Anxiety, Worry, and Fear…Three
Enemies of Believers

A Study Outline

I. Anxiety and worry have been a plague all through mankind’s history.

II. Both concepts are closely related to fear… especially fear of the unknown.

III. Many of us grew up under an aura of fear, worry, and anxiety.

IV. Fear of other people is exploited and promoted by many. Satan rules through this fear.

A. Governments. The huge colossus of power that sits over people, gaining obeisance through fear of recrimination for disobedience.

1. Nebuchadnezzar and the three captive Hebrews (Daniel 3:1-6)
2. Ancient Egypt and the Israelites (Exodus 1:8-16)

B. Parents and family. May rule with rigor and demand respect rather than deserve it.

1. Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:16)
2. Unconverted mates (I Corinthians 7:12-15)

C. Religious leaders.

1. Diotrephes (III John 1:9)
2. Pharisees (Matthew 23:1-4, 13-14)
3. Worldwide Church of God

D. Other situations.

1. Abram and Pharaoh (Genesis 12:11-13; 20:2-11)

V. Many have thus attained a “fear addiction,” much like addictions to drugs, alcohol, or other things, since ithas become a conditioned, habitual response since before they can remember. The bonds of “fear addiction”must be broken and replaced by new habits patterned after God’s Spirit in us.

VI. God’s intention: fear Him, not men.

A. Fear God only. [fear= yir’ah, “fear or reverence; translated fear, dread”].

1. Proverbs 1:7; 9:10
2. Job 28:28
3. Ecclesiastes 12:13
4. Psalm 111:10

B. Fear of men is dangerous. [fear= charadah, “fear or anxiety; translated exceedingly, fear, quaking, trembling”].

1. Proverbs 29:25

VII. Exercise the spiritual gifts and cast off the fear of men.

A. Rejoice, fear and be anxious for nothing, and pray for everything (Philippians 4:4-7).
B. Think only upon God and His nature (Philippians 4:8-9).
C. Be content with what you have (Philippians 4:10-13).
D. Express Christ’s love towards Him and our brethren (I John 4:18-21).
E. Cast your burden on Yahweh (Psalm 55:22; Matthew 6:25-34; I Peter 5:6-7).

Paul W. Syltie 9/1/99