Part 4 – Combatting Satan’s Fear Attacks

This Article is part of a multi-part Study Series called Dealing with Fear.

Consider these three points for combatting Satan’s fear attacks.

1. In order to defeat fear, we must recognize that fear is of Satan and Not of God.

Paul told Timothy:

For God did not give us a spirit of fear (timidity), but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline (NIV, “sound mind” (KJV), self-control over our mind)(2 Timothy 1:7 NIV).

Paul is calling Timothy to recognize that his insecurities, probably in his ministry, were not from God. Paul wrote, “Be anxious for nothing” (Phili. 4:6). We should not believe that fear is from God. Certainly, there are healthy fears, such as the fear of the Lord, but fear that keeps us from serving God or trusting him is not from the Lord. In fact, Paul commands us to let the peace of Christ rule (govern/guide) in your hearts” (Col. 3:15).

Paul says we can cast down, cast out of the way, those fear inducing thoughts, those “imaginations” that are contrary to the knowledge of the truth of what we know of the Lord and our relationship with Him.

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” (2 Corinthians 10:5)

(See a study titled, “Casting Down Imaginations” at www.artlicursi.com for more detail)

2. In order to defeat fear, we must recognize our resources in God. Note that Paul didn’t simply tell Timothy to reject fear, he also gave him reasons. Look at what Paul said: God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (2 Tim. 1:7).

Paul was essentially saying, “Timothy, you don’t need to be afraid because God has given you power for whatever task he has called you to. He has given you love for people who are difficult. He has given you discipline to get the task done. Timothy, there’s no reason to be afraid. Look at the resources God’s given you.” So, God has given us the power of self-discipline over our own minds.

3. In order to defeat fear, we must pray, talking honestly with the Lord about it. In two of the times that Nehemiah was tempted to be afraid, both the open letter and the false prophet, how did Nehemiah respond?

He prayed;

“They were all trying to frighten us, thinking, Their (the Israelites) hands will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed.” “But I prayed, “Now strengthen my hands.” (Nehemiah 6:9 NIV)

“Remember Tobiah and Sanballat, O my God, because of what they have done; remember also the prophetess Noadiah and the rest of the prophets who have been trying to intimidate me.” (Nehemiah 6:14 NIV)

Fear brings depression and the loss of peace within. So, we are encouraged to battle fear in the way of Nehemiah... we can pray to the one whose Spirit also maketh intercession for us and helpeth our infirmities.” (Rom. 8:26) Remember what Paul wrote to the Philippians.

Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. 7 And God's peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7 (AMP)

There is no peace for us in a state of fear and anxiety.

We combat fear first by knowing the truth of Paul’s all-encompassing “gospel of grace” that makes us ‘eternally secure,’ and then:

(a) choosing not to fear,

(b) and to pray about everything, and by

(c) giving thanks in everything, knowing He by them is working in our lives to renew our soul’s mind to His mind.

This is the reason so many are crippled by fear and kept from doing the work God has called them to do. They have chosen to be anxious, chosen to be afraid. They have chosen to not pray about everything. And finally, most Christians don’t give thanks in everything. They complain, get mad, get angry, and therefore, the enemy still has the victory. The promise of the “peace of God” only comes to those who practice all these disciplines. Nehemiah battled fear through prayer and we must as well.

Do you really believe you have an enemy just like Nehemiah? Until then, you are in a perilous position.

There are events that are happening to you and your family through which the enemy wants to immobilize you with fear; he wants to cripple you with worries. However, God wants you to have His peace to fill your soul so you can continue serving him.  

NOTE: I’ve added a ‘Part 5’ that will follow next.