Fear isn’t The Enemy
Sermon by Ed Anderson
Reader’s Version
Good morning. If you’re new here, welcome. The Simcos are out getting some rest and relaxation, so hopefully they’ll come back renewed, restored, and full of pizza.
I heard a story—I actually saw a study—that said speaking in front of a crowd is considered the number one fear of the average person. Number two was death. That means, to the average person, if you had to be at a funeral, you’d rather be in the casket than giving the eulogy.
Today we’re going to talk about fear—specifically two types of fear: worldly fear and godly fear. And you have to remember: fear can be both good and bad. Don’t assume fear is automatically negative.
And since we’re talking about fear, that means all of you today are going to be my therapists, and we’ll probably be here about three or four hours.
We all have fear. Fear is natural, as long as it doesn’t take us off our mission in life—or in Christ. There’s also a distinction I need to make: there’s a difference between fear and phobias. Fear is a natural emotional response to real or perceived threats. A phobia is an excessive, irrational fear that significantly disrupts daily life. Today, with only a small exception, we’re not talking about phobias.
So again, two types of fears. One: fear in the world—fear that includes natural circumstances and comes from or concerns a secular context. Two: fear of the Lord, or godly fear—a reverential fear of God leading to wisdom, knowledge, and a righteous life.
So, when is fear good?
In a worldly sense, fear is good for safety and awareness—understanding and assessing the risk of a situation. It’s that fight-or-flight scenario our bodies and minds have. Fear can also be good for personal growth. When we face fears, we discover strengths and capabilities we didn’t realize we had. Fear can be motivational. If I fear bad health, I might change my habits. If I fear poverty, I might study hard or work hard. Fear can push you toward better decisions.
Even fear can have physical effects. That adrenaline rush can sharpen your senses and reaction time. In some situations, fear can help keep you alive.
Now, from a godly perspective, Jesus gives us a clear framework in Luke 12:4–5: don’t live in fear of people who can only harm the body. Instead, fear God—the One with ultimate authority beyond this life.
And then Philippians 2:12 speaks about living out the Christian life with seriousness—working out your salvation with “fear and trembling,” meaning humility, reverence, and sober awareness before God.
So yes, fear can be good.
But when is fear bad?
In a worldly context, fear is bad when it keeps us from our purpose—when it takes us off mission. Fear is also bad when it becomes chronic stress, and stress feeds so many other health problems.
From a godly side, 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us that God hasn’t given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control. And 1 John 4:18 teaches that perfect love drives out the fear that’s rooted in punishment—fear that keeps you trapped and tormented.
As Pastor Gene has taught us, we should have fear of judgment—God is holy and He will judge—but not fear of condemnation for those who belong to Christ. God’s love protects us from condemnation.
Now, here are some examples of earthly fear and godly fear.
Earthly fear: we live in a broken world. Hurricanes happen in Florida, and that’s something you should take seriously. Another picture is a classroom—fear can either motivate you to work harder, or it can reflect stress and pressure. And then there’s the picture of a man sawing a branch while sitting on the very end he’s cutting. Sometimes we just do stupid things. We need a healthy fear of making stupid choices.
Godly fear: we should have a healthy fear of God’s judgment and wrath. We should have a healthy fear rooted in the reality that we live in a spiritual world and we depend on God’s protection.
And let’s be clear: it’s not wrong to have fear. We have a natural fear of lions—but only real ones. Proverbs 22:13 talks about the sluggard claiming there’s a lion outside as an excuse. That’s not wisdom—that’s fear being used as a cover for laziness.
When I was growing up, I was told things about fear that, looking back, make no sense. Some of you might relate.
Someone told me, “Real men are never afraid.” It’s this whole “conquer your fear” thing—like a lion is just a cat and a wolf is just a dog. Conquer your fear. That’s not biblical, and it’s not smart.
Here’s another one: “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” I still don’t know what that means.
Another one from the 1990s: “Do one thing every day that scares you.” Think about that. Today we’re going to play in traffic on the highway. Makes no sense.
