LET FAITH ARISE: OVERCOMING FEAR AND WALKING IN THE POWER OF REDEMPTION By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture:
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” — 2 Timothy 1:7
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Introduction
Faith is not merely a theological concept or a passive belief system—it is a living, dynamic force that defines the very identity of those who have been redeemed. The call for faith to arise is not symbolic; it is a divine command rooted in the reality of spiritual warfare, identity transformation, and the believer’s position in God. In a world saturated with fear, anxiety, uncertainty, and spiritual oppression, the rising of faith becomes both a necessity and a weapon.
The message before us speaks with urgency and authority, confronting one of the greatest enemies of spiritual progress: ungodly fear. Fear, when rooted outside of reverence for God, becomes a tool of bondage. It paralyzes, distorts perception, weakens conviction, and ultimately draws believers back into the very captivity from which they were delivered. This lesson seeks to unpack the depth of that message and to position the believer correctly—firmly anchored in faith, actively resisting fear, and consciously walking in the light of redemption.
To be born again is not simply to adopt a new belief system; it is to undergo a complete transformation of nature. The incorruptible seed of God places within the believer a new capacity—a capacity for faith that overrides fear, for light that dispels darkness, and for truth that silences deception. Yet, despite this transformation, there remains an ongoing battle. The enemy relentlessly attempts to reintroduce fear through thoughts, words, and circumstances, knowing fully well the power of the human tongue and the consequences of spoken fear.
This lesson is designed to be both a theological foundation and a practical guide. It will challenge assumptions, expose spiritual realities, and equip the believer with the understanding necessary to live victoriously. The central theme is clear: faith must not be suppressed, delayed, or restrained. It must arise—daily, intentionally, and powerfully—until fear is driven out completely.
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THE NATURE OF UNGODLY FEAR AND ITS PURPOSE
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Fear, in its ungodly form, is not from God. It is not neutral, and it is certainly not harmless. It is a spiritual force designed to enslave, to torment, and to disconnect the believer from the reality of God’s presence and promises.
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment.” — 1 John 4:18
The torment associated with fear is not accidental—it is intentional. Fear works by projecting outcomes that are contrary to God’s truth. It magnifies uncertainty while diminishing faith. It whispers lies about the future, about identity, and about God’s faithfulness.
The enemy understands something many believers ignore: words carry power. When fear is spoken, it reinforces bondage. When fear is entertained, it gains ground. When fear is believed, it shapes behavior. This is why the enemy persistently seeks to influence the tongue. If he can get a believer to speak fear, he has already begun to establish control.
Yet, the believer must recognize this strategy and refuse participation. Fear is not to be negotiated with—it is to be rejected.
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THE POWER OF REDEMPTION AND THE NEW IDENTITY
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The foundation for overcoming fear lies in understanding redemption. Salvation is not a partial deliverance—it is a complete transition from darkness into light.
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17
To be born again of incorruptible seed means that the believer is no longer defined by past bondage. The chains of fear, sin, and spiritual oppression have been broken. However, freedom must be maintained through awareness and alignment with truth.
The enemy’s strategy is to pull the believer back into a former mindset—to make them forget who they are. But identity is the key battleground. When a believer knows they are redeemed, fear loses its authority.
Redemption is not just a past event; it is a present reality. It must be remembered, celebrated, and declared. The more the believer focuses on salvation, the less influence fear will have.
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THE WAR OF WORDS: FAITH VERSUS FEAR
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The tongue is one of the most powerful instruments in spiritual warfare. It can either reinforce fear or activate faith.
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” — Proverbs 18:21
The enemy seeks to manipulate speech because he understands its creative power. Fear-filled words create environments of limitation and defeat. Faith-filled words, on the other hand, release divine power.
This is why believers must become intentional about their speech. Complaining, murmuring, and negative declarations must be replaced with thanksgiving, praise, and declarations of truth.
Even when emotions suggest otherwise, the believer must speak in alignment with faith. This is not denial of reality—it is alignment with a higher reality.
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SPIRITUAL WARFARE AND THE RAGE OF DARKNESS
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The rise of faith is not without resistance. As believers walk in active and aggressive faith, the kingdom of darkness responds with intensity.
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers…” — Ephesians 6:12
The upheaval in the spiritual realm is evidence of progress. Darkness reacts when its influence is threatened. The rage of demonic forces is not a sign of defeat—it is a sign that their control is being dismantled.
However, believers must not be intimidated by this resistance. The enemy operates from a position of ultimate defeat. His rage is rooted in desperation, not authority.
Understanding this shifts the perspective. Instead of reacting in fear, the believer stands firm in faith, knowing the outcome is already determined.
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RESISTING CARNALITY AND MAINTAINING SPIRITUAL FOCUS
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One of the subtle dangers is the pull toward carnality—pride, self-exaltation, and fleshly thinking.
“For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.” — Romans 8:5
Carnality opens doors for fear and confusion. Pride, in particular, blinds the believer and creates vulnerability. It must be confronted and rejected.
Spiritual focus requires humility, dependence on God, and continuous alignment with His Spirit. The believer must guard their thoughts and reject any imagination that contradicts truth.
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THE PRACTICE OF PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING
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Praise is not optional—it is a weapon. Thanksgiving shifts the atmosphere and silences fear.
“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:18
When the believer chooses to praise, even in challenging circumstances, they activate faith. Praise reminds the soul of God’s goodness and reinforces trust.
It is through consistent praise that fear loses its grip. The environment changes, the mind is renewed, and the spirit is strengthened.
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SUMMARY
Faith is the believer’s lifeline and weapon. Ungodly fear is a strategic attack designed to weaken, confuse, and enslave. However, through redemption, the believer has been empowered to overcome. By understanding identity, controlling speech, resisting carnality, and embracing praise, faith rises and fear is driven out.
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CONCLUSION
The call for faith to arise is not a suggestion—it is a mandate. The believer must take responsibility for their spiritual state. Fear must be identified, confronted, and expelled. Faith must be cultivated, declared, and lived.
This is a daily process. It requires intentionality, discipline, and awareness. But the reward is freedom, peace, and victory.
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CALL TO ACTION
Make a decision today to reject fear completely. Monitor your words. Align your thoughts with truth. Speak faith consistently. Engage in praise daily. Refuse to entertain fear in any form.
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FINAL WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT
You are not weak, and you are not alone. The same power that raised Christ from the dead is at work within you. You have been redeemed, restored, and empowered. Let faith arise—not occasionally, but continually.
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SALVATION PRAYER
Lord Jesus, I come before You today acknowledging that I am a sinner in need of Your grace. I believe that You died for my sins and rose again for my salvation. I repent of all my sins and ask You to forgive me. Come into my heart and be my Lord and Savior. Fill me with Your Spirit and lead me in Your truth. From this day forward, I choose to walk by faith and not by fear. Thank You for saving me. Amen.
