How can we avoid the Pharisees' mistake of fearing man over God? Setting the Scene Mark 11:31 places us inside a whispered huddle of religious leaders: “They deliberated among themselves, ‘If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will ask, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’”. Their answer wasn’t shaped by truth—it was filtered through the crowd’s possible reaction. Fearing people over God warped their judgment, silenced their faith, and exposed their hearts. The Root of Their Fear • Reputation: They craved public honor (John 12:43). • Control: Admitting John’s ministry came “from heaven” would surrender authority they desperately protected. • Unbelief: At the core, they did not treasure God’s approval enough to risk human disapproval (Galatians 1:10). Diagnosing Fear of Man in Our Lives • Overthinking how every choice will look on social media. • Staying silent about biblical truth to avoid awkwardness at work or school. • Basing moral convictions on shifting cultural polls rather than Scripture. • Feeling crushed by criticism because identity rests on others’ opinions. Proverbs 29:25 warns, “The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high”. A snare traps; trust frees. Replacing Fear of Man with Fear of God 1. Remember God’s Supremacy • Matthew 10:28: “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul…”. • Regularly meditate on God’s attributes—His sovereignty, holiness, and love—until His presence dwarfs human threats. 2. Anchor Identity in Christ • Colossians 3:3: “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God”. • When acceptance is already secured in Christ, public opinion loses its grip. 3. Practice Immediate Obedience • Acts 5:29: “We must obey God rather than men”. • Say yes to God’s clear commands before calculating fallout. Consistent small obediences build courage for bigger ones. 4. Speak Truth in Love • Ephesians 4:15 calls us to “speak the truth in love.” • Courage is not harshness; it’s gentle fidelity to what God has said. 5. Cultivate Eternal Perspective • 2 Corinthians 4:18: “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen…”. • One day only God’s verdict will matter. Live for that day now. Practical Habits that Strengthen God-Fearers • Daily Scripture intake—faith comes by hearing God’s voice (Romans 10:17). • Honest confession when people-pleasing surfaces; receive fresh grace (1 John 1:9). • Accountability with believers who value God’s approval above popularity. • Memorize key verses (Psalm 118:6; Proverbs 29:25; Galatians 1:10). • Celebrate testimonies of believers who chose faithfulness over applause; let their stories fuel yours. Living Free from the Snare Choosing God over crowds is not a one-time decision but a lifestyle. As we treasure His glory, trust His Word, and obey His voice, we step out of the Pharisees’ shadow and into fearless allegiance to the One who alone is worthy. |
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