BREAKING THE BARRIER OF FEAR INTO BOLD ADVANCEMENT

BREAKING THE BARRIER OF FEAR INTO BOLD ADVANCEMENT

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 2 Timothy 1:7

Key Verse: "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."

Supporting Texts: Joshua 1:9; Psalm 27:1; Isaiah 41:10; Deuteronomy 31:6

Description: This sermon reveals how believers can overcome fear and step boldly into their God-given destiny.

INTRODUCTION
Fear is one of the greatest barriers that limits the advancement and fulfilment of God’s purpose in the life of a believer. It holds back dreams, delays divine appointments, and diminishes confidence to act on God’s instructions. The Bible makes it clear that God never intends for His children to live in fear; rather, He equips them with power, love, and a sound mind to confront every challenge.

Many believers struggle with fear because of past failures, societal pressures, or spiritual attacks. But fear is not a permanent condition—it is a barrier that can be broken through faith, obedience, and trust in God. When we understand the authority we have in Christ, fear loses its grip, and boldness becomes our standard.

This message will show you that God’s power, His promises, and His presence are sufficient to break every fear that has hindered your progress. By applying these truths, you will step into bold advancement, seeing breakthroughs, success, and supernatural favour in every area of your life.

1. RECOGNISE THE SPIRIT OF FEAR FOR WHAT IT IS
Fear is not from God; it is a spirit designed to limit your progress, paralyse action, and steal your confidence. Recognising fear allows you to confront it with faith.

a) Fear diminishes potential – Fear stops you from taking steps of faith that could open doors to new opportunities (2 Timothy 1:7).

b) Fear attacks the mind – The mind is where battles are first lost; fear creates confusion, doubt, and indecision, making you hesitate to act on God’s instructions (Joshua 1:9).

c) Fear blinds believers to God’s promises – When fear dominates, you cannot see the provisions and protection God has made available to you (Isaiah 41:10).

d) Fear hinders spiritual boldness – Boldness in prayer, proclamation, and obedience is impossible when fear is allowed to take root (Psalm 27:1).

Biblical Example: David faced Goliath, an intimidating opponent, yet recognised that fear was not from God. He boldly stepped forward and defeated the giant with faith and courage (1 Samuel 17:45-47).

2. EMBRACE THE POWER, LOVE, AND SOUND MIND GOD HAS GIVEN YOU
God has equipped you with a spirit that empowers you, fills you with love, and sharpens your mind to make righteous decisions. This is the antidote to fear.

a) Power enables you to take courageous steps – The power of God in your life gives you authority over fear and every obstacle that tries to intimidate you (2 Timothy 1:7).

b) Love casts out fear – When your heart is full of God’s love, fear cannot dominate, because love shifts focus from threats to divine assurance (1 John 4:18).

c) A sound mind promotes confident action – God equips your reasoning and decision-making with clarity, helping you navigate situations that would otherwise cause anxiety (2 Timothy 1:7).

d) Boldness arises from reliance on God – When you lean on God’s power and love, fear loses its authority, and boldness becomes your natural response (Joshua 1:9).

Biblical Example: Esther overcame fear of death to approach the king on behalf of her people. She relied on God’s presence and favour, demonstrating power, love, and a sound mind (Esther 4:16; 5:2).

3. TAKE CONSCIOUS STEPS TO MOVE FORWARD DESPITE FEAR
Bold advancement requires action. Fear only dissipates when you confront it and obey God’s instructions, even when it feels uncomfortable.

a) Faith over feelings – Acting in faith requires choosing God’s word above emotional fear, trusting that His plan is greater than the threat before you (Hebrews 11:1).

b) Obedience produces momentum – Every step of obedience, no matter how small, diminishes fear and propels you toward your destiny (Joshua 1:9).

c) Declare God’s promises aloud – Speaking His word reinforces faith and weakens the influence of fear (Isaiah 41:10).

d) Surround yourself with faith-filled support – God often uses godly counsel and encouragement to help believers overcome intimidation and advance boldly (Proverbs 27:17).

Biblical Example: Peter stepped out of the boat to walk on water toward Jesus. He overcame fear momentarily, and boldness allowed him to participate in a miracle (Matthew 14:28-29).

4. MAINTAIN PERSISTENT TRUST IN GOD’S FAITHFULNESS
Fear can resurface, but consistent trust in God’s faithfulness ensures lasting boldness and continual advancement.

a) God’s faithfulness is your anchor – Remembering His past provision strengthens your confidence to act boldly (Lamentations 3:22-23).

b) Continual prayer fortifies your courage – Prayer reminds you that God is fighting for you, weakening the grip of fear (Philippians 4:6-7).

c) Praise elevates faith above fear – A heart filled with worship pushes out anxiety and builds expectation for God’s miracles (Psalm 22:3).

d) Reflection on victories sustains confidence – Meditating on past successes and deliverances reinforces your trust in God’s ability to carry you forward (Psalm 77:11-12).

Biblical Example: Joshua stepped into leadership after Moses’ death. He was surrounded by a formidable nation, yet his persistent trust in God’s promises allowed him to lead boldly and conquer Canaan (Joshua 1:6-9).

CONCLUSION
Fear is a barrier that every believer encounters, but it is not permanent. God has equipped you with power, love, and a sound mind to overcome it. Bold advancement is not achieved by avoiding fear but by confronting it with faith, obedience, and trust in God’s promises.

As you choose to step out in courage, speak God’s word, and act on His instructions, you will see fear lose its grip. Your life will move from hesitation to boldness, from limitation to divine advancement, and from fear to supernatural victory.

PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord, remove every spirit of fear from my life in the name of Jesus.
2. Father, empower me with Your boldness to take courageous steps in all areas of my life.
3. Holy Spirit, fill me with love that casts out every fear and intimidation.
4. Lord, grant me a sound mind to make confident decisions and overcome anxiety.
5. Father, strengthen my faith to act despite fear and uncertainty.
6. Lord, let every paralyzing fear of failure be destroyed by Your power.
7. Father, help me trust in Your presence and guidance in every challenging situation.
8. Lord, teach me to speak Your promises aloud to overcome fear daily.
9. Father, surround me with faith-filled counsel and encouragement that reinforces courage.
10. Lord, I receive supernatural boldness to advance in every God-assigned purpose for my life.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS
1. You shall overcome every spirit of fear and live boldly in Jesus’ name.
2. You shall walk in confidence and divine courage all through this year.
3. Every enemy plan to intimidate you shall fail by fire.
4. You shall act boldly in every God-given opportunity without hesitation.
5. Fear shall no longer limit your progress, success, or destiny.
6. You shall experience supernatural favour and divine intervention in all areas of your life.
7. The power, love, and sound mind of God shall guide your steps continually.
8. You shall boldly confront challenges and turn them into testimonies of victory.
9. Divine courage shall manifest in your life, silencing every adversary.
10. You shall end every season triumphant, confident, and victorious in Jesus’ name.