Sunday School Lesson 18 – The Spirit Of Fear

Sunday School Lesson 18

The Spirit Of Fear

MEMORY VERSE: “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” – 2 Timothy 1:7

BIBLE PASSAGE: Genesis 3:6-10 KJV

INTRODUCTION: Generally, fear can be described as a strong uncontrollable, unpleasant emotion caused by actual or perceived danger threat. It is a basic survival mechanism that signals our body to respond to danger with a fight or flight response. The key word for fear in
Greek language is ‘phobos’ from which the common word ‘phobia’ originates. People have phobia from different things and for different reasons. Some people are said to be ‘aquaphobic’ – fear of water, ‘acrophobic’-fear of height, ‘nyctophctic’-fear of darkness, ‘gerascophobic’-fear of ageing, ‘anthropophobic-fear of insects, etc. What does the Bible say about fear? What are the common causes of fear? Getting answers to these questions and many more shall be the focus of this study.

LESSON OUTLINES

1. What Does The Bible Say About Fear?
2. Biblical Instances of The ‘Spirit Of Fear In Action.

1. WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT FEAR?
   Scriptures clearly reveal that fear is a spirit (2 Timothy 1:7). It is a spirit that puts people in
   bondage and torment (Romans 8:15; 1 John 4:18). Believers are sometimes tempted to fear
   (Psalm 55:5) but are delivered from it (Proverbs 1:33; Isaiah 14:3) by trusting in God (Psalm
   27:1). A guilty conscience leads to fear (Genesis 3:8,10; Psalm 53:5; Proverbs 28:1). Fear seizes
   the wicked (Job 15:24; 18:11) and characterises the wicked (Revelation 21:8). Fear is the
   consequential opposite of faith (Matthew 14:28-31). One can also be a victim of his fears (Job
   3:25).
   For the righteous, the Bible admonishes that they should fear not’ (KJV) in several passages and
   for seven key reasons. This is to assure them of the blessings in the journey of life (Genesis
   26:24); supplies in Famine (1 Kings 17:13) protection in peril (2 Kings 6:16); strength in
   weakness (Isaiah 41:10) companionship in trial (Isaiah 43:1-3); overshadowing care (Matthew
   10:30-31); and life beyond the grave (Revelation 1:17-18).

2. BIBLICAL INSTANCES OF THE ‘SPIRIT OF FEAR’ IN ACTION
   There are instances in the Bible where the spirit of fear operated in or through the lives of some
   characters. Adam, in hiding from God and attempting to shift responsibility for his sin upon Eve
   (Genesis 3:8-12). Abraham, in calling his wife his Sister (Genesis 12:11-19; 20:2-12). The
   Israelites, when Pharaoh and his host pursued in the wilderness before the red sea (Exodus
   12:10). Aaron, in yielding to the Israelites, when they demanded an idol (Exodus 32:22-24). The
   ten spies, in dissuading the Israelites from entering the Promised Land (Numbers 13:28, 31-33).
   The Israelites, in the battle against Goliath (1Samuel 17:24). David, in fleeing from Absalom
   (2Samuel 15:13-17). Parents of the blind man, who sight restored to (John 9:22). The disciples,
   during the storm at sea (Luke 8:25), When they saw Jesus walking on the sea (Matthew 14:25-
   26) and when Jesus was apprehended (Matthew 26:56). Pilate, in condemning Jesus, through
   fear of the people (John 19:12-16). Peter and other Christians, at Antioch (Galatians 2:11-14).
   If you are truly a believer, resist any attempt at being a victim of fear (2 Timothy 1:7).

CONCLUSION: Fear is not a component of the fruit of the Holy Spirit, therefore refuse to
entertain fear in your life.

QUESTIONS

1. What does the Bible say about fear?
2. Mention scriptural instances where the spirit of fear manifested.

FURTHER READING:
Monday: Proverbs 3:24-26
Tuesday: Psalm 91:4-6
Wednesday: 1 Peter 3:12-14
Thursday: Hebrews 2:14-15
Friday: Luke 12:32,
Saturday: Isaiah 41:13
Sunday: 2 Timothy 1:7