I know most people use the scripture in 2 Timothy 1:7 to address fear, and I do as well. However, the Lord gave me this verse as a reference to how emotions can give the devil a foothold if they are not kept in check. 26 "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. - Eph 4:26 -27 NIV
The Apostle Paul addressed sinning in anger and made a connection to this behavior and a foothold for the devil. A foothold can be defined as a secure position from which further progress may be made. (Concise Oxford Dictionary)
A stronghold is a secure position that is fortified against attack. If the enemy gets in your mind through sin, he finds a place of security in your belief system and must be dislodged.
Fear is an emotion. If it is handled rightly, it can keep us from entering places that may be dangerous. If handled wrong or not addressed at all, it may be used by Satan to rob us of our destiny.
Jesus said, "Or how can anyone enter the strong man's house and carry off his property, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house. – Matt 12:29 NASB95
Jesus connected a strong man with demonic spirits and his house as a person. Casting out demonic spirits from our temples, either our souls or bodies, is necessary to obtain victory over the forces advancing against our destiny.
Taking every thought captive is a command. 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 gives us some insight into the enemy's tactics and our survival.
We walk in the flesh but are not to war from that position.
We have weapons of which we are to use to war.
These weapons are not in the soul but in the spirit.
They are God's weapons designed to pull down strongholds and destroy the enemy's foothold.
We are to cast down every argument that presents itself against the knowledge of God.
We take these thoughts captive and teach them the obedience of the word of God.
We punish all disobedience once obedience is fulfilled.
When we have taken our stand against the thoughts, schemes, and tactics of the devil and have been obedient, we must punish any disobedience that tries to come in. The word disobedience means to be unwilling to hear. Sometimes, we choose not to hear the truth of God's word and instead allow thoughts to run wild in our minds. Fear is one of those thoughts.
Your lack of resistance is a legal right to the enemy. He gets a foothold when we refuse to take our thoughts captive.
You have authority over demonic spirits, and if you don't use it, you operate in the power of the soul – the carnal mind, instead of the power of the Spirit. Laziness and complacency lead you, or fear, doubt, and unbelief lead. We are to be courageous when we are attacked, not ignoring it or backing down.
Fear is the root of many mental disorders and physical sickness. Fear is a demonic power that desires to keep us held back from living the abundant life Jesus died for.
The manifestations of fear can be never-ending because even things like control and manipulation are often rooted in fear. Fear is a driving force that causes us to flee or freeze.
The enemy of God attacks His kingdom on earth forcefully and violently. We must bind and rebuke the work of darkness. This often requires a very aggressive stand against attacks of fear on our minds.
Fear is a real emotion that, when coupled with wisdom, could produce results for protection, such as not doing things that intentionally risk your life.
However, fear coupled with demonic spirits empowers Satan to steal, kill, and destroy.
Fear will keep you locked up and paralyze your soul. Fear is a cage that is designed by the dark, evil spiritual side to keep you from moving in faith.
Fear cages your soul, robs your peace, and kills your joy.
Fear is an invisible yet mighty force that is enforced by unseen powers.
Fear kills destiny in relationships, ministry, dreams, hope, and health.
Fear leads to depression, and it is tightly woven with a spirit of death.
Fear is unbelief and sin.
You can't please God in fear. The only fear we need is the fear of God. God wrote the code for freedom from fear, and the Holy Spirit enforces, helps, guides, and teaches us this code. The code is free will coupled with choice. Our agreement makes the difference.
15 "See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil, ... 19 "I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; - Deu 30:15, 19 NKJV
This is part of God's covenant – choice – life or death, blessing or curse. If we break His covenant, we receive the consequences. When we know God's character, we understand His covenant power and love.
God loved the world too much not to give us a choice to live. (John 3:16)
Jesus loved God so much that He offered us through His blood covenant, abundant life. Satan hates the world so much he tries to kill, steal, and destroy that abundant life. (John 10:10).
Satan has many ways to do this, but fear is one of his favorites.
Let's pray,
Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me a spirit of boldness and love. Thank You for the power I have to overcome every work of the enemy. I ask forgiveness for any time that I embraced fear and refused to face the enemy head on. I ask for grace to win the next battle and for Your word to renew my thought life. In Jesus name, amen.
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