Gò0dNews from the Pastor’s Desk
A Christocentric Approach to Fear
I
by Samuel Burger
n this article, I would like to address some of the fears in
generation afterward, according to Romans Chapter Five.
our culture, approach how fear got here theologically,
Along with inherent sin, this fear branches into the fear of
and how we can resolve to deal with fear biblically.
rejection, the fear of inadequacy, etc.
The first fear I believe is prevalent in our society is
Guilt, shame, and fear are all associated with separation
the fear of death. It seems we avoid this topic because it is
from God. When we are separated from God, fear abounds.
so uncomfortable for us. It’s uncomfortable because it is
When we reject God, fear abounds. Notice that Adam’s
seemingly unknown. What will happen when it is time to leave
disobedience was linked with his fear. This is generationally
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
passed down, and the only way to resolve the matter is to
is radically inundated with the fact that we may not have
trust the One who has already resolved the matter. Jesus
enough and this prolongs our fear of the future. It seems we
is referred to as the second Adam (1 Cor, 15:45-49), which
make decisions out of fear on a constant basis.
points out Adam’s failure to obey God and the faithfulness
There are an incredible number of fears that I could
of Jesus to obey God. In Adam, we inherited fear. In Jesus,
address in this article, but I think just addressing these
we inherit faith. In Adam, we inherited death. In Jesus, we
two fears leads us to contemplate other fears that exist in
inherit life. Sin has affected us deeply in that it has separated
our culture. Why are they here? In Genesis Chapter Three,
us from God and distorted our thinking. Complete
(I encourage you to read it) God called to Adam after he
restoration only comes through a relationship with Jesus
disobeyed God. God asked the question, “Where are you?”
Christ, the second Adam.
in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.” Sin entered humanity and would follow every
6 // March 2022
About The Author
Adam gave a fearful response. He says, “I heard your voice 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.
