aspen
“"The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few
I don't think you know the answer yourself. Give it a try.
Now, who did Jesus say to fear?
Matthew 10:28 (ESV)
[sup]28 [/sup]And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
Whom did Peter tell us to fear?
1 Peter 2:17 (ESV)
[sup]17 [/sup]Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.
The answers are quite simple Aspen. Or are you too proud to admit you're wrong?
As soon as I am wrong, I will admit it. You can read my corrections all over this board - have you been wrong and admitted it, on this board?
Mathew is recounting a story where Jesus is telling His disciples not to fear people - BUT if they are going to insist on being afraid, at least they should fear God who has the power to destroy them. He then goes on to say that they do not even have to fear God because they are more valuable than sparrows and God cares for sparrows down to the last feather - also Jesus is their friend and also a friend of God; two reasons not to fear God. Like I said before - you are demanding me to answer a question that distorts this passage of scripture. Answering "God" to a rhetorical question is ridiculous because it makes the passage seem like we are supposed to be afraid of God, even when Jesus gives us two reasons not to fear Him.
Peter is telling us to honor everyone - including God. Then he continues by providing positive ways to respond to two different people and God. Notice "love" and "honor" are both positive - fear seems out of place, especially considering the commandment to love God; like Rach mentioned before, love and fear are incompatible. The reason, of course has been explained to you repeatedly, is that the word fear, based on the meaning of the original language, explains the emotion of a person who is experiencing awe, not terror. We are supposed to love, honor and be in awe of God.