Michael Reeves, president and professor of theology at Union School of Theology, dives into the complexities of fear in this discussion. He explores the paradox of living in a safe society while facing rising anxiety, suggesting a loss of reverence for God intensifies these fears. Reeves also discusses how the fear of the Lord can be a joyous experience that puts other fears in their rightful place. He critiques modern cultural shifts in understanding fear, emphasizing the distinction between beneficial and detrimental types of fear.
The fear of the Lord, as emphasized in Scripture, provides clarity and perspective amid the anxiety prevalent in modern society.
Society's increased focus on mitigating discomfort has paradoxically escalated collective fears, highlighting the need for a spiritual understanding of fear.
Deep dives
The Paradox of Modern Safety and Fear
Despite living in an era characterized by unprecedented safety measures, such as seat belts and the removal of hazardous materials like lead paint, society is increasingly riddled with fear and anxiety. The paradox lies in the fact that even with a lower risk of physical harm, fears related to health, personal safety, and societal instability have escalated. This heightened anxiety can be attributed to the absence of God as a focal point of fear, leading individuals to lean on other concerns to fill that void. Thus, good things that once brought comfort now function as sources of anxiety, as society grapples with the realization that safety remains elusive and ever out of reach.
Confusion Surrounding Fear in Scripture
The concept of fear in the Bible presents a complex dichotomy, where fear is often condemned yet simultaneously prescribed in the form of fear of God. Verses like 1 John 4:18 suggest that love conquers fear, while other scriptures, such as Proverbs 9:10, emphasize that fearing the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. This tension leads to a misunderstanding of what it means to fear God, as believers often feel conflicted about embracing fear in a positive light. The fear of the Lord, however, serves a vital purpose, functioning as a healthy emotional response that brings clarity amidst worldly anxieties.
Cultural Anxiety and Its Remedies
Current society is marked by an increase in anxiety that tends to be medically managed rather than spiritually addressed, leaving many feeling trapped in their fears. The focus has shifted towards eliminating discomfort altogether, which has ironically resulted in a culture more anxious than ever before. Christians are also caught in this societal narrative, often viewing fear as categorically negative, which leads to a reluctance to engage with the Biblical narrative surrounding the fear of God. Understanding and embracing the fear of God can provide an antidote to this pervasive anxiety, transforming fear into a positive, delightful force that nurtures spiritual growth and resilience.
The most frequent command in Scripture is “Do not be afraid.” Yet the Bible also calls us to fear. So, is fear a good thing or a bad thing? Today, Michael Reeves shows how the fear of the Lord puts all other fears in their proper place.
Request Michael Reeves’ teaching series The Fear of the Lord on DVD, plus lifetime digital access to the messages and study guide, with your donation of any amount: https://gift.renewingyourmind.org/3910/donate
Meet Today’s Teacher: Michael Reeves is president and professor of theology at Union School of Theology in the United Kingdom. He is the featured teacher for the Ligonier teaching series The English Reformation and the Puritans. He is author of many books, including The Unquenchable Flame, Delighting in the Trinity, and Rejoice and Tremble. Meet the Host: Nathan W. Bingham is vice president of ministry engagement for Ligonier Ministries, executive producer and host of Renewing Your Mind, host of the Ask Ligonier podcast, and a graduate of Presbyterian Theological College in Melbourne, Australia. Nathan joined Ligonier in 2012 and lives in Central Florida with his wife and four children.
Renewing Your Mind is a donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
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