Matthew 25:25 I was afraid and hid your talent in the ground.
We are all afraid from time to time. Some of us are afraid for much longer periods. This is no excuse. God has entrusted each and every person with some job to do for his kingdom. If you have lived for more than a few decades, then you probably only have to look back at your life to see plainly what talents God has entrusted to your care. If you betray that trust by burying his talent in the ground, he might not be so understanding when he returns to see how you have used it.
Matthew 25:30 Cast the unprofitable servant into outer darkness where there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Yeshua does not suffer from Nice Guy Syndrome. He is compassionate when he deems it appropriate, and at other times he is unmerciful and violent. Many, many times we are commanded not to fear obedience or its consequences, but to fear God instead. You were created for a purpose. If you do not fulfill that purpose, of what use are you?
Matthew 7:19 Every tree that does not produce good fruit is cut down, and cast into the fire.
Fear may keep you safe and warm today, but it will destroy you when it really counts.
Tags: bible study, faith, fear, fear of the lord