How can we help others find freedom from fear as Hebrews 2:15 describes? Centering on the Key Verse “and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.” (Hebrews 2:15) Why Fear Loses Its Grip • The Son took on flesh and blood, “so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil” (Hebrews 2:14). • Christ’s victory is finished; fear’s chains are already broken. • Our task is to help others step into what Jesus has won. Understand the Root of Fear • Fear ultimately traces back to death—physical or the dread of separation from God. • Satan wields fear as a tool of bondage (Hebrews 2:14). • Reassure people that in Christ, death becomes a doorway, not a dungeon (2 Corinthians 5:8). Show Christ, Not Merely Concepts • Share the Person who said, “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25). • Point to His resurrection as historical fact (1 Corinthians 15:3-8); His empty tomb undercuts every fear. Practical Steps to Guide Someone Out of Fear 1. Listen deeply—fear often surfaces when someone feels unheard (Proverbs 20:5). 2. Speak Scripture aloud—“Faith comes by hearing” (Romans 10:17). 3. Highlight identity: “You did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear” (Romans 8:15). 4. Encourage confession of fear to God; He invites transparency (Psalm 34:4). 5. Lead them to rehearse God’s promises daily—write them, memorize them, sing them. 6. Model calm courage; your peace authenticates the message (Philippians 4:9). 7. Celebrate small victories—recognize each step away from fear (Psalm 118:17). Scriptures That Break Chains • 1 John 4:18—“Perfect love drives out fear.” • Isaiah 41:10—“Do not fear, for I am with you.” • Psalm 27:1—“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” • John 8:36—“If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” Living Illustrations of Freedom • Share testimonies of believers who faced terminal diagnoses yet radiated hope. • Visit hospitals or prisons together; let them see fearless faith in action. • Practice generous hospitality—fear withers in an environment of love (Romans 12:13). Guarding the Newly Freed • Encourage regular fellowship; isolation breeds anxiety (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Equip them with worship—singing truth shifts focus from threat to throne (Psalm 96:1-4). • Teach spiritual warfare basics: resist the devil steadfastly in faith (1 Peter 5:8-9). Encouragement to Keep Going Fear’s slavery ends where Christ’s lordship begins. We walk beside others, spotlighting Jesus’ finished work until they stand in the same wide-open liberty: “You will keep in perfect peace the mind that is steadfast, because he trusts in You” (Isaiah 26:3). |
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