KEY POINTS

· Two kinds of fear:

- Negative fear (false evidence appearing real): worry, anxiety, paralysis, cowardice, laziness

- Positive fear (reverence of God): awe, respect, obedience, intimacy, boldness, holiness

· False fear cripples faith – it causes spiritual laziness, paralysis, and doubt. Jesus calls us to seek first the kingdom of God rather than being consumed with worry (Matthew 6:33 ).

· True fear of God empowers faith – we realize the depth of HIS love by the cost HE was willing to pay to draw us to HIMSELF causing HIS influence to strengthen our faith and faithfulness.

· Salvation is by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–10), but true saving faith produces fruit and works. A faith without works is dead (James 2:17 ).

· To fear God is to take Him seriously – His holiness, His judgments, His love, and His sovereignty. He is Savior and Judge.

· Examples of God’s majesty and danger – like the Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls, or the Sun: beautiful yet powerful and dangerous if not respected.

· Fear fuels faith – when we fear God rightly, we become bold as lions (Proverbs 28:1), knowing He is for us.

· Practical start: Honor your parents – reverence begins with learning honor in the home, leading to deeper reverence for God.

· Pastor Marcus’s testimony – losing the fear of God led to sin, mental breakdown, and despair, but the love of God restored him in the fear of GOD and taught him forgiveness toward his father.

· Call to repentance – fear of God is essential in communion, repentance, and daily living. God’s mercy is available, but He must be approached with reverence.

DISCUSSION

· How do you personally distinguish between unhealthy fear and the healthy fear of God?

· Why is it dangerous to confuse God’s grace with a “license to sin”?

· In what ways does reverence for God fuel courage and obedience in your life?

· Pastor Marcus said, “Fear fuels faith.” How have you experienced that truth?

· How does honoring your parents (even imperfect ones) connect to learning to fear God?