Do Not Be Afraid of Man

Introduction

Fear is a powerful weapon the enemy uses to silence, weaken, and paralyze the people of God. Many believers live in constant fear of what men can do to them—fear of rejection, persecution, threats, or even physical harm. Yet the Word of God is clear: “The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe” (Proverbs 29:25).

As followers of Christ, our confidence must rest in God alone, not in the opinions, threats, or actions of people. When we fear man, we give them control over our thoughts, decisions, and destiny. But when we fear the Lord, we walk in true freedom and boldness.

This message will encourage you to stand firm in faith and to live courageously, knowing that God is greater than any man.

1. The Nature of the Fear of Man

The fear of man can take many forms. For some, it is the fear of criticism. For others, it is the fear of losing relationships, positions, or opportunities. Still, for others, it is the fear of persecution or physical harm.

Jesus Himself warned His disciples: “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28).

Here we see the contrast: the worst man can do is harm the body, but they cannot touch the eternal soul. God alone holds our eternity in His hands. To fear man above God is to elevate man beyond his true power.

2. The Trap of Seeking Human Approval

When we fear man, we inevitably begin to seek their approval rather than God’s. This was a struggle even in the early assemblies of God’s people. The Apostle Paul declared, “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ” (Galatians 1:10).

Fear of man leads us to compromise our convictions, dilute the truth, and remain silent when we should speak. It is a snare, a trap that keeps us bound. But when we fear God above all, we walk in freedom and integrity.

3. God Promises His Presence

Throughout Scripture, God reassures His people not to fear man because His presence is with them.

To Joshua, He said: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).
To Isaiah, He declared: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).

The presence of God is the antidote to the fear of man. When you know that the Almighty walks with you, there is no reason to tremble before anyone.

4. Examples of Courage in Scripture

Moses before Pharaoh

Pharaoh was the most powerful man on earth at the time. Yet Moses, empowered by God, stood boldly before him to declare, “Thus says the LORD, let My people go” (Exodus 5:1). Moses did not fear Pharaoh’s anger, for he trusted in God’s authority.

David before Goliath

The armies of Israel trembled before Goliath, but David declared, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts” (1 Samuel 17:45). David’s confidence was not in his own strength but in God’s power.

The Apostles before the Council

When the religious leaders commanded the apostles to stop preaching in the name of Jesus, they replied: “We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). Their boldness in the face of threats shows us how to stand firm in obedience to God.

5. Man’s Power is Limited

The fear of man exaggerates their power, but in reality, man’s power is limited. Psalm 56:11 declares, “In God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”

This is not arrogance, but confidence in God’s sovereignty. Man may threaten, accuse, or even harm us temporarily, but God is the final Judge. He holds the power of life, death, and eternity.

Jesus reminded His disciples that even the hairs of their head are numbered (Matthew 10:30). This means no enemy can touch you unless God allows it for His purpose.

6. Fear of God vs. Fear of Man

The key to overcoming fear of man is cultivating the fear of God. Proverbs 9:10 says, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” When we honor, revere, and submit to God above all else, the fear of man loses its grip on us.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego exemplified this when they refused to bow to Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image. They boldly declared: “We do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us… But even if He does not, we want you to know… that we will not serve your gods or worship the image you have set up” (Daniel 3:16–18).

Their fear of God outweighed their fear of the king. That is true courage.

7. The Call to Boldness Today

We live in a time when fear of man is rampant. Many believers remain silent about their faith at work, in school, or online, fearing rejection or mockery. Others compromise biblical truth to avoid conflict.

Yet God calls us to boldness. Paul exhorted Timothy: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7). Fear does not come from God—it is a tool of the enemy. Instead, we have been given the Spirit of courage, love, and wisdom.

8. Practical Steps to Overcome Fear of Man

Meditate on God’s Word – Fill your heart with promises of God’s presence and protection. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).
Pray for Boldness – The early disciples prayed, “Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness” (Acts 4:29).
Keep an Eternal Perspective – Remember that this world is temporary, but eternity is forever. “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (2 Corinthians 4:17).
Surround Yourself with Courageous Believers – Fellowship strengthens us. “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17).
Obey God Daily – Each act of obedience builds spiritual courage.

Conclusion

Beloved, you do not need to fear man. Their power is limited, their threats are temporary, and their judgments do not determine your destiny. God is your refuge, your shield, and your eternal judge.

Hear the words of Isaiah once more: “I, even I, am He who comforts you. Who are you that you fear mere mortals, human beings who are but grass” (Isaiah 51:12).

Stand firm. Be bold. Trust in the Lord. Let your life declare: “The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Psalm 118:6).

May the Spirit of God strengthen you to live with courage, faith, and unwavering devotion to Him, without fear of man.