FEAR OF GOD ENCOURAGES US TO OBEY HIM
(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 Of God Encourages Us To Obey Him
a) Fear encourages faithfulness. The Hebrew writer contrasts "full assurance of faith" with "a certain terrifying expectation". Of course the latter is not the fear that we have, but rather the fear of going back to that fear and losing the assurance of faith. The Hebrew writer uses this to motivate Christians to keep obeying God (Hebrews 10:22, 26-31).
b) Fear moderates liberty. Fear of offending God helps us to properly restrict our liberty as Christians. Christians should never use their "freedom as a covering for evil" for liberty does not permit sin (1 Peter 2:16-17). Paul says, "You were called to freedom, brethren — only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another" being careful about the liberties we take (Galatians 5:13, 1 Corinthians 8:9).
c) Fear perfects holiness and help us work out our own salvation. (2 Corinthians 7:1, Philippians 2:12).
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 Of God Encourages Us To Obey Him
a) Fear encourages faithfulness. The Hebrew writer contrasts "full assurance of faith" with "a certain terrifying expectation". Of course the latter is not the fear that we have, but rather the fear of going back to that fear and losing the assurance of faith. The Hebrew writer uses this to motivate Christians to keep obeying God (Hebrews 10:22, 26-31).
b) Fear moderates liberty. Fear of offending God helps us to properly restrict our liberty as Christians. Christians should never use their "freedom as a covering for evil" for liberty does not permit sin (1 Peter 2:16-17). Paul says, "You were called to freedom, brethren — only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another" being careful about the liberties we take (Galatians 5:13, 1 Corinthians 8:9).
c) Fear perfects holiness and help us work out our own salvation. (2 Corinthians 7:1, Philippians 2:12).
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