Fear

I was doing more research for my next Sunday class series, "Do Not Fear", and came across some notes that more clearly explains what I had previously mentioned (ref) There are two types of fear: 1. Reverence for God and Who He is (including proper respect for His Wrath) 2. Spirit of fearfulness and timidity that does not come from God The first type brings many benefits. It's mentioned in the conclusion of Ecclesiastes in the search for meaning: "Fear God and Keep His Commandments". In Proverbs, it's the beginning of wisdom. The second type, in contrast, rises out of the alienation of man from God after the Fall. This fear is mentioned throughout the Bible, first in Genesis 3:8-10 and last in Revelations 21:8. When man sinned, we no longer enjoyed close, intimate, loving fellowship with God; and instead begin to fear punishment, dread evil, and feel inadequate. Fear is lack of Faith; for when we trust in the promises of God, we will not be afraid. That is the message of the series - our fears stem from our alienation from God through sin and can be conquered through faith and trust in God.