"The Danger of Fear: Conquering the Chains That Bind Us"
"Breaking Free from the Chains of Fear through Faith and God's Love"
2 Timothy 1:7
Illustration: The Fear That Almost Stopped Michael Jordan
As we begin today, let me take you back to the early career of one of the greatest athletes of all time—Michael Jordan. Today, we know him as a global icon, a six-time NBA champion, and perhaps the greatest basketball player to ever step on the court. But early in his career, Jordan was plagued by a fear of failure.
In high school, Jordan was cut from his varsity basketball team. This moment could have easily been the point where fear took over. He could have decided that maybe basketball wasn't for him, that maybe his dreams were too big. Fear of failure was real for Jordan, and he later admitted that this moment shook him to his core. But instead of allowing that fear to paralyze him, he used it as motivation.
Jordan once said, “I have missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times I’ve been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”
What separated Jordan from many others was his ability to face his fear of failure head-on. He learned to push through, trusting the process and developing resilience. What could have been the end of his story became the foundation of his success.
In the same way, fear threatens to keep us from moving forward in life and in our walk with God. But as we’ll see today, God has not given us a spirit of fear. He has equipped us to conquer fear with faith, and just like Michael Jordan, we can push through and fulfill our God-given potential.
Introduction
Today, we're going to discuss this topic that affects us all at some point in our lives: fear. Fear can be a crippling force that holds us back from living the full and abundant life that God has called us to. While fear is a natural human emotion, it can become dangerous when it takes root in our hearts and minds, leading us away from faith and into the realm of doubt.
Let's open our Bibles to 2 Timothy 1:7 (NASB): "For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline." This verse serves as a foundation for understanding God's intention for our lives—He does not desire for us to live in fear, but rather to live in the power, love, and discipline He provides.
- The Origin of Fear
- Fear Entered Through Sin
The very first instance of fear in the Bible occurs in the Garden of Eden. After Adam and Eve sinned, they hid from God. Genesis 3:10 (NASB): "He said, 'I heard the sound of You in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid myself.'" Sin separates us from God and introduces fear into our lives. Before sin, there was no fear. This shows us that fear is not of God but is a result of the fall. - Fear Distorts Reality
Fear distorts our perception of reality. When the Israelites were on the brink of entering the Promised Land, they were overcome by fear after hearing the report of the spies. Numbers 13:31-33 (NASB): "But the men who had gone up with him said, 'We are not able to go up against the people, for they are too strong for us.' So they gave out to the sons of Israel a bad report of the land which they had spied out, saying, 'The land through which we have gone, in spying it out, is a land that devours its inhabitants; and all the people whom we saw in it are men of great size.'" The Israelites’ fear led them to see themselves as grasshoppers in the face of giants. Fear magnifies the obstacles and minimizes our faith in God's power.
- The Dangers of Living in Fear
- Fear Paralyzes Us
Fear has the power to paralyze us, keeping us from moving forward in faith. Think of Peter walking on water in Matthew 14:29-30 (NASB): "And He said, 'Come!' And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, 'Lord, save me!'" Peter was doing the impossible as long as he kept his eyes on Jesus. But when he allowed fear to take over, he began to sink. Fear paralyzes our progress and keeps us from stepping out in faith. - Fear Leads to Disobedience
Fear can lead us to disobey God's commands. In 1 Samuel 15:24 (NASB): "Then Saul said to Samuel, 'I have sinned; I have indeed transgressed the command of the Lord and your words because I feared the people and listened to their voice.'" King Saul disobeyed God because he feared the opinions of others more than he feared the Lord. When fear of man outweighs our fear of God, we fall into disobedience. - Fear Produces Bondage
Fear brings us into bondage, enslaving us to anxiety and worry. Romans 8:15 (NASB): "For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, 'Abba! Father!'" Fear enslaves us, but God has given us a spirit of adoption, reminding us that we are His children. As God's children, we are not meant to live in fear but in the freedom that comes from knowing we belong to Him.
Let’s look at the life of Rosa Parks, a woman whose life and legacy remind us of the dangers of living in fear—and the power of overcoming it. Rosa Parks is known as the mother of the civil rights movement in the United States. On December 1, 1955, she famously refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama, a brave act that led to her arrest and sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
What many don’t know is that Rosa Parks was not fearless by nature. In fact, she described herself as someone who, like anyone else, struggled with fear. She knew the consequences of her decision to defy segregation laws. She feared for her safety, her job, and even her life. Living in the deeply segregated South, the danger of retaliation was very real, and fear could have easily paralyzed her into silence and compliance.
