7-12-2026
Sermon Title: When Men Stop Fearing God
Text: Proverbs 1:7; Ecclesiastes 12:13; Romans 3:18 (KJV)
Key Verse (KJV):
Proverbs 1:7 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
Ecclesiastes 12:13 Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.
Romans 3:18 There is no fear of God before their eyes.
Introduction
We live in a time when many men fear almost everything except God.
They fear:
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Losing their job.
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Losing their reputation.
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Losing money.
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Losing popularity.
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Losing political influence.
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Losing relationships.
Yet many no longer fear disappointing God.
The decline of the fear of God is at the root of many of society’s problems. When men stop fearing God, they begin fearing people. When they stop honoring God, they begin serving themselves.
The Bible teaches that fearing God is not about living in terror. It is about having such reverence, respect, awe, and love for Him that we desire to obey Him in every area of life.
I. When Men Don’t Fear God, Sin Becomes Easy
Romans 3:18 (NIV)
“There is no fear of God before their eyes.”
Paul describes humanity’s sinful condition with one statement:
“There is no fear of God.”
Without reverence for God:
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Lying becomes acceptable.
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Immorality becomes normal.
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Dishonesty becomes justified.
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Pride becomes celebrated.
Joseph feared God.
When tempted by Potiphar’s wife he said,
“How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9)
Notice Joseph wasn’t worried about getting caught.
He was concerned about offending God.
Application
A man who fears God will make different decisions when no one else is watching.
II. When Men Don’t Fear God, Families Suffer
The home rises or falls on spiritual leadership.
God called Adam first.
Joshua declared:
“As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:15)
Today’s culture tells men:
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Let someone else lead spiritually.
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Church is optional. (Personally, I never went to church with my father)
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Prayer isn’t important.
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Scripture isn’t necessary.
Yet children learn what fathers truly value.
A father who fears God teaches:
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integrity
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forgiveness
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humility
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faithfulness
The greatest inheritance is not money.
It is a father who models faith.
III. When Men Don’t Fear God, Courage Disappears
It sounds backward, but it is true.
The man who fears God fears nothing else.
David feared God.
Therefore he could face Goliath.
Daniel feared God.
Therefore he could enter the lions’ den.
The apostles feared God.
Therefore they could stand before kings.
The fear of God removes the fear of man.
Proverbs 29:25 says,
“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.
Many men are trapped because they worry more about public opinion than God’s approval.
IV. When Men Fear God, Wisdom Begins
Proverbs repeats this truth.
The fear of the Lord is:
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the beginning of wisdom.
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the beginning of knowledge.
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the foundation of understanding.
A man can have:
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degrees,
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wealth,
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experience,
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influence,
and still lack wisdom if he does not fear God.
Real wisdom begins with surrender.
V. Jesus Demonstrated Perfect Reverence Toward the Father
Jesus lived in complete obedience.
He prayed.
He submitted.
He obeyed.
Even in Gethsemane He prayed,
“Not my will, but thine, be done.”
Jesus teaches us that true manhood is not independence from God.
It is complete dependence upon God.
VI. What Does It Mean to Fear God Today?
A man who fears God:
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Keeps his word.
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Loves his wife.
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Raises his children in truth.
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Works honestly.
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Repents quickly.
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Forgives freely.
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Serves humbly.
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Worships faithfully.
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Gives generously.
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Lives for eternity instead of temporary success.
The fear of God changes every area of life.
VII. The Blessings Promised to Those Who Fear God
Throughout Scripture God promises blessings to those who fear Him.
Those who fear God receive:
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Wisdom (Proverbs 9:10)
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Protection (Psalm 34:7)
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Mercy (Psalm 103:17)
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Confidence (Proverbs 14:26)
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Provision (Psalm 34:9)
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A lasting legacy for future generations
The fear of God does not limit life.
It enriches life.
Illustration
Imagine a massive ship sailing across the ocean.
Without a compass, it drifts wherever the wind pushes it.
The fear of God is the compass for a man’s life.
Without it, culture becomes his guide.
With it, God’s Word becomes his direction.
Conclusion
Our nation does not simply need stronger men.
It needs men who fear God.
Our churches need men who will:
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pray,
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lead,
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serve,
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repent,
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love,
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obey.
The greatest mark of biblical manhood is not physical strength.
It is spiritual surrender.
The Bible closes with these words:
“Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13)
Notice it does not say this is part of man’s duty.
It says this is the whole duty of man.
Invitation
Perhaps today God is asking:
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Have you been fearing people more than Me?
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Have you neglected your spiritual leadership?
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Has success become more important than obedience?
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Are you living to please the world or to please Christ?
Today is the day to return to reverence.
Come and ask God to restore a holy fear within your heart.
Men who fear God become husbands who love well, fathers who lead faithfully, workers who serve with integrity, and disciples who stand firm in a world that desperately needs courageous, godly leadership.
Closing Prayer:
“Father, restore in us a holy fear of Your name. Help us to honor You above every person, every possession, and every ambition. Make us men of integrity, courage, humility, and unwavering faith. May our lives point our families, our churches, and our communities to Jesus Christ. In His precious name we pray, Amen.”
ALL OF THIS START WITH BECOMING A CHRISTIAN
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I realize that everyone is comfortable with a public profession of faith in Jesus. If you want the opportunity for salvation is a small intimate environment
Reach out to us by calling of texting 336-338-8037 or southplainfieldfriends.org/ click on contact us and we will guide you through the next steps.
If you’re ready to surrender your life to Christ and to be a part of a loving community of people (THAT AREN’T PERFECT) But will Love you
Say this prayer with me
Jesus,
I know that I need You.
I believe You died for my sins
and rose again to give me new life.
Today, I turn from my old ways
and give my life fully to You.
Please forgive me of my sins,
change me,………and lead me ……from this day forward.
I trust You as my Savior,
Thank You for loving me and saving me.
Amen.
If you said this prayer and truly believe it in your heart, we believe that you are a Christian.
Luke 15:10
10 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
Reach out to us 336-338-8037 southplainfieldfriends.org/ click on contact us and we will guide you through the next steps.
Invite someone to come with you here.