Don't Leave Home Without It!
Our fantastic voyage is just beginning. We are going to explore the book of Proverbs and our destination is wisdom. But to get there, as we saw yesterday, we must begin with the fear of the Lord. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge" 1:7. This is similarly stressed in 9:10- "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." But what exactly is the fear of the Lord? We dare not leave on this expedition without it. Some have sought to simply define the fear of the Lord as reverence for God. It does include that, but a search through the word of the Lord reveals more to it than that. Here's a rhyme I composed years ago to teach my children about the fear of the Lord that encompasses the broader revelation of it-
The fear of the Lord is vital, but it's so misunderstood,
So let's take letter of it to learn it as we should.
F is for Follow by faith God's holy word.
E is for Eschew evil, O flee its trap like a bird. (Eschew:avoid, shun)
A is for Act in accountability, for God always sees.
R is for Reverence God's rule, O worship on your knees.
David also sought to teach his children, and all of us, the fear of the Lord in Psalm 34:11-16. Let's read that now.
In the OT, to say, "I fear the Lord" would be the equivalent of us saying today, "I"m a Christ follower." But the fear of the Lord is not simply an OT term that disappeared with the coming of Christ. Look up any of the following NT verses to see how the fear of the Lord is still used- Luke 12:5; 2 Cor.5:11; Phil.2:12; 1 Peter 1:17; 2:17; Rev.14:7; 15:4. Or here's a longer list of verses from the OT and NT on the fear of the Lord- http://www.openbible.info/topics/fear_of_the_lord
1.-Pick any one of these NT or OT verses and share what you like about it.
2.-Write that verse also on your MP3 card. Then as always, look for opportunities to share it with others.
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1. Phil. 2:12 "Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,"
ReplyDeleteThis verse stood out to me because of Paul's exhortation to not just be satisfied that we are saved but actually we should continue to grow in our knowledge of God through his Word and build that relationship with Him.
We are suppose to do this with fear of the Almighty God we serve.
Amen. Be bold and Stand firm today brother Roger!
DeleteSpecial prayer request for my wife Julie, tomorrow she will have surgery to remove half of her thyroid gland that was found to have a benign nodule on it. Please pray that the surgery will go well and that both Julie and I will have peace through this whole process. Thank you brothers.
DeleteI'm covering you and Julie in prayer Roger. God bless you both.
DeleteYes Lord, we join our hearts in prayer to You the Great Physician.
DeleteRoger I will keep your wife in prayer and trust in Jesus that everything will be OK with her tomorrow Amen!
DeleteEcc. 12:13 NLT
ReplyDeleteThat's the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone's duty.
Could this verse sum up the Christian life? Can it be this simple?
Wisdom is what we need to live a godly life. It is developing a taste for goldiness. We must eat and swallow and digest God's word so regularly. Just like in our reading of Psalm 34:8 NIV
Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.
Wisdom is knowing God and doing things His way. Disciplined and prudent life in the fear of the Lord. We should long for wisdom, like silver or gold.
Store up God's commands (reading our bibles), turn your ear to wisdom(listening to sound advice), call out for insight (praying to God).
Very Thanx for sharing that wisdom with us. I look up to you alot man. Ive saw the transformation in you within the last couple years and it amazes me. I remember you walking up on the stage all nervous to share with us. Now you walk up there with such confidence and courage. The Holy Spirit has definitely touched you and it shows. PS your haircut looks sharp ;)
DeleteGreat words Eddie- Wisdom is "developing a taste for godliness" for the wise life is God centered.
Delete1. Matthew 10:28 ESV 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. This verse tells me to put my faith in him. It shows me not to fear anything in this world other then him.
ReplyDeleteAmen! Yes that is an awesome verse you chose to share! I am gonna have to copy that one down ;)
DeleteGood James. The fear of man brings a snare. Then help us then be bold as lions Lord.
Delete1.Working out our salvation.with wisdom.
ReplyDeletePhilippians 2:12
Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.
1 Peter 1:17
Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear.
Wow we chose the same verse! Good stuff brother!
DeleteThanks George. Great verses.
Delete1 Peter 1:17 Since you call on a father who judges each persons work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear.
ReplyDeleteThis is a powerful verse! This verse tells us to fear our God for He judges our doings equally. We are foreigners here on earth. Our time here is limited and our bodies are temporary. We have the option to live for eternity with Him if we so choose to do so by following His Word.
Lord, help us to do just as Phil has said- to choose to live for eternity by following your word.
