Christian Living

---

There are two kinds of fear mentioned in the Bible from which all other fear is born: Servile and Filial.

Servile fear is described in the following verses:

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
1John 4:18

"Then the man who has received the one talent came.‘Master,’ he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you. His master replied.‘You wicked, lazy servant!’
Matthew 25:24-26a

Servile fear is the fear of a slave for his ruthless slave master. It is a fear of punishment and retribution. It describes a master who confounds and enjoys the struggles of his servants. Even giving commands that are burdensome and capricious. He relishes in the punishment of the damned. This master can be a person or even a circumstance. But we can deny this master by following and putting our trust in another Master.

Filial fear is described in the following:

"A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse;
From his roots a Branch will bear fruit. The
Spirit of the Lord will rest on him – the Spirit
Of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of
Counsel and of power, the spirit of knowledge and
Of the fear of the Lord – and he will delight in
The fear of the Lord."
Isaiah 11: 1-3a

Therefore, dear friends, as you have always obeyed
Not only in my presence, but now how much more in
My absence – continue to work out your salvation
With fear and trembling.
Philippians 2:12

Filial fear is the fear of a son for his father or a slave for his benevolent Master. It is a fear that loathes the idea of offending a loving Father or the loving Master who is like a father to the slave. It is inspired by love, where the slave/son will do anything not to be separated from the Master/Father. It marvels at the awesome nature of the Master/Creator and counts himself blessed to be a member of His household/kingdom. This leads the slave/son to humility. He rejects the pride within him, knowing it will lead him away from his Master/Father. This leads him to the humbling recognition that to be his Master/Father’s slave/son is his salvation. And that salvation is a gift to an undeserving sinner. He knows his flesh is always ready to sin so he surrenders his will to his Master/Father and depends on him for life. This fear also prods the slave/son away from familiarity with his Master/Father. He knows that if he lives in the Master/Father’s presence without offering Him his duty and worship he will begin to take it for granted and at worst anger the Master (2Samuel6: 1-7) and at best bring disgrace upon himself (Proverbs 11:2). Therefore, daily he greets his Master/Father first as holy Master/King. Then and only then does he feel right about opening his arms to Him as the Master/Father.

So, we know that the fear of one master will imprison us and the fear of another Master will free us. But how do we switch allegiance?

First, and foremost, we immerse ourselves in the promises of the master who will grant us freedom. And we do this in two ways.

1. Claim the verses that give the new Master dominion over our old master:

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.
Psalm 23:4

I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.
Psalm 34:4

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear…
Psalm 46:1,2a

He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear…
Psalm 91:4,5a

But whoever listens to me will live in safety
and be at ease, without fear of harm.
Proverbs 1:33

Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever
trusts in the Lord is kept safe.
Proverbs 29: 25

Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come…”
Isaiah 35; 3,4a

Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you I will uphold you with My Righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10

For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.
Isaiah 41:13

Hear me, you who know what is right, you people who have My law in your hearts: Do not fear the reproach of men
Isaiah 51:7

In righteousness you will be established: Tyranny will be far from you; You will have nothing to fear. Terror will be far removed; It will not come near you.
Isaiah 54:14

But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.
Jeremiah 17:7,8

and


2. Obey the verses that pledge allegiance to our new Master:

Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling.
Psalm 2:11

The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever.
Psalm 19:9a

Let all the earth fear the Lord, let all the people of the world revere Him
Psalm 33:8

Teach me Your way, O Lord, and I will walk in Your truth; Give me an undivided heart, that I may fear Your name.
Psalm 86:11

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom…
Psalm 111:10a

Blessed are all who fear the Lord; who walk in His ways
Psalm 128:1

His pleasure is not in the strength of a horse, nor His delight in the legs of a man; the Lord delights in those who fear Him, who put their hope in His unfailing love.
Psalm 147:10,11

The fear of the Lord adds length to life, but the years of the wicked are cut short.
Proverbs 10:27

The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.
Proverbs 14:27

The fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom, and
humility comes before honor.
Proverbs 15:33

Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the Lord a man avoids evil.
Proverbs 16:6

The fear of the Lord leads to life: Then one rests content, untouched by trouble.
Proverbs 19:23

He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.
Isaiah 33:6

Second, we must stop using our words to describe our problems and start using them to praise the problem-solver. Why, because there is great power in words:

The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them.
Proverbs 12:6

An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.
Proverbs 12:25

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word Stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, But the mouth of the fool gushes folly. The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. The lips of the wise spread knowledge…A man finds joy in giving an apt reply -And how good is a timely word.
Proverbs 15:1,2,4,7,23

If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, deceives himself and his religion is worthless.
James 1:26

Our words can curse or they can bless. They can create a negative reality or a positive one. Our words can slam the door on God’s blessings or they can pave the road for His miracles. God puts great stock in words. The Bible is His Word. Jesus is the Word. His Word is a lamp for our feet. All of creation was spoken into being. So then what kind of a reality will we create with our words? When we start each day, what words should we say: “Will this ever end?” or “I can’t wait to see how God will bless me today.” Your choice will dictate your path. Use your words to open up opportunity for God to suddenly change you, from fearful to God-fearing… from doubting to trusting…from whiner to warrior.

But remember: don’t trust in your faith but in the Faithful One. As it has been said: Strong faith in a weak plank will land you in the river, but weak faith in a strong plank will get you across.

---

PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE