Let's explore a topic that affects us all—overcoming fear. When we look at the Bible, we see that both Jesus and Paul had a lot to say about conquering fear through faith (believing) and the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus taught the importance of trusting in God, and Paul later showed us how the gift of the Holy Spirit takes that confidence to an even higher level. Together, their teachings give us a roadmap to living fearlessly. Let’s explore what each of them had to say and how their messages can help us find freedom from fear today.
Understanding Faith as Trust in God
Jesus taught people how to trust and believe in God. When we dig into the New Testament, we come across the Greek word pistis, which means “trusting belief in God.” Since Jesus probably spoke in Aramaic or Hebrew, he would have used words like aman or hema to describe trusting in God, but the New Testament writers captured his teachings in Greek, using pistis to communicate that deep, trusting faith.
After Pentecost, Paul comes along, building on Jesus’ teachings and showing that believers, now filled with the Holy Spirit, can live with even greater confidence and freedom from fear.
Here’s a quick outline of what we’ll explore:
How Jesus taught people to overcome fear by trusting in God’s power and promises.
Why Jesus’ teachings on faith (pistis) were crucial before the Holy Spirit was given.
How Paul taught that the Holy Spirit inside believers brings a new level of power, love, and confidence.
The transformation that comes with the gift of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:37).
How, as God’s children, with “God in Christ” in us, we can live with courage and confidence.
Jesus’ Teachings on Faith and Fear
When Jesus talked about overcoming fear, he focused on pistis, or faith, meaning a trust in God’s power and promises. Before Pentecost, believers didn’t yet have the Holy Spirit living inside them; that gift came later in Acts 2. So, Jesus emphasized relying on God’s promises and power as the foundation for living without fear.
In Mark 5:36, for example, Jairus has just received the devastating news that his daughter has died. Jesus reassures him, saying, "Be not afraid, only believe." Here, Jesus connects belief (pisteuō) directly with overcoming fear, encouraging Jairus to trust in God’s power, even in a moment of despair. Jesus is showing us that believing in God brings life free from fear.
In Matthew 17:20, Jesus tells his disciples, "If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove." A mustard seed is tiny, yet it grows into a large plant. Jesus uses this to illustrate that even a small amount of faith can accomplish what seems impossible. It’s not the size of our faith that matters, but how we use it—even a small “seed” of belief can move mountains of fear.
Then in John 14:1, right before his crucifixion, Jesus knows his disciples will feel lost and afraid, so he tells them, "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me." Here, Jesus encourages them to trust in him as they trust in God. This belief would give them the courage they’d need when he was no longer physically with them.
In each of these examples, Jesus teaches that trusting in God’s presence, power, and promises is key to living without fear. And this was especially important at a time when the Holy Spirit was not yet available.
Jesus’ Promise of the Holy Spirit
Even though Jesus taught that faith was the way to overcome fear, he also promised that a new source of strength was coming. In John 14:16-17, Jesus says, "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever." Here, Jesus is preparing his followers for the coming of the Holy Spirit, who would provide them with comfort, guidance, and divine power to face fear.
When Pentecost arrived, everything changed. The Holy Spirit came upon believers (Acts 2), and Paul was now teaching with a fresh perspective. Building on Jesus’ teachings, Paul explained that the gift of the Holy Spirit within each believer brings courage, confidence, and power to overcome any fear.
Paul’s Teachings on Overcoming Fear Through the Holy Spirit
Paul expanded on Jesus’ message by explaining how the Holy Spirit equips us to face fear with strength. In 2 Timothy 1:7, Paul writes, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." Paul highlights three qualities that the Holy Spirit gives us:
Power: God’s strength within us, which confronts fear directly.
Love: God’s perfect love, which drives out fear. In 1 John 4:18, we’re reminded that “perfect love casteth out fear.” When we understand God’s love for us, we can grow and mature, letting go of fear.
Sound Mind: A stable and confident mindset that keeps us grounded, even in tough times. This is the promise in 2 Timothy 1:7.
In Ephesians 3:16, Paul prays that believers "be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man," emphasizing that the Holy Spirit gives believers inner strength. Unlike the outward trust people needed before Pentecost, this strength is internal—God’s Spirit living inside us and helping us overcome fear.
Freedom from Fear as God’s Children
Paul also teaches that the Holy Spirit confirms our adoption as God’s children. Romans 8:15 says, "For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father." This relationship with God removes fear of rejection or separation from him. As children of God, we walk confidently, knowing God is always with us.
The Guidance and Assurance of the Holy Spirit
Today, as believers, we continue to live with the guidance and comfort of the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised this in John 16:13, saying, "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth." And in Romans 8:16, we read, “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.” This inner assurance is a constant reminder that we are God’s beloved children, helping us live with confidence and without fear.
Conclusion
So, to wrap things up: Jesus taught that even a small amount of faith can help us overcome fear when we trust in God. Paul went on to teach that the Holy Spirit within us provides even more: power, love, a sound mind, and the assurance of being God’s children. Both Jesus and Paul emphasized that freedom from fear comes from trusting in God. Jesus taught belief in God’s promises, while Paul showed how the Holy Spirit empowers us to live confidently as God’s children.
Together, their teachings reveal that faith and the Holy Spirit enable us to conquer fear and live abundantly. So, let’s take hold of this power, knowing that God’s Spirit within us gives us strength to face whatever comes our way. God bless you, and may you walk in this confidence every day!
Comments