DeleteAmen, it is truly s blessing seeing you grow in Christ Phil. :)
DeleteGreat job Phil! Thanks for all your encouragement!
Delete1. "and he will delight in the fear of the Lord. He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears;" Isaiah 11:3
ReplyDeleteDictionary.com
Delight = 1. (Noun) a high degree of pleasure or enjoyment; joy
2. (verb) to have great pleasure; take pleasure
"for the joy of the LORD will be your strength" Nehemiah 8:10b
Great pick Robert. Delight and fear almost seem contrary, until we gain the larger understanding of how the fear of the Lord was used. Oh to delight ourselves in You!
DeleteI chose Hebrews 12:10b-11
ReplyDelete...God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Below are two good articles on fear of the Lord and judgement. I took parts of them.
http://www.gotquestions.org/fear-God.html
Question: "What does it mean to have the fear of God?"
Answer: For the unbeliever, the fear of God is the fear of the judgment of God and eternal death, which is eternal separation from God (Luke 12:5; Hebrews 10:31). For the believer, the fear of God is something much different. The believer's fear is reverence of God.
Some redefine the fear of God for believers to “respecting” Him. While respect is definitely included in the concept of fearing God, there is more to it than that. A biblical fear of God, for the believer, includes understanding how much God hates sin and fearing His judgment on sin—even in the life of a believer. Hebrews 12:5-11 describes God’s discipline of the believer. While it is done in love (Hebrews 12:6), it is still a fearful thing. As children, the fear of discipline from our parents no doubt prevented some evil actions. The same should be true in our relationship with God. We should fear His discipline, and therefore seek to live our lives in such a way that pleases Him.
http://www.gotquestions.org/judgment.html
There are two separate judgments. Believers are judged at the Judgment Seat of Christ (Romans 14:10-12). Every believer will give an account of himself, and the Lord will judge the decisions he made—including those concerning issues of conscience. This judgment does not determine salvation, which is by faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9), but rather is the time when believers must give an account of their lives in service to Christ. Our position in Christ is the “foundation” spoken of in 1 Corinthians 3:11-15
The second judgment is that of unbelievers who will be judged at the Great White Throne Judgment (Revelation 20:11-15). This judgment does not determine salvation, either. Everyone at the Great White Throne is an unbeliever who has rejected Christ in life and is therefore already doomed to the lake of fire
Good further digging Sam! And a biblical fear of the Lord encompasses even more than the above article's point on hating evil. We need to F.E.A.R. the Lord. It can even include delighting in the fear of the Lord- taking pleasure in God and our devotion to Him. Is.11:3
DeleteWow Sam thank you for your insightful comments, they are sure a blessing
DeleteMan bro, love your digging on yet very insightful info. You have given me another view of meaning of "fear" for the believer and "fear" for unbelievers..
DeleteMan bro, love your digging on yet very insightful info. You have given me another view of meaning of "fear" for the believer and "fear" for unbelievers..
DeleteShow proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor. (1 Peter 2:17 NIV)
ReplyDeleteI like the emphasis on fear of God, balanced with respect, honor and love. A recipe for goodness.
I like that recipe too Daniel!
DeleteTherefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, (Philippians 2:12 NIV) It reminds me of kidding elementary school, once the teacher leaves they misbehave. Just because our "teacher" is gone does not mean we should.
ReplyDeleteGood illustration Ricardo!
DeleteBrother Rich, "when the cat is away, the mice will play" lol :-) It's our human tendencies But just because we could, doesn't mean we should. 1 Corinthians 6:12 “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “
Delete1) Matthew 10:28 ESV / 81
ReplyDeleteAnd 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. Fear in it's place is a gift from God; it allows us to see danger an avoid it. It allows us to respect danger understanding it's possible effects and consequences. Many for lack of proper fear find themselves in difficult and painful situations but after experiencing this choose obedience rather then consequence. Let us fear abusing grace and mercy for at the end of them we find pain and consequence, The law is for the lawless and grace finds the humble. Let us consider the goodness and severity of God.
Excellent point Antonio- "Fear in it's place is a gift from God; it allows us to see danger an avoid it."
Delete"Let us fear abusing grace and mercy for at the end of them we find pain and consequence, The law is for the lawless and grace finds the humble." love your point. Thank you for much insight my brother.
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DeleteBrother Tony, glad you're back up to full power on your laptop :-). Excellent point, we often think pain is bad but there's a saying in the bodybuilding world "No pain, no gain!"
