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Episode 20

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Published on:

16th Feb 2026

Fear of God: Paralyzed or Motivated?

Episode Title: Fear of God: Paralyzed or Motivated?

Episode Description:

What does "fear of God" really mean? In Genesis 20, Abraham makes a familiar mistake out of fear, while a king named Abimelek shows us what true fear of God looks like. Discover the difference between being paralyzed by fear and being motivated by reverence—and learn how God's justice and mercy work together even when we mess up.

In This Episode:

  1. Why Abraham told the same half-truth twice (and what that reveals about us)
  2. The archaic definition of "fear" that changes everything
  3. How a pagan king's immediate obedience teaches us about respecting God
  4. The difference between terror and reverence
  5. Why God's justice doesn't punish what we don't know—but demands action when truth is revealed
  6. A challenge: Does your fear of God paralyze you or motivate you?

Key Quote:

"Real fear of God isn't about being scared of Him. It's about respecting Him enough to obey immediately, trust Him completely, and let Him turn even our messes into His message."

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About Leaving the Kid's Table:

A weekly podcast where we explore God's Word together, one chapter at a time. Every Monday, join me as I share what stood out to me in Scripture and challenge you to discover what stands out to you. It's about going deeper with God in authentic community—heel, toe, heel, toe, one step at a time.

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About the Podcast

Leaving the Kid's Table
Do you remember the “kid’s table” when at family holidays or dinners? I do and that is right where I feel I am at, still, in my walk with God. Some look at it as being “ankle deep” in our walk. Either way, I am at a point where I am tired of being in this state. Every Monday at 6 am I will release short episodes where I am going to share what stood out to me in my time with God. At the end of the day it comes down to where scripture meets your story. You may be in the same spot as I am or you are sitting at the adult table or may need to join the kids table. Either option is ok, these episodes are to start the conversation as to “what stands out to you?” and not only grow myself but help others grow as well. "Here's the thing - leaving the kid's table isn't a one-time decision. It's a daily choice. And every day you choose to go deeper, I'll be right here with you."

About your host

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Chad Sherlock

Chad is a husband, girl dad, and 20 years in IT. When he's not translating tech into human-speak or performing living room musicals, you'll find him on a mountain, in the woods, or out on the water. He's a Christian who's spent too long at the kid's table in his faith—and he's ready to go deeper. Through his podcast Leaving the Kid's Table, he shares what stands out to him in Scripture each week and invites you into the conversation, because growth happens together, not alone.