Fear – Romans 8:15-17 – audio

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Fear often holds us back in our walk with Christ.

Do you ever worry?

About your health, your kids, or your future?

Most of us do, and worry is just another word for fear.

Why do we fudge the truth?

Probably because we’re afraid of what’ll happen if we don’t.

Why do we sometimes fail to say what needs to be said?

Because we’re afraid of confrontation, or what people will think about us.

Why do we so easily join in when people around us are gossiping?

Because we’re afraid of looking self-righteous or judgmental.

If you take a close look at your most common sins, I think you’ll find that you’re scared of something.

Peter denied Jesus three times because of fear.

The one-talent man buried his money because of fear.

Abraham slept with his wife’s servant because of fear.

That’s not how it’s supposed to be, of course. God doesn’t want fear to control us.

For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. (Romans 8:15-17).

As you’re listening to this, are you worried about something?

What fear is stealing the joy from your life in Christ?

What fear is keeping you from being fully obedient?

By God’s Spirit, cry out to him today:  Abba! Father!

Ask him to cast the fear out of your heart!

Beg him to fill your life with confidence in him, to help you trust him enough to obey him no matter what.

Facing fear is part of the human struggle, but it shouldn’t control us.