Freedom from Fear of Man

Jesus Talks to Us About the Enemy of True Freedom Matthew 5 Series

“Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison. Truly, I say to you,

you will never get out

until you have paid the last penny." Matthew 5:25-26

The Friend of Freedom

It is better to be wise and obedient than to settle a score.

Consider the narrative of Solomon's dream in 1 Kings 3:5-15.

Proverbs 4:5 tells us:

Get wisdom; get insight;

do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth.

And Galatians 5:1 says:

For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

The Way to Freedom

Revenge is the hot take; cooperation is the scenic route.

Consider these passages:

Proverbs 14:12:

There is a way that seems right to a man,

but its end is the way to death.

Proverbs 8:32-35:

And now, O sons, listen to me:

blessed are those who keep my ways.

Hear instruction and be wise,

and do not neglect it.

Blessed is the one who listens to me,

watching daily at my gates,

waiting beside my doors.

For whoever finds me finds life

and obtains favor from the Lord.

Romans 12:19:

Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”

The Beginning of Wisdom Is the Beginning of Freedom

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. [Proverbs 9:10]

RECOGNIZE & IDENTIFY FOUR TYPES OF FEAR OF MAN:

• FEAR of death

• FEAR of rejection/loss

• FEAR of loss of meaning & purpose

• FEAR of loss of identity/self

REMEMBER AS YOU LIVE THIS OUT:

THE FEAR OF MAN IS FOCUSED ON LOSS.

THE FEAR OF GOD IS ABOUT AWE.

THE ENEMY OF FREEDOM IS THE FEAR OF MAN

GOD wants to set you FREE from the fear of man!