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Explore the impacts of fear of man, how it hinders our relationship with God, and ways to overcome this debilitating fear to seek approval from God instead of people. Find strength in trusting in the Lord and letting go of people-pleasing tendencies.
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Healthy Fear Part 3 The Disease to Please
Healthy Fear
F– Falleness We are fallen creatures before a holy, majestic God E – A – R –
F–Falleness E –Exaltation God is appreciated for his glory A – R –
F–Falleness E –Exaltation A –Awe A deep and profound wonder in the presence of God R –
F–Falleness E –Exaltation A –Awe R –Reverence In response we honor God with humble obedience
“The fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.” Exodus 20:20
What is the fear of man? Excessive concern about what others think about us which leads to a preoccupation for acceptance, approval, popularity, etc.
Desire for approval Fear of rejection
“Fear of man is such a part of our human fabric that we should check for a pulse if we deny it.” Ed Welch
Proverbs 29:25 Fear of man will prove to be a snare…
We fear people because: • they can expose and humiliate us • they can reject, ridicule and despise us • they can threaten us
Instead of doing what we do out of: love = a + motivation, We do what we do out of: fear= a – motivation.
Fear Is Joyless
John 12:42,43 Many even among the Jewish leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved praise from men more than praise from God.
Matthew 5:1 Be careful not to do your “acts of righteousness” before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
We spend much of our lives wavering between inferiority and arrogance.
2. We fear the displeasure of man more than the displeasure of God
Jeremiah 1:17 "Get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you. Do not be terrified by them, or I will terrify you before them.
Joshua 1:6-9 "Be strong and courageous!” "Be strong and courageous!” "Be strong and courageous!”
Isaiah 51:12 “ I, even I, am He who comforts you. Who are you that you should be afraid of a man who will die…”
Responsible Respectable Resentful
God has to increase while people decrease
Galatians 6:9,10 As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned!
Galatians 6:9,10 10 Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.
1 Thessalonians 2:1-6 You know, brothers, that our visit to you was not a failure. 2 We had previously suffered and been insulted in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in spite of strong opposition.
1 Thessalonians 2:1-6 3 For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you.
1 Thessalonians 2:1-6 4 On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts. 5 You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness.
6 We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else.
People Pleaser vs. God Pleaser How can I show the love of God to him? How can I make him love me? What will others think if I do this? What does God think if I do this? How can I be safe? How can God use me?
Proverbs 29:25 Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.
2 Peter 2:19 What we fear controls us. …for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him
Proverbs 29:25 Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.
Psalm 56:3-4 Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You … In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?
Grow in a healthy love of God!