A Study about fear (Hiram)

A STUDY ABOUT FEAR

Jesus, when speaking to His disciples, He warned them against men who would persecute them because of their faith in Him as the messiah.

From Matthew 10: 17 we learn that we should be on guard against men who have not faith in Jesus. These men will bring us before governors and judges to give an account for our faith. This action is now being started in our country, as is evident from the persecution of Judge Moore, the state of Alabama federal Judge.

In Matthew 10: 26 we read: "So do not be afraid of them. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known."

The word "afraid," used here, comes from the Greek "fob-eh'-o" and means frightened, or alarmed. The truth will eventually be made manifest to the world. What the Lord tells you from His word declare to the public. Do not be alarmed by those who can kill your body, but can't kill your soul. Instead you should be alarmed, frightened, by the One who can destroy both body and soul in hell.

Another word for "fear" is found in Matthew 14: 25. "During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw Him walking on the lake, they were terrified. It's a ghost, they said, and cried out in fear."

The word translated "fear" in this passage is from the Greek "fob'-os" and is the terror brought on by superstition. A popular Jewish superstition held that the appearance of spirits during the night brought disaster. That is why they cried out in fear. They were "afraid" that disaster was about to destroy them.

We should abolish all superstitious ideas from our thoughts. Faith can never be effective when superstitions are dwelling in our minds. Superstition is related to fortunetelling, or soothe saying. which are the works of the devil. Superstition is a form of fear.

The word "fear" found in Hebrews 11: 7 comes from the Greek word "yoo-lab-eh'-om-ahee" meaning to be apprehensive or to reverence. "By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir to the righteousness that comes by faith."  Noah by his faith condemned the world and became heir to the righteousness that
is the result of faith. His trust in God made him reverently apprehensive. He expected God to keep His promise and save him and his family from the flood that would destroy the world. He spent about 120 years building that ark, all because of his reverent fear of God. His "fear" brought condemnation to the world.

This "reverent fear" should be the expectation that we should have concerning the return of Jesus Christ, to claim His church. We should be filled with reverent apprehension as we read or think of the return of Jesus to claim His own. A holy expectation should fill our minds when we are reminded of this great event.

The final word translated "fear" is found in 1 Corinthians  16: 10. It is speaking of Timothy going to the church there. Paul desired that he would be able to carry on the work of the Lord without "fear." This word in the Greek is "of-ob'-oce," and means "without fear, or fearlessly." Timothy should have nothing to be afraid of while he does the work of the Lord among them.

First John 4: 18 reveals: "There is no fear (alarm, fright, or terror) in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment." The one who fears (is filled with alarm, fright, or terror, about judgment for sins) is not made perfect in love.

Hiram