Sermons on fear of criticism:

Criticizing Leaders (Numbers 12)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 15, 2024

When is it appropriate to criticize church leaders, and when not? Let's look at Numbers 12.

What does God think about a critical attitude towards His leaders? Is it all too common in our churches? Let’s look at Numbers 12. Why did Miriam and Aaron denounce Moses? Miriam and Aaron began to talk against Moses because of his Cushite wife, for he had married a Cushite. “Has the Lord spoken ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Staring Down Your Critics Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Dec 19, 2024

Behold the glory of the Lord and be bold in your service for the Lord.

There is an old Peanuts cartoon, in which Linus has just written a comic strip of his own, and he wants Lucy's opinion. In the first frame, he tentatively hands Lucy his comic strip and says, “Lucy, would you read this and tell me if you think it is funny?” In the next frame, you see Lucy ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 3:1-18, 1 John 3:2-3, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Exodus 34:29-30

Denomination: Evangelical Free

The Dead Dog Syndrome

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jul 17, 2002

Shimea suffered from a spiritual illness that plagues many Christians. How did it reveal itself and how can we be healed?s

THE DEAD DOG SYNDROME 9/98 ILLUSTRATION: There’s a story about a crazy old woman who was known to be crazy because she would walk down the streets talking to herself. One of her best known pastimes was talk to Jesus... and Jesus would talk back. One day a new preacher came to town and thought ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 16:5-14

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Dead Dog Syndrome - A Man After God's Own Heart Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Apr 24, 2005

Shimei suffered from a spiritual illness that can plague even the most godly man or woman. He suffered from a "critical spirit." What can we do make sure we don’t fall prey to the same sickness in our lives?

OPEN: An older couple were on a trip across country and they stopped at a roadside restaurant for lunch. As they got up to leave, the woman forgot and left her glasses on the table. They were several miles down the road before she realized she didn’t have them and to make matters worse, her husband ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 16:5-14

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Dead Dog Syndrome Series

Contributed by Troy Borst on Nov 10, 2022

The Dead Dog Syndrome (a critical spirit) can infect us or the people around us and is destructive in whatever direction it is focused.

[the title for this sermon comes from another contributor, but the content is my own] THE VERY RELATABLE LIFE OF KING DAVID DEAD DOG SYNDROME 2 SAMUEL 16:5-14, 19:15-23, PSALM 3:1-8 #kingdavid INTRODUCTION... A Little Quiz (p) I would like to begin this morning with a little quiz. I need you to ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 16:5-14, 2 Samuel 19:15-23, Psalm 3:1-8

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Fire Of The Contentious

Contributed by Terry Laughlin on Aug 27, 2022

A contentious spirit is like fire which burns up all that is good, and puts families, friends and co-workers at odds. This spirit finds a small fire of strife, kindles it and keeps feeding the issues which cause distrust, hatred or malice.

Fire Of the Contentious The Negative Influences of a Person Who Seeks Strife The King James Bible tells us “As coals are to burning coals, and wood to a fire; So is a contentious man to kindle strife.” (Proverbs 26:21) “Contentious” (?????? ma?ôn) means to be argumentative, a person who is ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 26:21

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Good Fear - Bad Fear

Contributed by Greg Nance on Mar 24, 2007

There is a fear of God that is healthy and blesses our lives. There is also a fear toward God that drives us away from him. Which do you have?

This week we finished Deuteronomy and began Joshua. Here is the transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua and leaving the wilderness to entering the promised land of Canaan. Moses’ life ends on Mount Nebo and God himself buries Moses somewhere in Moab on the wilderness side of the Jordan. ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:13-21

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Fear When Fear Deceives

Contributed by John Dobbs on Nov 10, 2022

Zach Williams has a popular Christian song entitled FEAR IS A LIAR. It’s a great song that identifies the lies that we believe about ourselves.