Another one: “We fear only what we have not understood.” Really? I understand perfectly well that if I’m standing in the street and a dump truck is coming at me, that’s a problem.
Then: “Fear is temporary. Regret is forever.” So I guess I can say, “Jesus, I regret I didn’t get out of the way of the dump truck as I was playing in the highway.”
And the last one: “Christians should never be afraid,” even though Scripture talks about fear constantly, and even Jesus experienced anguish.
The root of all of these is individualism: I can conquer my fear, I can be the hero, I can master my situation. None of that is biblical, and most of it doesn’t even make sense.
Is fear healthy? There’s an article from Psychology Today that explains fear is wired into the brain for good reason. It’s part of normal brain function. In fact, a lack of fear can even signal serious problems. Fear isn’t automatically weakness. Fear is part of being human.
Fear becomes an issue when it controls you—when it keeps you from your purpose and takes you off mission.
And it makes sense to fear the Lord. Doesn’t it make sense to have reverence for the Lord of lords—the King of kings—the Creator of all things?
Revelation 4 gives a vision of God’s throne: power, holiness, worship, majesty—everything in heaven responds to Him with awe. And Revelation 14:6–7 includes the call to fear God, give Him glory, and worship the Creator, because the time of judgment is coming.
To be clear: fear the Lord.
I’m a big C.S. Lewis fan. In The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Aslan is a picture of Christ. Lucy asks Mr. Beaver if Aslan is safe. Mr. Beaver basically says, “No, he isn’t safe—but he’s good. He’s the King.” That’s the point. God isn’t tame. But He is good.
Now, before I go deeper into worldly and godly fear, I have my list—Ed’s list of godly fears.
First, Count Dracula. When I was about ten, my aunts thought it was hilarious to take me and my brother to the scariest movie they could find. They’d give us all the soda and candy we wanted, sugar us up, and then we’d watch Dracula terrified. We’d come home and stay awake for the next week and a half. My mom finally called them and said, “What are you doing to my sons?” And that’s when the truth came out.
Second, I said I wasn’t going to talk about phobias, but I’m afraid of heights. This stage is about as high as I want to be without a guard rail and the fire department cushions out there.
Third, I’m afraid of poor decision-making. I went to the grocery store one time and they had buy-one-get-one-free Häagen-Dazs ice cream. For me, that’s basically a miracle. I get the cart, find the freezer, and I start loading up like it’s the last day on earth. I’m pushing children out of the way, old ladies—look, not very Christian, but it’s ice cream. Every person for themselves.
I get home and start putting it away, and one container doesn’t look like the others. I turn it over and realize I made a hasty, tragic decision. One of them is yogurt. I don’t know what I was thinking.
And last but not least, I’m afraid of coconuts.
Now, what are most Americans afraid of? I found a list from Smithsonian and Chapman University. The top fears include corrupt government officials, people we love becoming ill, economic collapse, cyberterrorism, loved ones dying, war, pollution of drinking water, not having enough money for the future, nuclear threats, pollution of oceans and rivers, and government tracking personal data.
What’s the rest of the world afraid of? In global surveys, fears tend to include political conflict and violence, the economy and cost of living, access to healthcare, environmental threats, crime and terrorism, preserving cultural identity, job security, housing availability, access to clean water, and access to education.
Now back to our concept of worldly fear and godly fear.
Worldly fear can impact mental health—anxiety and stress. It can impact decision-making—leading to stagnation, burnout, or missed opportunities. It can damage relationships. It can affect your overall well-being.
So how should Christians respond to worldly fear?
First, pray. Philippians 4:6–7 teaches us not to live in constant worry, but to bring everything to God with gratitude, and receive His peace and protection over our hearts and minds.
Second, trust God. Proverbs 3:5 tells us to trust the Lord with all our heart and not lean on our own understanding.
Third, share burdens with believers. Galatians 6:2 calls us to carry one another’s burdens.
Fourth, listen to Jesus. Matthew 10:28 echoes Luke 12: don’t fear those who can only harm the body. Fear God, who holds ultimate authority over body and soul.
