Topical Bible: Unholy Fear: Exhortations Against

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Unholy fear, distinct from the reverent fear of the Lord, is characterized by anxiety, dread, and a lack of trust in God's sovereignty and goodness. Scripture provides numerous exhortations against this type of fear, encouraging believers to place their confidence in God rather than succumbing to worldly anxieties.

Biblical Exhortations Against Unholy Fear

1. Trust in God's Presence and Protection: The Bible frequently reassures believers of God's constant presence and protection, urging them not to fear. In Isaiah 41:10, the Lord declares, "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." This verse emphasizes God's commitment to support and sustain His people, providing a foundation for overcoming unholy fear.

2. Peace Through Christ: Jesus Christ offers peace that transcends worldly understanding, countering unholy fear. 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; do not be afraid." This peace is rooted in the assurance of Christ's victory over sin and death, enabling believers to face life's challenges without fear.

3. Power, Love, and a Sound Mind: The Apostle Paul, writing to Timothy, contrasts unholy fear with the spirit given by God. In 2 Timothy 1:7, he states, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control." This verse highlights the resources available to believers through the Holy Spirit, empowering them to overcome fear with divine strength, love, and disciplined thinking.

4. Casting Anxieties on God: Believers are encouraged to cast their anxieties on God, trusting in His care and provision. 1 Peter 5:7 exhorts, "Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you." This act of surrender is a practical step in combating unholy fear, acknowledging God's ability to handle every concern.

5. Faith Over Fear: The call to live by faith rather than fear is a recurring theme in Scripture. Hebrews 11:6 underscores 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." Faith in God's promises and character is the antidote to unholy fear, enabling believers to trust in His plans and purposes.

6. Fear of Man vs. Fear of God: Proverbs 29:25 warns against the fear of man, stating, "The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high." This verse contrasts the paralyzing effect of fearing human opinion with the security found in trusting God. Believers are encouraged to prioritize the fear of the Lord, which leads to wisdom and life, over the fear of man.

Examples of Overcoming Unholy Fear

· David and Goliath: In 1 Samuel 17, David's confrontation with Goliath serves as a powerful example of overcoming unholy fear through faith in God. Despite the intimidating presence of the giant, David declares, "The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine" (1 Samuel 17:37). His confidence in God's past faithfulness enables him to face the challenge without fear.

· The Disciples in the Storm: In Mark 4:35-41, Jesus calms a storm while His disciples are gripped by fear. After rebuking the wind and waves, He asks them, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" (Mark 4:40). This incident illustrates the disciples' struggle with unholy fear and Jesus' call to trust in His power and presence.

Through these exhortations and examples, Scripture consistently calls believers to reject unholy fear, placing their trust in the Lord's unfailing love and faithfulness.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 8:12
Say you not, A confederacy, to all them to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear you their fear, nor be afraid.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 14:27
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you: not as the world gives, give I to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Exhortations to those who are Called
... you are effectually called, I have three exhortations to you ... Yours is a holy calling,
and will you be unholy? ... are shaken out of their places, you need not fear. ...
/.../watson/a divine cordial/exhortations to those who are.htm

Refutation of the Calumnies by which it is Attempted to Throw ...
... wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing;" that ... that we "might serve him without
fear, in holiness ... All the Apostles abound in exhortations, admonitions and ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 16 refutation of the.htm

On Sin in Believers
... For the sake of these who really fear God, and ... almost all the directions and
exhortations therein are ... holy, and at the same time unclean, unsanctified, unholy. ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 13 on sin in.htm

The Case of Spiritual Decay and Languor in Religion
... as to prevail upon you in the exhortations and cautions I ... to be its proper place;
and I fear it will ... be profaned, by being employed to an unholy or forbidden ...
/.../the rise and progress of religion in the soul/chapter xxii the case of.htm

Howe -- the Redeemer's Tears Over Lost Souls
... the covenant, wherewith He was sanctified, an unholy thing, and ... Fear in this case
would be his great duty ... that have been given thee, exhortations and treaties ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons vol 2/howe the redeemers tears.htm

Appendix to Part iii. Writings of the Apostolic Fathers, with Some ...
... troubled by a "wicked and unholy sedition," fomented ... of apostatizing from Christ
through fear of persecution ... To these precepts he adds exhortations to maintain ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/appendix to part iii writings.htm

The Duty of the People of God to Excite Others to Seek this Rest.
... from the power of Satan to God;' I fear you have ... Strive to bring all your exhortations
to an issue ... verily believe that all the unregenerate and unholy shall be ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter ix the duty of.htm

Election and Holiness
... heaven, and that the invitations and exhortations of the ... decree of separation should
engender an unholy union ... threats of damnation, we have no fear, except the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/election and holiness.htm

The Future State a Self-Conscious State.
... say, "I am holy," or, "I am unholy," as the ... Edwards "On the Affections." Hence the
frequent exhortations in the ... made to him in eternity, he would fear them, if ...
/.../shedd/sermons to the natural man/the future state a self-conscious 2.htm

Self-Denial
... duty, both in their public discourses and private exhortations. ... to hear, full of
lust and unholy desires; and ... but sometimes shame, sometimes fear, comes between ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 48 self-denial.htm