Real Life ~ Real Answers

Fear of Man Women often care more about what other people think rather than what God thinks. Women place pressure on themselves to "fit in," whether it is going away to college, starting a new job, or joining a new church. This fear of man often drives us to be afraid to act out our faith. What is the right way to respond when the "fear of man" comes upon you?

Fearing God

Ecclesiastes 5:7 says that "God is the one you must fear." What does it mean to fear God? Well, in this context, the word "fear" means "to fear, tremble." It is the idea that we ought to fear God's wrath so much that if we make a promise we will fulfill it and not give excuses as to why we cannot. For when we break a promise given to Him we are at risk of losing what God has allowed us to achieve (vs. 6). We ought not to fear man, our reputation or be prideful, but we must fear God and be obedient to Him.

Overcoming Fear

How can we overcome our fears? Well, surprise, surprise....we made a list! We explain this list today and tomorrow. This list can also be found on our study notes, along with the verses we give for each. 1) Spiritual growth 2) Love God & others because He loves me 3) Trust in His word 4) Prayer 5) Admonition from other believers 6) Hearing God's word (church, Bible studies, radio) Can you think of anything else to add to this list?

Fear, cont...

As we continue to talk about fear from 1 John, we ask "what is the problem with fear?" Is it wrong to be afraid? As we talk about this, I hope you will see that when we fear, we are not trusting in God. We are choosing to not believe the promise that we read in Scripture, that we do not need to be afraid. Psalm 56:3 - "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you." At the moment you recognize your fear, you must trust in God! To continue along in your fear is sin. Again, the fear we are talking about in this context, is fear of God's judgment & guilt of sin. Are you choosing to meditate on God's truth or ignore His promises?

Fear

1 John 4:18 talks about fear. This fear has to do with "punishment" or the coming judgment on the world. Fear is "dread, terror, state of severe distress, concern for impending pain, danger or evil." As we talk about fear in this context, it is important to remember that John is telling his readers that we do not have to fear the coming judgment. Believers have been redeemed and because of God's perfect love, we do not need to be afraid of God's wrath on the unsaved. Praise the Lord! Believers can be fearful of judgment or punishment of sin, but we can remember that God is faithful and will forgive (1 Jn. 1:9). Because of his perfect love, He has forigven us completely and will not hold us accountable for our sins. However, this does NOT mean that we won't suffer present physical consequences - say, a speeding ticket for driving over the speed limit. There are consequences for our sin, but God does not hold us eternally accountable for them as through Christ, they have been forgiven. Some Christians fear death....this ought not to be. For we know that if we are absent from our body, we are present with the Lord.