Never to Do Anything Out of Fear of Man
By Rooted Africa (
Resolution #24
Resolved, whenever I do or omit anything through fear of man, to repent of it as a sin.
In simple terms: Edwards resolved that whenever he acted (or failed to act) because he feared what people would think, say, or do, he would immediately recognize it as sin and repent.This resolution targets people-pleasing, fear of rejection, and desire for approval—motives that often lead to compromise, silence on truth, or conformity to the world. Edwards wanted a life free from the fear of man, rooted in the fear of God.Why This Matters TodayFear of man is epidemic. We stay silent on truth to avoid conflict, chase approval through performance, or compromise convictions for acceptance. It enslaves us. Edwards reminds us: the fear of man is sin because it displaces the fear of God (Proverbs 29:25: “The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe”).Galatians 1:10 asks: “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.”Applying Resolution 24 Practically
@kateyakli
)Jonathan Edwards had resolved never to speak of others’ faults unless for real good (Resolution 23) and never to act in ways he would despise in others (Resolution 21). Now he addressed one of the most common motives for sin: fear of man.Resolution #24
Resolved, whenever I do or omit anything through fear of man, to repent of it as a sin.
In simple terms: Edwards resolved that whenever he acted (or failed to act) because he feared what people would think, say, or do, he would immediately recognize it as sin and repent.This resolution targets people-pleasing, fear of rejection, and desire for approval—motives that often lead to compromise, silence on truth, or conformity to the world. Edwards wanted a life free from the fear of man, rooted in the fear of God.Why This Matters TodayFear of man is epidemic. We stay silent on truth to avoid conflict, chase approval through performance, or compromise convictions for acceptance. It enslaves us. Edwards reminds us: the fear of man is sin because it displaces the fear of God (Proverbs 29:25: “The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe”).Galatians 1:10 asks: “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.”Applying Resolution 24 Practically
- When fear arises: Pause and ask: “Am I acting (or not acting) because I fear man’s opinion?” If yes, repent immediately.
- In decisions: Choose obedience to God over approval from people (e.g., speak truth kindly, decline compromise, stand firm in conviction).
- In relationships: Seek God’s approval above popularity or acceptance.
- Habit: When you catch fear of man, confess: “Lord, forgive me for fearing man more than You. Help me trust You alone.”
- Where have I recently acted (or failed to act) out of fear of man?
- What would change if I feared God more than people’s opinions?
- How does trusting God’s approval free me from people-pleasing?
- Full text of Edwards' Resolutions: https://www.jonathan-edwards.org/Resolutions.html
- "The Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards" (Desiring God): https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/the-resolutions-of-jonathan-edwards
- Ligonier Ministries overview: https://learn.ligonier.org/articles/resolutions-jonathan-edwards
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