INTRODUCTION
The previous message examined the principle of how to rely on the Lord ‘s Strength by Trusting in God’s Power’ to resist the force of evil passions. It explained that one should declare Gods word by faith than by flesh, rejoice in God, sow to the spirit of Joy and rest one’s trust on God’s faithfulness.
This final message of the series addresses the principle, ‘dispel the spirit of fear’ to realise God’s strength. It explains the nature of the ‘spirit of fear’ and how confidence in God’s help can dispel fear by speaking God’s capabilities – i.e. prophesying; and reflecting on God’s mercies – i.e. testifying. It shows that opposition work to renew our “inward man”.
1. THE SPIRIT OF FEAR
Fear is an evil spirit which holds God’s people in bondage and compel them to rely on evil passions. It can cause one to react to what one sees physically as a threat, or what one feels emotionally from the attack. Fear thrives in the company of lies! The evil spirit of fear can force one to act deceitfully to avoid a challenging situation, or to retaliate or take revenge relying on evil passions when you face opposition. The spirit of fear manifests in shades of despair, distress, panic, doubt, worry, low mood, faint- heart etc.
Believers should therefore not be afraid when faced with opposition or trials because “God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7). Rather, believe in the power of God and His love for us demonstrated through the sacrifice of Christ.
We should condition our minds to rest in His assurance saying: “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My right hand of righteousness” (Isaiah 41:10). When provoked, “cease from anger and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil” (Psalm 37:3-8). Faith in the truth of God’s Almighty Power to accomplish all things can cancel the ‘spirit of fear’.
2.CONFIDENCE IN GOD’S HELP DISPELS FEAR
To dispel the spirit of fear, one should have confidence in God’s help. You can develop this godly confidence by speaking of God’s capabilities especially who He is and what he can do; and reflecting on what God has done and what He will do.
2.1 SPEAK OF GOD’S CAPABILITIES – PROPHESYING
When you face opposition by the evil force “let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27). Consider the example of Nehemiah who, when he sought to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and was opposed through mockery and conspiracy, encouraged his brethren saying, “Be not afraid of them: remember the Lord, which is great and terrible…”(Nehemiah 4:1-23 especially 4:14)
In the assurance that God will never leave you nor forsake you, boldly profess the Lord’s strength and capabilities saying: “the Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?” “…the Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man can do unto me”. And though the enemies “compassed me about, like bees; they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the LORD I will destroy them; for “the right hand of the Lord doeth valiantly” (Psalm 27:1; 118:6, 12,16 ; Hebrews 13:5-6).
But in dispelling fear by confidence, note that your hope in God’s capability to deliver you should not focus on the process or way you perceive it to happen. Like the three Hebrew children, God may want you to go through the fire or provocation to fully appreciate His strength to deliver you; or to convert others by your testimony (Daniel 3 :17-27).
2.1 REFLECT ON GOD’S MERCIES – TESTIFYING
When you face trials and temptation, you must think about God with praise and thanksgiving, acknowledging that “He is good: and his mercy endureth forever” (Psalm 118:1; 136:1; 113:3-8). Endeavour to reflect on the testimonies of the Lord through the scriptures (e.g. the crossing of Israel over the red sea; David slaying Goliath, Daniel delivered from the lions); or by the testimonies of others around us.
When you recant the testimonies of what God has done, you will not fear in times of trouble and your heart will be steadfast trusting in God (Psalm 49:5;112:7-8; Isaiah 41:2-4). For “The testimonies of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple” (Psalm 19:7).
3.TRIALS WORK TO RENEW THE “INWARD MAN”
Remember that as a ‘born again’ in Christ, you will always be brought under “death” (i.e. fleshly passions) by trials so that the Spirit of life that is of Jesus in you might be made manifest to subdue your mortal flesh. Although the trials may cause our “outward man” (the flesh) to perish or seem weak, yet our “inward man” (the spirit) is replenished or renewed day by day (2 Corinthians 9-11;16).
Therefore when we are “troubled”, we should not be “distressed”; when “perplexed” by the situation, we should not “despair”; We should not “faint” or panic in the face of trials because God’s light has given us “knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ”; and we know the excellency of the power of GOD (2 Corinthians 4:6-8;16).
Brethren, we should commit to praying and present the challenging situation before God considering that the momentary “light affliction” from the trials will earn us a far more eternal weight of glory. (2 Corinthians 4:17; 2 Chronicle 20 :21-22 (Philippians 4:6-9).
PRAYER
Almighty Father, thank you for your word.
To You God, be All Power, Glory and Praise!
Gracious God dispel the spirit of fear over thy people to behold your strength.
Cause those that are incensed against them to be ashamed and confounded; and let they who seek them for harm not find them; and make they that war against them as nothing.
Holy Father walk with them in their trials; hold them and say unto them “Fear not; I will help thee”
Redeemer Lord make them “a new sharp threshing instrument having teeth” to crush their mountains of oppositions and scatter them by a whirlwind.
Make them to rejoice in You Lord, and glory in the Holy One of Israel. (Isaiah 41:11-16)
I make this prayer in Jesus name.
Have a blessed week!
Lots of Love, P. Schwartz (SOG), 06/10/2019
