FEAR IS THE BEGINNING OF THE NEW BIRTH

For the past two days, I have been writing my thoughts about my pastor's sermons on man's slide into total rebellion.  Romans 1:18-32 shows how man goes from secret sins, to public sins, and finally to the point of promoting sin in others.  Much like "misery," apparently "rebellion loves company!"

For some, the slippery-slope is gradual, and the individual doesn't even realize he is beginning to remove the influences of God from his life.  It reminds me of the story of the frog.  He is enjoying swimming in the pot of water, and doesn't even notice the temperature is rising.  By the time he becomes aware of it, he will no longer have the ability to escape.  So it is with sin.

I wish I could say that this phenomena is restricted to those who have never heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but I cannot.  Many, perhaps even most, church-goers sing hymns, tithe, listen to the sermons, a few even taking notes, but they have never been born again.  Sure, they have "turned over a new leaf."  The have stopped much of their bad behavior, and replaced it with religious activity, but they have never actually recognized Jesus Christ as the ultimate authority in their lives.  They are simply religious!  They might as well be Buddhists, Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, or Muslims.  After all, members of those religions do the same things!  These "church members" are living a lie, disciplining themselves, thinking their religious behavior pleases God.  And as a result, they gradually find they are "sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shore!"  Their self-discipline always gives way to their lusts.

This is not true for those who are born again.  To begin with, the new birth results from the convicting work of the Holy Spirit (Jn. 16:7-11).  The Spirit produces a genuine fear of the Lord, which in turn:  Cleanses (Ps. 19:9); Provides wisdom (111:10); Provides knowledge (Pr. 1:7); Results in the hatred of evil (Pr. 8:13); Provides strong confidence (Pr. 14:26); Is the fountain of life (Pr. 14:27); Provides instruction (Pr. 15:33); and the fear of the Lord is HIS treasure (Isa. 33:6)!

Notice that the Gospel (1 Cor. 15:3-4), the message which is the power of God unto salvation (Rom. 1:16), reveals that you and I are sinners headed toward God's judgment, and apart from someone rescuing us, we are doomed!  That is why Jesus died!  That is why, after He was buried for three days and nights, God raised Him from the dead!  To offer us salvation!  So that gratitude could replace fear!  Fear brought me to my knees, and He raised me with a desire to honor, praise, and obey Him as my Lord!  He answers the prayers of those who call upon Him as their Lord (Rom. 10:8-13)!

Unless God began a good work in you, you are not born again (Phil. 1:6)!