Fear God, not man, but what is Jesus telling us in Luke 12:4-5? In a world full of anxieties and pressures, it’s easy to be influenced by others’ opinions and expectations. We worry about what people think, how others see us, and if we meet the world’s standards. However, Jesus offers a powerful counter-cultural message, encouraging us to shift our focus from the temporary power of humanity to God’s eternal sovereignty. His words call us to radical trust, reminding us that true security and peace come not from pleasing man, but from revering the One who holds all things in His hands.
Luke 12:4 “Dear friends, don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot do any more to you after that. 5 But I’ll tell you whom to fear. Fear God, who has the power to kill you and then throw you into hell. Yes, he’s the one to fear. [1]
Fear of God is Showing Reverence to Him.
To fear God means to be filled with awe; to experience alarm; to be struck with amazement; to show reverence; to venerate; and to treat with deference or reverent obedience. Fear of God is not terror but holy reverence and submission. We fear God not out of dread but out of love.[2] Proverbs 9:10Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.[3]
The foundation of godly wisdom is seeing God with reverence and obeying Him out of desire, not obligation, which uniquely shapes our lives. While we have free will, we must surrender it to be guided by Him into a relationship leading to eternal life. Without His guidance, we follow our own paths, missing His plans in this lifetime and the next.
Accountability is vital as the Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, leading to confession and forgiveness. Without fear of God, we ignore His will, risking destruction. God holds our souls, offering comfort in distress and grace for salvation, but also judgment for those who refuse it.
God Does Not Forget You
To emphasize God’s attentiveness and complete knowledge, Jesus uses a simple example of sparrows. Luke 12:6 “What is the price of five sparrows—two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. 7 And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows. [4]
In the market, these birds held little value. Yet, Jesus states that not even one is “forgotten by God.” This powerful image illustrates God’s attention to detail and His limitless care for even the most minor parts of His creation. If God notices and cares for something as insignificant as a sparrow, how much more does He care for His beloved children? This verse strongly counters anxiety, reminding us that we are never overlooked or forgotten by our Creator. His watchful eye is always upon us, and His care encompasses every part of our lives, regardless of their size or importance.
To learn how we should fear God not man, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/the-consequences-of-not-following
[1,3,4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Lk 12:4–5). Tyndale House Publishers.