Six types of fears that men dread
1 Peter 5:8 'Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.'
The devil roams around hungrily just to devour.
Afflictions in sicknesses, infirmities, and such misfortunes are a clear indication of devoured lifestyles.
There are Five Forces that Fight Believers
1. Satan against Us
2. The World around us
3. The Flesh upon us (Gal 5:16, Rom 8:6)
4. The Memories behind us (Phil 3:13)
5. The Fear Before Us
The Fear Before Us
(2 Tim 1:7, Psa 56:3)
We will be looking at the types of fear dreaded by men.
Psalms 112:7 says that He will not be afraid of evil tidings; His heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
Isaiah 41:10 further says that we should not fear, for He is our God.
The statement 'do not fear' appears 365 times in the Word of God. It is a daily reminder that fear is not an option.
Six Types of Fears that Men Dread:
1. The Fear of Death
No believer, with understanding and revelation of the Word of God, should fear death.
Death is only a spirit, and the promises given to us by God in the scriptures are sure. If God says that you will not die, even from that sickness, better believe and claim it.
When you see dead people in your dreams, or coffins, there is an attachment with the world of the dead.
The spirit of death is also pursuing you. Take the necessary measures to be free.
1 Peter 5:7 says that we ought to cast all our cares to God.
2. Fear of Failure
Fear is an altar.
Some people will fear to venture into businesses or worthy projects, because they fear the outcome.
You have probably failed severally but that does not mean that you are doomed to fail.
If business is your path, go ahead and try, even after failing.
3. Fear of Poverty
Nobody wants to be poor.
It is because of this fear that people steal, commit crimes, get into prostitution, and all those other shortcuts taken to curb poverty.
Heb 12:16 talks of Esau, who, for one morsel of food, sold his birthright.
To sell your birthright means to give away your dignity for opportunities or money.
The truth is, such shortcuts have consequences. You will most probably not thrive in this world with wages acquired in these ways.
According to Haggai 1:6, there are wages put into a bag with holes. This simply means that the money acquired through shortcuts, has a way of escaping one's hands. You can't really make good use of such money.
Persevere. Isaiah 3:10 is an encouragement to the righteous, that it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruits of their deeds.
You had better have your name in the book of life, than live recklessly, acquiring evil money, only to go to hell. Again, Jesus nailed our poverty to the cross. Let Him bless the work of your hands.
4. Fear of Offending Others
There are people who detest offending others. The problem is that it can go too far.
You will achieve less if this fear is in you.
Not everyone will be pleased with you or what you do. It is impossible to please everyone.
5. Fear of Criticism
There are others who fear to be criticized. Criticism is vital. It depends on how you take it.
Some people have been chosen, but can't function fully in their assignments, because they don't want to be criticized.
Positive criticism is supposed to turn you into a better version of yourself.
6. Fear of Rejection
The opposite of rejection is favour. There are people who face rejection everywhere.
This spirit limits you such that everything including nature rejects you. You will know whether it is rejection when you are blamed for something you did, yet someone else did the same thing, but was not questioned.
People with rejection go through a series of misfortunes. You could be rejected in an institution yet overqualified.
Contend for favour with God and man. It is a grace that opens doors.
Unless dealt with, these fears are big blocks. Phil 4:6 says that we should not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, we should make our requests known to God.
John 14:1 "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.
Please always remember that God has not given us a spirit of fear