WHO DO YOU FEAR?

Read: Galatians 2:11-16
Meditation verse:
“The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe” (Proverbs 29:25).

Fear can have either a positive or negative effect on your life. On the positive side, it can help you steer clear of danger. Conversely, it can hinder your progress or cause you to do things that are contrary to who you are and what you stand for. The key lies in who and what you fear. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10). “The fear of the Lord is to hate evil” (Proverbs 8:13). This type of fear is liberating. It is a deep reverence for a powerful God and a wholesome dread of displeasing Him. This type of fear causes you to abstain from sin so that you are always within the boundaries of God’s favour and protection.

The fear of man brings a snare. It can prevent you from becoming who God created you to be. The fear of man can become a “goliath” in your life and torment you. It can make you afraid to speak up when you know you should or lead you into wrong relationships. It can also cause you to lie or compromise your values and in its worst form make you deny your faith in Christ. The disciple, Peter was a man with a tendency to display this type of fear. As a result, he sometimes behaved in ways inconsistent with his faith in Christ. He denied Jesus Christ before a little maid because he feared those who were in the courtyard (Luke 22:56-57). Years later, whilst a church leader, he withdrew and separated himself from eating with the gentiles because he feared those who were of the circumcision. It took the rebuke of Paul to get him back on track.

What type of fear rules your life- the fear of God or the fear of man? Jesus said to His disciples “…do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will show you whom you should fear- fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell: yes, I say to you, fear Him” (Luke 12:4-5). Next time you are tempted to act in a certain way because of the fear of man, ask yourself ‘what is the worst thing that can happen if I do not fear this person’?

IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Oke Chinye

Have you asked Jesus Christ to come into your heart?

He says in Mathew 11:28, “come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” He longs to give you rest.

Would you like to do so now? Here’s a prayer you can say:

Dear Jesus, I believe that You died to save me from all my sins. Today, I invite you into my heart and I accept you as my Lord and Saviour. Please forgive all my sins and help me to live my life for You.

www.rockteachingministry.org

IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Oke Chinye.
Have you asked Jesus Christ to come into your heart?

He says in Mathew 11:28, “come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” He longs to give you rest."

Would you like to do so now? Here’s a prayer you can say:
Dear Jesus, I believe that You died to save me from all my sins. Today, I invite you into my heart and I accept you as my Lord and Saviour. Please forgive all my sins and help me to live my life for You.

If you prayed this prayer, send me an email at rockteachingministry@gmail.com

I would love to pray with you personally and send you a copy of my book; ‘Living the Life’ to encourage you as you begin your new life in Christ.