As a whole, people have become more obedient to other people than to God. The Fear of God is Disappearing. People fear the thoughts of other people. They fear the ridicule of other people. They fear that they will not fit in to the “in” crowd. But want’s very strange is that they no longer fear authority or law either. The world is being turned upside-down with inappropriate and misguided fear. The Biblical fear – yir·’aṯ – thoughtful, righteous respect. Why is our fear (respect) of God and Law disappearing?
The Fear of the Lord is Disappearing
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1:7
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10
The Fear of Law and Rules is Disappearing
People are losing their fear and respect for all authority. If a person doesn’t agree with a law, they willfully disobey it. Illegal aliens cross our borders – Illegally! Yet they are welcomed by those that have no respect for the law. Speed limit signs are used as suggestions as opposed to a rule of law. Police are being shot because they have the audacity to pull a person over for breaking the law. The world has gone crazy! Laws, good laws, like speed limits and other laws that save lives should be obeyed. But people break them as if they are above the law. It’s a disgrace.
The Fear of God is Disappearing in the Church
People are stating and believing that sin is okay because we have a loving God that would never punish us. Sorry, but that’s profoundly stupid! We have a Holy God that must have perfection from you or you cannot enter heaven. Fortunately, for those of us that have accepted Christ as Lord and Savior, we are covered by the shed blood of Jesus. Therefore, when God looks at us, he sees the sacrifice of His precious Son. We are provided with God’s grace. Which is something no one can earn but must accept as a free gift. Those that truly belong to Christ will avoid sin at all coast. Out of love and respect, not out of obligation. So, should Christians avoid all sin – YES, of course! But people, including professing Christians are out their sinning as if God owed them a little decadence, frivolity, and lasciviousness.
God Doesn’t Owe Us Anything! We Owe Him Everything!
The Fear of God is Disappearing
Most people today think that humanity is intellectually and morally the pinnacle of all life on earth. They feel that their thoughts of right and wrong are superior to God’s Holy Word. Even though their thoughts on these subjects are ever changing and becoming darker and more depraved every day. The arrogance is overwhelming. Intellect (information processing) and morals were created by God. His thoughts on these subjects are clearly described in the Holy Bible. The most trustworthy book in existence. Trusting humanity to dictate morality is like asking a tree snake to not eat any baby birds. It’s just not logical or smart. Law has a purpose and God’s laws have a perfect purpose. For a true Christian failing to repent and reject sin is not an option.
If you are persistent and unrepentant concerning any type of sin – STOP!
While you’re at it, stop invoking the scripture 1 John 4:18. The word translated into English as fear does not always mean what you think it means. Do your research.
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.”
Word Meanings are Important
The Greek word for fear in this passage is phobos which means terror. While the Hebrew word translated to the word fear from Proverbs 1:7 is yir·’aṯ meaning, reverence, piety.
That’s why you must study the Word of God. “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15.
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