Fear: The Emotion that will Fix You in a Fleshly Fog (Part Two)
The Fleshly Fog of Fear
When we consider the word “fear” in its biblical context, it will lead us to conclusions that are in concert with the Spirit of God. Conversely, all positions on fear outside the biblical framework of faith will promote a fleshly or worldly understanding which leads to a man-centered conclusion. A man-centered position obstructs our view of a holy and benevolent God. In addition, it advances error as well as confusion. Consequently, a man-centered position on fear will keep you in the FOG (Fear-Obscures-God).
In the Word of God, we discover two specific kinds of fear with distinctly different sources. One type of fear is from heaven and the other type of fear comes from our humanity and hell. First, let's hear, handle and examine with our heads and hearts what the Word of God has to say about the fear that is from heaven also known as the fear of the Lord.
The Fear of the Lord
The fear of the Lord God is by no means a fear that forces you into a fixed fetal position or traps you in trepidation. The fear that comes from heaven is areverential awe of God; a reverence for His power, presence, position, purposes and glory. However, it is also wise to respect God for His wrath and anger. In other words, the fear of the Lord is a complete concession of all that God is which comes through experiencing Him and His awesome attributes.
This accurate fear comes from heaven (by way of the Spirit), is strongly encouraged and is bountiful in benefits. Here are just a small sample of God-sized blessings and benefits from the fear that comes from heaven:
“The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.” - Psalms 25:14
“The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.” - Psalm 34:7
“He hath given meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant.” - Psalm 111:5
“Ye that fear the LORD, trust in the LORD: he is their help and their shield.” - Psalm 115:11
In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge. The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death. - Proverbs 14:26-27
“By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.” - Proverbs 22:4
As you can see, the fear that comes from heaven provides a plethora of blessings and benefits. According to scripture, it is the beginning of wisdom and leads to an excellent grasp of understanding (Psalm 111:10). In addition, the fear of the Lordleads to life, rest, peace, and contentment(Proverbs 19:23). Therefore, one can clearly see how fearing God should be encouraging. It is also important that you know that God's benefits package is expensive (requiring the blood of Jesus), extraordinarily enormous and they never will expire (lasting for eternity)!!
The Fear that Comes from Humanity and Hell
However, the fear that comes from humanity (our flesh) and hell (via the devil and his demons) is not beneficial for the believer. On the contrary, it is bountiful in beat-downs, big in bondage and isstrongly discouraged because it will keep you fixed in the FOG. This type of fear must be trounced and trampled. Deliverance from fear from our humanity or any hellish influence solely is situated in trusting God.
“What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.” - Psalm 56:3-4
In the next blog, we will examine and expose how the emotion of fear (FOG) is not condoned as it challenges and erodes our peace and intimacy with God.
NOT A SERMON BUT A THOUGHT
- PBKSr.