Scripture speaks about fearing God repeatedly, and it also repeatedly tells us not to be afraid. The point isn’t that Christians never feel fear. The point is that fear should be ordered properly.
Even Jesus experienced anguish. The Bible isn’t calling us to pretend fear isn’t real. It’s calling us to fear the right thing most.
When you think about our lives in the span of eternity, it puts worldly fear in perspective. If the length of this room were eternity, our lives would be like taking one hair—not a gray hair—and dropping it on the floor. That’s our lifetime compared to eternity.
So why is fear good for Christians?
First, it’s the beginning of wisdom. Proverbs 9:10 teaches that reverent fear of the Lord is where wisdom starts.
Second, it reminds us God is sovereign. Psalm 47:2 calls God the great King over all the earth.
Third, it reminds us judgment is real. Passages like 2 Corinthians 5:10 remind us we will all stand before Christ.
Fourth, it reminds us God’s wrath against sin is real. Colossians 3:5–6 warns against living in sin and idolatry, because God’s righteous anger is coming.
Through studying, I’ve identified four types of biblical fear. I’m sure there are more, but I want to focus on these.
First, fear of the Lord. Proverbs 1:7 teaches the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.
Second, fear of man. Proverbs 29:25 teaches fear of man is a snare, but trusting the Lord brings safety.
Third, fear of the consequences of sin. 1 John 1:9 reminds us confession brings forgiveness and cleansing. And other passages remind us sin carries real consequences.
Fourth, fear of enemies. Psalm 55 describes fear and trembling in the face of danger, and the desire to escape.
Let’s look at each.
Fear of the Lord: Scripture explicitly commands it. Proverbs 28:14 describes blessing in fearing the Lord. Philippians 2:12 calls us to live with reverence and seriousness. 2 Corinthians 7:1 calls believers to pursue holiness in the fear of God.
Fear of people: Galatians 1:10 asks whether we are living to please people or to serve Christ. Psalm 56:11 says with God we can live without fear of man. Hebrews 13:6 says the Lord is our helper, so we can live with confidence.
Fear of the consequences of sin: Romans 6:23 reminds us sin leads to death, but God gives eternal life in Christ. Galatians 6:7–8 teaches we reap what we sow. James 1:14–15 shows how desire leads to sin and sin leads to death. Proverbs 14:12 warns that a way can seem right but end in death.
Fear of enemies: Deuteronomy 31:6 calls God’s people to courage because God is with them. Psalm 27:1 declares the Lord is our light and salvation—so we don’t have to live dominated by fear.
So again: worldly fear and godly fear.
Worldly fear is temporary. Godly fear reaches into eternity.
Proverbs 14:16 teaches that the wise fear and avoid danger, but fools rush ahead with reckless confidence. And Luke 12:4–5 teaches that we should not be ruled by fear of man, but should fear God.
So how then shall we live?
We need to consider what’s at stake. What is the price we’re willing to pay for eternity with Jesus? What are we willing to give up for Him?
We need to think about what we fear, and we need a healthy fear of the Lord.
There’s good fear and there’s bad fear.
Good fear is fear of God—the fear that recognizes real danger, produces wisdom, obedience, caution, and faithfulness, and keeps us alive and on mission.
Bad fear is fear of people when it overrides obedience—the fear that leads to denial, retreat, silence, or compromise. Bad fear is the fear that stops our mission in life and in Christ. It’s also fear of losing worldly things.
When Jesus tells us not to fear those who kill the body, He isn’t saying physical danger doesn’t matter. He’s saying don’t let fear of death push you into denying Him.
So Jesus isn’t removing fear. He’s replacing one fear with another. This isn’t fear removal; it’s fear reordering.
Every day we have a decision to make: who will we fear?
How will I determine how to live?
What do I do when fear, doubt, and self-interest grip me?
What is our goal as believers?
I hope we all say: I will live for Jesus. I will live by His Word. I will pray. I will aim for, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Fear isn’t automatically bad. Scripture commands fear in the right direction. There are things in this world to take seriously. Fear can be a positive when it’s ordered properly. But it must be kept in context, the way Jesus teaches.
