No Fear November, Part 2— Phobias Focus
How To Overcome The Fear Of Rejection

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

Fear (phobas) - cowardice, timidity, running scared.

“Fear of man is a dangerous trap, but to trust in God means safety.” Proverbs 29:25

TEXT: 1 Samuel 15

HOW THE FEAR OF REJECTION BECOMES A TRAP

“Then Saul admitted to Samuel, “Yes, I have sinned. I have disobeyed your instructions and the Lord’s command, for I was afraid of the people and did what they demanded.” 1 Samuel 15:24

Fear of REJECTION: Who I am Focus on me as a person
Fear of FAILURE: What I do Focus on performance

HOW TO OVERCOME THE FEAR OF REJECTION

1) FACE THE FACT THAT PEOPLE LET YOU DOWN

“The Lord says, `I am the one who comforts you. So why should you be afraid of people who die? Why should you fear people who die like the grass?’” Isaiah 51:12

“Do you think I am trying to make people accept me? No, God is the One I am trying to please. Am I trying to please people? If I still wanted to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10

“Don’t be afraid of people who can kill the body but cannot kill the soul. The only one you should fear is the one who can destroy the soul and the body in hell.” Matthew 10:28

2) FOCUS ON HOW GOD SEES YOU

“But the Lord said to Samuel, `Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’” 1 Samuel 16:7

3) FALL BACK ON GOD’S UNCONDITIONAL LOVE

“This is what real love s: It is not our love for God; it is God’s love for us in sending his Son to be the way to take away our sins.” 1 John 4:10

“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” Hebrews 4:13

“Where God’s love is, there is no fear, because God’s love drives out fear. It is punishment that makes a person fear, so love is not made perfect in the person who fears.” 1 John 4:18

Closing Thought— When we live to please an AUDIENCE of One, God’s love CROWDS everyone else out and we are totally ACCEPTED by Him.