How to Cancel Fear
The audio of this teaching is available on Spotify.
Message 13 | The Unstoppable Church Series | Acts 6:8-7:60
How to Overcome Fear According to the Bible
Fear is universal—whether it's losing your job, receiving a health diagnosis, or simply watching a scary movie. But the Bible offers something more powerful than willpower or positive thinking: a command we can actually obey. Throughout Scripture, God repeatedly says "Do not fear" and "Don't be afraid." In this sermon, we discover what it truly means to cancel fear through faith, not bravery.
What Does the Bible Say About Fear?
Key Passages:
2 Timothy 1:7 - "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind"
Isaiah 41:10 - "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God"
1 John 4:18 - "Perfect love casts out fear"
Psalm 23:4 - "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me"
Fear is not a gift from God. It's a lie about your identity. God's love, presence, and power are the antidotes.
Understanding Stephen's Faith in Acts 6 and 7
Stephen was a man full of grace, power, and the Holy Spirit. He performed great wonders and signs, yet his faithfulness attracted opposition from the Freedmen's Synagogue—diaspora Jews who felt threatened by his message that God's plan transcended the Temple. Rather than backing down, Stephen reframed the entire narrative, showing that God's people had always faced resistance when stepping out in faith.
How to Have Courage When Facing Opposition
Opposition doesn't mean you're doing something wrong—it means you're doing something that matters.
Taking risks for God naturally attracts fear and resistance:
Sharing your faith: "What if they reject me? What if I say it wrong?"
Starting something new for God: "What if it fails? What if I'm not equipped?"
Sacrificial giving and service: "What if I give this away and don't have enough?"
These aren't irrational fears. They're rooted in real vulnerability. But they don't have to stop you.
What Stephen Teaches About Spiritual Courage
Stephen's greatest moment came at his trial. As the Sanhedrin erupted in fury, Stephen looked up to heaven and saw something remarkable: Jesus standing at the right hand of God. This is the only place in all of Scripture where Jesus is pictured standing—not sitting—at God's right hand. Jesus was honoring His faithful follower. In that moment, the trial transformed into a triumph. Death lost its power. Stephen became untouchable.
Even as they stoned him to death, Stephen prayed: "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." His perfect love canceled his fear.
How to Step Out in Faith Despite Fear: Three Steps to Cancel Fear
Step 1: REJECT the Lie (2 Timothy 1:7) Name the fear holding you back. Reject it: "This fear didn't come from God. God gave me power, love, and a sound mind—not this. I'm canceling this fear."
Step 2: REMEMBER God's Presence (Isaiah 41:10) Before you take that step of faith, pause and pray. Remind yourself: "God said, 'I am with you.' He stood with Stephen. He's standing with me right now."
Step 3: RESPOND with Love (1 John 4:18) Take the step. Share your faith. Give sacrificially. Serve boldly. Do it from a place of knowing you're loved by God, not from fear of what might go wrong.
How Perfect Love Casts Out Fear
God's perfect love for you isn't theoretical—it's proven. Jesus died for you. He rose again. He's standing with you right now through the Holy Spirit. When you truly grasp that love, fear loses its grip. Love is stronger than any fear, any opposition, any obstacle. That's not wishful thinking—that's the power of the gospel.
The Literary Device Luke Uses to Reveal Stephen's Story
Luke structures Acts with a pattern: history followed by speeches. This isn't just recording what happened—it's interpreting the meaning. Like the ancient historian Josephus, Luke uses speeches to expand on the significance of events. Stephen's long recounting of Israel's history isn't a defensive speech; it's Luke's way of showing us what Stephen truly understood: that God's plan has always transcended the Temple, that opposition to God's Kingdom is nothing new, and that faithful followers can face anything because they've already seen Jesus.
When Faithfulness Attracts Opposition: What to Expect
Here's a principle from Acts: when you choose faithfulness, opposition often follows. Stephen didn't choose persecution. He chose to serve faithfully and witness boldly. The opposition was the result. This applies to your faith journey too. When you:
Share your faith publicly
Plant a church or start a ministry
Give sacrificially
Serve others boldly
...you may attract resistance. But that resistance is a sign you're doing something that matters—something that threatens the old ways and announces a new Kingdom.
How to Access God's Presence When Fear Shows Up
Stephen's supernatural peace didn't come from being tough or brave. It came from encountering Jesus directly. He saw the heavens open. He saw Jesus standing for him. That vision transformed him completely.
You have access to that same presence right now through the Holy Spirit. When fear shows up, you don't face it alone. God is with you. That's not poetic language—that's the promise and power of Pentecost applied to your life today.
Related Scriptures and Discussion Questions
Scripture References:
Acts 6:8-7:60 (The full account of Stephen)
Matthew 5:38-42 (Jesus teaches turning the other cheek)
1 Corinthians 16:13 (Be courageous)
Philippians 4:6-7 (Anxiety vs. peace)
Discussion Questions for Your Group:
What Kingdom risk is fear currently keeping you from taking?
How does knowing God's presence is with you change your perspective on opposition?
Which of the three steps—Reject, Remember, Respond—do you need to focus on this week?
When have you experienced opposition as a result of stepping out in faith? How did God show up?
The Unstoppable Church Series
This message is part of our "Unstoppable Church" series, exploring how God's Kingdom advances despite opposition, persecution, and cultural resistance. God's redemptive plan cannot be stopped by human efforts or fear. When we align our lives with God's mission, we participate in something unstoppable.
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