The Antithesis of Fear and Anxiety

The prevalence of fear and anxiety in our lives is inherent to the human condition but is not found in the kingdom of God. These emotions may be a fruit of the flesh rather than a part of our spirit. Fear and anxiety are baser human emotions.

Humans can strive to reach a state of emotional freedom but never fully eliminate fear without miraculous intervention.

However, the fruits of the spirit — those of joy, peace, love, and kindness — should characterize the lives of Christians.

Walking in the Spirit enables us to overcome emotions and have control over them. Our goal should be living according to the Spirit.

In the Bible’s New Testament, we find the Apostle Paul in a Roman prison not knowing what will become of him. Life or death. The antithesis of fear and anxiety are outlined in Paul’s letter from his prison cell to Timothy and the church at Philippi.

Despite his uncertain circumstances, Paul prioritized writing to Timothy and his church, entering into fellowship and discipling others, demonstrating that our focus should not be on uncertainties but on serving God and our community.

In Philippians 3, Paul emphasizes the importance of rejoicing in the Lord and warns against certain characteristics that can hinder unity.

Paul writes in Romans to be controlled by the Holy Spirit, not by emotions. In Colossians, he says to be led by peace when making decisions. The trap — we can mistake fear and anxiety for prudence or logical assessment.

One Antithesis of Fear and Anxiety is Fellowship

Paul emphasizes fear and anxiety can be suppressed by embracing fellowship, joy, and confidence in the truth. When God brings someone to mind, we ought to be praying for them. You encourage yourself by calling to mind those who walk with you and are edified by you.

One Antithesis of Fear and Anxiety is Joy

Joy or rejoice is mentioned 18 times in the book of Philippians, and more than 300 times in the Bible. “Count it all joy.” Rejoicing is healing. Paul affirms the Philippians’ faith, reminding them of the joy they should have in Christ.

One Antithesis of Fear and Anxiety is Having no Confidence in the Flesh

Paul encourages the Philippians to have no confidence in the flesh. What is “the flesh” that Paul is speaking of? He was raised in a good family, was well educated, studied diligently, and was a highly regarded member of the religious hierarchy.

The Fruits of the Spirit (Life) vs. Fruits of the Flesh (Emotion)

• Love vs. Fear
• Joy vs. Loneliness
• Peace vs. Guilt
• Patience vs. Sadness
• Kindness vs. Anger   
• Goodness vs. Happiness
• Faithfulness vs. Shame
• Gentleness vs. Safety
• Self-control vs. Hurt

One Antithesis of Fear and Anxiety is Confidence in Truth

He chronicles his impeccable religious background and achievements, including his lineage as a member of the tribe of Benjamin, his strict adherence to the law as a Pharisee, his zeal in persecuting the church, and his blameless righteousness.

Despite these impressive credentials, Paul considers them worthless compared to the “surpassing worth of knowing Christ.” He could have relied on his fleshly attributes for confidence, but he chooses to count them as loss for the sake of gaining Christ.

Many of us have identity in our accomplishments and our upbringing. Paul counts them as rubbish.

One Antithesis of Fear and Anxiety is Unity in Grace

Unity in grace is highlighted as a way to combat loneliness and anxiety, and love is presented as a fruit of the Spirit tied to knowledge and discernment rather than solely an emotion.

One Antithesis of Fear and Anxiety is Trust

Paul trusts in the power of prayer, in the Holy Spirit, and in the hope of Christ.

One Antithesis of Fear and Anxiety is Being Eternally Minded

Paul is sitting in prison, not knowing if he will live or die. But he says, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Either he will live and preach Christ or die and be with Christ.

Good things happen today, but being reunited with Christ in the eternal kingdom is more important. If we’re not focused on that, we’re going to succumb to fear and anxiety.

This world is broken and it’s going to get worse until Christ returns. We need to be mindful of what’s going to happen in the end, the victory that’s already happened. Having an eternal mindset overcomes fear and anxiety.

One Antithesis of Fear and Anxiety is Unity

Anxiety is caused by self-reliance, complaining, disputes, and taking on blame.

