(Luk) 1:74-75, 77 CJB “to grant us that we, freed from our enemies, would serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. by spreading the knowledge among his people that deliverance comes by having sins forgiven”

One of the greatest barriers to faithful Christian obedience is the fear of man. The command to fear God not men is repeated throughout Scripture because human beings naturally crave approval, security, comfort, and self-preservation. Jesus came not only to forgive sins, but also to free His people from slavery to fear.

Fear God Not Men Instead of Seeking Human Approval

Much of human behavior is controlled by the opinions of others.

We fear rejection.
We fear criticism.
We fear losing status.
We fear losing relationships.
We fear losing income, comfort, opportunities, or influence.

Because of this fear, many Christians remain silent when they should speak boldly for Christ.

But Scripture teaches that fearing man becomes spiritually dangerous because it often reveals disordered love within the heart.

If we compromise obedience to preserve money, career advancement, or material comfort, we demonstrate that we treasure those things more than God Himself. Jesus plainly warned that we cannot serve both God and money.

Likewise, if we remain silent about Christ to preserve social approval, we reveal that we value human acceptance more than God’s approval.

The fear of man always competes with the fear of God.

The Gospel Frees Us from the Fear of Death

The deepest human fear is ultimately death.

Yet Christians possess a radically different perspective because Jesus Christ rose from the dead.

For those united to Christ, death is not ultimate loss.
It is transition into eternal life.

This is why the apostles could suffer persecution, imprisonment, and even martyrdom with remarkable courage. They believed the promises of resurrection and eternal reward.

Jesus Himself taught His followers not to fear those who can only kill the body. Instead, believers are to fear God who possesses eternal authority over both body and soul.

The Christian therefore lives with eternal perspective.

We do not cling desperately to temporary comfort because our treasure and inheritance are eternal.

Fear God Not Men Through Great Commission Living

The Great Commission remains the mission of every believer because God loves the world and desires people everywhere to repent, believe the gospel, and become disciples of Jesus Christ.

Luke says deliverance comes through the forgiveness of sins.

That message must be proclaimed.

Jesus lived a holy and righteous life publicly proclaiming the kingdom of God. He suffered rejection, hostility, persecution, and ultimately crucifixion because of His obedience to the Father and His proclamation of truth.

Followers of Jesus should expect the same pattern.

Christians are called to:

• live holy lives,
• proclaim biblical truth,
• make disciples,
• teach obedience to Christ,
• and endure suffering faithfully when opposition comes.

Hostility toward Christianity is often strongest where obedience to Jesus is weakest. In many places, nominal Christianity has replaced genuine discipleship. People may claim Christ culturally while refusing to submit to Him practically.

This is why disciple-making remains so essential.

The answer to darkness is not retreat.
It is gospel proclamation and faithful obedience.

Eternal Glory Is Worth Temporary Suffering

Around the world, many believers suffer greatly for identifying with Jesus. Some lose relationships, employment, freedom, or even their lives.

Yet Scripture consistently promises eternal reward for those who suffer faithfully for Christ’s name.

The Christian does not measure life merely by temporary earthly outcomes.

We live for eternal glory.

This is why courageous Christianity has marked faithful believers throughout history. They feared God more than men because they believed eternity mattered more than temporary comfort.

The motto of the faithful Christian must therefore become:

Fear God not men.

Run Today’s Play

Ask yourself honestly:
Where has fear of man silenced your obedience to Christ?

Have you remained quiet about your faith?
Have you compromised biblical truth to preserve approval?
Have you feared losing comfort more than dishonoring God?

Today, choose courage.

Openly identify with Jesus.
Speak truth graciously.
Share the gospel intentionally.
Obey Christ publicly.

Remember:
those who belong to Jesus never truly lose their lives.
We live for eternal glory with the risen King.