Fear and Panic - a state of mind?

Fear and Panic — Foundational Concepts

Fear and panic are demonic influences that continue to operate on earth today.

Jesus frequently said, “Fear not!” (15 times in KJV).

As Savior, He demonstrated God's Kingdom power and authority over the ruling powers of the Devil: For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil, 1 John 3:8.

Before being born again (Jn 3:3), every person exists under the dominion of Satan.

Jesus' resurrection and ascension into glory ushered in the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. It marked the continuation of Christ’s authority and power (1Jn 3:8).

For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil, 1 John 3,8

The conversion to Christ (Rom 10:9) breaks off Satan's dominion and introduces the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to reveal the insight into and power of the Holy Scriptures.
However, Satan's deceptive power attempts to pull Christ’s redeemed people back into bondage through fear, panic, and insecurity.

Jesus exposed that plan when He foretold that believers would cast out demons in His name, cutting off their influence of every kind of fear, torment and distress: And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils, Mark 16:17.

Jesus — the Choice for Life

Mankind, created in the image of God (Gen 1:26), is a spirit being, has a soul, and lives in a body. By this we interact with the created world.

Like Adam and Eve, Christians are often intimidated to ignore or neglect the requirements of God's will.

Adam and Eve could have resisted Satan's temptation in the Garden and avoided being driven out of God’s presence. God, however, remained faithful and established Jesus before the foundation of the world, to be their, and subsequently for us, our Redeemer (1Pet 1:20–23).

He came (Lk 2:11) and completed that work at Golgotha (1Jn 4:14–15) with, It is finished, John 19:30.

Being reconciled with God, through the conversion to Christ (Rom 10:9), completes God’s plan for eternal fellowship with His created beings — but with conditions of choice. Man chooses to accept or reject God's offer. Without the option for choice, Satan would retain the right to continue his rule on earth unopposed.

Fear Not - a condition of choice

The New Testament's mention of "fear" 78 times, and the phrase "Fear not" 15 times in the KJV Bible, is clearly significant!

Paul, in his letter to the Romans, writes: For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear, Romans 8:15.

Being born again (Jn 3:5) gives the Believer the right to escape all forms of fear, panic, and terror.

In contrast, Job in the Old Testament allowed fear to dominate his life, saying: For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me, Job 3:25.

What do believers tolerate in their new lives in Christ? What should define our lives: fear or peace? Faith or unbelief?

Jesus pointed to the options: That in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world, John 16:33.

By grace, we are being changed 'from glory to glory' through the working of the Spirit of Christ in us (2Cor 3:18). Our confidence grows.

Fear, panic, and every form of oppression is subjected to us (Lk 10:19) — in Jesus' name (Mk 16:17).

Established in Christ

The phrase “in Christ” is powerful. Having accepted Jesus as Redeemer and our Spirit having been renewed (Jn 3:3), we have the same Holy Spirit empowerment in us as Jesus did. He is the confirmation of our confession, and by the Holy Spirit being put in remembrance of what Jesus accomplished (Jn 14:26):

  • “In Christ”, we are redeemed.
  • “In Christ”, we have access to all of God’s promises, through faith.
  • “In Christ”, we are forgiven of all sins, past, present, and future — Jesus being the one-time atonement for sins at Calvary.
  • “In Christ”, we belong to the family of God (reconciled) as redeemed sons and daughters.

In the Garden of Eden, the devil (Satan) prompted Eve: Yea, hath God said? Genesis 3:1.

A similar question remains for us today. Are we assured of being “in Christ”?

This assurance is not based on fear or anxiety, but on trusting the Word of God. Are we convinced of being “in Christ” through faith without compromise, doubt, or unbelief?

Be aware — compromise, like doubt, opens the door to fear. Our faith, that established us “in Christ” should anchor us in the sure foundation of His word, over which He watches (Jer 1:12).

The redemption, accomplished through Christ’s redeeming sacrifice at Calvary, offers freedom from fear and panic attacks. We are no longer to allow past fears or intimidations to influence us. Do we stand assured “in Christ” or yield with uncertainty to Yea, hath God said?

Overcoming Spiritual Oppression

Despite the notion that demons (evil spirits) do not exist in the Christian church causing depression, fear and anxiety, even death wherever possible, Jesus says 'they do!' — they're real (Jn 10:10).

Jesus Christ appeared: that he might destroy the works of the devil, 1 John 3:8 with authority and power at baptism in the Jordan (Lk 4:14).

Following His resurrection to the throne of power, He assigned every believer to continue His work on earth: He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father, John 14:12.

This was not limited to the early church. It remains valid today and will continue until the day of Christ’s return (1Thes 4:16).

Spirit beings cannot be destroyed — they can only be made to leave people and places they are allowed to occupy.

Opposing Anger, Fear, Depression or Panic

It didn't take long for satanic evil to raise jealousy in Cain to murder Abel: And the Lord said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth (angry)? and why is thy countenance fallen (depressed)? If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin (problems) lieth at the door (waiting). And unto thee shall be his desire (sin wants to control you), and thou shalt rule over him (you are to drive anger and depression away from you), Genesis 4:6-7 (bold and brackets for emphasis).

Jesus spoke, And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name (of authority and power) shall they cast out devils, Mark 16:17. Notice the command SHALL!

Fear, anger, anxiety, and panic are the result of satanic influence (Jn 10:10). They are meant to be driven out by believers. If allowed to remain unchallenged, their tormenting activities will continue.

For this reason, it is important to renew the thinking of one's mind. With no intention to renew the thinking of the mind (Rom 12:2) after being born again (Jn 3:3), there exists no power to overcome the effects of anger, fear, depression, or panic.

