Overcoming Fear Through God's Presence and Power
Summary
Fear is a pothole on the road of life that every one of us encounters, often more than we’d like to admit. It’s not just a fleeting moment of hesitation, but a paralyzing force that can keep us from stepping into the fullness of God’s purpose for our lives. Whether it’s the fear of failure, fear of what others think, or fear rooted in past experiences, this spirit of fear is not from God. Scripture is clear: God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. Fear is a spirit that enters through what we see, hear, and who we spend time with, but it cannot coexist with the Holy Spirit. When we make room for the Holy Spirit, fear must go.
God’s promise is not that we will never face difficult circumstances, but that He will be with us in the midst of them. Just as a loving father holds his child through the waves, God holds us through every trial, every “wave” that threatens to overwhelm us. The very things that the enemy intends for our harm, God can use to propel us into victory when we trust Him and refuse to let fear dictate our actions. Our response to fear is directly tied to who we are with—when we walk closely with God, we find courage and peace even in the valley of the shadow of death.
We are called to fill ourselves daily with God’s presence, just as a dirty cup is cleansed by a steady stream of clean water. The more we allow God’s Spirit to fill us, the less room there is for fear to operate. This is not just for our own benefit, but so that we can be people who fill in the potholes for others, not dig new ones. We are to be a body marked by love, kindness, and encouragement, building each other up rather than tearing each other down.
Ultimately, the antidote to fear is a life of worship and intimacy with God. As we seek Him, listen to Him, and obey Him, fear loses its grip. We are reminded that we are not alone—God is with us, upholding us, guiding us, and preparing a table for us even in the presence of our enemies. Let us be a people who say, “Fear, go. Holy Spirit, come,” and live lives that reflect the courage and love of our Heavenly Father.
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Key Takeaways
- Fear is a Spirit, Not Merely an Emotion
Fear is not just a feeling; it is a spiritual force that seeks to paralyze and torment us, entering through what we see, hear, and who we associate with. Recognizing fear as a spirit helps us understand that it is not from God and must be confronted spiritually, not just emotionally or intellectually. The spirit of fear makes no room for the Holy Spirit, but when we invite the Holy Spirit in, fear must leave. [12:40]
- Our Response to Fear Depends on Who We Are With
The way we face fear is directly related to our intimacy with God. Just as a child finds courage in the arms of a loving parent, we find strength and peace when we are close to our Heavenly Father. The presence of God transforms our response to fear, enabling us to walk through the valley of the shadow of death without being overcome. [20:08]
- God’s Promise is His Presence, Not the Absence of Trouble
God never promised a life free from challenges, but He did promise to be with us in every circumstance. Whether we pass through waters, rivers, or fire, His presence ensures that we are not overwhelmed or destroyed. The assurance of God’s companionship is the foundation for overcoming fear and stepping into our God-given purpose. [26:37]
- Filling Ourselves with God Leaves No Room for Fear
Just as a cup filled with clean water pushes out the dirty, so a life filled with God’s Spirit leaves no space for fear to remain. The key is not to focus on fighting fear directly, but to continually seek, listen to, and obey God, allowing His presence to displace every trace of fear. The more we are filled with God, the less influence fear has over us. [29:04]
- We Are Called to Build Up, Not Tear Down, the Body of Christ
As believers, our role is to help fill in the potholes for others, not create new ones through criticism or judgment. True Christian community is marked by love, kindness, and encouragement, reflecting the heart of Jesus. We must be vigilant not to let our words or actions become stumbling blocks, but instead, be those who restore, support, and walk alongside our brothers and sisters. [39:19]
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Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:58] - Vision: A Lifestyle of Worship
[02:01] - Daily Encounters with God
[05:12] - The Potholes of Life Defined
[07:12] - Discouragement and Its Cure
[08:20] - The Pothole of Fear
[09:48] - The Danger of Selective Listening
[11:18] - Fear: Its Source and Nature
[12:40] - Making Room for the Holy Spirit
[14:42] - The Torment of Fear
[16:45] - Godly Fear vs. Paralyzing Fear
[18:42] - Joshua’s Example: Courage in Leadership
[20:08] - Our Response to Fear: Who Are We With?
[24:09] - God’s Promises in Isaiah
[29:04] - The Overflow Principle: Filling Out Fear
[32:45] - Psalm 23: Fear No Evil
[36:28] - The Shepherd’s Rod and Staff
[39:19] - Building Up the Body, Not Digging Potholes
[43:24] - God’s Presence in the Valley
[45:18] - Invitation to Salvation and Prayer Against Fear
[49:36] - Honoring Accomplishments and Closing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: “Fear, Go. Holy Spirit, Come.”
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### Bible Reading
- 2 Timothy 1:7
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
- Isaiah 41:10, 13; 43:1-2
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand... For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’... When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you.”
- Psalm 23
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want... Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me...”
