THE VISION by Don Randolph - HTML preview

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

FEAR AND PARANOIA

GOD HAS NOT GIVEN US A SPIRIT OF

FEAR, BUT OF POWER AND OF LOVE AND

OF A SOUND MIND. 2nd Timothy 1:7.

The word “fear” in 2nd Timothy1:7 is derived from the Greek word “deilia.” The word “paranoia” is derived from the original Greek word “paranoos.” The two words have similar yet different meanings.

Fear is defined as “an unpleasant emotion caused by belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain or a threat.”

The word “fear” is found over 500 times in the King James Version of the Bible. The Bible tells us “Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed for I am thy God, I will strengthen you and I will help you, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness (Christ).” (See Isaiah 41:10). Jesus is our best friend. Fear can be one of our greatest enemies.

Jesus said that men’s hearts will fail them for fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth just before and during the Great Tribulation. (See Luke 21:26). Fear torments the souls of those who do not trust in the power and authority of Christ in their lives.

Some Bible translations use the word “faint instead of fear in Luke 21 verse 26. The word “faint” as in fainting from fear means “great discouragement of spirit.”

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Perilous times can and will be discouraging times for those who do not dwell faithfully and consistently in the Secret place of the Most High God. Those who are not dwelling under the protection and shadow of His

“almighty wings” cannot and will not be able to endure the present and coming trials, tribulations, and persecutions.

THERE IS NO FEAR IN LOVE

God has not given us s spirit of fear but of power, love, and a disciplined mind. Fear is the enemy of the soul. It is one of Satan’s most powerful weapons. Fear is found rooted and grounded in both a “carnal heart and a carnal mind.” Fear is a spirit that comes to torment the souls of those who do not trust in Christ.

The “love component” is our greatest asset.

According to the Bible without love we are just a tinkling cymbal and sounding brass. Without love we cannot please God. Without love we will never be able to walk the “faith walk” because faith is energized and works by love.

The Bible tells us that there is no fear in love and that perfect love casts out all fear, because fear causes torment. (See 1st John 4:18). Fear is a tormentor of the soul. Perfect love within our hearts eliminates all fear and protects our hearts from the tormenting thoughts which come from the Spirit of Fear.

Our love is made perfect by and through the divine nature of Christ which dwells within our hearts and minds. Our love is perfect (complete) when we no longer fear what the Devil or man can do to us.

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Carnal minds cannot be established in the perfect love of God because they can only produce carnal desires and emotions. Carnal minds will never be made “complete in love” until and unless the mind is spiritually transformed, renewed, and replaced with the mind of Christ.

PARANOIA

Paranoia is defined as “unjustified suspicion and mistrust in other people or their actions.” Paranoia can also be defined as “an unwarranted or delusional belief that one is being persecuted, harassed or betrayed by others, occurring as a part of a mental condition.” A person who is “paranoid” can also be described as someone who is mentally deranged (unstable) or mentally ill (sick).

Our mental health and condition can and does play an important role in our mental and moral stability as well as our physical bodies. In perilous times our mental health and stability play an even great role in our lives.

The multiplication of sorrows and tribulations during perilous “end of the age” events can exact and inflict a great toll within the hearts and minds of those that are not fully rooted and grounded in God and His perfect love.

Both fear and paranoia can become depressing, destabilizing, and destructive factors in mental and emotional stability during tribulations and trials. These

“factors” will become multiplied in the hearts of those who are not rooted and grounded in faith during the Great Tribulation.

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Fear and paranoia can be contagious. If people are

“congregating” with others who are likeminded regarding fear and paranoia their hearts will all wind up

“fainting together” in the same fearful boat.

Our love must be perfect, or we will fall into the same trap that the hearts of the “fainters” fall into. Our faith in God will help us to overcome the fears that plague and torment the “fainters.”

There are different levels and types of fear. Fear is one of the most powerful and destructive forces that attacks and confronts the human psyche. It can be compounded exponentially when the Spirit of Fear enters into the equation.

THEREFORE, WE WILL NOT FEAR,

THOUGH THE EARTH BE REMOVED, AND

THOUGH THE MOUNTAINS BE CARRIED

INTO THE MIDST OF THE SEA. Psalm

46:2.

Fear is the opposite of faith. If our faith is weak then fear will rule within our hearts and minds. The Bible tells us that “There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out all fear because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” (See 1st John 4:18 NIV).

If our love is perfect fear will not be able to rule over us. If our love is perfect our faith will be perfect because faith works or is energized by love. (Galatians 5:6). Love is the defining expression of our faith. In other words, our love will be made manifest in the demonstration of our faith.

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If our faith is not in God and the finished works of the cross, then fear will decide our fate. Our faith must be rooted and grounded in Christ, or we will be unable to stand when threatened by the violence and brutality the entire world will face in the coming days and years. Our faith will be tested in the fiery furnaces of life. Our love for and our faith in God will see us through all the trials and tribulations we may face.

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