Fear of Man vs. Fear of God

"The remarkable thing about God is that when you fear God, you fear nothing else, whereas if you do not fear God, you fear everything else." -Oswald Chambers

One of the biggest areas we experience the fear of man is in witnessing. Often, we lack the courage to speak because we are afraid of the response we may receive. Fear of rejection and persecution from our fellow man, especially those we love, keeps us in perpetual silence about the Gospel. After all, who wants the deep hurt of rejection by a mother, sister, grandparent, or close friend? As a result, those lost that are closest to us are those we are least likely to share the saving Gospel with. Their only hope we hide away due to the fear of man. While we are absorbed in self-pity, they are headed straight for hell. This is a great tragedy, and Scripture should admonish and encourage us on this issue.

"The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe." -Proverbs 29:25

"For He Himself has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.' So we may boldly say: 'The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?'" -Hebrews 13:5b-6

"Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops.  And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." -Matthew 10:27-28

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began,  but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, to which I was appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles." -2 Timothy 1:7-11

"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love." -1 John 4:18

"It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man." -Psalm 118:8

"You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them.  We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error." -1 John 4:4-6

"For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ." -Galatians 1:10

"For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, 'Abba, Father.'"-Romans 8:15

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." -Philippians 4:13

"'No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me,' says the Lord." -Isaiah 54:17

David Ring Sermon

Recently I heard a two part sermon by evangelist David Ring on Focus on the Family Radio. It was perhaps one of most touching messages I have ever heard, and I thought I would share it with y'all. But first, for those of you who aren't familiar with David Ring, here is a quick bio:

"Few individuals have felt the crushing blows that have besieged David Ring since birth. He was born to lose. On October 28th, 1953, in Jonesboro, Arkansas, David was born with Cerebral Palsy. Orphaned at age 14, he was cast about from family to family with nowhere to call home. He endured constant physical pain, humiliating public ridicule and constant discouragement. Yet in the face of these seemingly insurmountable obstacles, David emerged not victimized . . . but victorious! Life was worse than hopeless to him until his relationship began with Jesus Christ who taught him self-respect and acceptance of his physical challenges. To most, physical challenges of this magnitude would prove to be a tombstone. For David Ring, this coming of age was and remains a milestone.

You’ve never heard a speaker quite like David Ring. Although difficult to understand at first, you will soon find yourself captured by his quick wit and warm personality. Whether giving a motivational message at a sales convention, or inspiring church leaders, David always focuses on an individual’s need to conquer the personal challenges an adversities of life. As you hear David Ring, you will laugh…and cry. You will be amazed at his triumph over odds. You will be moved to consider your own life. As one who has not been stifled by his physical limitations, he clearly stakes his challenge to everyone. "I have Cerebral Palsy – What’s your problem?"

As a nationally known speaker since 1973, David shares his story with over 100,000 people each year at churches, conventions, schools and corporate events. He has been featured on numerous occasions on several nationally televised programs.

David’s book Just As I Am, (Moody Press, Chicago, IL) tells about his heartaches and victories, and addresses the central theme of his life: "Triumph Over Odds."

Here are the links to the sermon:
Part 1: Living Joyously - Part 1

Part 2: Living Joyously - Part 2

I hope this message inspires and blesses you as much as it did me! Please leave a comment with your thoughts!