THE FEAR FACTOR: (Whatever You Fear Governs You)
Genesis 3:9-10 – Then the LORD God called to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?” So he said, “I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was AFRAID because I was naked; and I hid myself.”
Hebrews 2:14-15 – Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through FEAR of death were ALL THEIR LIFETIME subject to BONDAGE.
(2 x 5 = 10)
(4 x 5 = 20)
WHATEVER YOU FEAR GOVERNS YOU.
1) GOD FEAR
2) GOOD FEAR
3) GROUNDLESS FEAR
I. Fear is a THRONE Issue; It Identifies Perceived Power
Proverbs 29:25 – The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe.
• Fear is not emotion, it’s slavery.
1 Samuel 15:24 – Then Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned, for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD and your words, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice.”
• You fear what you believe has the ability to affect your future.
II. Perceived Power Creates Influence
• Fear becomes master when you give temporary power—Ultimate Authority.
Matthew 10:28 – “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. ”
III. Influence Becomes Obedience
• Fear is decided by who occupies your Sacred Place.
Isaiah 8:12 – “Do not say, ‘A conspiracy,’ concerning all that this people call a conspiracy, nor be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.”
Isaiah 8:13 – “The LORD of hosts, Him you shall hallow; let Him be your fear, and let Him be your dread.”
• Fear can transfer your obedience.
1 Samuel 15:24 – Then Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned, for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD and your words, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice.”
IV. Obedience Creates FuncLonal Mastery
Romans 6:16 – Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one's slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?
• Whatever consistently decides your behavior is exercising funcLonal authority over your life.
V. Functional Mastery Becomes a THRONE Issue
• The real issue: “Who has the Final Word?”
Matthew 10:28 – “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”
THE QUESTION: What has gained GOVERNING INFLUENCE over your life simplybecause you are afraid of what it might do to you?
A Deep question: “What am I afraid of?”
The Deeper question: “What or who have I allowed to sit on the throne?”