Jesus presented that principle this way: Then goeth he (the problem), and taketh with himself seven other spirits (problems) more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last (fearful) state of that man is worse than the first, Matthew 12:45 (Lk 11:26).

Failure to take action results in continued and even worse oppression.

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge, Hosea 4:6.

What do you choose to do?

Jesus teaches 'how to'

In each of the four Gospels, Jesus teaches by example on how to resist and drive out satanic influences:

  • in Matthew, Jesus resists temptations with scriptures (Mt 4:4)
  • in Mark, Jesus drives out mountainous problems by speaking to them (Mk 11:23)
  • in Luke, Jesus assigns power and authority to overcome demonic power (Lk 10:19)
  • in John, Jesus teaches that Satan wants to kill, steal and destroy (Jn 10:10).

Jesus' authority and power works! Seventy of His disciples returned with great joy, saying: Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name, Luke 10:17–20.

How should we react to fear, worry and panic when they threaten or suddenly appear?

For example:

  • being fearful of not having enough
  • worried of getting sick, whether by pandemics, cancer, or flue strains
  • not taking the elevator for fear of enclosed space
  • having uncontrolled outbursts of anger or continued cheating

The Power and Authority of Christ

Jesus gave authority to believers: these signs shall follow them that believe..., Mark 16:17-18 (Lk 10:19) to cast out fear and torment in His name. Understanding and exercising this authority is essential for believers to live in the freedom and peace which Christ provides.

For problems with panic, fear, anxiety, or similar struggles, it often points to what is allowed in one’s life such as — not knowing the scriptures, magic activities, horror and crime movies, or promiscuity.

King David understood this well: I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me. A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person, Psalm 101:3–4.

To whom you submit or permit to influence you, will dominate you: Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? Romans 6:16.

Steps toward Freedom from Fear, Panic, Anxiety

1. Turning to Christ

Complete freedom can only be achieved by turning to Jesus Christ (conversion), by the confession outlined in Romans 10:9-13 as the new birth, being born again (Jn 3:3).

2. Wanting help

Conversion brings the Holy Spirit as a helper who leads to understand the fullness of God’s word. By it, He helps in the renewing of the mind (Rom 12:2).

How are problems even identified? Most importantly, by becoming familiar with Scriptures. Then by being aware of recurring problems that cannot be dealt with.

Often, an unwillingness to renew one's thinking, change habits, or learning what other believers have done successfully: The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak, Mark 14:38.

The decision to embrace changes is Holy Spirit motivated.

Recognizing the Problem


Some problems may have existed for so long that they are no longer recognized as issues (it's always been that way). Conversely, desired change may seem unattainable. Yet, God’s Word counters this opinion:

If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed, John 8:36.

Renewing your Mind


Deliverance is successful when the mind of a believer is renewed through the knowledge of the New Testament (Rom 12:2). Is formal theology required? No.

What God looks for in a believer is the trust and confidence in the finished work of Jesus Christ and the growth of personal faith: But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, Hebrews 11:6.

Because you are “in Christ”, you have authority: Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble, James 2:19.

As you command them, they will respond (Lk 10:19).
Learn to discern between good and evil: But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil, Hebrews 5:14.

Take the initiative — now!

God’s grace and mercy and authority should never be underestimated. Jesus stated that believers would cast out demons, that includes spirits of fear, panic, anxiety, and more: In my name shall they cast out devils, Mark 16:17.

Born-again believers shall NOT tolerate the intimidation of spirits.

Drive out spirits of fear, panic, anxiety to the obedience in Christ (2Cor 10:5). Confront them by speaking to them in the power of the Holy Spirit, as Jesus did (Mk 11:23).

Command the evil spirit with: Fear (or panic, or anxiety, or whatever the problem may be), leave me, in Jesus' name! Do not return!

This command is not directed at the person, but at the spirit influencing the person.

Learn how to oppose and persevere against intimidation through the knowledge of Scripture. You may need help from a mature believer who understands the believer's authority.

These individuals should be spiritually mature, well-versed in Scripture, and baptized in the Holy Spirit, evidenced by speaking in tongues (Mk 16:17-18) and have done this successfully before.

For Others

As for yourself, help can be achieved in the same way for others:

Command the controlling spirit with: Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit, Mark 5:8. Or as Jesus taught in Mark's Gospel (Mk 11:23-24).

Say in faith believing - Fear (or panic, or anxiety, or whatever the problem may be), come out, in Jesus' name! Do not return!

You're speaking with the assigned authority of Jesus’ name! I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you, Luke 10:19.

If you doubt, nothing will happen: But let him ask (speak) in faith, nothing wavering (not doubting). For he that wavereth (doubts) is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive (release from fear or anxiety) or anything of the Lord, James 1:6-7 (brackets for emphasis).

“In my name shall they cast out devils” (Mk 16:17).

Don't be surprised if the 'problem' speaks to you with an audible voice.

  • Command a spirit who speaks to you to keep quiet!
  • Demons may cry out pitifully. Do not allow pity to sway you (Mk 1:23-26).
  • Deliverance from demonic control may result in physical collapse or unconsciousness (Mk 9:25-26). Deliverance is best carried out by two people: And sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come, Luke 10:1.

Conclusion

Overcome fear, anxiety, panic and other torment. It needs your action, learn how — then do it!

  • Demons recognize and fear the authority of the name of Jesus and the intention of a believer to apply it.

Jesus’ resurrection empowered you to continue doing what He did (Jn 14:12) — to destroy the works of the devil.

From the article, Angst und Panik dämonisch verursacht?, by Pastor Andy Fulson

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For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil, 1 John 3,8

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Matthew 28:19-20

Unless stated otherwise, all Bible passages quoted in orange are from the KJV translation.

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