I’m ready to jump into the Word of God. Hebrews 2:14–15 tells us that Jesus took on flesh and blood so that through death, He could destroy the one who had the power of death—that is, the devil—and free those who, through fear of death, were held in lifelong slavery. That’s what we’re dealing with today: fear that binds, and the freedom Christ brings.

We’ve been in a series on fear. Maybe someone invited you because they knew you were battling it—fear of the economy, politics, losing your job or house. But the Word of God has an answer. This passage shows that Satan’s power was tied to fear, especially fear of death. And fear doesn’t have to be real—it just has to feel real.

We defined fear as a real or perceived threat of pain. And if the enemy can get you to believe that threat, he can control your choices. That’s how people end up in bondage—enslaved not by chains, but by a mindset. Like that elephant at the circus who won’t break a rope it could easily snap, we too can walk in circles around fear, not knowing freedom is available.

Let’s look at Leviticus 16. The priest places his hands on a live goat, symbolically transferring the sins of Israel to it, and sends it into the wilderness. Not into slavery, not to death—but away. Why didn’t the goat go back to Egypt if it carried sin? Because God is making a point: the true slavery was never just Egypt—it was fear. And fear doesn’t need chains, it just needs your agreement.

Fear separates us from the life God wants us to live. Remember the garden? God said, “You will surely die,” but Adam lived for hundreds of years. Death was separation from fellowship with God, not just physical. So the wilderness and enslavement were both parts of the same death cycle. The promised land wasn’t just a place—it was a mindset.

Deuteronomy 8 says God let Israel wander for 40 years to reveal what was in their hearts. Some of us act the same—we get mad at God when something goes wrong even though we’ve been “doing right.” “Lord, I tithed! I forgave! Why this flat tire?” But then we forget the times we were messing up and still got blessed—a new job, a financial breakthrough. The truth is, fear tricks us into thinking God isn’t with us unless things look good.

When you get to the promised land, God warns in Deuteronomy 8:17 not to say, “My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.” Instead, remember it is God who gives you the power to get wealth. Fear shows up even when you’re “blessed.” You get the house, but you’re scared of losing it. You finally make six figures, but you’re terrified it’ll be taken. That’s still bondage.

Abraham had a fear of losing, so he brought Lot when God told him not to. That delay kept him from receiving the full promise. If your hands are full of fear, how can you receive what God is trying to give?

Paul understood this. In Acts 20, he says he served with humility, tears, and temptations. He didn’t know what would happen in Jerusalem, but the Spirit warned him that trials were coming. Yet Paul says, “None of these things move me.” Why? Because he’s not afraid of death. He’s not living in bondage. He says if he finishes his course doing what God called him to do, that’s joy.

So what good is having money, friends, influence, if fear keeps you from obeying God? You can still be enslaved even with all the stuff. But if you’re free—if Christ has made you free—you can do what God says regardless of your status.

In John 12, Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey. The crowd shouts, “Hosanna!” But what does He say? “Fear not, daughter of Zion.” He doesn’t say, “Look at me,” or “Follow me”—He says, “Fear not.” Why? Because He’s fulfilling the Word. He says, “I’m in the Book.” And if He’s in the Book, that’s where your safety is.

Jesus came to remove fear’s grip. But sometimes we try to run from fear by changing our surroundings. Abraham tried it—didn’t work. Jonah ran from his call—didn’t work. Adam and Eve hid from God’s presence—didn’t work. David used sexual sin to numb fear—didn’t work. Peter changed depending on who he was around—didn’t work. The woman at the well avoided people—still bound. Because you can’t fix fear with something external. Freedom starts inside.

David said, “Against you and you only have I sinned.” He had people to apologize to, but the breakthrough came when he got real with God. See, fear says, “If I just get more money, I’ll be secure.” But what happens when you do—and you’re still afraid? That’s not freedom. That’s just fear dressed in success.

Colossians 2:14 says Jesus canceled our debt, nailed it to the cross, and disarmed every power that tried to control us. So don’t let anyone trap you with religious rules—what to eat, when to worship, what day is holy. Those were shadows. Jesus is the substance.

You may still work late, still raise kids, still manage bills—but now, you do it without fear. That’s what freedom looks like. You don’t give out of fear, you give out of love, to be a blessing. You don’t live to avoid punishment—you live to please God.

Jesus disarmed fear. He removed the devil’s grip. So now, when fear whispers, “It’s all going to fall apart,” you can respond with faith: “God gave it, and if He lets it go, He’s making room for something better.”

If God has you, then you’re safe. Even if the world shifts, He’ll sustain you. And if your job is your security, then that’s your savior. But if God is your source, He can send ravens like He did to Elijah. He can raise your investments, shift your direction, or bring increase when the world says it’s impossible.

Jesus says, “Fear not.” Why? Because He’s in the Book. And if He’s in the Book, so are you. Glory to God.