Whom Shall I Fear? (part 2)

Psalm 27

Introduction

This morning we considered the more positive aspects.

This evening we consider the sort of fear we are warned against so frequently.

Faith and Fear

Prudence is no lack of faith (Matt. 1:20; 4:6-7).

Faith overcomes the fear of men (Deut. 1:21, 29; 3:2, 22; Heb. 13:6).

This involves fear of both physical and political threats (Isa. 51:7; Jn. 7:12-13).

Yet we must give due regard (Lk. 18:2-4).

Confidence in God’s ultimate justice is the foundation here (Matt. 10:26).

Faith overcomes fear of deprivation (Matt. 6:25-34; 4:2-4).

Faith overcomes fear of death (Heb. 2:15).

We need to imbibe those grand stories of people putting their lives on the line for God.

This one is particularly hard to balance.

We aren’t pursuing death but neither are we terrified of it.

We ought to be more rational at weighing costs and benefits than the rest of the world because we ought to know better what we are not willing to give up in order to keep living longer.

If we are terrified of death, then we need to contemplate the sting of death (1 Cor. 15:56).

Love and Fear

Love and confidence cast out a type of fear (1 Jn. 4:17-18).

This is the kind of slinking fear that hides from God (Gen. 3:10).

It is the kind of fear that mischaracterizes God (Lk. 19:21).

It is more understandable than most fears (Matt. 17:6-7).

What remains is the trembling fear of standing before awesome power and holiness.

Fear and Fear

The antidote to fear (in addition to faith and love) is more fear (Matt. 10:28).

Fear of God competes with the fears of men (Isa. 8:12-13).

Pride gets in the way of this balance (Isa. 51:12; Rom. 11:20).

David lays out this connection (Psa. 34:4-9).

Conclusion

We need courage to