When the Enemy Smiles — Fear Not
Core Principle
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7) — Fear is a learned attitude the enemy exploits; the gospel calls us to fan the flame of faith and live our calling with courage, love, and steady self-control.
Key Takeaways
- The enemy often arrives with a “smile of destruction”—fear that feels reasonable but quietly paralyzes.
- Paul’s exhortation to Timothy (2 Tim 1:7; 4:2) is a timeless charge to reject fear and operate in God’s gifts.
- Your calling is God’s ordination; don’t let anyone make you small when God has called you mighty.
- Replace fear with practiced faith: engage ministry, community, and testimony—keep “putting wood on the fire.”
- Live the calling everywhere—home, work, church—so others can see and be pointed to Christ.
1) The Pitfall of Fear
Fear is a subtle weapon that limits believers and can even be generational—absorbed through family, church culture, or tradition.
“He comes with a smile of destruction. One of his subtle smiles is fear.”
- Fear whispers “you can’t”—a lie wrapped in a smile.
- It paralyzes progress and shrinks our witness.
2) Paul’s Exhortation to Timothy
Paul writes into pressure and opposition, reminding Timothy that fear isn’t from God. Exhortation (paraklēsis) walks alongside, urging faithfulness.
- Key text: 2 Tim 1:7; see also 1 Thess 2:3–4; Heb 3:13; 2 Tim 4:2.
- Not just “preach the word,” but live it in favorable or unfavorable times.
3) The Nature of a Divine Calling
Calling is rooted in genuine faith and spiritual authority passed through faithful examples (Lois, Eunice).
- “Don’t let anyone make you small when God has already called you mighty.”
- We’re perfected by Christ’s blood—equipped for life and godliness.
4) Living Out the Calling in Roles
Every role—husband, song leader, deacon, usher, elder—is a calling to be fulfilled from conviction, not convenience.
- Husbands: love your wives as Christ loved the church (Eph 5:25).
- Deacons who serve well gain great confidence (1 Tim 3:13).
- Song leaders teach by psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (Col 3:16).
5) Overcoming Fear with Faith
Fear is an attitude, not your identity. When fear says “shrink,” faith says “stand” with power, love, and discipline.
- Keep the flame alive—engage ministry, fellowship, and witness.
- Your testimony about God’s goodness is a powerful weapon.
- Christ lifts, heals, restores—so we are “never scared.”
6) Live Out Your Calling
Show up for Christ daily. Represent God’s character in your office, neighborhood, and community.
- Do what’s necessary for Christ, not for recognition.
- Faithful presence draws seekers—and points them to Jesus.
7) The Call to Salvation
Hear the word, believe, repent, and come under Christ’s lordship—moving from creation of God to child of God.
- “Faith comes by hearing the word of God.”
- God recognizes the cry of His children; He runs to meet them.
Memorable Lines
- “When fear says shrink, Paul says stand up. Because you have power.”
- “Purpose does not need permission.”
- “Resurrection is in the child of God’s DNA.”
- “Don’t let anyone make you small when God has already called you mighty.”
- “The calling is the character.”
- “Our testimony about the goodness of God… is our weapon.”
This Week — Put Wood on the Fire
- Reject fear; pray 2 Tim 1:7 daily.
- Serve in one tangible way (home, church, or community).
- Share one testimony of God’s goodness with a friend.
- Encourage one believer (Heb 3:13).
- Practice steady self-discipline in a small habit.
- Invite someone to study or worship with you.
Scripture References
2 Timothy 1:7 • 2 Timothy 4:2 • 1 Thessalonians 2:3–4 • Hebrews 3:13 • Ephesians 5:25 • 1 Timothy 3:13 • Colossians 3:16
Try the Self-Directed Quiz Below
When the Enemy Smiles: Fear Not — Quiz
Class date: October 5, 2025 • Instant feedback • 15 questions • Retry anytime
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Fun Learning, Try Our Study Games Below
"Fear vs. Faith" Sorting Game
This interactive game challenges users to categorize concepts from the sermon. They must decide if a phrase represents "The Enemy's Smile (Fear)" or "God's Gift (Faith)." This reinforces the central contrast of the lesson in a hands-on way.
This interactive game challenges users to categorize concepts from the sermon. They must decide if a phrase represents "The Enemy's Smile (Fear)" or "God's Gift (Faith)." This reinforces the central contrast of the lesson in a hands-on way.
Fear vs. Faith Sorter
Click a phrase, then click the correct category to sort it. Can you tell the difference?
Click a Phrase to Sort It:
The Enemy's Smile (Fear)
God's Gift (Faith)
"Complete the Calling" Quote Game
This game helps with memorizing the sermon's most impactful statements. Users are presented with a key quote with a missing word and must choose the correct option to fill in the blank, reinforcing the core truths from the lesson.
This game helps with memorizing the sermon's most impactful statements. Users are presented with a key quote with a missing word and must choose the correct option to fill in the blank, reinforcing the core truths from the lesson.
Complete the Calling
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