Reorder your fear. Fear the Lord. Fear what can truly harm you. And don’t let fear of people or circumstances take you off mission.
Let me pray.
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your greatness, Your holiness, and Your unfailing love. Teach our hearts to walk in holy fear of You—not dread, but deep reverence and awe. Let this fear guide our steps, shape our choices, and keep us close to Your will. Help us honor You in all we do, trusting that Your wisdom leads to eternal life and blessing. Help us love what You love and turn away from what displeases You. Thank You for Your grace and mercy. Thank You for Your unfailing love and for Your Word that guides us every day. In His holy name. Amen.
Related Article:
https://www.biblebelievingchristian.org/post/_fear
Foundational Scriptures on Reordering Fear
Luke 12:4–5
"I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that can do nothing more. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him!"
Philippians 2:12
"Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence, but much more now in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling."
2 Timothy 1:7
"For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline."
1 John 4:18
"There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love."
Section One: Worldly vs. Godly Fear
Proverbs 22:13
"The lazy person says, 'There is a lion outside! I shall be killed in the streets!'"
Proverbs 9:10
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight."
Psalm 47:2
"For the Lord, the Most High, is awesome, a great king over all the earth."
2 Corinthians 5:10
"For all of us must appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may receive recompense for what has been done in the body, whether good or evil."
Colossians 3:5–6
"Put to death, therefore, whatever in you is earthly: fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed (which is idolatry). On account of these the wrath of God is coming on those who are disobedient."
Section Two: Types of Biblical Fear
Proverbs 1:7
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction."
Proverbs 29:25
"The fear of others lays a snare, but one who trusts in the Lord is secure."
1 John 1:9
"If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Psalm 55:5
"Fear and trembling come upon me, and horror overwhelms me."
Section Three: Living Without Improper Fear
Psalm 23:4
"Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me."
Psalm 27:1
"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"
Psalm 118:6
"With the Lord on my side I do not fear. What can mortals do to me?"
Isaiah 41:10
"Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand."
Matthew 10:28
"Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell."
Sermon by Ed Anderson
Reader’s Version
Good morning. If you’re new here, welcome. The Simcos are out getting some rest and relaxation, so hopefully they’ll come back renewed, restored, and full of pizza.
I heard a story—I actually saw a study—that said speaking in front of a crowd is considered the number one fear of the average person. Number two was death. That means, to the average person, if you had to be at a funeral, you’d rather be in the casket than giving the eulogy.
Today we’re going to talk about fear—specifically two types of fear: worldly fear and godly fear. And you have to remember: fear can be both good and bad. Don’t assume fear is automatically negative.
And since we’re talking about fear, that means all of you today are going to be my therapists, and we’ll probably be here about three or four hours.
We all have fear. Fear is natural, as long as it doesn’t take us off our mission in life—or in Christ. There’s also a distinction I need to make: there’s a difference between fear and phobias. Fear is a natural emotional response to real or perceived threats. A phobia is an excessive, irrational fear that significantly disrupts daily life. Today, with only a small exception, we’re not talking about phobias.
So again, two types of fears. One: fear in the world—fear that includes natural circumstances and comes from or concerns a secular context. Two: fear of the Lord, or godly fear—a reverential fear of God leading to wisdom, knowledge, and a righteous life.
So, when is fear good?
In a worldly sense, fear is good for safety and awareness—understanding and assessing the risk of a situation. It’s that fight-or-flight scenario our bodies and minds have. Fear can also be good for personal growth. When we face fears, we discover strengths and capabilities we didn’t realize we had. Fear can be motivational. If I fear bad health, I might change my habits. If I fear poverty, I might study hard or work hard. Fear can push you toward better decisions.
Even fear can have physical effects. That adrenaline rush can sharpen your senses and reaction time. In some situations, fear can help keep you alive.
Now, from a godly perspective, Jesus gives us a clear framework in Luke 12:4–5: don’t live in fear of people who can only harm the body. Instead, fear God—the One with ultimate authority beyond this life.