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### Observation Questions
1. According to 2 Timothy 1:7, what kind of spirit has God given us, and what has He not given us?
2. In Isaiah 41:10 and 43:2, what does God promise to do for us when we face difficult circumstances?
3. In Psalm 23, what is the reason David says he will “fear no evil” even in the valley of the shadow of death?
4. The sermon described fear as a “spirit” that enters through what we see, hear, and who we spend time with. What are some examples the pastor gave of how fear can enter our lives? [[11:18]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon says, “Fear is a spirit, not just an emotion.” How does seeing fear as a spiritual force change the way we deal with it? [[12:40]]
2. The pastor shared stories about his daughters and the waves, and about the T-Rex at the restaurant. What do these stories teach us about how God’s presence changes our response to fear? [[20:08]]
3. In Isaiah 43:2, God doesn’t promise to keep us from trouble, but to be with us in it. Why is God’s presence more important than the absence of problems? [[26:37]]
4. The sermon compared filling a dirty cup with clean water to filling our lives with God’s Spirit. What does this illustration say about how we can push fear out of our lives? [[29:04]]
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### Application Questions
1. The pastor said, “Our response to fear is contingent on who we are with.” Who or what are you spending the most time with right now? How does that affect your courage or anxiety? [[27:18]]
2. Is there a specific fear (fear of failure, fear of what others think, fear from past experiences) that has been holding you back from something God is calling you to do? What would it look like to invite the Holy Spirit into that area? [[08:20]]
3. The sermon challenged us to “make room for the Holy Spirit” so fear must go. What is one practical way you can make more room for God’s presence in your daily routine this week? [[12:40]]
4. The pastor said, “Just as a cup filled with clean water pushes out the dirty, so a life filled with God’s Spirit leaves no space for fear.” What are some “dirty water” influences (media, conversations, habits) you need to turn off or limit so you can be filled with God instead? [[29:04]]
5. The message called us to be people who “fill in the potholes for others, not dig new ones.” Is there someone in your life who needs encouragement right now? What is one thing you can do this week to build them up instead of tearing them down? [[39:19]]
6. The pastor warned about Christians who criticize or judge others, creating more “potholes.” Have you ever been on the receiving end of this, or have you done it to someone else? How can you respond differently next time? [[40:54]]
7. The sermon ended with a simple prayer: “Fear, go. Holy Spirit, come.” What would it look like for you to pray this over a specific situation in your life this week? [[47:01]]
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Closing Prayer:
Invite the Holy Spirit to fill your life and ask God to help you walk in courage, love, and a sound mind. Pray for each other to be people who build up the body of Christ and help others overcome fear.
Devotional
Day 1: God Has Not Given Us a Spirit of Fear
Fear is a spirit that does not come from God, and when it tries to paralyze us, we must remember that God has given us power, love, and a sound mind instead. Fear often enters through what we see, hear, or the company we keep, but it is not from God and makes no room for the Holy Spirit. When we make room for the Holy Spirit, fear must leave, and we can walk confidently in the purpose God has for us, knowing that His Spirit empowers us to overcome every paralyzing fear. [12:40]
2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV)
"For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where fear has been holding you back from stepping into something God is calling you to do? How can you intentionally invite the Holy Spirit into that area today?
Day 2: Perfect Love Casts Out Fear
God’s perfect love drives out fear and the torment it brings, freeing us from the anxieties that paralyze and limit us. When we are rooted in God’s love, we are no longer subject to the torment of fear, but instead can live in the freedom and security that comes from being fully loved by Him. The more we allow ourselves to be perfected in His love, the less room fear has to operate in our hearts and minds, and the more we can walk boldly in faith. [14:42]
1 John 4:18 (ESV)
"There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love."
Reflection: In what specific situation do you sense fear or anxiety today? How can you remind yourself of God’s perfect love for you in that moment and let it drive out your fear?
Day 3: God Is With You in Every Trial
God promises to be with us through every trial—whether we pass through waters, rivers, or fire, He will not leave us, and we do not need to be afraid. Our confidence is not in our own strength or circumstances, but in the presence and faithfulness of God who upholds us, strengthens us, and calls us by name. Even when challenges arise, we can trust that God is holding our hand, guiding us, and ensuring that we are not overcome by what we face. [26:37]
Isaiah 41:10, 13; 43:1-2 (ESV)
"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand... For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, 'Fear not, I am the one who helps you.' ... But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: 'Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.'"
Reflection: Think of a current challenge or “fire” you are facing. How can you practically remind yourself today that God is with you and will not let you be overcome?
Day 4: The Lord Is My Shepherd—Fear No Evil
When the Lord is our shepherd, we lack nothing and need not fear any evil, for His presence and guidance bring comfort and peace even in the darkest valleys. Like sheep who are easily frightened, we are reassured by the gentle leading and correction of our Shepherd, who brings us back when we stray and prepares a place of blessing even in the presence of our enemies. As we follow Him, His goodness and mercy pursue us, and we can rest secure in His care, free from the grip of fear. [36:28]
Psalm 23 (ESV)
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
Reflection: Where do you most need the comfort and guidance of your Shepherd today? How can you intentionally follow His leading and rest in His presence instead of giving in to fear?
Day 5: Fill Yourself with God—Fear Must Go
As we daily seek God, listen to Him, and obey Him, we fill ourselves with His presence, leaving no room for fear to remain. Just as clean water poured into a dirty cup pushes out the old, the more we allow God’s Spirit to fill us, the more fear is driven out of our lives. This daily encounter with God transforms us, empowers us to overcome the potholes of fear, and enables us to live a life of worship that brings change to those around us. [29:04]
Ephesians 5:18-20 (ESV)
"And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Reflection: What is one practical way you can “turn on the faucet” of God’s presence in your life today—through prayer, worship, or time in the Word—so that fear is pushed out and the Holy Spirit fills you?
Quotes
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