Fear Biblically

 

2/11/09

By Bob Wedin

There are many rational fears? 1. Being eaten by sharks, 2. being burned alive, 3. fear of heights

Whatever you fear

Guys are pridefully insecure—putting on a front, shell, but you won't show anyone.

What are some of the things that make you afraid?

Some shared: birds, being static shocked, cockroaches, being home alone, people under the bed or hiding in some part of your house (maybe turn the lights on to help overcome fear?), drowning, spiders,

Fear is mentioned so many times in the bible—it is a really big thing that applies to all of us. It is mentioned in the bible 326 and afraid is mentioned over 200 times.

Definition of fear-a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined; the feeling or condition of being afraid (www.dictionary.com).

There are so many phobias.

"Have no fear God is here."

• The fear of being without God is the greatest fear the bible talks about.

  • Example, we experience this when we fear being separated from our parents.

  • When we are young we can think we're indestructible.

Psalm 34:4-11

4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me;
       he delivered me from all my fears.

 5 Those who look to him are radiant;
       their faces are never covered with shame.

 6 This poor man called, and the LORD heard him;
       he saved him out of all his troubles.

 7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him,
       and he delivers them.

 8 Taste and see that the LORD is good;
       blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.

 9 Fear the LORD, you his saints,
       for those who fear him lack nothing.

 10 The lions may grow weak and hungry,
       but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.

 11 Come, my children, listen to me;
       I will teach you the fear of the LORD.

• David represents the fearless person. He didn't fear man or animals but he did fear God.

• The Psalms are so real when you read them—we feel what he says here so often and he talks a lot about trusting in God and not fearing

Proverbs 9:10-11

The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom

Isaiah 51

Why God takes people from this earth

Proverbs 22:4

4 Humility and the fear of the LORD
       bring wealth and honor and life.

• When you fear God, you stop trying to do wrong and you start trying to do right.

  • Your life has integrity and integrity has many rewards in the long run reward

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

13 Now all has been heard;
       here is the conclusion of the matter:
       Fear God and keep his commandments,
       for this is the whole duty of man.

 14 For God will bring every deed into judgment,
       including every hidden thing,
       whether it is good or evil.

• He tested all things, had wealth, pleasure, fame, and found it wanting—in the end it was fearing God that mattered most.

We realize that God wants to help us overcome fear in a relationship with Him. He wants to bring security where life has beaten us down. We need to start with fearing God.

Response: James 1 says if anyone lacks wisdom he should ask God.