Fear Jehovah –Serve Other gods

2 Kings 17:32-33

September 19 - AM

Background of TextHelps us understand why the Jews had no dealings with the SamaritansWe can see one of the greatest difficulties in the Christian lifeAssyria – Took 10 tribes captiveSent replacements conquered elsewhereSamaria became a mixture of Jehovah AND

pagan gods

They Feared JehovahFear drives us to an empty life, rather than service

Fear is not enough motive in religion

It leads to a minimum religion –“How far do I have to go?”

It causes people to go to church – nothing else

They Feared JehovahOur motive should be LOVELOVE – not fear

1 John 4:181 John 4:18 - There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.

2 Corinthians 5:142 Corinthians 5:14 - For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died;

Served Own GodsIn Religion Family traditionFamily tradition – “My parents were ____. I will

be.” Denominational authorityDenominational authority

Alexander Campbell – “The Bible is on their lips, but the creeds are in their hearts.”

Episcopal homosexual bishop appointed – “This should not happen. But we must stay with the organized religion.”

Church back homeChurch back home – Things aren’t like at home

Served Own GodsIn Life BusinessBusiness – Can’t serve 2 masters – Matthew Matthew

6:246:24 - No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.

SocialSocial – Who sets the standard for your conduct?

MoralMoral – What is your authority for deciding right and wrong?

Serious QuestionsA couple of serious questions to consider:

DO YOU DO YOU SERVESERVE GOD – OR JUST GOD – OR JUST FEARFEAR HIM?HIM?

IF YOU LOVE GOD, WHY NOT SERVE IF YOU LOVE GOD, WHY NOT SERVE HIM?HIM?