And then Philippians 2:12 speaks about living out the Christian life with seriousness—working out your salvation with “fear and trembling,” meaning humility, reverence, and sober awareness before God.
So yes, fear can be good.
But when is fear bad?
In a worldly context, fear is bad when it keeps us from our purpose—when it takes us off mission. Fear is also bad when it becomes chronic stress, and stress feeds so many other health problems.
From a godly side, 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us that God hasn’t given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control. And 1 John 4:18 teaches that perfect love drives out the fear that’s rooted in punishment—fear that keeps you trapped and tormented.
As Pastor Gene has taught us, we should have fear of judgment—God is holy and He will judge—but not fear of condemnation for those who belong to Christ. God’s love protects us from condemnation.
Now, here are some examples of earthly fear and godly fear.
Earthly fear: we live in a broken world. Hurricanes happen in Florida, and that’s something you should take seriously. Another picture is a classroom—fear can either motivate you to work harder, or it can reflect stress and pressure. And then there’s the picture of a man sawing a branch while sitting on the very end he’s cutting. Sometimes we just do stupid things. We need a healthy fear of making stupid choices.
Godly fear: we should have a healthy fear of God’s judgment and wrath. We should have a healthy fear rooted in the reality that we live in a spiritual world and we depend on God’s protection.
And let’s be clear: it’s not wrong to have fear. We have a natural fear of lions—but only real ones. Proverbs 22:13 talks about the sluggard claiming there’s a lion outside as an excuse. That’s not wisdom—that’s fear being used as a cover for laziness.
When I was growing up, I was told things about fear that, looking back, make no sense. Some of you might relate.
Someone told me, “Real men are never afraid.” It’s this whole “conquer your fear” thing—like a lion is just a cat and a wolf is just a dog. Conquer your fear. That’s not biblical, and it’s not smart.
Here’s another one: “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” I still don’t know what that means.
Another one from the 1990s: “Do one thing every day that scares you.” Think about that. Today we’re going to play in traffic on the highway. Makes no sense.
Another one: “We fear only what we have not understood.” Really? I understand perfectly well that if I’m standing in the street and a dump truck is coming at me, that’s a problem.
Then: “Fear is temporary. Regret is forever.” So I guess I can say, “Jesus, I regret I didn’t get out of the way of the dump truck as I was playing in the highway.”
And the last one: “Christians should never be afraid,” even though Scripture talks about fear constantly, and even Jesus experienced anguish.
The root of all of these is individualism: I can conquer my fear, I can be the hero, I can master my situation. None of that is biblical, and most of it doesn’t even make sense.
Is fear healthy? There’s an article from Psychology Today that explains fear is wired into the brain for good reason. It’s part of normal brain function. In fact, a lack of fear can even signal serious problems. Fear isn’t automatically weakness. Fear is part of being human.
Fear becomes an issue when it controls you—when it keeps you from your purpose and takes you off mission.
And it makes sense to fear the Lord. Doesn’t it make sense to have reverence for the Lord of lords—the King of kings—the Creator of all things?
Revelation 4 gives a vision of God’s throne: power, holiness, worship, majesty—everything in heaven responds to Him with awe. And Revelation 14:6–7 includes the call to fear God, give Him glory, and worship the Creator, because the time of judgment is coming.
To be clear: fear the Lord.
I’m a big C.S. Lewis fan. In The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Aslan is a picture of Christ. Lucy asks Mr. Beaver if Aslan is safe. Mr. Beaver basically says, “No, he isn’t safe—but he’s good. He’s the King.” That’s the point. God isn’t tame. But He is good.
Now, before I go deeper into worldly and godly fear, I have my list—Ed’s list of godly fears.
First, Count Dracula. When I was about ten, my aunts thought it was hilarious to take me and my brother to the scariest movie they could find. They’d give us all the soda and candy we wanted, sugar us up, and then we’d watch Dracula terrified. We’d come home and stay awake for the next week and a half. My mom finally called them and said, “What are you doing to my sons?” And that’s when the truth came out.
Second, I said I wasn’t going to talk about phobias, but I’m afraid of heights. This stage is about as high as I want to be without a guard rail and the fire department cushions out there.
