Fear (The Fear of the Devil (Terror))

Text: 1 John 4:17-18

Memory Verse: 1 Peter 5:8

Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil as a roaring lion walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.

INTRODUCTION

The fear of the devil is a negative influence on man which is spiritually manipulated with false image to scare, intimidate, suppress, oppress and even kill. Unfortunately, man who is the victim is used also as an instrument. The aim of the fear of the devil is to bring men out of his protective covering of God and afflicts man.

DISCUSSION

The consequences of the fear of the devil:

Blindfold (Hopelessness): The fear of the devil blindfolds man and makes him hopeless so that men cannot see and understand the truth God has intended for him. (2 Corinthians 4:4)

Prey: The devil uses his fear to entrap man and to use him a victim of one trouble or another so that he cannot escape to God. (Ezekiel 22:27-28)

Captivity: The fear of the devil creates an atmosphere of distrust in man towards God. It gives the devil the opportunity to make claims and rules over man as his property (prey). (2 Timothy 2:25-26; Isaiah 49:24)

REVIEW QUESTION

How can the believers overcome the fear of the devil? (2 Corinthians 2:11)

CONCLUSION

The fear of the devil is a trap that the believer should be careful not to fall into.