There Is No Fear In Love; But Perfect Love Casts Out All Fear - Part 2369

"Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever Thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, Thou art God. For a thousand years in Thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night." (Psalm 90:2-4)

This should be the confidence of believers within the body of Christ church -- that The Lord Jesus who loved us so much, this same Jesus who shed His precious, holy blood on a cross -- He is God! And also, that He is faithful. But that boldness and understanding comes from knowing the Lord Jesus personally -- as both Lord and Christ in our hearts. (Acts 2:36) But sometimes, we need to be prompted [reminded] of who we are in the Lord. This was the situation with the disciples in a ship, when the seas were so rough that they thought they were going to die.

"And His disciples came to Him, and awoke Him, saying, "Lord, save us: we perish." And He saith unto them, "Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?" Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. But the men marvelled, saying, "What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him!" (Matthew 8:25-27)

You see, after the resurrection of Jesus, the apostles eyes were opened to the fact that Jesus is the only Way, the Truth, and the Life, and that once we have seen Jesus, we have seen the Father also and are privileged to know Him. (John 14:6-12) 

That He is faithful to those who believe in Him. So much so, that the Lord Jesus said, "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee." (Hebrews 13:5) This is the promise to His people! That "there is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear ..." (I John 4:18) 

Jesus is the Good Shepherd who willingly laid down His life for His sheep. We also know that whosoever is born of God sins not [all unrighteousness is sin]; but he that is begotten of God keeps himself/herself and that the wicked on touches him/her not. Indeed, we know that were are of God, even when the whole world lies in wickedness against us. And we also should know that the Son of God (God as a Son) is already come and hath given us an understanding that we may know Him that is true; that we are in Him that is true; in His Son Jesus Christ -- who is the true God and eternal life. (I John 5:18-20) 

It is for this reason that we keep ourselves from idols. (I John 5:21; I Corinthians 10:7, 14) 

So how do we recognize when the spiritual blinders have not been removed? There are several markers which we can use, including those who fail to recognize the difference between the old and New Testament. 

"... and not as Moses, [which] put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not steadfastly look to the end of that which is abolished: but their minds were blinded: for until this day remains the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which [vail] is done away in Christ. But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away." (II Corinthians 3:13-16)

A second sign is fear, because the spirit of fear should not inhabit the Lord's people -- who have repented and been water baptized in the precious holy Name of the Lord Jesus and are subsequently filled with the Holy Ghost. Because when we are water baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus, we become clothed in His righteousness. (Acts 2:36-41; Acts 10:44-48; Romans 6:3-4) Our conscience clear because of we have acted in good faith toward Him. (I Peter 3:21)

Elisha's servant is a perfect example. (II Kings 6:8-18) The servant had woken one morning to find the city surrounded by a great host of enemy soldiers. The servant full of fear asks Elisha "Alas, my master, how shall we do? What does Elisha do? First, he does not respond in fear, but simply states, "Fear not; for they that be with us are more than they that be with them." (II Kings 6:16) 

While the intent of the enemies was to arrest the prophet Elisha, the prophet saw the spiritual side of what was happening. Thus, Elisha was not afraid of the circumstances because he trusted the Lord God for the outcome. Nor was the fear of the servant going to sway him either. So what happens next?

Elisha prays a simple prayer for him, saying, ‘LORD, I pray Thee, open his eyes, that he may see." And the LORD opens the eyes of the young man; and he saw, and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha. (II Kings 6:17)

What else happens? When God opened the servant's eyes, his fear disappeared. The man's confidence in the Lord God returned. The situation that originally seemed hopeless -- against all odds took on a different perspective, knowing that the Lord God is the Author and Finisher, and He doesn't ever forsake His people. 

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." (II Timothy 1:7)

"For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father." (Romans 8:15)

"Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." (II Corinthians 7:1)

"... and many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the Word without fear." (Philippians 1:14) 

So that we too (as did Elisha and the servant) may boldly say, "The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me." (Hebrews 13:6) 

"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:" (I Peter 3:15)

" ... in singleness of heart, fearing God!" (Colossians 3:22)

Stand in the offering plate.