Mankind Ensnared in the Path of Destruction and Misery

Fearing God

(Romans 3:15-18)

This repeated cycle where people hurt one another, where the strong destroy the weak, and where people speak of peace yet never attain it, is not a story that belongs to the wicked alone. This is the story of every person born into this world. Yet this is something we cannot even see in ourselves—such is the condition of mankind.

1. The Conduct of Sinners
A few behaviors demonstrated by human beings prove that they are sinners. First, there is within us the seed of murder. It does not stop at mere hatred; the very seed that can turn into actual action depending on the situation resides within us. Second is a destructive nature. Acts of destruction drive not only the victims but also the perpetrators down a miserable path of ruin. Third is the absence of peace. Human beings do not simply lack peace; they are actively avoiding peace on their own.

2. The Fundamental Cause
Why on earth is human nature so evil, why do people try to hurt others with their words, and why do they actually try to kill and destroy? The Bible says, “There is no fear of God before their eyes” (Romans 3:18). If people had a heart that fears God, they would not casually commit evil. However, human beings, so long conditioned by a world of deception, refuse to believe unless they can see it with their own eyes. How, then, could they ever believe in a God who can only be met with the heart?

3. Two Dimensions of Fear
There are two dimensions to the heart that fears God. One is the fear that flows from adoration. It is a heart that wishes to please Him, longs to stay by His side, and hopes to be remembered by Him. The other is the fear that is conscious of punishment. Before we know that God is a merciful God, what we must first know is the fact that He is a God to be feared. Only those who know this can guard themselves from sin.

Overseer Sung-Hyun Kim