Topical Bible: Unholy Fear: Saints Delivered From

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Unholy fear, often characterized by anxiety, dread, or terror that is not rooted in the reverence of God, is a condition from which the saints of God are delivered through faith and divine intervention. This type of fear is distinct from the "fear of the Lord," which is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10) and is considered a holy and reverent awe of God. Unholy fear, on the other hand, can paralyze believers, hinder their spiritual growth, and disrupt their peace.

Biblical Instances of Deliverance from Unholy Fear

1. David's Deliverance: King David, a man after God's own heart, experienced moments of unholy fear, particularly when pursued by his enemies. In Psalm 34:4 , David testifies, "I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears." This verse highlights the power of seeking God in prayer and the assurance of His deliverance from fear.

2. The Disciples in the Storm: In the New Testament, the disciples faced unholy fear during a storm on the Sea of Galilee. Mark 4:39-40 recounts, "Then Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and the sea. 'Silence!' He commanded. 'Be still!' And the wind died down, and it was perfectly calm. 'Why are you so afraid?' He asked. 'Do you still have no faith?'" Jesus' rebuke of the storm and His question to the disciples underscore the importance of faith in overcoming fear.

3. Paul's Encouragement: The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often addressed the issue of fear among believers. In 2 Timothy 1:7 , he writes, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control." This passage reassures believers that fear does not come from God and that they are equipped with divine resources to overcome it.

Principles for Overcoming Unholy Fear

· Faith in God's Promises: Trusting in the promises of God is a key principle in overcoming unholy fear. Hebrews 13:5-6 reminds believers, "For He Himself has said, 'I will never leave you, nor will I forsake you.' So we say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?'"

· Prayer and Supplication: Philippians 4:6-7 encourages believers to present their requests to God with thanksgiving, promising that "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Prayer is a powerful tool for dispelling fear and receiving God's peace.

· Renewal of the Mind: Romans 12:2 calls for the transformation of believers through the renewal of their minds, enabling them to discern God's will. By focusing on God's truth and promises, believers can combat the lies and anxieties that fuel unholy fear.

· Community and Encouragement: The early church exemplified the importance of community in overcoming fear. Hebrews 10:24-25 urges believers to "spur one another on to love and good deeds" and to "encourage one another," recognizing the strength found in fellowship.

Conclusion

Throughout Scripture, God demonstrates His power to deliver His people from unholy fear, calling them to a life of faith, peace, and trust in His sovereign care. By relying on God's promises, engaging in prayer, renewing their minds, and seeking encouragement from fellow believers, saints can experience freedom from the bondage of fear.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 1:33
But whoever listens to me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 14:3
And it shall come to pass in the day that the LORD shall give you rest from your sorrow, and from your fear, and from the hard bondage wherein you were made to serve,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Communion of Saints.
... Consequently, since there are unholy as well as holy ... have finished their course in
God's faith and fear. ... meaning of "The Communion of Saints" becomes clearer ...
/.../burbidge/the kingdom of heaven what is it/chapter x the communion of.htm

How Saints May Help the Devil
... humble followers of Jesus, who washed his saints' feet ... will; but you undo their
preaching if you are unholy. ... of this subject with something which, I fear, is in ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/how saints may help the.htm

Persecution Every Christian's Lot
... disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural ... of his countenance upon
the souls of suffering saints. "Fear not therefore those that can kill the ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/persecution every christians lot.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... to believe this doctrine, that Christ was delivered for our ... of bondage to put us
in fear, and coming to ... foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

On Sin in Believers
... they were, in some degree, carnal, that is, unholy. ... is commonly mixed with doubt
or fear; that is ... sound doctrine "once delivered to the saints," and delivered ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 13 on sin in.htm

Christ, the Believer's Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification and ...
... Fear not, therefore, O believers, to look into the grave: for to you ... you shall enjoy
a perfect communion of saints; nothing that is unholy or unsanctified ...
/.../christ the believers wisdom righteousness.htm

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints, and
they ... with light, if thy heart be well poised and balanced with the fear of God ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm

Joy Born at Bethlehem
... God save us from unholy peace and from unholy joy ... Of Christ's joy we cannot have
too much; no fear of running ... by the mouths of prophets and of saints since the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/joy born at bethlehem.htm

A Harp of Ten Strings
... cling to the Lord, the less likely are they to be esteemed by the vulgar judgment
of unholy men. ... "And his mercy is on them that fear him." The saints of old ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/a harp of ten strings.htm

Mongrel Religion
... must often feel his indignation burn against unholy men and ... believe in the final
perseverance of the saints: I am ... to play the double, and both to fear God and ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 27 1881/mongrel religion.htm