But instead of allowing fear to dictate her actions, Rosa Parks chose to act in faith. She said, “I knew someone had to take the first step, and I made up my mind not to move.” Despite her fear, she stood her ground, trusting that her actions were part of a larger fight for justice.
Now, imagine if Rosa Parks had allowed her fear to keep her seated in the back of that bus. The civil rights movement might have taken much longer to gain traction, and history could have unfolded very differently. Her life serves as an example of how fear can paralyze us into inaction, but when we choose faith over fear, we can become instruments of great change.
Just like Rosa Parks, we often face moments where fear threatens to hold us back. But God calls us to live beyond fear, to trust in His power, and to take action even when we’re afraid. When we overcome the dangers of living in fear, we open the door to live out God’s purpose for our lives.
- Overcoming Fear Through Faith
- Trust in God's Presence
God’s presence is the antidote to fear. Isaiah 41:10 (NASB): "Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." When we focus on God's presence rather than our circumstances, fear loses its grip. He is with us every step of the way, and His presence gives us the courage to face any situation. - Embrace God’s Perfect Love
1 John 4:18 (NASB): "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love." God’s perfect love drives out fear. When we understand and embrace God's unconditional love for us, we realize there is no need to fear. His love assures us that He is for us, not against us, and that He will take care of us in every situation. - Renew Your Mind with God's Word
The Word of God is a powerful weapon against fear. Psalm 34:4 (NASB): "I sought the Lord, and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears." Meditating on God's promises and truths renews our minds and strengthens our faith. When we fill our minds with God’s Word, it replaces fear with faith. - Rely on God’s Strength
We do not have to rely on our own strength to overcome fear. Philippians 4:13 (NASB): "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." God's strength is made perfect in our weakness. When we acknowledge our need for His strength, we are empowered to face any fear with confidence, knowing that He is our source of power.
A powerful example of overcoming fear through faith is the story of Corrie ten Boom, a Dutch Christian who, along with her family, helped hide Jews during World War II. The Ten Boom family risked their lives to shelter Jewish families from the Nazis, fully aware that getting caught would likely mean death or imprisonment.
Corrie and her family lived under constant fear, as Nazi raids and arrests were rampant. Their decision to act in faith and help others despite the fear was rooted in their deep trust in God. Eventually, they were discovered, and Corrie, along with her sister Betsie, was sent to the Ravensbrück concentration camp, a place of unimaginable cruelty. Corrie’s fear was real and overwhelming, especially after the death of her sister in the camp.
Yet even in those dark moments, Corrie ten Boom leaned into her faith. She later shared how God’s Word sustained her, recalling that, “There is no pit so deep, that God’s love is not deeper still.” Even in the face of death, she held onto scriptures like Isaiah 41:10: “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.”
Corrie overcame her fear by trusting in God’s presence, relying on His strength rather than her own. After the war, she spent the rest of her life traveling the world, preaching about the power of forgiveness and faith in God.
Corrie ten Boom’s story shows us that even in the darkest, most fearful situations, faith can overcome fear. She faced terrifying circumstances, but through her faith in God, she found peace and strength to persevere. Like Corrie, when we trust in God's presence, embrace His love, and rely on His strength, we can conquer even our deepest fears.
- Living a Life of Faith Over Fear
- Walk in Obedience
Obedience to God’s Word is an act of faith. Even when fear tries to hold us back, we must choose to obey God and trust His plan for our lives. Joshua 1:9 (NASB): "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." God commands us to be courageous and to move forward in obedience, knowing that He is with us. - Encourage One Another
We are called to encourage one another in the face of fear. Hebrews 10:24-25 (NASB): "And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near." When we come together as the body of Christ, we can strengthen and encourage each other to stand firm in faith, overcoming fear with the support of our brothers and sisters. - Keep Your Eyes on Jesus
In every situation, keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. Hebrews 12:2 (NASB): "Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." When we focus on Jesus rather than our fears, we are reminded of His victory over sin and death, and we can walk in the confidence that He is in control.
A powerful example of an American pastor living a life of faith over fear is Pastor Andrew Brunson, who was imprisoned in Turkey for over two years due to false charges of espionage and terrorism. Brunson had served as a missionary and pastor in Turkey for more than 20 years, leading a small church and spreading the gospel in a predominantly Muslim country. In 2016, he was unexpectedly arrested and detained, facing the fear of spending the rest of his life in a Turkish prison.
