Fuel the Holy Spirit (Part 2)

Aug 17, 2025

F.e.a.r. factor

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Because of this I remind you to rekindle God’s gift that you possess through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a Spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control.

2 Timothy 1:6-7 (NET)

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There’s a semi-famous little acronym for fear:

False Evidence Appearing Real

This implies a remedy for fear by simply thinking accurately. A good idea, but not the remedy that Paul gives us here for overcoming a spirit of fear.

Instead, he calls us to tap into the Holy Spirit and specifically His power, love, & self-control.

Or course, it’s not like we are a passive observer in this. The Spirit is working in us & through us to help us overcome fear.

First of all, by acknowledging the power of God, we knock back the power of fear. What can fear actually do to us, especially with God on our side? Nothing. If God wants to keep it from happening — whatever it is — then it won’t happen. He rules the universe.

Powerful.

And, He loves us.

In 1 John, we’re told that perfect love casts out fear. There is no fear in love.

The only perfect love I’m aware of is God’s love.

Lastly, self-control helps us overcome fear. I remember getting some advice one time about how to overcome some of the fears I’ve had about doing such-and-such work. I spent so much mental energy worrying about the outcome that I never started the project.

“If you spent all that energy actually trying to do the thing instead of worrying about it, it’d be done by now.”

🤦

I don’t know how I missed that, it seems so obvious.

Anyway, I hope this helps you overcome the spirit of fear today.

— Ricky Ketchum

Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from the ESV®Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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