Losing Fear and Losing Your Way

Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient. (Romans 1:21-28)

James gave a warning to those who seek positions of leadership. He said, “Don’t be so quick to make that jump to the top.” He said there would be a greater condemnation to those who stand in leadership positions if they don’t listen and respond to what God is saying.

It seems as if more and more often these days, we encounter people who entirely lack moral values. The Apostle Paul wrote about people who once knew God but failed to glorify Him or thank Him. As a result, their hearts became clouded with vanity and darkness. They stopped fearing God and their lives fell apart.

Those who lose the fear of the Lord always lose their way. The fear of the Lord does not mean being afraid of God or cowering before a powerful, vengeful deity. It means respecting Him and honoring Him as He deserves.

Our society was once a God-fearing society. We have departed far from that now.

Since we live in a world that calls good evil and evil good, our honor and respect for God stands out and gives us the opportunity to be beacons of light in a dark world.

Practical Application

Remember to intercede on behalf of those in the world. Pray that the eyes of their understanding is enlightened and they return to the fear of the Lord.

Jeremiah 6:30; Ephesians 5:4

Hear from the Lord

My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. (James 3:1)

James gave a warning to those who seek positions of leadership. He said, “Don’t be so quick to make that jump to the top.” He said there would be a greater condemnation to those who stand in leadership positions if they don’t listen and respond to what God is saying.

Condemnation is the Greek word krima and means something clearly foretold; it also means a judicial verdict. So, those who lead others must listen to God because they will suffer greater judgement for ignoring God’s direction and commands.

God is in constant communication with us. He speaks in many ways: the inner voice (which is a still small voice in our hearts), the inner witness (a nudge of the Holy Spirit to go a certain direction) but most importantly, God speaks to us through His Word.

Too many Christians don’t listen to what God has said in His Word and want to attempt to negotiate with God by hearing His audible voice about something God already clearly stated in His Word.

God speaks to us, not to instill fear in us, but to give us a chance to correct course and follow His perfect will. When we hear from Him through the Holy Ghost or through His Word, we shouldn’t try to negotiate with God. His Word is final, and His Truth is unchanging.

The condemnation upon leaders that James warned about is for those who neglect God’s warning and dismiss the wisdom of His Word. As sons and daughters of God, we are all called to hear and obey the Word of the Lord. As we mature in our faith, God expects even more.

Practical Application

Take time daily to listen and respond to the Word of the Lord. He may speak to you while you’re in prayer, through the nudge of the inner witness, or as you read His Word. Never let a day go by without hearing from God.

Romans 5:3; Hebrews 10:36

Guarding the Church

For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. (Jude 1:4)

The church, the sanctuary of faith, is the place God designated for believers to go to receive spiritual nourishment, guidance, and fellowship with one another. However, as members of a church, we are called to each be watchful of false teachers, wolves in sheep’s clothing who creep into the church, subtly introducing destructive ideas and worldly concepts into our house of faith.

The word unawares in the Greek is pareisuno and refers to someone who clandestinely enters a place, settles down and functions right alongside everyone else.

These teachers are like hidden reefs, ready to shipwreck the faith of believers who aren’t seasoned in the Word themselves. Sometimes their deception comes in the form of false prophecies, false doctrines, or distortions of the Word.

How do we protect the church from these people? What is our job as believers to stand against this? We must first have a firm understanding of what the Word says. As students of the Word, rightly dividing the Word of Truth, we will not be confused when charismatic people come in bringing false doctrine.

We should also be very watchful for others around us and what they are heeding and listening to. Help others to discern the truth from falsehood.

Last, we need to pray against those who would try to find opportunities to enter the church and lead people astray.

Practical Application

How can you pray for your church today? Maybe it’s for new believers to stand strong in their faith, maybe it’s for more servant leaders to step forward, or maybe it’s for the leadership to have wisdom and supernatural insight. Take time today to pray for your church.

1 Peter 2:8; 1 John 2:22