Pastor Brunson was kept in solitary confinement for extended periods and endured intense emotional and spiritual battles. He confessed that during his imprisonment, he struggled deeply with fear, isolation, and even moments of doubt in his faith. However, instead of being crushed by fear, Brunson chose to hold on to his trust in God. He recalled praying daily and clinging to Scripture, particularly verses like 2 Timothy 1:7: “For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.”
Even when the situation seemed hopeless, Brunson’s faith grew stronger. After an international outcry and much prayer from Christians around the world, Brunson was released in 2018. Upon returning to the United States, he spoke openly about his struggles with fear but emphasized how God had sustained him through it all. He said, “I declared, ‘Jesus is the only one who has power to break the chains.’ And over time, I experienced freedom from fear.”
Pastor Andrew Brunson’s story reminds us that fear can be overwhelming, but when we choose to live in faith and trust God’s promises, we can overcome even the most terrifying circumstances. His example encourages us to keep our eyes on Jesus, trusting that He is in control, even when fear tries to hold us captive.
Andrew Brunson, is currently involved in several ministry and outreach efforts. He and his wife, Norine, lead a ministry focused on preparing Christians for future challenges, particularly the potential rise in persecution. Their initiative, "Prepare to Stand," includes a video series that helps believers develop perseverance in their faith during times of adversity.
Brunson's message centers around building spiritual endurance and preparing the Church to remain faithful under pressure. Drawing from his own experience of suffering and imprisonment, he emphasizes perseverance as a critical element in following Christ, especially in today’s world that is increasingly opposed to Christian values.
Through their ministry, Brunson continues to inspire others to stand firm in their faith, especially when facing hardships
Conclusion
In conclusion, fear is a dangerous enemy that seeks to hinder our walk with God, but we do not have to live in bondage to it. God has given us everything we need to overcome fear—His presence, His love, His Word, and His strength. As we place our trust in Him, we can live in the power, love, and discipline that He has given us.
Let us choose to live by faith and not by fear, knowing that God is with us, and He has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind. So, whenever fear tries to take hold, remind yourself of God's promises, keep your eyes on Jesus, and walk forward in faith. Remember, you are not alone—God is with you, and He will never leave you nor forsake you.
Closing Illustration: The Power of Choosing Faith Over Fear
Let me leave you with the story of Louis Zamperini, an Olympic athlete and WWII veteran whose life is a testimony to overcoming fear through faith. After his plane crashed in the Pacific Ocean during the war, Zamperini survived 47 days adrift at sea, only to be captured by the Japanese and subjected to brutal treatment in a prisoner-of-war camp. He endured constant fear—fear of death, starvation, and relentless torture.
Yet, after years of suffering, when he was finally liberated, his greatest battle was not physical, but spiritual. Fear and anger consumed him as he struggled with post-traumatic stress, and he turned to alcohol to numb the pain. But everything changed when Zamperini attended a Billy Graham crusade in 1949. That night, he surrendered his life to Christ. He found healing and freedom from the grip of fear. He forgave his captors, something that had seemed impossible before.
Zamperini’s transformation is a powerful example of how faith can break the chains of fear. He once said, “To persevere, I had to cling to my faith in God.” It was this decision to trust in God, despite the fear that had once dominated his life, that enabled him to live in peace and forgiveness for the rest of his days.
Practical Application: Just like Zamperini, we all face our own battles with fear—whether it’s fear of failure, fear of the unknown, or fear of suffering. But the Bible tells us that we are not meant to live under the weight of fear. 2 Timothy 1:7 says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and discipline.”
- In your daily life, when fear creeps in—whether it’s fear of a difficult conversation, fear of rejection, or fear of stepping out in faith—remember that God has equipped you with the tools to overcome. You don’t have to face fear alone.
- In your relationships, choose forgiveness over fear. Just as Zamperini chose to forgive his captors, we are called to release bitterness and trust that God will bring healing where fear has wounded us.
- In your walk with God, when fear challenges your faith, lean into His promises. Whether you are facing uncertainty about your future, struggles in your family, or fears about your purpose, God calls you to live a life rooted in faith, not fear.
Zamperini’s story reminds us that fear does not have the final word—faith does. As we leave today, let’s commit to trusting God fully, knowing that when we do, we will overcome every fear that tries to hold us back. Remember, fear is an opportunity to deepen our faith and step into the life God has called us to. You don’t have to live in fear; you can live in faith.
Let’s pray.
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your perfect love that casts out all fear. Help us to trust in Your presence, rely on Your strength, and walk in faith. When fear tries to take hold of our hearts, remind us of Your promises and give us the courage to stand firm. May we live in the freedom that comes from knowing You are with us, and may our lives be a testament to Your power and love. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.
