The Fear Factor

I was reading through Acts 9 recently. I tried not to focus on the story or Saul/Paul because I wanted see what other things God’s word reveals in that chapter. Verse 31 caught my attention. It is after Barnabas brings Saul/Paul to the Apostles and then was sent to Tarsus.

Then this is recorded by Luke: “Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord.”

Saul/Paul is gone so there is no one really leading the charge against the church so there was a time of peace. During this time of peace the Holy Spirit did some work on the church. When the church gives room for the Spirit to work three things can happen.

1)      The church is strengthened.

2)      The church is encouraged.

3)      The church grows in numbers.

Why is this a reality in some churches and not in others? I believe because of the last line in this verse, “living in fear of the Lord.” Is it possible that one of the characteristics of disciples in the early church was the “Fear Factor?” After Ananias and Sapphira both dropped dead when they lied to the Spirit it says, “Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.” (Acts 5:11)

Instead of fearing the persecution of the world, the driving force behind allowing the Spirit to lead is fearing God. So the question is “Who do you fear? Man or God?” The answer to this question determines who it is you are going to try to please. If your goal is to try to make everyone happy and please them then you will probably quench the Spirit in the life of the church and your own life.

It you goal is to please God, then you will give room for the Spirit to do its work: to give strength, to encourage and produce growth.

Solomon had it right when he wrote: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For through me your days will be many, and years will be added to your life. If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.” Proverbs 9:10-12