Fear Is a Lie

Nick Jenkins

Sunday Morning’s message 19th of October 2025

citywestchurch YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OybflBuQt0g

Leaders note: This study is a guide—use it flexibly. Adapt the questions and follow the flow of your group. Keep it simple, keep it fun, and create space for God to move as you grow together.

The Nature of Fear

2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV) “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

Fear is a powerful emotion that often grips our hearts in ways that feel rational at first but are often exaggerated or misplaced. We live in a culture that feeds fear—fear of the future, fear of failure, fear of rejection, fear of the unknown. The dictionary defines fear as “a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, or pain, whether the threat is real or imagined.” Yet many of our fears are disproportionate to reality. They dominate our thinking, restrict our freedom, and drain our joy.

The Bible distinguishes between healthy and harmful fear. The fear of the Lord—a reverence and awe—is good and leads to wisdom. But the spirit of fear that torments and paralyses us does not come from God. It is unhelpful, harmful, and a tool the enemy uses to steal our peace and purpose. When fear controls our lives, it stops us from walking in the fullness that God intends.

Discuss:

• What are some common fears people experience in our world today?

• How can you tell the difference between a healthy fear (wisdom) and a harmful fear (bondage)?

• Think of a time when fear stopped you from doing something—what did it cost you?

  
  

The Spiritual Battle Behind Fear

Fear is not just an emotion—it is often a spiritual weapon. Scripture tells us there is an unseen realm influencing the visible one. The enemy uses fear as a form of deception, keeping people bound and believing lies about themselves, others, or God. Jesus described the devil as “the father of lies” (John 8:44). Spiritual warfare, then, is largely about believing God’s truth over the devil’s deception.

The devil amplifies our fears and distorts our perception, making problems look larger and ourselves smaller—like the Israelites who saw themselves as grasshoppers next to the giants (Numbers 13:33). But Joshua and Caleb stood on God’s truth instead: “The Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them” (Numbers 14:9). When we accept fear as truth, we give the lie power. When we stand on God’s Word, we disarm the enemy.

John 8:32 “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 

Discuss:

• Why do you think fear is such an effective tool for the enemy?

• In what ways can fear distort your view of God’s truth?

• How can identifying the lies behind your fears help you find freedom?

  
  

Fear and Anxiety

Anxiety is one of the most prevalent struggles in our generation. While it can have physiological and psychological causes, sometimes fear and anxiety are also spiritual. The enemy uses fear to attack identity and peace, whispering lies like “You’re not safe,” or “You can’t cope.” But Philippians 4:6–7 gives us God’s antidote: prayer, thanksgiving, and the peace of Christ guarding our hearts and minds.

Philippians 4:6–7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

It’s important to be compassionate and wise—there are genuine medical and emotional reasons behind anxiety that require support and sometimes professional help. But we also need to recognise when fear becomes part of our identity rather than something God can free us from. The moment we accept anxiety as who we are instead of something we experience, we’ve agreed with a lie that limits our freedom. God’s heart is for wholeness, not bondage.

Discuss:

• How can prayer and thanksgiving change the way we experience anxiety or fear?

• What lies about yourself or your circumstances have you believed that may be feeding fear?

• How can we balance faith in God’s healing with wisdom in seeking help when needed?

  
  

Power, Love, and a Sound Mind

God’s Spirit gives us three things that counter fear: power, love, and a sound mind. Jesus demonstrated power when He calmed the storm with a word (Mark 4:35–40). The same Spirit that lived in Him lives in us, giving us authority to speak peace into chaos.

Mark 4:39 “He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.”

We have love—the perfect love of God that casts out fear (1 John 4:18). When we know we are deeply loved, fear loses its grip.

1 John 4:18“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.”

And we have a sound mind—the ability to think clearly, reject lies, and stand on the truth of Scripture. Every time fear speaks, we have the choice to take those thoughts captive and replace them with truth (2 Corinthians 10:5). We can declare the promises of God and stand firm in His peace. Truth is not just an idea—it’s a weapon. When we choose to believe what God says rather than what fear whispers, freedom follows.

2 Corinthians 10:5 “We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

Discuss:

• Which of these three—power, love, or a sound mind—do you most need to grow in right now?

• How can knowing God’s love personally change the way you face fear?

• What practical steps can you take to replace lies with truth this week?

Truths to Stand On

Encourage different members of your group to read these allowed. Reflect on what stands out to you in each verse and how you can claim the truth of each statement.

Psalm 34:4 “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.” 

Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and courageous… the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” 

John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you… Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Isaiah 26:3 “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” 

Isaiah 41:10 “Do not fear, for I am with you… I will strengthen you and help you.” 

Prayer

Invite the Holy Spirit to reveal and break any lies you’ve believed about fear or anxiety.

Pray for God’s peace to guard hearts and minds and for courage to live in truth and freedom.

Declare 2 Timothy 1:7 over your life: “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”