Third, I’m afraid of poor decision-making. I went to the grocery store one time and they had buy-one-get-one-free Häagen-Dazs ice cream. For me, that’s basically a miracle. I get the cart, find the freezer, and I start loading up like it’s the last day on earth. I’m pushing children out of the way, old ladies—look, not very Christian, but it’s ice cream. Every person for themselves.
I get home and start putting it away, and one container doesn’t look like the others. I turn it over and realize I made a hasty, tragic decision. One of them is yogurt. I don’t know what I was thinking.
And last but not least, I’m afraid of coconuts.
Now, what are most Americans afraid of? I found a list from Smithsonian and Chapman University. The top fears include corrupt government officials, people we love becoming ill, economic collapse, cyberterrorism, loved ones dying, war, pollution of drinking water, not having enough money for the future, nuclear threats, pollution of oceans and rivers, and government tracking personal data.
What’s the rest of the world afraid of? In global surveys, fears tend to include political conflict and violence, the economy and cost of living, access to healthcare, environmental threats, crime and terrorism, preserving cultural identity, job security, housing availability, access to clean water, and access to education.
Now back to our concept of worldly fear and godly fear.
Worldly fear can impact mental health—anxiety and stress. It can impact decision-making—leading to stagnation, burnout, or missed opportunities. It can damage relationships. It can affect your overall well-being.
So how should Christians respond to worldly fear?
First, pray. Philippians 4:6–7 teaches us not to live in constant worry, but to bring everything to God with gratitude, and receive His peace and protection over our hearts and minds.
Second, trust God. Proverbs 3:5 tells us to trust the Lord with all our heart and not lean on our own understanding.
Third, share burdens with believers. Galatians 6:2 calls us to carry one another’s burdens.
Fourth, listen to Jesus. Matthew 10:28 echoes Luke 12: don’t fear those who can only harm the body. Fear God, who holds ultimate authority over body and soul.
Scripture speaks about fearing God repeatedly, and it also repeatedly tells us not to be afraid. The point isn’t that Christians never feel fear. The point is that fear should be ordered properly.
Even Jesus experienced anguish. The Bible isn’t calling us to pretend fear isn’t real. It’s calling us to fear the right thing most.
When you think about our lives in the span of eternity, it puts worldly fear in perspective. If the length of this room were eternity, our lives would be like taking one hair—not a gray hair—and dropping it on the floor. That’s our lifetime compared to eternity.
So why is fear good for Christians?
First, it’s the beginning of wisdom. Proverbs 9:10 teaches that reverent fear of the Lord is where wisdom starts.
Second, it reminds us God is sovereign. Psalm 47:2 calls God the great King over all the earth.
Third, it reminds us judgment is real. Passages like 2 Corinthians 5:10 remind us we will all stand before Christ.
Fourth, it reminds us God’s wrath against sin is real. Colossians 3:5–6 warns against living in sin and idolatry, because God’s righteous anger is coming.
Through studying, I’ve identified four types of biblical fear. I’m sure there are more, but I want to focus on these.
First, fear of the Lord. Proverbs 1:7 teaches the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.
Second, fear of man. Proverbs 29:25 teaches fear of man is a snare, but trusting the Lord brings safety.
Third, fear of the consequences of sin. 1 John 1:9 reminds us confession brings forgiveness and cleansing. And other passages remind us sin carries real consequences.
Fourth, fear of enemies. Psalm 55 describes fear and trembling in the face of danger, and the desire to escape.
Let’s look at each.
Fear of the Lord: Scripture explicitly commands it. Proverbs 28:14 describes blessing in fearing the Lord. Philippians 2:12 calls us to live with reverence and seriousness. 2 Corinthians 7:1 calls believers to pursue holiness in the fear of God.
Fear of people: Galatians 1:10 asks whether we are living to please people or to serve Christ. Psalm 56:11 says with God we can live without fear of man. Hebrews 13:6 says the Lord is our helper, so we can live with confidence.
