Christian Atheist: Part 2 - "But Don't Fear Him" with Craig Groeschel - LifeChurch.tv

“We Believe in God but We Do Not Fear Him”

Scripture References

Primary text

• Psalm 36:1-2
• Genesis 22

Other references

• Proverbs 9:10
• Proverbs 14:27
• Proverbs 22:4

Overview

Craig Groeschel continues the series “Christian Atheist” by confronting a second symptom: believing in God yet living with no reverent fear of Him. In a culture that customizes everything—from ice-cream flavors to coffee orders—we often do the same with Christianity, choosing the parts of God we like and ignoring the rest. Using Psalm 36, several Proverbs, and the story of Abraham and Isaac, the message shows that true fear of the Lord marries love and respect, produces wholehearted obedience, and overflows with blessing.

Main Points

Customized Christianity

• People now expect unlimited, tailor-made options (31 Baskin-Robbins flavors, Sonic’s 3.5 million drink combos, custom shoes, bobbleheads, Match.com profiles).
• The same mindset slips into faith: “I’ll take God’s love, mercy, and blessing, but skip His judgment, commands on purity, or call to generosity.”

• “We believe in God but we do not fear Him.”

• David’s diagnosis (Psalm 36:1-2): sin whispers, there is no fear of God to restrain, and people cannot see how wicked they are.

What Fear of the Lord Means

• Pendulum problem: past “fire-and-brimstone” legalism vs. modern license (“God is love, do whatever”).
• Balanced definition:
  • Loving God + Respecting God = Fearing God
  • Love Him as a Father; respect Him as a consuming fire and righteous Judge.
  • Human analogy: Craig’s reverent affection for his pastor, Nick Harris—love for the man, respect for the office. Multiply that “by a gazillion” for God.

Blessings Promised to Those Who Fear Him

• Proverbs 9:10 – Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
• Proverbs 14:27 – Fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning from death’s snares.
• Proverbs 22:4 – Humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches, honor, and long life.
• The fear of God is not oppressive; it is life-giving.

Obedience: The Proof of Fear

• Genesis 22: Abraham prepares to sacrifice Isaac; the angel stops him: “Now I know that you fear God.”
• Principle: the greatest evidence of fearing God is complete obedience, not partial or delayed.
• Working description:
  • “The fear of the Lord is an ongoing attitude of my heart that moves me to choose, over and over, to obey God when it would be easier to do something else.”

Areas of Customized Disobedience

• Common refusals: sexual purity, pornography, tithing, weekend priorities.
• Positive nudges we delay: starting a ministry, giving something away, mentoring, launching a business God prompted.
• Application questions:
  1. In what area am I not fearing and obeying God?
  2. What am I going to do about it—today?

Key Truths

• Cultural belief in God is high; practical fear of God is low.
• Love without respect breeds license; respect without love breeds legalism.
• Fear of the Lord begins wisdom, releases life, and attracts God’s blessing.
• Complete, cheerful, and immediate obedience is the clearest proof of fearing God.
• Customized Christianity is counterfeit; wholehearted surrender is authentic faith.

Response

• Identify the one area you are withholding and submit it to God.
• Stop delaying; obey immediately and joyfully.
• Break off any relationship or habit that contradicts God’s revealed will.
• Act on the Spirit’s promptings—give, serve, start, or speak as He directs.
• Regularly rehearse: “I love You, I respect You; therefore I fear You and obey You.”

Closing

The fear of the Lord is neither terror nor bondage; it is a life-giving blend of love and reverent awe that liberates us to obey. When we abandon a pick-and-choose faith and surrender every corner of life, we discover wisdom, protection, and blessing “coming in and going out.” The call is simple yet costly: trade customized Christianity for complete obedience born of holy fear.

“Because I love You and because I respect You, I truly do fear You—and because I fear You, I want to obey You.”

Prayer

Father, thank You for revealing areas where we’ve believed without fearing. By Your Spirit, shape in us a continual posture of awe-filled love. Give us quick, wholehearted obedience—whether that means laying something down or stepping boldly into Your assignment. May our lives honor You, for You alone are worthy. In Jesus’ name, amen.