More Authentic | Undone Series | Week Three
Less Cosmetic and More Authentic
The Fear of Man
25 The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe.
Proverbs 29:25 (NKJV)
1. Have you ever struggled with peer pressure?
2. Are you over-committed?
3. Do you “need” something from your spouse?
4. Is self-esteem a critical concern for you?
5. Do you ever feel as if you might be exposed as an impostor?
6. Are you always second-guessing decisions because of what other people might think?
7. Do you feel empty or meaningless?
8. Do you get easily embarrassed?
9. Do you ever lie?
10. Are you jealous of other people?
11. Do other people often make you angry or depressed?
12. Do you avoid people?
13. Diets?
14. When you compare yourself with other people, do you feel good about yourself?
Old Testament Narrative – Who’s words to you believe most?
6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." 7 Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, "Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the LORD swore to their forefathers to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance. 8 The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."
Deuteronomy 31:6-8 (NIV)
New Testament Narrative – Who’s opinion matters the most?
69 Now Peter sat outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came to him, saying, "You also were with Jesus of Galilee." 70 But he denied it before them all, saying, "I do not know what you are saying." 71 And when he had gone out to the gateway, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, "This fellow also was with Jesus of Nazareth." 72 But again he denied with an oath, "I do not know the Man!" 73 And a little later those who stood by came up and said to Peter, "Surely you also are one of them, for your speech betrays you." 74 Then he began to curse and swear, saying, "I do not know the Man!" Immediately a rooster crowed. 75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, "Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times." So he went out and wept bitterly.
Matthew 26:69-75 (NKJV)
13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." 15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
1 Peter 3:13-16 (NIV)
Reference: Fear of God by John Bunyan
Speaking the Truth in Love (Eph 4:15)
Sharing our faith
8 "I tell you, whoever acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man will also acknowledge him before the angels of God. Luke 12:8 (NIV)
The fear of the Lord is
· Wisdom (Job28:28)
· Beginning of Knowledge (Prov 1:7)
· Hatred of Evil (Prov 8:13)
· Whole duty of Man (Eccl 12:13)
· Church’s Treasure (Isa 33:6)
6 He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure.
Isaiah 33:6 (NIV)
2 The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him-- the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD-- 3 and he will delight in the fear of the LORD. He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears.
Isaiah 11:2-3 (NIV)