In yesterday’s “Toxic People-Pleasing” sermon I claimed that the one command repeated more often in the Bible than any other is “Fear the Lord”. Seems that I was wrong and that the brother in the second service who offered “Fear not” was correct. Among others, the formidable scholar N. T. Wright made the claim in Following Jesus: Biblical Reflections on Discipleship, and Rick Warren found enough examples to offer one for each day in a yearlong devotional; at least 365 times God has said in one way or another, “Don’t be afraid”.
Until I go through all 66 books myself and count both commands, I will concede the point. Brother–whoever you are, you were right.
While we’re mentioning Rick Warren, he says 2 main obstacles keep us from fulfilling God’s purpose for our lives: envy and–(are you ready…?) PEOPLE-PLEASING!
Gospel-Centered Life 