Topical Bible: Heart: Renewed: Fear

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In the biblical context, the heart is often seen as the center of one's emotions, will, and intellect. A renewed heart signifies a transformation that aligns one's inner being with the will and purposes of God. This transformation is a central theme in Scripture, where the renewal of the heart is often associated with the removal of fear and the establishment of a deep trust in God.

Fear and the Unrenewed Heart

Fear is a natural human emotion, but in its negative form, it can dominate an unrenewed heart, leading to anxiety, doubt, and a lack of trust in God. The Bible frequently addresses the issue of fear, urging believers to place their trust in the Lord rather than succumbing to fear. In Isaiah 41:10 , God reassures His people, "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My right hand of righteousness."

Renewal of the Heart and the Transformation of Fear

The renewal of the heart is a work of the Holy Spirit, who transforms fear into faith and trust. This transformation is vividly described in Ezekiel 36:26 , where God promises, "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh." This new heart is sensitive to God's presence and responsive to His guidance, allowing fear to be replaced by peace and confidence in God's sovereignty.

Fear of the Lord

A renewed heart also understands the concept of the "fear of the Lord," which is distinct from the fear that paralyzes and distresses. The fear of the Lord is a reverential awe and respect for God, recognizing His holiness, power, and authority. Proverbs 9:10 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." This fear is constructive, leading to wisdom and a deeper relationship with God.

Examples of Renewed Hearts Overcoming Fear

Throughout Scripture, there are numerous examples of individuals whose renewed hearts overcame fear through faith in God. David, despite facing numerous threats and adversities, declared in Psalm 56:3-4 , "When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" His heart, renewed by faith, found courage in God's promises.

Similarly, the Apostle Paul, writing to Timothy, encouraged him with the truth that God has not given a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7). This assurance is rooted in the renewal of the heart, which empowers believers to face challenges with boldness and confidence in God's provision and protection.

The Role of Faith in Renewing the Heart

Faith plays a crucial role in the renewal of the heart, as it shifts focus from fear to trust in God's character and promises. Hebrews 11:6 emphasizes the importance of faith, stating, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." A heart renewed by faith is one that continually seeks God, finding refuge and strength in His presence.

In summary, the renewal of the heart transforms fear into faith, enabling believers to live in the freedom and confidence that comes from trusting in God's unfailing love and sovereignty. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, the renewed heart experiences a profound shift from fear to a reverent fear of the Lord, leading to wisdom, peace, and a deeper relationship with God.

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Psalm 119:161
Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart stands in awe of your word.
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Jeremiah 32:40
And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me.
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Library

The Perfect Heart.
... "Suddenly they shoot, and fear not.". ... It must mean, then, a heart renewed
by the Holy Ghost, put right with God, and then kept right. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/booth/godliness/chapter viii the perfect heart.htm

First, I am to Consider what the Keeping of the Heart Supposes and ...
... heart, which is nothing but the constant care and diligence of such a renewed man
to ... " Cleanse thou me from secret faults" " Unite my heart to fear thy name ...
//christianbookshelf.org/flavel/on keeping the heart/first i am to consider.htm

The King after Man's Heart
... last token of friendship, a last appeal to his heart? ... If ye will fear the Lord, and
serve Him, and ... There the Covenant had been renewed, after the wanderers had ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the king after mans heart.htm

Sin in the Heart the Source of Error in the Head
... the other, and hence he cherished a salutary fear of his Maker ... from God that he needs
to be renewed in the ... to its reception is the aversion of the human heart. ...
/.../shedd/sermons to the natural man/sin in the heart the.htm

The Story of an Opium Smoker
... restored in body and mind, and with a heart renewed in hope. ... He also knew by heart
a number of verses from ... Fear had given place to confidence, and one or other ...
/.../cable/the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/chapter x the story of.htm

The Fruits of Grace
... be merciful to me, a sinner!" when some soul, ready to burst with fear of the ... But
get the heart renewed, and let the man receive the Saviour, and perhaps the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/the fruits of grace.htm

A Penitent Heart, the Best New Year's Gift
... your repentance is true, you are renewed throughout, both ... must not spring merely
from a fear of wrath ... endeavors should be, to get the heart thoroughly affected ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/a penitent heart the best.htm

A Faithful Witness
... He first loved us." In the heart renewed by divine grace ... This redeeming power, filling
the heart, would control every ... There is no fear in love; but perfect love ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 54 a faithful witness.htm

Chapter iv.
... heaven:" as if it were said, "The fear of the ... eternal things: "Blessed are the pure
in heart, for they ... means of the regeneration of the renewed man: "Blessed ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/our lords sermon on the mount/chapter iv.htm

The Broken and Contrite Heart
... neighbours; which make them hate and fear their neighbours ... and the contrite heart;
because that heart alone can ... to the stature of perfect men, renewed into the ...
/.../kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon xvii the broken and.htm