We are continuing in our study of the Doctrine of "No fear" per the mandate for the believer not to fear that is found in Matt 10:28,31; Rev 2:10; Isa 41:10; LXX.
The word translated "fear" in these passages is the Greek word "phobeo" in the imperative mood.
We have seen that Matthew presents fear in two ways, in a positive way as in fear, respect, awe, or reverence toward God and in a negative way as the emotional sin of fear that is a mental attitude sin.
Both are commands to the believer since they are in the imperative mood of command in the original language. We started to look at the negative side of the mandate first.
The emotional sin of fear is characterized by panic when one is in a dangerous situation or under sudden pressure. When someone is intimidated they are usually under pressure to compromise their norms and standards.
In such a state, the application of the principles of Bible Doctrine may become less important to the believer than the desire for security or self-preservation.
This is why John is preparing the believers in Rev 2:10 for the adversity.
Used properly, emotion responds to thought in the soul. When there is no thought emotion can only incite a reaction.
Emotion by itself cannot initiate thought or even replace thought. In the absence of thought emotion can only produce sins from emotional reaction.
Arrogance under the motivation of self-centeredness is reflected in emotional sins such as fear, anxiety, expediency, or deceit.
Hatred under the motivation of antagonism is reflected by emotional sins such as anger, revenge motivation, violence, or criminal activity.
Some passages that describe God's evaluation of the thoughts and emotions of the believer.
Jer 11:20; NET note 57 Jer 17:10; NET note18 Rev 2:23; The word translated "minds" in the NASB is the Greek word "nephros". It is the same word that is used in the LXX translation of Jer 17:10; and refers to the emotions.
Believers who cannot control their emotions often become snared by one of the following distractions that will hinder their spiritual growth and cause them to drift into carnality and revisionism:
Distraction from Orthodox Doctrinal teaching:
Rom16: 17 - Now I urge you, brethren, be alert for those who are causing dissensions and apostasies contrary to the doctrine which you have learned and turn away from them.
v 18 - For such believers do not obey our Lord Jesus Christ, but they obey their own emotions, serving themselves; and by their smooth and flattering speech, they deceive the hearts of the naive.
Hindrance of Spiritual Growth:
2 Cor 6:11 - O you Corinthians, our mouth has been open face to face with you (face to face Bible class in the local assembly); our hearts have been enlarged (resultant spiritual growth).
v 12 -Therefore, you have not been hindered by us (Paul, Apollos, and Timothy); you have been hindered by your own emotions.
Blasphemy of Idolatry:
Phil 3:18 - Many (believers with OSN control of the soul) keep walking concerning whom I have communicated to you may times and now continue communicating even though weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ (God's grace policy),
v 19 -whose destiny is destruction, whose god is their emotion, who exalt in what is shameful and dishonorable (religion, legalism, emotionalism), who keep on thinking about earthly things (misplaced priorities).
Inability to Think under Pressure:
Job 16:13 -"His arrows surround me refers to the outside adversity from an adversary. Without mercy he splits my kidneys open refers to panic under pressure through mental attitude sins and the emotional revolt of the soul.
Uncontrolled emotion that can be incited by fear and lead the believer into many mental, verbal, and overt sins, including bitterness, vindictiveness, jealousy, implacability, guilt, and self-pity; malice, slander, vituperation, maligning, judging, duplicity, and deceit; revenge tactics, violence, vengeance, battery, and even murder.
James discusses the emotional sins that include fear and panic:
James 4:1 What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is not the source your pleasures
that wage war in your members?
The word "pleasures" is the Greek word "hedone" which means pleasure or the gratification of the lust pattern; the result of submitting to the desires of the OSN.
James continues by identifying the lust pattern of the OSN as the source of the emotional group of sins.
James 4:2 You lust, the Greek word "epithumeo" that means to desire or to covet something that is forbidden and do not have; so you commit murder. And you are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel....
James describes then end result of the emotional sins.... murder... which is exactly what Cain did to Abel 1John 3:12; because of emotional sin. Gen 4:5;NET note16
There are two categories of emotion:
Normal emotion of the soul responds to the categories of truth, Bible Doctrine, the Gospel, and establishment virtues and values. Prov 23:7; This is why Paul in Phil 4:8 commands believers regarding what they are to be focusing on in their thinking.
Normal emotion is submissive to the authority of the thinking that is circulating in the stream of consciousness.
Abnormal emotion associated with the OSN reacts to people and circumstances from the motivation of the lust pattern and the arrogance complex resulting in vengeance and holding a grudge toward people and fear and cowardice toward circumstances.
Emotion therefore can function in either of two directions:
It either responds to and is subordinate toward doctrine by means of the humility of grace, doctrinal and authority orientation.
or it reacts toward outside adversities and seizes control over the soul and neutralizes the application of Bible Doctrine.
When the emotions react it is a disaster because the emotions do not possess the rational analytical virtues of the believer who is filled with the Holy Spirit and is submissive to the authority of Bible Doctrine circulating in the stream of consciousness.
The emotion does not have the ability to reason with clarity of thought and common sense from the vocabulary and categorical storage of Bible Doctrine in the soul.
The difference between fear and courage is the ability to think under pressure.
The coward cannot think under pressure while the person with courage is capable of complete concentration under pressure.
Concentration is necessary for the inculcation of doctrine in the believer's priesthood function of the perception of Bible Doctrine or Bible study.
However, concentration is equally important for courageous thought, decision, and action while under pressure.
Even the most advanced believer is momentarily pressured by fear when they initially become aware of of adversity, suffering, or some kind of personal disaster.
Fear is a normal reaction to sudden disaster and as a result the believer is momentarily neutralized.
This is why rebound or the acknowledgement of the sin of fear is critical for the believer to overcome it. It is impossible for the believer to overcome fear without the power options of the filling of God the Holy Spirit and Bible Doctrine.
Every believer must be prepared with promises that can help them instantly orient to the circumstances of life with Doctrinal viewpoint.
Psa 56:3 When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You.
v 4 In God, whose Word I praise, in God I have put my trust. I shall not be afraid. What can mere man do to me?
Some of the scriptures that contain the mandate against fear and panic:
Deut 31:6 "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or tremble at them (the Canaanites), for the Lord your God is the One Who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you."
v 8 "The Lord is the One Who goes ahead of you. He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear. Do not be dismayed."
Joshua 1:5 "No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you. I will not fail you or forsake you."
v 9 "Have I not commanded you? Be confident and courageous! Do not fear to the point of panic nor allow dismay to destroy your courage. The Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Isa 41:10 "Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you. Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."
The solution to the fear is found in application of the faith-rest drill: