Fear God, Not Man
Pastors Rodney & Adonica Howard-BrownePublish date: 06/15/2025
Foundation Scriptures:
In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. 2 For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known. 3 Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops. 4 And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. 5 But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him. 6 Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? 7 But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows. 8 Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God: 9 But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God. 10 And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven. 11 And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say: 12 For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say. Luke 12:1-12 KJV
1. Fear God.
a. We are commanded to fear God, not man.
b. We fear God because God alone has eternal authority.
c. Every hidden thing is seen and recorded by God.
d. He is the One—the only One—who has the power to punish or reward.
e. Fear means: to be struck with fear; to be seized with alarm; to be struck with amazement; to reverence; to venerate; to treat with deference, or reverential obedience.
f. Fear of God is not terror, but holy reverence and submission.
g. We fear God, not out of dread, but out of love.
h. God is just and holy, but He is a personal God who loves us affectionately and cares for us watchfully.
i. When we fear God, we are aligned with truth, obedience, and eternity.
2. Do Not Fear Man.
a. Do not fear man, or what man can do to you.
b. Man’s power is limited.
c. Jesus told us: Do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell (Luke 12:4-5).
d. Jesus shifts our focus from temporary danger to an eternal perspective.
e. Do not fear persecution or persecutors.
f. Their threats may be real, but the worst man can do is kill the body.
g. They have no power over the spirit of man.
3. The Holy Spirit’s Ever-Present Help.
a. As followers of Christ, we are called to boldness, reverence, and trust.
b. When you fear God and trust in Him, you are never alone.
c. Do not be afraid of persecution or even prepare your defense.
d. Even in the face of persecution, the Holy Spirit will empower you and give you the words.
4. Do Not Fear Lack of Provision.
a. Luke 12:6-7 KJV –– Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered…
b. God wants us to know, beyond a shadow of doubt that He sees and values you.
c. Luke 12:7b KJV –– Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.
d. If God watches over sparrows, He certainly watches over you.
e. You are known, loved, and remembered by God.
f. Even the hairs on your head are numbered.
5. Provision Comes from Trust, Not Worry.
a. Fearing God means trusting Him to provide what man cannot.
b. There is no need to panic—ever.
c. He is intimately involved in your life, and He will never let you go and never let you down.
d. Hebrews 13:5 NKJV –– Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
e. Hebrews 13:5b AMPC –– …He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]
6. Choose Your Fear, Choose Your Freedom.
a. Who or what are you fearing right now—the opinions of man; lack; rejection?
b. Replace that fear with reverence, faith, and boldness in God.
c. Hebrews 13:6 NKJV –– So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”
d. Fear God: Reverence Him as holy, powerful, and worthy.
e. Stand boldly: Let the Holy Spirit speak through you.
f. Don’t fear man: Man’s threats are temporary.
g. Don’t fear lack: God provides for even the smallest needs.
h. Luke 12:32 KJV –– Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
i. Let the fear of God free you to live courageously and trust Him completely.