1 Peter 3:13-22

Have you ever been really fearful, when you felt as though there is no way of escape? When we were children almost anything could make us fearful, but as we grown older our fear level changes.

In counseling with men and women alike it is enlightening to discover occasion, which have cause them to fear. In Genesis 3:10, the first occasion of fear is recorded, and ever since that time fear has been a factor in our daily lives. God never design his world to include fear, but Satan has used it to destroy mankind.

Peter, a man who knew first hand fear, writes there is no harm for those who follow good. He says, even if you do have to suffer for righteousness sake you can be happy. How did he come to this place in his life, where he could say,” be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled?”

Verses 15-18 reflect the condition of a man who had grown into a maturity, which was not accomplished by his own efforts, but by an experience with the Holy Spirit.

As reflected in verses 19-22, we are and have been in this battle for a long time, in Noah case he was looking forward to the coming of the Messiah, but he had the Word of God spoken to him.

There had to be much fear during those 120 years, many questions that were not answered until the floods came.

The Bible is a full recorder of the events of man prefect creation by God, his deception, the fall of man, the covering of his sin, due to his listen to Satan. From the beginning God has provided a way of escape, the only thing that stops us is fear.

September 11th stories reveal the trust about fear, for some it motivated them to rush to safety. While for many they were overcome by fear and were not able to act, even to the point of saving their own lives. Victims and heroes were in the same room in many cases, for many a faith in God played an important role. We are talking about a living testimony to the redeeming power of God. Although, our faith in God does not always keep us from fearing, it does provide a balance, as well as knowledge of the source of all fear. The closer we walk with God, the less fear we experience, as we begin to draft away from the security of the presents of God, fear can over take us. Verse 22 assures us, our redeemer, Jesus Christ, “is on the right hand of God; angels, and authorities and powers being made subject to him.”

When we are children, many times a night-light has provided a secure feeling, as adults we need to request the light of the Word of God, both written and living. It is the only way to dispel the darkness, which brings fear into our hearts.
We must remember there is a balance between suffering and reward, let me challenge you to rest in Jesus Christ when fear tries to alarm you. Studying God’s Word day can provide the encouragement needed to discourage the forces of evil!

We love you all in Jesus Christ our Lord,
Eddie & Barbara Lofton