DeleteMatthew 10:28 "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."
ReplyDeletePsalm 112:8 "Praise the Lord. Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who finds great delight in His commands."
People can kill the body not the soul. The soul is a live forever. The body is a shell that we are temporarily using. Life in the body is short but the soul lives forever. I have stated this fact to many people in my life time God makes many promises to us but the two promises that stand out to me are you are born and then you die it's what you do in-between that will help you live in heaven or hell for ever.
Yes indeed Mike!
DeleteAnd he said with a loud voice, "Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come, and worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water." - Revelation 14:7
ReplyDeleteI fear him not for what he can do to me but because I don't want to live life without him. I give glory because he has helped me through so much and I never want to go back.
Yes, Andre, the fear of the Lord is a NT response to our God all the way through to the end of Revelation as the verse you quoted points out. Mt.10:28 is a good one to meditate on too.
Delete1.-Pick any one of these NT or OT verses and share what you like about it.
ReplyDelete“Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear.” 1 Peter 1:17 (NIV) I liked this verse because it reminds us that God will judge us fairly based on how we live our lives on earth and that judgement will determine where you spend the rest eternity. If we live our human lives worshiping and honoring God we’ll get to spend eternity with him.
I came across this and thought it was worth sharing.
“Believers are not to be scared of God. We have no reason to be scared of Him. We have His promise that nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39). We have His promise that He will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). Fearing God means having such a reverence for Him that it has a great impact on the way we live our lives. The fear of God is respecting Him, obeying Him, submitting to His discipline, and worshipping Him in awe.”
From http://www.gotquestions.org/fear-God.html#ixzz3YdtvvaCF
Thanks George. We do see times in Scripture where God dealt harshly with flagrant disobedience and the result was holy fear. For example, God striking dead Ananias and Sapphira. Then great fear seized the whole church. Acts 5:11. He is no tame lion!
Delete2 Corinthians 5:11... Because we understand our fearful responsibilities to the Lord, we work hard to persuade others.
ReplyDeleteNow that I have a better understanding of "fear" of the Lord means. I can much understand that it is a responsibility that we has as fearful followers must do. (What God is calling us to do).
Did it.
Yes, Ismael. A man has reason to fear losing his good standing with his boss, if he is not carrying out his responsibilities. So glad you're devoted to Him!
Delete1 Luke 12:5. I feel this should hit home with many who do not fully believe in their hearts, as they are target M3 candidates who fear other earthly opinions and humans and don't fully except not understand living for the Lord. The lord is the only Judge who has the power when he returns to send us to Hell or Paradise. It is up to us to choose and put the Lord in front of everything and live for him. I have chosen to live and now it is my passion to help others find their way to the Lord.
ReplyDelete2. Did it
Yes Jack may God use us to help others to know Jesus Christ as Lord.
DeleteVery true Jack. Luke 12:5 is a sobering verse. O help us Lord stay focused on pleasing You.
DeleteRev.15:4 who will not fear O Lord and glorify your name? For you alone are Holy all nations
ReplyDeleteWill come and worship you, for your righteous acts have been revealed. Yes his righteous has been revealed to us for us to see!
Amen, great verse. Indeed His righteousness has been revealed to us all.
DeleteGreat verse John about our great God. And isn't it great to have such good men as Roger encouraging you? Please remember to pray for his wife going in for surgery tomorrow.
Delete1. Isaiah 41:10, So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. This verse keeps me at peace, a peace that only God can give not the peace the world gives. Especially in times of weariness.
ReplyDelete2. Did it.
Amen you are so right we do not have to fear things of this world because God is with us.
DeleteYes Oscar, I will fear no evil for Thou art with me. We need not fear evil or trouble when we are living in the fear of God.
Delete1 Peter 2:17New Living Translation (NLT)
ReplyDelete17 Respect everyone, and love the family of believers.[a] Fear God, and respect the king.
1) I feel the fear of the Lord is so important. If we love God with all of our heart, mind and soul we would want to fear the Lord. The amazing thing about this fear is the fact that unlike other things we may fear we stay away from those fears. God wants us to draw near to him. He wants us to get to know him. The fear of the Lord makes me want to draw closer to God.
2) did it
That is a great insight Vince- "The amazing thing about this fear is the fact that unlike other things we may fear we stay away from those fears. God wants us to draw near to him. He wants us to get to know him. The fear of the Lord makes me want to draw closer to God." His incredible love and grace attracts us to draw near in spite of the rightful fear of this all consuming fire. He's no tame lion, but he is good.
