Topic: Fear of Man

Text: 1 Samuel 15

Key verse: Saul said to Samuel, \”l have sinned, for l have transgressed the commandments of the Lord and your words, because l feared the people and obeyed their voice\” verse 24

The importance of studying the subject of fear is because it is one of the effects of the fall of man in the garden that continues to limit his attaining the place of maximum restoration. Fear is so subtle, it plagues the introvert and the extrovert alike, and until you identify it in your life and cut it off, its effect keeps defiling and frustrating you.

Saul had a second chance to make good the confidence God bestowed on him by choosing him, he received commandment to destroy the Amalekites, man, and beast for their action against Israel on their way from Egypt. He went and fought valiantly and destroyed them but he left their king alive and some choice animals.

\”Now go and strike Amalek and devote to destruction all that they have. Do not spare them, but kill both man and woman, child and infant, ox and sheep, camel and donkey.\”

Why did he do it? Why did he obey partially? He feared the people! Why should the fear of man in your life be more than the fear of God? Who are you accountable to? Yes, you need people to succeed in fulfilling your mission, but it is God who called and anointed you not man.

Saul said to Samuel, \”l have sinned, for l have transgressed the commandments of the Lord and your words because l feared the people and obeyed their voice. Verse 24

Never put a man in the place of God, he cannot give you what God takes away!

Saul suffered the consequences alone, he lost the throne and the kingdom was taken away from him and given to another because he cared more about what to eat and his pride. Notice the first thing he did on his return: he built a monument for himself. If you are self-seeking and desire the pride of life that men give, you will fear man more than God!

Brethren, let us not get too familiar with God, because we cannot see him, daily devote time to worship him as a constant reminder of how great he is, Moses declared that God is fearful in praises! The more you reflect on who he is and his ability, the more his fear grows in your heart.

What about the fear of man is your greatest challenge? Sit down and identify it: fear of rejection, abandonment, or fear of embarrassment and shame? Whatever it may be, be reminded of the Lord\’s counsel about who to fear, \”Don\’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell.\”

May the Lord grant you the knowledge you need to give to God what is God\’s and to Caesar what is his. Seek to be filled with the spirit of the fear of God. Isaiah 11:2.  When you conquer your fears, you will grow in faith and God will give your enemies into your hands. You will do amazing things that will surprise you; all the things God has written concerning you will start to manifest one after the other. When you choose to fear God above man, he always vindicates you!

Prayer:

1. Father forgive me for making you too small in my eyes and limiting your power at work in me

2. Teach me the fear of the Lord which is the beginning of wisdom.

3. Fill me, Lord, with the Spirit of the fear of the Lord, so l might choose right in Jesus\’ name.

4. Heal me, Lord of the pain caused by the rejection and slander of men, l choose to move on in Joy in Jesus\’ name. Amen.

Roses&Thorns