SABBATH

God's Gift to Us

Sermonette: Fear is a Double-edged Sword

#1492s-AM

Given 09-Jun-19; 22 minutes

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description: Deuteronomy 14:23-26 gives instruction for converting the tithe of the produce into money (second tithe or festival tithe). The reason for this monetary conversion is to learn to fear God. Of the 400 instances of the word fear in the Scriptures, three fourths have negative connotation (dread, alarm, distress) while one fourth have a positive connotation, considering it a warning for change, as the Apostle Paul was compelled to chastise the Corinthian congregation for tolerating incest. If grief or discomfort lead to repentance and positive change, fear is positive. We can see that fear is a double edged sword, a source of anguish and discomfort or a motivation to repent.