Topical Bible: Christian Minister: Fear of

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The concept of fear in relation to a Christian minister can be understood in various contexts within the Bible. Fear, in a biblical sense, often encompasses both reverence and awe towards God, as well as the natural human emotion of fear in the face of danger or the unknown. For a Christian minister, fear can manifest in the responsibilities of their calling, the challenges they face, and the reverence they must maintain towards God.

Fear of God

A foundational aspect of a Christian minister's life is the fear of God, which is a profound reverence and respect for the Almighty. This fear is not about being afraid of God but rather acknowledging His holiness, power, and authority. Proverbs 9:10 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." For ministers, this fear is essential as it guides their actions, teachings, and leadership within the church.

Fear in Ministry

Ministers may also experience fear related to their duties and the spiritual battles they encounter. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often addressed the challenges and fears faced in ministry. In 2 Corinthians 7:5 , Paul writes, "For when we arrived in Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn—conflicts on the outside, fears within." This passage highlights the internal and external pressures that can cause fear in a minister's life.

Overcoming Fear

The Bible provides encouragement for ministers to overcome fear through faith and reliance on God. In 2 Timothy 1:7 , Paul reminds Timothy, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline." This verse reassures ministers that fear does not come from God, and they are equipped with the strength and love necessary to fulfill their calling.

Fear of Man

Ministers may also struggle with the fear of man, which can hinder their effectiveness in ministry. Proverbs 29:25 warns, "The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high." This fear can manifest as a concern for human approval or fear of persecution. Ministers are encouraged to place their trust in God rather than in the opinions of others.

Reverence in Leadership

The fear of God should lead ministers to lead with integrity and humility. James 3:1 cautions, "Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly." This awareness of accountability before God instills a healthy fear that motivates ministers to shepherd their congregations faithfully.

Encouragement in Scripture

Scripture offers numerous assurances to ministers facing fear. Isaiah 41:10 provides comfort: "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." Such promises remind ministers of God's presence and support in their ministry journey.

In summary, the fear of a Christian minister encompasses a reverence for God, the challenges of ministry, and the assurance of God's presence and strength. Through faith and reliance on God's promises, ministers can overcome fear and lead with confidence and integrity.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 16:4
And Samuel did that which the LORD spoke, and came to Bethlehem. And the elders of the town trembled at his coming, and said, Come you peaceably?
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Almost Christian
... It has been, no doubt, a misfortune that many a minister and sincere Christian has
met ... want of right notions in religion, nor out of a servile fear of man ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the almost christian.htm

The Daily Walk with Others (I. ).
... With exceptions many and bright, I yet fear that there is a decline in ... It is par
excellence the duty of every Christian Minister, from the oldest Archbishop to ...
/.../moule/to my younger brethren/chapter iv the daily walk.htm

Thoughts for the Clergy on the Amusement Question.
... "Youth are going to perdition on your authority, pleading your word and example
as a Christian minister." I have only to say I fear not to meet such before the ...
/.../vincent/amusement a force in christian training/thoughts for the clergy on.htm

A Faithful Undershepherd
... the good work; but without the love of Christ in the heart, the work of the Christian
minister is a ... Pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: forasmuch as ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 51 a faithful undershepherd.htm

"Getting Things from God"
... Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.""The Lord Jesus ... A Christian
minister once said to me: "Is it possible that the great God of the ...
/.../goforth/how i know god answers prayer/i getting things from god.htm

No Minister Ought to Keep a Faithful Person from the Communion ...
... ad Tim.) says, It is no rashness for a Christian to come ... better is the work of Charity
than that of Fear. ... And if the Minister should at any time find himself ...
/.../the spiritual guide which disentangles the soul/chap i no minister ought.htm

The Daily Walk with Others (ii. ).
... and consideration are due to them all, as you are a man, a Christian, a Minister
of God ... It is a fact, I fear, that in some parishes the Curate is in danger of ...
/.../moule/to my younger brethren/chapter v the daily walk.htm

"Having Begun in the Spirit"
... And the work of every Christian minister is that which was ... his ministry, a man may
be a Christian worker, and ... I fear that if you take the preaching throughout ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/murray/absolute surrender/having begun in the spirit.htm

Instability
... feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they ... that thou shalt excel,
because the minister has been ... think you see the godly Christian deacon, so ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/instability.htm

Hymns for Christian Devotion
... Yea, though I walk through the valley of the Shadow of Death, I will fear no evil,
for thou art with me." Ps. ... Death of a Christian. 595. ... Death of a Minister. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/adams/hymns for christian devotion/