Never Fear In Proclaiming The Gospel

In Revelation 21:8, we learn that those folks who are “fearful” will end up in eternal torment.  They are classed with the unbelieving, the abominable, murderers, and all liars — a rather unsavory company to say the least. There are “fears” which are necessary in the Christian life — such as a deep, abiding respect for God (Hebrews 12:28; Romans 11:20), and “fear” lest Christians stray from Christ (2 Corinthians 11:3).  Such “fears” are in keeping with a strong faith in God.

But there are fears that spring from doubt (Matthew 14:25-32) which manifest themselves in many ways.  When God sent Israel forth to war He rejected the fearful “lest the heart of his brethren faint like his heart” (Deuteronomy 20:8).  God wants people who put their trust in Him (Proverbs 3:5-6) — not in physical strength or numbers (cf. Judges 7:3-7). Those who fear the people and “love the praise of men more than the praise of God” (John 12:42-43), are of little value to the Lord.

Many times, anxieties cripple our usefulness and prevent our putting God’s kingdom "first" in our lives (Matthew 6:33; cf. Luke 12:22-34).  If we “fear” to ask, we will not learn (Luke 9:45; cf. Mark 9:32) and if we “fear” to act, we become an “unprofitable servant” (Matthew 25:25-30). Regarding the fear of what our fellow man might do to us, our Lord said: “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28). This was part of Christ’s instructions to the twelve, sent to proclaim truth in a hostile world. In later years, Jesus spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city” (Acts 18:9-10).

Beloved, today the Lord needs men of courage — men who are unafraid to speak — men who are more concerned for their soul and the lost souls about them, than for self (Romans 10:1; Ephesians 6:16-20; Philippians 1:14-21). Let us never fear in proclaiming the soul-saving gospel of Christ to folks lost in sin (Romans 1:16; Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16).

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets