OUTLINE:

Pastor’s Encouragement
We need to recognize the pitfalls and the temptations in our lives even before they materialize into real threats to our peace!

Synthesize
Mt 4:7 [Message] Jesus countered with another citation from Deuteronomy: “Don’t you dare test the Lord your God.” 
- AND -
Gal 6:7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.

Healthy Vs. Unhealthy Fear
There is a good, righteous fear to behold... and there is a dangerous, unrighteous fear we must deny.

Fear God, Not Man
True, healthy fear of God leads to faith in Christ as one's Lord and Savior, resulting in salvation from a God who extends His never-ending mercy towards those who repent and believe. Pr 14:26-27, Lk 12:4-7

Counterfeit Fear
One of Satan's greatest strategies is to get us to fear life... to fear what's to come. That way we don't properly fear the Lord and step out by faith to do the will of God!!

Ps 56:4
In God, whose word I praise, In God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can mere man do to me?

Jer 29:11 [Amplified Classic]
For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.

God has never failed.

Lack of Healthy Fear
Our society is becoming bolder and bolder against the Lord... and will continue to do so until the Holy, Sovereign God of the Universe decides to respond.

Pr 26:11
Like a dog that returns to its vomit Is a fool who repeats his folly.

For Personal Consideration
We've been given everything, but we receive so little. 1Co 1:4-8, Eph 1:3

Eph 1:3 NLT
All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ.

Humbly Fear the Lord
If you know God has answered your prayer, and you know it's from Him... however He might reveal that to you... then be humble and wise and ACCEPT HIS ANSWER.

1Jn 4:18a
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear,