Babylonian beliefs influenced the Jews in their beliefs as well. While in captivity in Babylon they picked up many of the beliefs of the Babylonians. The Babylonians were very superstitious and their religion was based on fear. They believed the gods sent demons to cause illness and difficulties when these gods were offended by something someone did, so their goal was to find which god was upset and appease him by ritualistic formulas, incantations, rites, amulets, charms or sacrifices.
LESSON FOR TODAY: Fear is still one of Satan’s very best tools and often the name of the ruling demon of many who are demonized. “Fear” and “Death” are common, powerful, and often work together to bring the destruction of their host. Demons commonly instill fear in those they attack and use it to control the person (Romans 8;15). Demons put the fear of David into Saul (I Samuel 18:10-15) and put fear and terror into Eliaphaz by gliding by his face (Job 4:15). Anything not of faith is sin (Romans 14:23). God does not give us fear (II Timothy 1:7; Romans 8:15), so if you experience fear realize it is not from God but from Satan. This doesn’t mean it is always through demonizing, for you can be attacked with fear without being demonized.
Fear takes root when we choose to focus on circumstances instead of God. Peter walking on water is a good example. When his eyes were on Jesus his faith was strong, but when he looked at the waves they grew in his mind to be greater than Jesus’ power and he started sinking. He did the right thing, though, and put his eyes back on Jesus.
Trust is the antidote to fear. How can we understand trust, what it means and how it works? I think understanding how a family should work is the best answer. God established a family relationship to answer all those questions. He is the Father, we are the children. Do your children trust you? What do they have to do? What do you expect of them? It’s exactly the same. Jesus says we are to be like little children in order to learn faith and trust. Let your children teach you. Put yourself in their position – with a Perfect Father.
When you notice fear attacking you defeat it by quoting scripture. When Jesus was tempted He quoted Scripture to have victory over Satan’s temptations. Paul says our only offensive weapon is the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God. Psalm 119:9,11 tell us that it’s through God’s Word that we have victory. When you have these thoughts and attacks use Scripture to have victory. Ask God to give you some verses that will help against these things, write them down and memorize them. Say them over and over when these thoughts attack you. That is the only way to victory, and God guarantees it will work! Here are some verses you may want to use: Proverbs 3:25; Isaiah 14:3; Psalm 34:4; Joshua 1:9; 10:8;23:9-11; Leviticus 26:8; Exodus 14:13; I Samuel 17:45-47; II Samuel 22:33-35,40-41; Philippians 4:6-7; 4:13; 2 Timothy 1:7 and Exodus 14:13.
Watch for fear in your own life and look for it when you minister, in spiritual warfare or in other areas as well. Fear is something we all must learn to have victory over. Every person who ever lived faced a battle with fear.
(If I can answer questions or offer personal counsel, or if you would like a free copy of my Spiritual Warfare Handbook, email me at Jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org or download it from http://sw.christiantrainingonline.org/. My next book, Spiritual Warfare in the Bible, which is a more advanced treatment of spiritual warfare, is also available there for free.)