Fear of the consequences of sin: Romans 6:23 reminds us sin leads to death, but God gives eternal life in Christ. Galatians 6:7–8 teaches we reap what we sow. James 1:14–15 shows how desire leads to sin and sin leads to death. Proverbs 14:12 warns that a way can seem right but end in death.
Fear of enemies: Deuteronomy 31:6 calls God’s people to courage because God is with them. Psalm 27:1 declares the Lord is our light and salvation—so we don’t have to live dominated by fear.
So again: worldly fear and godly fear.
Worldly fear is temporary. Godly fear reaches into eternity.
Proverbs 14:16 teaches that the wise fear and avoid danger, but fools rush ahead with reckless confidence. And Luke 12:4–5 teaches that we should not be ruled by fear of man, but should fear God.
So how then shall we live?
We need to consider what’s at stake. What is the price we’re willing to pay for eternity with Jesus? What are we willing to give up for Him?
We need to think about what we fear, and we need a healthy fear of the Lord.
There’s good fear and there’s bad fear.
Good fear is fear of God—the fear that recognizes real danger, produces wisdom, obedience, caution, and faithfulness, and keeps us alive and on mission.
Bad fear is fear of people when it overrides obedience—the fear that leads to denial, retreat, silence, or compromise. Bad fear is the fear that stops our mission in life and in Christ. It’s also fear of losing worldly things.
When Jesus tells us not to fear those who kill the body, He isn’t saying physical danger doesn’t matter. He’s saying don’t let fear of death push you into denying Him.
So Jesus isn’t removing fear. He’s replacing one fear with another. This isn’t fear removal; it’s fear reordering.
Every day we have a decision to make: who will we fear?
How will I determine how to live?
What do I do when fear, doubt, and self-interest grip me?
What is our goal as believers?
I hope we all say: I will live for Jesus. I will live by His Word. I will pray. I will aim for, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Fear isn’t automatically bad. Scripture commands fear in the right direction. There are things in this world to take seriously. Fear can be a positive when it’s ordered properly. But it must be kept in context, the way Jesus teaches.
Reorder your fear. Fear the Lord. Fear what can truly harm you. And don’t let fear of people or circumstances take you off mission.
Let me pray.
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your greatness, Your holiness, and Your unfailing love. Teach our hearts to walk in holy fear of You—not dread, but deep reverence and awe. Let this fear guide our steps, shape our choices, and keep us close to Your will. Help us honor You in all we do, trusting that Your wisdom leads to eternal life and blessing. Help us love what You love and turn away from what displeases You. Thank You for Your grace and mercy. Thank You for Your unfailing love and for Your Word that guides us every day. In His holy name. Amen.
Related Article:
https://www.biblebelievingchristian.org/post/_fear
Foundational Scriptures on Reordering Fear
Luke 12:4–5
"I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that can do nothing more. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him!"
Philippians 2:12
"Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence, but much more now in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling."
2 Timothy 1:7
"For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline."
1 John 4:18
"There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love."
Section One: Worldly vs. Godly Fear
Proverbs 22:13
"The lazy person says, 'There is a lion outside! I shall be killed in the streets!'"
Proverbs 9:10
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight."
Psalm 47:2
"For the Lord, the Most High, is awesome, a great king over all the earth."
2 Corinthians 5:10
"For all of us must appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may receive recompense for what has been done in the body, whether good or evil."
Colossians 3:5–6
"Put to death, therefore, whatever in you is earthly: fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed (which is idolatry). On account of these the wrath of God is coming on those who are disobedient."
Section Two: Types of Biblical Fear
Proverbs 1:7
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction."
Proverbs 29:25
"The fear of others lays a snare, but one who trusts in the Lord is secure."
1 John 1:9
"If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Psalm 55:5
"Fear and trembling come upon me, and horror overwhelms me."
Section Three: Living Without Improper Fear
Psalm 23:4
"Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me."
Psalm 27:1
"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"
Psalm 118:6
"With the Lord on my side I do not fear. What can mortals do to me?"
Isaiah 41:10
"Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand."
Matthew 10:28
"Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell."