Why Should I Fear God? (1 Peter 1:17-216) | Men's Bible Study | Pastor Kellen Allen

Main message: The sermon argues that a proper fear of God is foundational to the Christian life. Living with the awareness that we will answer to God should lead to holiness, repentance, obedience, and fruitfulness rather than casual, self-directed Christianity.

Key points:

• Fear of God means living every day knowing you will answer to Him.
• A lack of fear of God leads to a low view of God and a high tolerance for sin.
• This fear should shape practical obedience: baptism, making disciples, loving one’s wife, and resisting grumbling, slander, and other sins.
• Biblical examples show what fear of God produces: Joseph’s restraint from sin, David’s confession, Nehemiah’s generosity and integrity, and Paul’s evangelistic zeal.
• God’s salvation plan cannot be thwarted, so believers should let that assurance fuel faith and obedience.
• The sermon emphasizes that Christians should not “sneak in” to heaven with minimal effort, but live to hear “well done” from God.

Scriptures mentioned: 1 Peter 1:3-5, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Genesis 39:9, Psalm 51:2-4, Nehemiah 5:15, 2 Corinthians 5:9-11, Job 42:2, John 6:39-40, Matthew 28:19