Fear Not

“Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28 NASB). We are going to see the importance of context as we look at this command. This verse is found in a section of verses that is titled, “Have No Fear” in the ESV translation, but which is found in a much larger section that is titled, “The Meaning of Discipleship” in the NASB translation. This context of do not fear within the context of making disciples, directs us to a proper application.

Jesus commanded us to go and make disciples (Matthew 28:19), which for many is something they fear. Here in the west that fear may simply be the fear of embarrassment, but in countries of persecution, it could mean torcher, a prison sentence or even death. The context of “Have No Fear” is therefore in relationship to making disciples and what might happen to you if you do.

Jesus tells us to go and proclaim the gospel from the housetops and do not fear those who can kill you. Jesus also said, “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” (Matthew 10:16 ESV). Knowing that you are out among wolves and could easily lose your life is reason for fear, but there is another, higher level of fear, which we in the west have managed to ignore and that is fear of God in relationship to disobedience. Every believer must stand before the judgment seat of Christ (1 Corinthians 3:10 – 15) for a time of evaluation. Jesus said, “Go.” Do we not fear standing before him if we have not been obedient? Should not that fear be greater than fearing what men can do to us if we obey?

Prayer

Father, as I think about fearing God I realize that is something we do not teach or preach about. We constantly hear about God’s love for us and as a result we fail to think about love including discipline for disobedience. We constantly hear messages that make us feel comfortable and safe, not messages about that which probable cause us a level of suffering and as a result fear of discipline is not a motivation for obedience for us. I confess that I still have areas in my life where I am struggling with that. Father, help us fear that which we should fear; disobedience.

See "The Commands of Jesus" Index to view other commands.