The Fear Factor

II Timothy 1:7

For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and a sound mind.

The Bible tells us in both the Old and New Testaments in several places that we, as Christians, are to live by faith.(Hab. 2:4, Rom. 1:17, Gal. 3:11, Heb. 10:38) It goes on to tell us that anything which is not of faith is sin. Most Christians don’t realize that to not live by faith is sin. You see, God is very emphatic about this, our lives are to be characterized by faith. (Trusting dependence on God)

The devil has always tried to pervert the things of God. He is always trying to take people away from the promises and blessings of God. He is a thief and a liar the Bible says. Therefore instead of wanting you to live the God way, which is by faith, he tries to get you to do it his way by substituting his methods and means in your life.

The devil’s substitute for faith is fear. Fear is the opposite of faith. As you can easily see, if you are living in fear then you cannot be living in faith. Fear and faith are opposites. Fear will negate your faith and cancel out your blessings. This is so important for you, as a Christian, to grasp. Can’t you see the devil’s plans and schemes. He knows the power of faith and how that a person is unstoppable when they tap into God’s power and ability through faith. That is why he works so hard trying to cause you to live by fear instead.

If you notice in this verse, it says that there is a spirit of fear. I do believe that to those who will allow it, the devil sends a literal demonic spirit to constantly harass you and put fearful thoughts into your mind. He is bent on your destruction and this is his best weapon against you. You see in reality, the devil has been stripped of all power and authority, but if he can deceive you and cause you to be fearful, then he can defeat you. Resist the spirit of fear and live by faith.