Complaining and disputing give rise to anxiety, so Christians should strive to be blameless and harmless children of God, holding fast to the word of life.

We achieve unity through humility, prioritizing others’ needs above our own and humbling ourselves for their well-being, growth, and health.

Christ serves as the ultimate example of humility. Despite being in the form of God, He took the form of a servant and became like humans. Jesus humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death. Therefore, God exalted Him and gave Him the name above every name.

Paul also warns against “mutilation,” which refers to those who whittle away at unity by spreading worthless concepts.

Unity is crucial, and Paul urges being of the same mind in the Lord despite differences.

However, he cautions them to beware of “dogs,” men who show no respect for others, as well as “evil workers,” those who focus on worthless things rather than heavenly matters.

One Antithesis of Fear and Anxiety is Purpose

Understanding our purpose, the prize of the upward call, keeps us from fear and anxiety.

One Antithesis of Fear and Anxiety is Faith

Paul says it would be better for him if he died and went with Christ. But it would be much better for his disciples to stay so he could encourage and instruct them and see them grow in faith. To see miracles produced through your faith, to see how God will work through you, it’s much better to be here now.

One Antithesis of Fear and Anxiety is Trust in the Lord

Paul’s letter to the Philippians provides valuable insights into overcoming fear and anxiety by trusting in God’s power, love, and the promises in His word. Paul relies on divine guidance rather than personal capabilities or external circumstances.

One Antithesis of Fear and Anxiety is Reflecting on the Miraculous Testimonies of God’s Mercy

Paul emphasizes the importance of maintaining emotional stability and focusing on God’s miraculous interventions. More than 80 miracles are recorded in the Old Testament, and double that in the New Testament, including 40 by Jesus.

One Antithesis of Fear and Anxiety is Affirmation

An affirmation is a solemn declaration. Biblical affirmations are based on truth, what God says about us. Sprinkled throughout the Bible are 31 “I Am” Affirmations. They include I am forgiven, I am adopted into God’s family, I am a new person in Christ, I can do all things through Christ, I am fearfully and wonderfully made, I am valuable, I am more than a conqueror, I am healed, I am heard, and I have a future.

One Antithesis of Fear and Anxiety is Pressing On

This implies there is resistance. However, the enemies are not ours but the enemies of the cross.

Paul encourages believers to forget the past and reach forward, following the examples of those who walk in biblical truths and raising one another up in unity. He presses on toward the goal of the upward call of God in Christ, claiming his inheritance as a son with the authority of an heir.

Look to Paul and those who are mature in the faith as examples, taking note of those who walk in biblical truths.

One Antithesis of Fear and Anxiety is Remembering our Identity in Christ

Identity as believers is defined by our relationship with God. We are His children, created in His image. He formed us in our mother’s womb. He has a plan for us and an inheritance.

One Antithesis of Fear and Anxiety is Prayer and Supplication with Thanksgiving

Paul tells us to let our requests be known to God by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving. Instead of being anxious we pray. When you focus on the things of heaven very little is going to create anxiety.

Tell God what you need and thank Him for what He has done. Peace that passes understanding will follow.

One Antithesis of Fear and Anxiety is to Meditate on These Things

Count your blessings, don’t focus on the lack. We are told to meditate on things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, of virtue, and praiseworthy

When we follow the Apostle Paul’s example and instruction, “the God of peace will be with you.”

One Antithesis of Fear and Anxiety is Contentment

His letter to the Philippians concludes with contentment and gratitude, highlighting the importance of serving with a pure heart and trusting in God’s provision.

One Antithesis of Fear and Anxiety is Standing Fast in the Lord

The apostle urges believers to find joy and strength in the Lord. When you build a house, you start with the foundation first. Jesus emphasizes the importance of building our foundation on His words and surrounding ourselves with people who encourage and edify us.

In times of fear and anxiety it’s important to focus on what is good, true, and righteous, and to exercise self-control in what we listen to and receive.

This is true throughout the Bible for concepts, precepts, knowledge, sanctification, and faith.

“Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1 We can imitate Paul knowing he is imitating Christ.