to fear, and specifically to have a healthy fear of God. When we don't look to God as the One whom we fear, we will fear other things. Fear can be healthy, like when the fear of dying motivates us to put on a seatbelt. When we develop and keep a healthy fear of God and spend time with the Lord, then this will shift our fear from that of things back to its rightful place: God. In Psalm 3, David is shifting his view—he started off talking to his Creator about the problems with his enemies and how they have power over him. Then, he focuses on his Creator and how only He has power over him. When we focus on the Lord and the bigger picture, it will change everything. Being fearful is also a spiritual battle because Satan is the father of lies. 2 Timothy 1:7 states, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” The Holy Spirit lives in us and gives us the freedom to live out our faith boldly.
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Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro
