Controlling Emotions Lesson 4:
Fear Bible Study Part 3 - Freedom From Fear

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. ~ 1 John 4:18a

As you master controlling emotions, one of the most difficult emotions to control is fear. It can sneak up on you when you least expect it, and once it has you, it can be hard to get free.

In our last lesson, Faith or Fear , we made an interesting discovery. Many Christians don't realize it, but faith and fear are very similar in nature.

Both faith and fear are an unshakable belief in an unseen future. Neither is merely emotional, but both are spiritual forces. The only difference between the two is that one believes God will come through for you - The other believes He won't.

God says that He has not given you the spirit of fear, but, He has given you love power and self-control (2 Timothy 1:7). They are your most powerful weapons in your battle for freedom as you master controlling emotions of fear, doubt, and worry.

God's Power + Your Self-Discipline = A Powerful Force

In your What is Fear Bible lesson, you learned that fear is a spirit. It is a sign of a spiritual attack from your enemy, the devil.

But, knowing this should not bring even more fear.

God's power is living inside of you, and He has given you the power to stand against the enemy's attacks.

Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor
so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.
For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies,
but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world,
against mighty powers in this dark world,
and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor
so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil.
- Ephesians 6:10-13 (NLT)

For many Christians, Ephesians 6 is a passage that seems powerful in theory, but they have no clue how to apply it to their own lives. That is one of the reasons why many of us experience so much fear - We feel like Satan is beating up on us, but we have no idea how to fight back.

If you want to learn how to fight back, I would recommend printing out this free scripture study journal on the armor of God if you haven't already done so. Pray and ask God to reveal the power that He has given to you through your spiritual armor, and how to wield the sword of the Spirit - His Holy Word.

Another reason that many people struggle with fear is because they do not know God's promises for their life's challenges. That is where our self-discipline comes in.

God says that He hasn't given you fear, but self discipline - The ability to control your emotions and thoughts, and not allow them to be manipulated by the enemy.

How do you begin controlling emotions and thoughts?

You fill your mind with the promises of God. One of the best ways to safeguard your mind against the emotional attacks of the enemy is by meditating on God's Word on a regular basis. And, doing that takes self-discipline!

Whether we realize it or not, everyone meditates. The true meaning of meditation is to roll a thought over in your mind, over and over again.

The issue that most Christians have is not that they do not know how to meditate. It is that they are meditating on their problems, and not their promises. They do not discipline their minds as God has instructed us to.

For the weapons of our warfare are not physical
[weapons of flesh and blood], but they are mighty before God
for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds,
[Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings
and every proud and lofty thing
that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God;
and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One)
-2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (AMP)

The more that you discipline yourself to meditate on God's Word, the easier it will become to reject thoughts that don't line up with it. And, that's what fears are - Thoughts that do not line up with God's promises to you.

Fear says God will not help you this time.
Fear says your children won't come back to the Lord.
Fear says that your finance will never improve.
Fear says that your marriage is ruined.

Fear says the opposite of what God says.

Your Key to Freedom From Fear!

God also says that He has not given you a spirit of fear, but that He has given you love. But, as Tina Turner would ask, "What's love got to do with it?"

There is no fear in love;
but perfect love casteth out fear:
because fear hath torment. - 1 John 4:18a

Perfect love drives out fear. But where do we find perfect love? Our parents? A spouse?

If you look for perfect love in these place, you will only be disappointed.

The only place where you can experience perfect love is in an intimate relationship with your Heavenly Father.

As you develop that intimate relationship with Him, His perfect love will become more and more real to you, and your fears will become more unrealistic than your faith.

God says that if we are tormented by fear, "this shows that we have not fully experienced His perfect love. " (1 John 4:18b NLT).

That is something that should really make us all stop and think. When a fear creeps up inside of you, it should be a red flag that you need to continue deepening your relationship with God.

So, how do you begin controlling emotions of fear, doubt and worry? Your faith in the unyielding love of your Heavenly Father is what removes fear from your mind, regardless of your circumstances.

God has promised:

"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord.
They are plans for good and not for disaster,
to give you a future and a hope."
-Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)

God has made out plans for your life, just like any good parent, because He loves you. But, unlike any earthly parent, He has the power to bring those plans to pass. Knowing that small piece of truth can help you overcome fear in a big way.

That does not mean that the spirit of fear will never try to to attack you. But, it does means that your shield of faith can become strong enough to resist it.

Next time you feel yourself starting to worry, follow these simple steps for controlling emotions of fear.

5 Steps To Controlling Fear

Recognize the fearful thought as a threat.
Think of God's promise for that situation (if you don't know what it is, find out!)
Pray and tell God your concern.
Praise God for His promise to provide your needs.
Refuse to worry about it any more. If it comes to your mind again, confess that you have given it over to your Heavenly Father in prayer. Then begin praising God that He heard your prayers and that the prayers of the righteous availeth much (James 5:16).

**No matter how many times fear tries to return, continue repeating step 5. Eventually, the devil will get the hint!**

Controlling Emotions Lesson 4:
Fear Bible Study: Freedom From Fear

Bible Study Reflection Questions

Do you feel like you understand how to use the armor of God? Why or why not?

Why do you think God says love, power, and a sound mind are your weapons against Christian fear?

God says, when you are tormented by fear, that shows that you have not experienced His perfect love. Why do you think He says that?

Do you think the 5 steps to controlling emotions of fear and worry can work for you? Why or why not?

You can have freedom from fear! Type your answers to the questions above or your thoughts about controlling emotions of fear and worry into the box below. Then click Share!

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I pray that you have been blessed by these three short Bible studies on controlling emotions of fear, doubt and worry.

As we wrap up these lessons, I would also recommend that you check out this short Bible study on stress. It can help you continue on your journey to experiencing God's peace in the hustle and bustle of the world that we live in.

Christian Fear Bible Study

Lesson 1: What is Fear
Lesson 2: Do You Choose Faith or Fear?
Lesson 3: Freedom From Fear

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