FEAR CAN FAIL
(Message by Tanny Keng)
1. Fear
a) Fear is an influence that is linked to faith, hope, and love.
Hebrews 12:28-29
28 Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; 29 for our God is a consuming fire.
1 Peter 1:17
17 If you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth.
2. Fear Can Fail
a) Fear can degenerate into terror. The fear that motivates us to love and obey God can degenerate from a morbid terror, that "certain terrifying expectation" (Hebrews 10:22, 27).
b) Fear can degenerate into legalism and guilt. Fear can deteriorate from a motive to obey God, into a desire to add oppressive rules to the law of Christ. Paul frowned on this kind of false religion (Colossians 2:16-23). Paul makes a distinction between a person restricting his own personal liberty for the sake of others, and a person binding or following man-made religious laws.
c) Fear can come from the wrong source. The right fear comes from the Holy Spirit. If we are led by the Spirit, we will have a life-giving and liberating fear of God, not "a spirit of slavery leading to fear again" (Romans 8:12-17, 2 Timothy 1:7).
The End ...
1. Feara) Fear is an influence that is linked to faith, hope, and love.
Hebrews 12:28-29
28 Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; 29 for our God is a consuming fire.
1 Peter 1:17
17 If you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth.
2. Fear Can Fail
a) Fear can degenerate into terror. The fear that motivates us to love and obey God can degenerate from a morbid terror, that "certain terrifying expectation" (Hebrews 10:22, 27).
b) Fear can degenerate into legalism and guilt. Fear can deteriorate from a motive to obey God, into a desire to add oppressive rules to the law of Christ. Paul frowned on this kind of false religion (Colossians 2:16-23). Paul makes a distinction between a person restricting his own personal liberty for the sake of others, and a person binding or following man-made religious laws.
c) Fear can come from the wrong source. The right fear comes from the Holy Spirit. If we are led by the Spirit, we will have a life-giving and liberating fear of God, not "a spirit of slavery leading to fear again" (Romans 8:12-17, 2 Timothy 1:7).
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