THE FEAR OF GOD IN A GENERATION THAT FEARS MAN
(Proverbs 29:25)
OPENING PRAYER
Our Father and our God,
We thank You for the privilege of gathering before You today. We acknowledge that You are holy, righteous, and worthy of all reverence. As Your Word goes forth, open our understanding, convict our hearts, and align our lives with Your truth. Deliver us from the fear of man and plant in us a deep, reverent fear of You. Let this Word transform us, strengthen our faith, and keep us from compromise. In Jesus’ mighty name we pray. Amen.
MAIN TEXT: Proverbs 29:25 — “The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.”
INTRODUCTION
We are living in a generation driven by opinions, trends, pressure, intimidation, and the desire for acceptance. Many believers today do not deny God openly, but they compromise quietly, out of fear of people, fear of rejection, fear of loss, fear of persecution, or fear of being misunderstood.
The Bible warns clearly that the fear of man is a trap. It entangles destinies, weakens convictions, and silences truth. On the other hand, the fear of God brings liberty, safety, wisdom, and boldness. To fear God does not mean to be afraid of Him in terror, but to reverence Him deeply, honour His Word, and value His approval above all else.
This message calls believers back to a life of holy reverence in a generation that fears men more than God.
1. THE FEAR OF MAN IS A SNARE THAT CAPTURES DESTINY
Scripture: Proverbs 29:25; Isaiah 51:12-13
The fear of man is not harmless; it is a snare, a trap that captures spiritual progress. When believers fear people, they make decisions based on pressure rather than conviction. Destiny becomes limited when approval replaces obedience.
Many have missed divine assignments because they feared what people would say, how they would react, or what they might lose. God asks: “Who are you that you should be afraid of a man who shall die?”
2. THE FEAR OF GOD IS THE FOUNDATION OF TRUE WISDOM
Scripture: Proverbs 9:10; Psalm 111:10
True wisdom does not begin with education, intelligence, or exposure; it begins with the fear of the Lord. When a believer fears God, decisions are guided by Scripture, not society.
A generation that lacks the fear of God will celebrate foolishness, justify sin, and resist correction. But a believer who fears God walks wisely even in confusing times.
3. FEAR OF MAN LEADS TO COMPROMISE AND SILENT SIN
Scripture: John 12:42-43; Galatians 1:10
Many religious leaders in Jesus’ time believed in Him secretly but refused to confess Him publicly because they feared people. Scripture says they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
Whenever pleasing people becomes more important than pleasing God, compromise is inevitable. Silence in the face of sin is often rooted in fear of man.
4. THE FEAR OF GOD PRODUCES BOLDNESS AND SPIRITUAL COURAGE
Scripture: Acts 4:18-20; Proverbs 28:1
The apostles were threatened and commanded not to preach Christ, yet they boldly declared the truth. Why? Because they feared God more than men.
The righteous are bold as a lion. Holy boldness is not arrogance; it is courage that comes from reverence for God.
5. THE FEAR OF MAN SILENCES THE VOICE OF TRUTH
Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:3-4; Isaiah 30:10
In these times, many want messages that comfort but do not confront. Truth-tellers are often rejected, mocked, or cancelled. As a result, some preachers and believers dilute the gospel.
But when the fear of God rules your heart, you speak truth in love regardless of consequences.
6. THE FEAR OF GOD KEEPS BELIEVERS HOLY IN A CORRUPT WORLD
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 7:1; 1 Peter 1:15-16
Holiness is sustained by reverence for God. When the fear of God departs, holiness becomes negotiable. The fear of God makes believers conscious that God sees, even when no one else does.
Joseph refused immorality not because people were watching, but because he feared God (Genesis 39:9).
7. FEAR OF MAN MAKES BELIEVERS UNSTABLE AND DOUBLE-MINDED
Scripture: James 1:6-8; Matthew 15:8
Those who fear man often live double lives: one in church and another outside. They adjust their faith depending on the audience.
But God desires consistency. A heart that fears God remains steadfast whether applauded or opposed.
8. THE FEAR OF GOD BRINGS DIVINE PROTECTION AND SAFETY
Scripture: Psalm 34:7; Proverbs 14:26
The Bible assures us that those who fear the Lord dwell in safety. Fear of God attracts divine covering. While fear of man enslaves, fear of God secures.
Trusting God may not always be popular, but it is always safe.
9. THE FEAR OF GOD PRESERVES FAITH IN TIMES OF PERSECUTION
Scripture: Matthew 10:28; Daniel 3:16-18
Jesus warned believers not to fear those who can kill the body but cannot destroy the soul. The three Hebrew boys stood firm because they feared God more than the king.
Faith that survives pressure is faith rooted in reverence for God.
10. THIS GENERATION MUST CHOOSE WHO IT FEARS
Scripture: Joshua 24:15; Ecclesiastes 12:13
Every generation must make a choice. Neutrality is not an option. Either we fear God and stand for truth, or we fear men and compromise our faith.
The conclusion of the whole matter is clear: fear God and keep His commandments.
CONCLUSION
The greatest danger to the church today is not persecution but compromise born out of fear of man. God is calling believers back to reverence, conviction, and courage. When we fear God, we are liberated from the opinions of men. When we honour God, He honours us.
May the fear of God be restored in our hearts, homes, churches, and nation.
CLOSING PRAYER
Father, we repent for every time we feared men more than You. Forgive us for compromise, silence, and disobedience. Restore in us a pure and holy fear of Your name. Give us boldness to stand for truth, grace to live holy lives, and courage to follow You regardless of opposition. Let our lives glorify You in this generation. We choose to fear You alone.
In Jesus’ mighty name we pray. Amen.
