Scripture References: Matthew 10:16-31; Psalm 34; 1 Samuel 21; Proverbs 1:7

Intro: Jesus' "pregame speech" in Matthew 10 is baffling. He commissions His disciples, promising power (heal sick, raise dead), but warns of intense opposition: sent like sheep among wolves, flogged, arrested, hated, potentially killed. Yet, He commands, "Do not be afraid"! How? By redirecting their fear: Fear God, not man. Today, we explore how the one true fear—the fear of the Lord—delivers us from all other fears.

Key Points:

1. The Problem: Misplaced Fears (Matt 10:16-27): Jesus acknowledges the real dangers His followers face (rejection, persecution, loss). Our fears often center on these temporal threats, revealing where our faith and hope are misplaced – in comfort, approval, safety, etc.
2. The Solution: A Greater Fear (Matt 10:28): Jesus' antidote isn't denying danger, but fearing the right thing: "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell." 1 The fear of the Lord eclipses and liberates from lesser fears.   
3. Understanding the Fear of the Lord: This isn't terror of a mean God, but: 
   • Awe/Respect: Recognizing His holiness and power (He's "nothing to be messed with," like electricity, not a petting zoo goat).
   • Fear of Straying: Primarily, it's fearing being without Him or distancing ourselves from His goodness and protection. This fear paradoxically draws us closer to Him for refuge (Ps 31:19).
4. Fear of the Lord Produces Fearlessness: This holy fear cultivates wisdom (Prov 1:7), motivates obedience (we obey what we truly revere), produces faithfulness, and fosters readiness for His purposes. Lacking it leads to disobedience, misplaced faith (fears reveal idols), compromise, and spiritual demise. The person fearing God has nothing else ultimately to fear.
5. David's Example (1 Sam 21 / Ps 34): David, though fearless against Goliath (acting in fear of the Lord), later succumbed to fear of Saul. This fear led him to run, lie, pretend madness in enemy territory (Gath), forget God's past faithfulness, and gather other fearful men. Psalm 34 is his testimony and prescription for overcoming fear: Bless, magnify, seek, and fear the Lord. Taste and see His goodness. Trust Him as deliverer. The fear of the Lord was his path back to courage.

Conclusion: The fear of the Lord is God's prescribed antidote to the myriad of fears we face in this life. This reverent awe, this fear of straying from our good and powerful God, paradoxically draws us closer to Him, produces obedience, and liberates us to be fearless in the face of temporal threats and suffering.

Call to Action: Identify your dominant fears – what do they reveal about where your faith is truly placed? Repent of fearing people or circumstances more than God. Ask God to teach you the healthy, liberating fear of the Lord. When lesser fears arise, intentionally magnify God through praise and remembrance of His character and promises (Psalm 34). Choose obedience born from reverence for Him.

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