Faith When Fear Deceives    Isaiah 36, 37 Introduction 1. Zach Williams has a popular Christian song entitled FEAR IS A LIAR. It’s a great song that identifies the lies that we believe about ourselves. Beginning Lyrics: When he told you you're not good enough,  When ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Do Not Fear What They Fear

Contributed by John Gaston on May 1, 2021

As people of faith, who are cared for by our Heavenly Father, we should not be controlled by fear. It's safer to trust in God than man. Here are 4 strategies for defeating worries.

DO NOT FEAR WHAT THEY FEAR Isa. 8:11-13 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR: MORE FIGHT PER DOLLAR 1. A young man was attending Harvard University many years ago, and talked his Dad into coming to see the football game between Yale and Harvard. (rivals) 2. As they sat down, the boy slapped his father on ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 8:11-13, Proverbs 29:25, 2 Timothy 1:7

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Fear Not - Healthy And Unhealthy Fear Premium Sermon

Contributed by PRO Premium on Oct 9, 2023

This sermon aims to help the congregation distinguish between healthy and unhealthy fear, and respond to unhealthy fear with power, love, and self-discipline, as guided by the scriptures.

Has anyone here today ever been scared? Has anyone ever been literally - paralyzed by fear - unable to take another step? Well, we’re all in luck because today we begin a 4-week series called Fear Not. Surprisingly, fear is something the bible has an awful lot to say about. In fact, the command, ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:7

Topics: Healthy Fear, Unhealthy Fear, Spiritual Discipline

Sermon Series: Fear Not

To Follow Or Fear, Part 2

Contributed by Kevin Higgins on Nov 25, 2007

Are you listening to the right voice?

The Right Voice Numbers 13:30 Woodlawn Baptist Church November 11, 2007 Last week I spoke to you about fear, and as I did, many of you said that God spoke to you about your own fears. Remember that the people of Israel responded to God’s instructions to take Canaan with fear: fear of the giants, ...read more

Scripture: Numbers 13:30

Denomination: Baptist

How To Overcome The Fear Of What People Will Think Series

Contributed by Darrell Stetler Ii on Feb 8, 2005

Every one of us will face criticism and rejection if we start really doing something for God. Here are 5 steps to dealing with fear of men. *HANDOUT INCLUDED*

How to overcome fear of what people will think: Read Acts 4:1-31. (Tell the story. . . review Acts 3 briefly) One of the most natural things that humans do is be afraid of what other people will think. You may not think this affects you. . . you might not be a part of something like this: The ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:1-31

Denomination: Holiness

The Fear Of The Lord And Understanding Godly Fear And Ungodly Fear Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Mar 10, 2025

In this sermon, we will explore what the Bible says about godly fear and ungodly fear.

Fear is a universal human emotion that can be both positive and negative. In the Bible, we find two types of fear: godly fear and ungodly fear. Godly fear is a healthy reverence for God that leads to obedience, worship, and a deeper relationship with Him. Ungodly fear, on the other hand, is a ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 111:10, Proverbs 9:10, Deuteronomy 10:12-13

Don’t Be A Bumper Car Christian

Contributed by John Gaston on Jul 25, 2016

Life is a lot like “bumper cars.” Do you want to bump those who bump you? That may be a fun strategy for bumper cars, but it’s a terrible strategy for life. Jesus shows us a better way!

DON’T BE A BUMPER CAR CHRISTIAN Jn. 13:34-35 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR: CHURCH BULLETIN 1. An English teacher was at church reading a poster on the wall (not our church) which ended with “Donations Excepted.” 2. She couldn’t resist and marked through the word ...read more

Scripture: John 13:34-35

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Criticism Gets To The Top Lesson 26 Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Mar 28, 2017

Ten lessons about criticism

A. BE CAREFUL WHO AND WHAT YOU CRITICIZE: NUMBERS 12:1-16 1. Is this a family squabble? “Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses” (12:1). They were Moses’ older sister and brother. 2. Were they influenced by public opinion? “When the people ...read more

Scripture: Numbers 12:1-16

Denomination: Baptist