Will the Consequences Keep Us From Doing What Is Right?
Intro.
1. People sometimes fail to do what is right because they worry what others will think or what negative consequences might occur.
2. The call of duty will often draw us into the enemy’s line of fire, and we must be prepared to react accordingly.
3. But the fear of what might happen must never deter us from meeting our obligations to the Lord.
I. Principle vs. Public Opinion
A. Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah Dan. 3:1-30
1. They knew the expectations of the king. (5)
2. They knew the penalty for disobedience. (6)
3. They weren’t certain that God would save them. (18)
4. Their response didn’t depend on God’s deliverance. (16-18)
B. The Religious Leaders Took a Poll Mt. 21:23-27; Jn. 12:42-43
1. They feared public opinion more than they feared God.
2. They valued their position more than truth.
3. They valued the approval of men more than that of God.
4. What does God think of such indecision? Mk. 8:38; Re. 21:8
5. Contrast their “leadership” with Joshua’s. Jos. 24:14-15
C. Right is Right Regardless of the Consequences
1. Public opinion, convenience or fear do not dictate right/wrong.
2. Our principles must not be established by opinion polls/fear.
II. How Are We Guilty of the Same Today?
A. Instances When We May Fail To Be Strong and Decisive
1. Don’t obey gospel due to fear/Fail to confess because of pride
2. Don’t talk to others for fear of being branded a religious nut
3. Don’t study controversial issues for fear of reaction
4. Don’t speak up because it might hurt someone’s feelings
5. Don’t take a stand because it’s unpopular (e.g. reading names)
B. What Did Our Spiritual Forefathers Have to Fear?
1. Economic Hardship (cf. Re. 6:5-6)
2. Imprisonment (cf. Lk. 3:19-20)
3. Torture (cf. He. 11:35)
4. Exile (cf. Re. 1:9)
5. Death (cf. Ac. 12:1-3)
C. What Fears Hinder Us Today?
1. Being laughed at, dismissed as a kook, or embarrassed
2. Losing friends or a position of status among our peers
3. Not knowing what to say or how to say it
4. Offending and driving away an already alien sinner
D. We Need Moral Courage to Obey Regardless of Consequence
1. The godly will be persecuted. 2Ti. 3:12
2. Opposition should not surprise us. Mt. 5:10-12; Jn. 15:18-20
3. Fear magnifies the challenge of obedience. Nu. 13:31-33
¨ Fear is often proven unfounded by courage.
4. We must learn to embrace suffering for Christ. 1Pe. 4:12-16
¨ Do we consider it an honor to suffer for our Lord?
Concl.
1. Fear can rob a person of the joy of active obedience.
2. The timidity and reluctance produced by fear will only create guilt over failing to do our duty.
3. Fear of consequences often becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.
4. We cannot decide what to do based on what others may think or what could happen.
5. Right is right whether it is popular, convenient, and easy or not.
6. Will we be courageous for the kingdom of God and His glory?