Bible Studies

The Fear of Man is a Trap

by Michael Edwards 
07/01/18
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The fear of man can be summed up in four words, what will they think. I could be driving down the street in a jalopy or a Ferrari and have the same fear. The fear of man is a bondage and a trap.

The fear of man brings a snare, But he who trusts in the LORD will be exalted. Pro 29:25 NAS

I spent many years in this bondage and it still tries to take over at times. Here is an example from scripture of the fear of man.

Nevertheless many even of the rulers believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they were not confessing Him, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue; John 12:42 NAS

Here is why we hold onto the fear of man.

for they loved the approval of men rather than the approval of God. John 12:43 NAS

Going to the extreme, Jesus expresses how crucial it is to let go of the fear of man and trust God fully.

"I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have no more that they can do. Luke 12:4 NAS

How do we get free from this bondage? We play for the coach instead of the crowd. One obvious problem with playing for the crowd is that we can never make everyone happy. Playing for the crowd is filled with double-mindedness and exhausting. When we play for the coach, we only need to listen to one voice. The voice that speaks the truth and has our best interest at heart. In the end, it not only gains us favor with God but man too.

Make the decision today to play for the coach instead of the crowd.

   So you will find favor and good repute
            In the sight of God and man.

   Trust in the LORD with all your heart
            And do not lean on your own understanding.

    In all your ways acknowledge Him,
            And He will make your paths straight.

    Do not be wise in your own eyes;
            Fear the LORD and turn away from evil.

      It will be healing to your body
            And refreshment to your bones. Prov 3:4-8 NAS

Many more New Covenant Bible Studies HERE. Jesus poured out His blood for the New Covenant of grace and truth, replacing the Old Covenant law of Moses. Believers are exclusively under the New Covenant, the last will and testament of Jesus that began after the cross. 

And in the same way He took the cup after they had eaten, saying, "This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood. Luke 22:20