In what ways might fear of change hinder our obedience to God's will? Setting the Scene—John 11:48 “‘If we let Him go on like this, everyone will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.’” (John 11:48) Fear of Losing Power and Position • The council’s first concern was political and social stability, not truth. • When keeping influence becomes the highest good, even clear demonstrations of God’s work (like Lazarus’s resurrection) are resisted. • Compare Saul’s jealousy of David (1 Samuel 18:8–9) and Herod’s slaughter in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:3, 16). • Outcome: we cling to titles, roles, or platforms and refuse assignments that threaten them. Fear of Man over Fear of God • Leaders dreaded Rome’s reaction more than God’s verdict. • Proverbs 29:25—“The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high.” • Acts 4:18–20 shows the apostles choosing obedience to God above governmental pressure. • Outcome: we soften truth, delay obedience, or stay silent to preserve approval. Fear of Unfamiliar Methods • Jesus healed on Sabbaths, spoke with Samaritans, and challenged traditions; such novelty unsettled the establishment. • Isaiah 43:19—“Behold, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not perceive it?” • Outcome: we insist God must work only through familiar channels, missing fresh directions. Fear of Costly Consequences • “Take away both our place and our nation”—financial loss, national upheaval, personal safety were at stake. • Luke 14:27–33 links discipleship with counting real costs. • Hebrews 10:34 commends believers who “joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property.” • Outcome: we refuse risky obedience—missions, giving, reconciliation—when it threatens comfort. Fear’s Ripple Effect • John 12:42–43 notes rulers who believed yet stayed silent, “for they loved praise from men more than praise from God.” • Fear spreads; a timid leader breeds a timid fellowship (Numbers 13:31–14:4). • Collective disobedience delays God’s purposes for entire communities. Walking in Courageous Obedience • Remember God’s unchanging authority—Hebrews 13:8. • Meditate on past deliverances—Joshua 4:6–7. • Seek the Spirit’s power—2 Timothy 1:7. • Act promptly; delayed obedience is often disobedience—James 4:17. |
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