The One to Be Feared
The fear-not cult's teaching is irresponsible and based on a false assumption, as the world is full of enemies to mankind, including man himself.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of recognizing the reality of fear in our lives, arguing against the notion that there is nothing to fear. He critiques the 'fear-not' philosophy that misinterprets Scripture, asserting that it is irresponsible to suggest that believers can simply dismiss their fears. Tozer points out that the world is filled with dangers, including the potential harm from humanity itself, and he highlights Jesus' teaching to fear God, who has ultimate authority over life and death. The sermon calls for a proper understanding of fear, urging believers to direct their reverence towards God rather than dismissing their fears altogether.
Text
Over the years I have read or thumbed through a great many books on how to conquer fear. The cult of relaxation has, in fact, quite taken over certain areas of the religious thinking of the day. Of course the fear-not cultists are able to assemble a lot of Scripture to support their teaching, but the catch is that practically all of it is misunderstood or misapplied. It just doesnt mean what they say it does, and what is still worse, it isnt addressed to the people they try to apply it to.
The fear-not philosophers all begin with the same error; namely, that there is nothing to fear, and all we need to do to get deliverance is to believe it.
To teach people living in a world like ours that there is nothing to be afraid of is to be guilty of gross irresponsibility, and any teacher who does so disqualifies himself instantly and proves himself unworthy of the confidence of serious-minded men. Both the Bible and human experience teach that the world is full of enemies to mankind, not the least of those dangers being man himself. Our Lord said, I will forewarn you whom you shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into Hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.
Sermon Outline
- The Misconception of Fear
- The Reality of Fear
- The Warning from Our Lord
- Jesus teaches us to fear the one who has power to cast into Hell
- This fear is not of the world, but of God's judgment
Key Quotes
“To teach people living in a world like ours that there is nothing to be afraid of is to be guilty of gross irresponsibility, and any teacher who does so disqualifies himself instantly and proves himself unworthy of the confidence of serious-minded men.” — A.W. Tozer
“Our Lord said, I will forewarn you whom you shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into Hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- We must acknowledge the reality of fear in the world and not downplay its significance.
- We should fear God's judgment and the consequences of sin, as taught by Jesus.
- Teachers and leaders have a responsibility to teach truthfully and not mislead people with false promises of fearlessness.