Topical Bible: Character of the Renewed Heart: Void of Fear

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The concept of a heart renewed by faith in Christ is central to Christian theology, emphasizing transformation and sanctification. A key attribute of this renewed heart is its freedom from fear, a state achieved through trust in God and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible frequently addresses the theme of fearlessness in the life of a believer. In 2 Timothy 1:7, the Apostle Paul writes, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control." This verse underscores the transformation that occurs when a believer receives the Holy Spirit, replacing fear with divine empowerment and love.

Similarly, 1 John 4:18 states, "There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. The one who fears has not been perfected in love." Here, the apostle John highlights that the love of God, perfected in the believer, eradicates fear, particularly the fear of judgment.

Trust in God

A renewed heart is characterized by unwavering trust in God, which dispels fear. Psalm 56:3-4 declares, "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?" This passage illustrates the believer's confidence in God's protection and sovereignty, rendering human threats powerless.

Isaiah 41:10 further reassures believers: "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." The promise of God's presence and support is a cornerstone for a heart void of fear.

Peace Through Christ

The peace that comes from Christ is another critical aspect of a fearless heart. In John 14:27, Jesus comforts His disciples, saying, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid." This peace, distinct from worldly peace, is a gift that calms the heart and mind.

Philippians 4:6-7 encourages believers to present their requests to God with thanksgiving, resulting in "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, [that] will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." This divine peace acts as a safeguard against fear and anxiety.

Courage in the Face of Persecution

The early church exemplified a fearless heart, even amidst persecution. Acts 4:29-31 records the believers' prayer for boldness: "And now, Lord, consider their threats, and enable Your servants to speak Your word with complete boldness." The subsequent filling of the Holy Spirit empowered them to proclaim the gospel without fear.

The Apostle Paul, despite facing numerous trials, expressed his fearlessness in Philippians 1:20, "I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have complete boldness, so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death."

Conclusion

The renewed heart, transformed by the Holy Spirit and anchored in the love and promises of God, is characterized by a profound absence of fear. This fearlessness is not a natural disposition but a supernatural result of faith, trust, and the peace of Christ reigning within.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 27:3
Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

General Character of Christians.
... Herod was a vile character; but "he feared John, knowing ... The renewed are chiefly
restrained by love to God and ... yea not only in every field, but in every heart. ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xi general character of.htm

The Sluggard's Farm
... might do most for God, if he were renewed, will bring ... vineyard let us also peep into
the ungodly sluggard's heart. ... What is growing in his mind and character? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the sluggards farm.htm

Modern Revivals.
... His heart must be renewed by divine ... It is a mirror which shows the perfection of
a righteous character, and enables him to discern the defects in his own. ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /27 modern revivals.htm

Modern Revivals
... His heart must be renewed by divine ... It is a mirror which shows the perfection of
a righteous character and enables him to discern the defects in his own. ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 27 modern revivals.htm

Advent Lessons
... the world, if you wish your own character to improve ... no farther, as each human being
is renewed and comes ... man have a truly human, truly reasonable heart in him ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon v advent lessons.htm

God Justified, Though Man Believes Not
... Has the gospel renewed you in the spirit of your mind ... This is the character of all
unregenerate men ... out/ There is no room for boasting in the heart that receives ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/god justified though man believes.htm

Parental Duties Considered and Urged.
... That the former were all renewed, and children ... so dire a tendency to solemnize the
heart and impress ... street, spake of him as an abandoned character, with whom ...
/.../sermon xxii parental duties considered.htm

Moab is My Washpot
... of the like and have now been renewed in heart ... now no longer an unknown seed of doubtful
character; we have ... vanities, all is vanity," does not my heart say at ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/moab is my washpot.htm

On Sin in Believers
... yet not be a proud man in his general character. ... in him; and yet find an heart ready
to ... succeeding generations: That although we are renewed, cleansed, purified ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 13 on sin in.htm

Believing on Jesus, and Its Counterfeits
... day studying the life of Christ, and observing his unique character, should be ... His
intellect had been convinced, but his heart had never been renewed. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/believing on jesus and its.htm