Fear: The Enemy Within

Pastor Ben Diaz
 

This week, Pastor Ben continued our series on Kingdom living by shining a light on a hidden enemy that quietly sabotages so many believers: fear.

While there’s a healthy, reverent fear of the Lord—or practical fears like ocean waves or speeding traffic—there’s also a destructive kind of fear. This fear causes anxiety, worry, and hesitation, and it often takes root when we don’t honestly know or trust God.

Pastor Ben walked us through the story of the Israelites. As they journeyed through the wilderness, they were like baby believers—learning who their God was. He performed spectacular miracles for them: parting the Red Sea, raining down manna, bringing water from a rock. But when they reached the edge of the Promised Land, it was time for them to grow up. This time, God wasn’t going to do everything for them—He wanted to do it with them.

He was teaching them how to partner with Him and use their authority to face the giants. But instead of moving forward in faith, they let fear take over.

Pastor read from Judges 2–3, showing how fear led to compromise. Rather than obeying God, they allowed the enemy to remain in the land. Eventually, they intermarried, adopted foreign customs, and began to serve other gods.

“These people were left to test the Israelites—to see whether they would obey the commands the Lord had given to their ancestors through Moses...So the people of Israel lived among the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, and they intermarried with them. Israelite sons married their daughters, and Israelite daughters were given in marriage to their sons. And the Israelites served their gods." (Judges 3:4-6)

Here’s the sad repercussion of their fear:

“After that generation died, another generation grew up who did not acknowledge the Lord or remember the mighty things He had done for Israel.” (Judges 2:10)

This isn’t just about us. It’s about future generations. If we don’t confront fear and learn to walk in faith, we risk raising children and grandchildren who don’t know the Lord.

Pastor Ben reminded us: God wants to know if we’re as committed to Him as He is to us. Faith is everything. Being afraid doesn’t mean you shouldn’t move forward. In fact, when you truly know who your God is and understand His power in you, you’ll step out in faith—even when you’re scared.

Fear paralyzes. But when faith rises above fear, you’ll move—even with shaking knees.

Pastor Ben challenged us: “Don’t be lazy grown-ups!”

You were created for more. Fear often shows up right at the edge of a breakthrough. It’s easier to stay comfortable, to avoid change, and to play it safe. But God is calling us higher.

He also cautioned us about using the “peace card” as a cover for fear. Sometimes, we say, “I just don’t feel peace about that,” when in reality, fear is what’s stealing our peace. Pastor said, “A bad decision made in faith is better than a good decision made in fear.”

In Judges 7:17, Joshua instructed his army to “keep your eyes on me” and not on the scary giants! And Pastor reminded us of Peter—he walked on water until he looked at the storm. Keep your eyes on Jesus. Walk by faith.

Pastor asked a thought-provoking question: "Why else would God say “Do not fear” 365 times—unless he planned on us facing scary things?"

As Pastor closed, he challenged us to search our hearts: “What am I afraid of? Are these fears keeping me from victory?” There’s so much more in this message that will stir your spirit and strengthen your faith. You’ll want to watch the whole sermon, so—CLICK HERE.