Main Idea: When God is big, people don’t have to be.
Texts: Proverbs 29:25; John 12:42–43; Matthew 10:28; Isaiah 51:12–13; Galatians 1:10–12; Matthew 11:28–30
INTRODUCTION: WHERE THIS HITS REAL LIFE
Personal Confession:"This message is personal—not just something I believe, but something I live."
Real-Life Scenarios of People-Pleasing:
Staying quiet to avoid upsetting others
Saying yes when you should say no
Obsessing over misunderstood texts or conversations
Carrying the emotional weight of others
Spiritual Diagnosis:This isn’t just emotional fatigue—it’s the fear of man, and Scripture speaks directly to it.
POINT 1: THE TRAP OF FEARING PEOPLE
Text: Proverbs 29:25
"The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe."
Word Study: Snare = hidden trap; not just danger, but a setup
Consequences of Fear of Man:
Deeper Reality:
Illustration: John 12:42–43
"They loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God."
Modern Parallel:
We believe but stay quiet
We compromise out of fear of rejection
People become bigger than God in our hearts
POINT 2: WHEN GOD IS SMALL, WE LOSE SIGHT OF OUR CALLING
Text: Matthew 10:28
“Do not fear those who kill the body… fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”
Context:
Greek Word Studies:
Phobeomai – awe, reverence, respect (not dread)
Apollumi – to ruin, waste, or destroy (not annihilate)
Isaiah 51:12–13 Reflection:
“Who are you that you fear man… and forget the Lord your Maker?”
Key Insight:
Implications:
When God is small, we obey less, love less, hide more
But there’s a better way—a gospel way
POINT 3: THE GOSPEL MAKES GOD BIG
Text: Galatians 1:10–12
“If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ…”
Paul’s Defense of His Gospel Message:
Greek Word Study:
Gospel Effects:
Wrecks your old way of life
Re-centers your worth and future in Christ
Frees you from needing human approval
Gospel Exchange:
Jesus was rejected so you could be accepted
Jesus was silenced so you could speak
Jesus was burdened so you could breathe
Practical Fruit of Gospel-Fueled Fear of God:
Honest communication
Relational clarity
PRACTICE: HOW TO START LIVING THIS WAY
1. Ask the Question:
“Am I more afraid of their opinion or more in awe of God’s presence?”
2. Preach the Gospel to Yourself:
“I am fully known and fully loved… I have no one to impress and nothing to prove.”
3. Practice Quiet Courage:
Say the hard thing
Gently, clearly, without apology
Faithfulness doesn’t require harshness
INVITATION: JESUS SEES YOUR EXHAUSTION
Text: Matthew 11:28–30
“Come to me… and I will give you rest.”
Word Study:
Application:
Call:Lay down the burden. Let God’s voice become the loudest.
CONCLUSION: THE WISDOM GOD IS OFFERING US
Summary Wisdom Statement:
Live in reverent awe of God, not anxious fear of people. Because only God holds your identity, worth, and future.
Takeaways of God-Fearing Wisdom:
Recognize misplaced energy and emotional investment
Reframe fear of people as misplaced worship
Return to God as center
Relate to others with freedom
Rest in Christ’s love and acceptance
Final Exhortation:The wisdom of fearing the Lord leads to:- Life, not performance.
- Peace, not people-pleasing.
- Honesty, not hiding.
Come to Jesus. Receive His rest. Walk in freedom.
Because when God is big, people don’t have to be.