What does "fear Him who has authority" teach about God's ultimate power? Setting the Scene • Luke 12:5: “But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear the One who, after you have been killed, has authority to cast you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear Him!” • Spoken by Jesus to His disciples, this statement contrasts the limited power of human persecutors with the unlimited power of God. What “Fear Him Who Has Authority” Means • “Fear” here is not terror that drives us away but reverent awe that draws us to submit. • “Has authority” translates exousia—absolute right and power to act without restriction. • Jesus identifies God as the sole Being whose judgment reaches beyond death and time. Five Truths About God’s Ultimate Power Highlighted 1. Sovereignty Over Life and Death – 1 Samuel 2:6: “The LORD brings death and gives life; He brings down to Sheol and raises up.” 2. Jurisdiction Beyond the Grave – Hebrews 9:27: “People are appointed to die once, and after that to face judgment.” 3. Final Say on Eternal Destiny – Revelation 20:14–15: “Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire… Anyone whose name was not found written in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire.” 4. Unchallengeable Authority – Daniel 4:35: “No one can restrain His hand or say to Him, ‘What have You done?’” 5. Perfect Justice Coupled with Perfect Holiness – Psalm 89:14: “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne.” Why Human Power Fades in Comparison • Humans can only “kill the body” (Luke 12:4). • God alone governs body, soul, and eternal outcome. • Therefore, fearing people is misplaced; reverent fear of God is logical and life-giving. Practical Responses to God’s Ultimate Power • Trust His protection when threatened—Psalm 56:11. • Obey His commands promptly—Ecclesiastes 12:13. • Worship with sincerity—Hebrews 12:28–29. • Share the gospel boldly, knowing eternal stakes—2 Corinthians 5:11. Related Scriptures Reinforcing the Lesson • Matthew 10:28 (parallel passage) • Job 42:2—God’s purposes cannot be thwarted. • Psalm 115:3—“Our God is in heaven; He does whatever pleases Him.” • Revelation 1:17–18—Jesus holds “the keys of Death and Hades.” Living in Reverent Confidence Because God alone holds supreme authority over every aspect of existence—including eternity—believers can rest secure, walk in profound respect, and courageously align every choice with His will. |
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