A Christocentric Approach to Fear

by Samuel Burger

In this article, I would like to address some of the fears in our culture, approach how fear got here theologically, and how we can resolve to deal with fear biblically.

The first fear I believe is prevalent in our society is the fear of death. It seems we avoid this topic because it is so uncomfortable for us. It’s uncomfortable because it is seemingly unknown. What will happen when it is time to leave this walk of life? Many people have deep questions concerning eternity. All of us deal with this topic differently, but it is a real thing, and the worst thing we can do is avoid it. By avoiding it, the fear of death is exacerbated. There’s a better approach.

The second fear I believe is prevalent in our society is the fear of financial lack. Remember seeing those commercials discussing how we need to invest in something else because of the devaluing of our currency? It seems that when a selling point needs to be made it is rooted in fear. The perspective behind the selling point is that if you tap into the emotions, you have more likeability to sell the product. Many advertisers use the emotion or spirit of fear to their advantage. Our culture is radically inundated with the fact that we may not have enough and this prolongs our fear of the future. It seems we make decisions out of fear on a constant basis.

There are an incredible number of fears that I could address in this article, but I think just addressing these two fears leads us to contemplate other fears that exist in our culture. Why are they here? In Genesis Chapter Three, (I encourage you to read it) God called to Adam after he disobeyed God. God asked the question, “Where are you?” Adam gave a fearful response. He says, “I heard your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.” Sin entered humanity and would follow every generation afterward, according to Romans Chapter Five. Along with inherent sin, this fear branches into the fear of rejection, the fear of inadequacy, etc.

Guilt, shame, and fear are all associated with separation from God. When we are separated from God, fear abounds. When we reject God, fear abounds. Notice that Adam’s disobedience was linked with his fear. This is generationally

passed down, and the only way to resolve the matter is to trust the One who has already resolved the matter. Jesus is referred to as the second Adam (1 Cor, 15:45-49), which points out Adam’s failure to obey God and the faithfulness of Jesus to obey God. In Adam, we inherited fear. In Jesus, we inherit faith. In Adam, we inherited death. In Jesus, we inherit life. Sin has affected us deeply in that it has separated us from God and distorted our thinking. Complete restoration only comes through a relationship with Jesus Christ, the second Adam.

About The Author Samuel Burger is pastor of Chestuee Worship Center in Calhoun, TN, and is happily married to Danyelle. It is the vision of the church to reach the lost and teach the saved.