Jude 1:23!

• Messages sorted by:[ date ][ thread ][ subject ][ author ]

On the use of the word fear in Jude 1:23...

Brother Johnson wrote:
> This word fear is in the
> same sense that we are admonished to 'fear God!'  

There are several words used in scripture for fear.  You mention 
that this verse is used in the sense of 'fear God'.  I think that 
it is actually not used in this sense.

fear = 5401. phobos, fob'-os; from a prim.  phebomai (to be 
put in fear); alarm or fright:--be afraid, + exceedingly, fear, terror.

This is the word used in Jude 1:23.  On the other hand, 1 Pet 2:17  
uses a similar word but it is more in the sense you mention.

(1 Peter 2:17 KJV)  "Honour all men. Love the brotherhood
Fear God. Honour the king."

fear = 5399. phobeo, fob-eh'-o; from G5401; to frighten, i.e. (pass.) 
to be alarmed; by anal. to be in awe of, i.e. revere:--be (+ sore) 
afraid, fear (exceedingly), reverence.

The above word is more in the 'reverence' sense. 

I do agree that the usage in Jude puts the fear in the hands of 
the rescuer not upon the rescuee.  **We** are to fear for them 
and thus rescue them.  

On the use of fear as a motivator...

I still think the strongest motivation for witnessing/soulwinning 
is the because of the love of Christ.

(2 Corinthians 5:14 KJV)  "For the love of Christ constraineth 
us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were 
all dead:"

It has been said, "If you use fear to get people saved, you will 
have to use fear to keep them saved."  This was said of such 
preachers as Jonathan Edwards who with vehemence and earnest 
preached the "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" message.  

I would also like to say this in response to Brother Johnson's post.

EJ> I don't agree with strong-arm, scare tactics to reach a dying, 
EJ> suffering world.  Sadly, Apostolic Pentecost, especially UPC, has 
EJ> been using both for years.

Strong preaching does not equal strong-arming.  Nor does telling 
the truth that sinners are destined for a devils' hell equal using 
scare-tactics.  We must never shrink from proclaiming the very 
real straight and narrow message of salvation's road.  We must never 
fail to tell the whole message of God's wrath and righteous 
indignation as well as His love and mercy. 

(2 Corinthians 5:11 KJV)  "Knowing therefore the terror of the 
Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; 
and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences."

If we water down the message just to placate those who fear a 
heart burning with conviction we will be guilty of being blind leaders 
of the blind.  The message that the world stands condemned is still 
true and must be preached.  But it must be preached as predication 
to the message of salvation by grace through faith.

Kathy (glad my preacher preaches it strong and straight) Dimick
Falkville, Alabama
kdimick@colsa.com
kedimick@hotmail.com
http://members.tripod.com/~coffeepleaz/index.html

"For to me to live is Christ"