Page 57 - Biblical Counseling I Textbook

• When you fear people more than you fear God (Prov. 29:25; Gal. 1:10).
• When you are not trusting in God (Psalm 56, esp. 3, 4, 11).
• When you are wanting control or certainty. These belong to God alone.
• When fear is keeping you from fulfilling your responsibilities to God (Prov. 22:13).

Sinful fear is destructive.
1. It can cause physical problems.
2. It can destroy relationships (fight or flight).
3. It can paralyze and lead to loss.

• It can keep you from work.
• It can keep you from receiving blessings (opportunities).
4. Overcoming fear by preaching the gospel to yourself.
• Remind yourself that God’s wrath is what should be feared most, but that it has been removed
in Christ (Matt. 10:28; Heb. 2:14-15).
• Remind yourself that Christ is the good shepherd and is taking care of you (Psalm 23; John
10:11, 14).
• Remind yourself that you are secure in Christ (Rom. 8:35; Jude 24).

• Remind yourself that love casts out fear and you are loved by God (1 John 4:17-18).
• Remind yourself that God has not given you a spirit of fear but of power (2 Tim. 1:7).
• Remind yourself that Christ faced the temptations of fear but overcame on your behalf and now
you can receive the help you need (Heb. 4:15-16).
• For those who fear imperfection, remember that you are already perfect in Christ (2 Cor. 5:21;
Heb. 12:22-24)
• Remind yourself that God is in control of all things and is working them together for your good
(Rom. 8:28).

9.4 Let’s Practice…

1. Give a definition of anger.

2. What is righteous anger? In your answer, be sure to give specific characteristics.

3. In what way is anger of means of God’s grace to us (i.e. how does it help us)?

4-7. List 3 questions you can ask yourself that will help you identify your own idols.
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