25th Sep, 2016 - Sunday Church Service @ CFC
Summary
The speaker contrasts the fear associated with the Old Covenant, exemplified by the awe-inspiring but fearful presence of God on Mount Sinai, with the new reality of the New Covenant. He emphasizes that believers are no longer slaves characterized by fear, but rather sons of God who have received the Spirit of Adoption. This new relationship allows believers to approach God not with fear, but with the intimate cry, "Abba, Father," leading to a deeper understanding of identity in Christ.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
What is the subject of fear?The speaker introduces the topic of fear, explaining that believers must move away from Old Covenant terror while avoiding the trap of giving up the fear of God altogether.
From servants to sons under the New CovenantBelievers are adopted as sons rather than remaining slaves, which changes the nature of our fear from slave-like dread to a healthy, respectful reverence for a heavenly Father.Romans 8:15
Perfecting holiness in the fear of GodTrue New Covenant promises require believers to cleanse themselves from all defilement and perfect holiness specifically through cultivating the fear of God.
Do not fear man, but fear Him who can destroy soul and bodyJesus warns His disciples that family members of the faith will face harsh opposition and persecution, commanding them not to fear those who can only kill the body, but to fear God who can cast both soul and body into hell.Matthew 10:1
The seesaw balance of fear and anxietyThere is a direct balance like a seesaw: the more you fear God, the less earthly fear and anxiety you will have regarding your health, family, finances, and job.
Jesus' final words of peace before the crossBefore going to the cross, Jesus assured His disciples that they would have tribulation in the world, but told them to take courage because He had overcome the world.
Jesus' prayers in the days of His fleshDuring His earthly life, Jesus offered up specific prayers and supplications—primarily to be kept free from sin—and was heard because of His godly fear.
Delighting in the fear of the LordThe Holy Spirit that rested upon Jesus is the Spirit of the fear of the Lord, producing a life of love, strict righteousness, humility, and compassion.
Not judging by what our eyes see or ears hearDelighting in the fear of the Lord means we do not make snap decisions or spread rumors based merely on what our eyes see or what we hear without verification.
Living with the ambition to please God at the judgment seatKnowing that we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, our daily ambition must be to continually please God so that our direction remains unchanged when He returns.2 Corinthians 5:9–11
Joseph overcoming temptation through the fear of GodJoseph resisted daily temptation from Potiphar's wife because he possessed the fear of God, recognizing that even when humans are absent, God is present.
Job's covenant with his eyesJob, despite his great wealth and age, maintained a deep fear of God and made a strict covenant with his eyes not to lust after a woman.
