Breaking the Chains of Fear

Hebrews 2 : 14 - 15, Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. NKJV

Even though we are Christians, if we allow it, fear will still hold us in bondage. Therefore, we must not allow it to rule in our hearts and impact our decisions. When we're in bondage, we are a slave to someone or something against our will. Many people, including Christians are living in bondage to various things in their lives; however, the root cause is fear. Fear is the metaphorical chain that holds people captive. If we ever break the chain of fear, then we can walk out of the pit of bondage and live in freedom.

To understand fear, we have to trace its point of origin. Since God created both male and female in His own image and likeness, we know that He did not give us the spirit of fear. In 2 Timothy 1:7, Paul taught Timothy that God didn't give us the spirit of fear. Therefore, we know that fear didn't come from God. In today's scripture, we read that Jesus, our High Priest had to become flesh and blood so that, through death, He would destroy him (Satan) who had the power of death. Consequently, those who, through fear of death, live their lives subject to bondage are released from it . Is there any bondage in your life? If so, then know that you have a chain called fear holding you prisoner to that particular oppression. 

Let's explore how fear originated and how it found a way to fill the hearts of all humans. Fear is first mentioned in God's Word after Adam and Eve listened to and obeyed Satan's lies; it was their belief in the Devil's lies that produced fear. Nevertheless, fear didn't manifest in either of them until they heard the voice of the Lord God approaching them in the garden. Because they were afraid that God would discover their sin, they were scared to be truthful with Him about what they had done. Fear prevented them from doing the "right" thing in God's sight. 

Even though God didn't give them the spirit of fear, it never manifested in their hearts and in their emotions, until "after" they came into the presence of God. When you and I get in an emotional state where we can't stand to be in God's presence or find the courage to hear His voice and obey Him, then we are living in bondage to fear; and we are in need of deliverance.  When we read Genesis 3, we see that God never condemned Adam and Eve for their sin. Nevertheless, they were fearful of His presence. Why were they afraid of God? It wasn't so much that they were scared of Him; they were fearful of death. God had warned Adam before he ate of the forbidden fruit that he would die. 

The point that we're to take away from today's devotion is this: It's not God or His presence that is causing us to be afraid. However,  it is fear that prevents us from placing the faith in God that is needed to set us free from fear and liberate us from bondage. The Bible says that we will all die, and after death, we will have to face judgment. Even so, we don't have to fear death or judgment because Jesus has already paid the price for our sins. Now we can live free from the fear of death; and can obey God through our faith in Jesus. All God's children have a decision to make. Will we allow faith, or will we allow fear to rule our hearts?

When we choose to live by faith and obey God's instructions, even in the face of fear, we are choosing to live a life of freedom. Fear will rob us of a life well lived, but it doesn't have to be this way. Just remember, when you believe God, it will release faith, but when you choose to believe the enemy, it will produce fear. Whose report are you going to believe? Choose to believe the report of the Lord so that you can have an abundant life in Christ.

I Can Do All Things through Christ,
Pastor Asa Dockery