Heed The Watchmen

John 12:25; “Hating” Your Life for the Lord.

            God’s Word is always true, and He has preserved it for us as He intended. We live by every Word of God (Matthew 4:4), without adding to it or diminishing it (Deuteronomy 4:2). Verses such as this one are usually avoided by pastors; many, however may proceed to violate Deuteronomy 4:2 by telling their congregations why this verse doesn’t mean what it says, but that it has been “mistranslated.” It would be far better to pray and seek God as to the meaning of such scripture. (Proverbs 9:10)

He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. John 12:25

            Hating your life in this world does not mean being ungrateful for the blessings in your life! Yet to live for Christ is an other-worldly way to consider things. If we have been truly saved through Jesus’ blood, it is easy to recognize our own sinful nature—and that of the whole world around us. Death has come into this world because of sin. Our separation from God leaves mankind to its own wisdom, which falls infinitely short of what God wanted for us.

            So many people want to have positive outlooks. They will cite verses such as Philippians 4:11, which reads:

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. Philippians 4:11

            This verse does not refute John 12:25, and should be taken the way it was meant. The New Age Movement, using New Age Bible versions, has become strongly entrenched in the organized churches of today. These tend to reinforce only the most “positive” aspects of our faith. This movement also basically promotes the “health and wealth” gospel that our carnal natures would love to believe! These evil teachings tell believers that they will be healthy, have plentiful finances, and be well-liked by almost everyone. To believe such things is a denial of Jesus Christ (the Word); but it is often in keeping with the teachings of many respected “spiritual leaders.”

            Many verses support the concept given in John 12:25, either through direct instruction or by example. For brevity’s sake, I now turn to passages from the book of Luke to sum up the matter.

Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. Luke 6:22

And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away? For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels. Luke 9:23-26

If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:26,27

So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:33

            Think of all there is to “hate” in this evil world—injustices, genocide, death and disease, aches and pains, dental work, car maintenance and breakdowns, debts, droughts, cold, darkness, dust, mosquitoes, and so much more that the list is nearly limitless. Yes, we should be thankful for God’s mercies, which are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22,23)! As God’s children, however, our righteous souls should be vexed with the sinfulness of this world (II Peter 2:7).

            Matthew 24:12 tells us that in these end times, most people’s love will grow cold. Pray that God may tear down the stony places within you, and restore your heart of flesh. As you do, remember also James 4:4.

Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. James 4:4

Fear of the Lord

            The fear of the Lord is almost completely missing among professing believers today. I once heard a pastor read verses with “fear of the Lord” in them, and then proceed to tell us why this passage didn’t actually mean that we should fear! Talk about adding to God’s Word!

            “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” This phrase is found in Psalms 111:10, Proverbs 1:7, and 9:10. Those of us who have been truly saved, know that our savior is patient, long-suffering, and full of mercy. Yet it is that same, loving God that will cast aside billions into the lake of fire! Obviously, the fear of the Lord should be very real, yet it deserves to be reviewed from a biblical standpoint.

            Remember that fearing the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. We need to understand who our God is, and the eternal consequences we face when we do not receive Christ as Savior and Lord (John 3:18). Where there is no fear of the Lord, you will find people serving “other gospels;” the thought being that if I am sincere, it’s OK. We should start our walk with Christ in fear, but grow into perfection through His love (I John 4:18). Obedience to Jesus through His Word is a natural response of our Godly fear and loving gratitude.

            Many believers are so wrapped up in “love gospel” teachings (New Age), that they are angered even by suggesting that we should fear the Lord. God’s Word does not lie, so let’s look at a small fraction of the Bible passages that suggest fearing the Lord. Some think this “fear” concept is strictly Old Testament, but you will see that Jesus Christ is always the same! (Hebrews 13:8)

            Since Godly fear in the Old Testament is well known, I will print out but a few and list the rest.

And Moses said, Thus saith the LORD, About midnight will I go out into the midst of Egypt: And all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the first born of Pharaoh that sitteth upon his throne, even unto the firstborn of the maidservant that is behind the mill; and all the firstborn of beasts. Exodus 11:4,5

And it came to pass, when Pharaoh would hardly let us go, that the LORD slew all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man, and the firstborn of beast: therefore I sacrifice to the LORD all that openeth the matrix, being males; but all the firstborn of my children I redeem. Exodus 13:15

            Yes, Jesus himself went through the land of Egypt to slay the first born offspring during the original Passover. He who became our Passover Lamb executed judgment against non-believers! This sounds like real fear to me.

Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him; that glory may dwell in our land. Psalm 85:9

The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy. Psalm 147:11

            Fear of the Lord and salvation are linked together in a very real way. See also Numbers 16:30-33; Deuteronomy 5:29; Joshua 23:15,16; II Kings 17:39; Psalms 2:11, 5:7, 9:20, 19:9, 22:23, 33:8, 34:9, 103:11,13,17, 115:13; Proverbs 2:5, 8:13, 15:16,33, 16:6, 23:17, 24:21 Yes, there are many, many more.

            Now for the New Testament passages, starting with words from Jesus’ earthly ministry.

And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:  Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:  Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire:  Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. Mark 9:43-48

            Many disregard these verses because they seem too extreme. While I do not think Jesus wants us to mutilate ourselves, this passage clearly shows the dire nature of our eternal choices. Jesus spends significant time warning us to stay out of Hell—even if it means losing a few body parts! This, too, shows “fear of the Lord.”

And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him. Luke 12:4,5

            Jesus is speaking of himself; this also sounds like we should fear!

But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet. But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him. And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband. And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things. And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch. And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them. And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)

Acts 5:1-14

            This may be an extreme situation, but God used it in a positive way. It also shows that true Godly fear means an expanding roster for the Kingdom of Heaven!

Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. Philippians 2:12

            Here, believers are reminded to have fear.

Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:

Hebrews 12:28

            Godly fear is part of each believer’s acceptable service to the Lord.

Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. Revelation 14:7

            Instructions to fear the Lord come right up to the end. See also Matthew 10:28, 16:24-26; Luke 7:16, 18:13, Acts 19:17, Romans 3:18 (negative), I Peter 2:17, 3:2,15; and Revelation 15:4. The fear of the Lord is something that each believer should have to some extent. Thankfully, our walk with Christ grows far beyond that fear! Again, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; how God reveals it to us each individually will vary.

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. I John 4:18

            We should always reverence the Lord and hold a bit of Godly fear within. But our fear of the Lord leads to fearlessness in all other areas!

The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion. Proverbs 28:1

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. II Timothy 1:7

            See also Psalms 27:1, Hebrews 13:6

            We will grow into a reverent type of friendship with God, even as Jesus’ disciples had.

Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. John 15:15

            Of course we can’t overlook verse 14, which shows obedience to be the key in that friendship.

Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. John 15:14

            Exodus 33:11, and II Chronicles 20:7, refer directly to other friendships God has!

            Finally, let’s look at Hebrews 4:15,16.

For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:15,16

            Godly fear draws us near to our Lord Jesus and produces gratitude, love, and obedience. The door is always open for us to come to our heavenly Father with all our concerns—let’s avail ourselves of His mercy, strength, and wisdom.

            God brought an example to me the other day, through a turtle. My wife and I observed a turtle slowly crossing a road. We sought to carry it safely across, in the direction it was headed. As Jamie went toward it, the turtle took off! I’ve never seen one move so fast, and she could barely catch it.

             The turtle’s fear brought it to safety! Imagine if we had tried informing it of our intentions, so it could cooperate with our efforts—ridiculous! The turtle couldn’t understand us, but it understood fear. That fear led it to safety.

            Another example I could give involves chipmunks. Where we camp every year, there are chipmunks:  Peanuts (in shell) go with us to feed them.

            Those chipmunks fear us as huge, terrifying creatures they do not understand. What they do know is that we feed them good nuts. As the week goes on, they are more certain of us—even climbing onto our knees to get those peanuts!

            Obviously, these analogies are limited. What if those chipmunks, in general, had no fear? Small creatures like themselves would likely by now be extinct! Having fear is healthy and wise, but our loving Father will not leave us in this state. He will perfect us in love, teaching us to trust in Him fully.

            So to fear the Lord is where wisdom begins. Terrified of death, and judgment of God, we turn to our only hope of salvation—Jesus Christ. As we grow in Him, we are perfected in God’s true love. No longer terrified, we begin to regard Him as our father; turning to Him again and again for forgiveness, mercy, and overcoming power. He is our friend; but perfect, holy, and almighty in nature!

            The Word of God is our key in defining what our relationship with God should be—let us not overlook any part of that definition.