DeleteLuke 12:5
ReplyDeleteBut I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.
I like this verse because it tells you up front that Hell is real .This is no joke, we need to follow Jesus.
Right on Chuy!
Delete1
ReplyDeleteThe first verse you wrote Dave was very hard hitting for me:
Luke 12:5
But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.
This is honestly convicting to stand correct accountable and diligent in my walk. All of the Glory and every praise and all worship should go the God the Father in Heaven. The authority is his and if I would speak on one of the other verses you listed:
Revelation 15:4
Who will not fear you, Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.”
After the Lord has revealed Himself in his fullness there will no longer be a chance to CHOOSE to fear Him. For this I am truly humbled.
2
Did it
Powerful verses Gary regarding our all-powerful God. He is great- greatly to be feared, loved, served and praised.
DeleteI fear we would become bored and complacent with a God who didn't conjure any fear.
1.-Pick any one of these NT or OT verses and share what you like about it.
ReplyDeleteDeuteronomy 10:12 -13 And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, 13 and to observe the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?
One key element of the fear of the Lord is having the continual awareness of God's presence with us and always realizing that He is our ultimate audience of all we do. In our walk of obedience, when we serve, how we show our love to Him and others, why we observe His commands and decrees – in all and everything we do - the Fear of the Lord causes us to check that our actions and motives are acceptable and pleasing to God.
2 Did It
Added thoughts. The Fear of the Lord also humbles us as we realize our short comings and brokenness in comparison with God's perfection. The Fear of the Lord causes us to depend upon God's Holy Spirit as we strive for Christ-likeness. The Fear of the Lord results in joy and praise and worship to the LORD because we have been made totally righteous in God's eyes through our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Delete1. "The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man." -Ecclesiastes 12:13
ReplyDeleteI like this verse because it neatly sums up the meaning/purpose of life.
ReplyDelete1.-Pick any one of these NT or OT verses and share what you like Prov. 15-16 "Better a little with fear of the Lord then great wealth with turmoil.
This verse I like because this is true in our world today. People seeking the riches of wealth, their love for the money. We see the overindulgence of some of the wealthy and their self impose accolades glamorize in the media. Yet all these expensive possessions will never bring them peace or serenity in their lives. On the contrary, this wealth has been a curse upon some and has lead some wealthy people to excessive and destructive life's. Money and wealth can at times be the root of evil, some will argue that money is the root of all evil?
Sorry I don't mean to typecast all the wealthy in the same way, I know that there are wealthy people that are honorable and good people and Christians. The analogy of the wealthy above are for those that it applies to. Ps.128:1 "Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to him."
hello brother Armando, i think I know what you are trying to say, since money itself is neutral. I know the LOVE of money can be devastating to our lives. I think this proverb is saying that Contentment is found not primarily in external circumstances (little money or a lot of money), but in a life governed by the fear of the Lord.
Delete1. I selected Philippians 2:12 that says, " So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling;"
ReplyDelete-- This verse is a main verse that one of the Cults, the Mormons, use to teach works as part of their salvation, however, they falsely use it. Mormons always state "Work out your salvation with fear and trembling", thus they teach works as part of Salvation. I always ask them to read it again, but slowly, "work out your salvation with fear and trembling". I then state that it does NOT say, Work FOR your salvation with fear and trembling, and they are always stumped. Now that a person is Saved or born-again, we are directed to work out our salvation, just like a newly wed couple, they need to work out their marriage :)
I love the next verse, because it states the Why we should work out our salvation with fear and trembling, by stating, " for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure." This says it all :)
2. did it
Hello everyone sorry I was probably the only one MIA yesterday. Had forgot my phone at home. So the verse that I liked the most is
ReplyDeleteRevelation 15:4
Who will not fear you, Lord,and bring glory to your name?For you alone are holy.All nations will comeand worship before you,for your righteous acts have been revealed.”
I always wondered why everyone was "FEARING GOD" when it's supposed to be a joyous and peaceful feeling and emotion, until I started asking people. Then I understood only that it was a good thing not a bad thing but I still didn't understand it. I thank you Dave for touching on this subject because it clarifies things for me better.
Brother Guillermo, for the Christian fearing the Lord is to have reverence, respect and awe! For the non-believer fear is exactly that for he/she is storing-up wrath on the day of the Lord. 1 John 4:18 "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love."
ReplyDelete