Sermon Central
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The Proper Fear Of The Lord
Contributed by Tom Feola on Jun 25, 2012 (message contributor)
Summary: Many have been told to dread the Lord, but the fear of the Lord is a wonderful thing with many benifets.
I want to take a little time and talk about the “FEAR OF THE LORD”
Psalm 25:14 (NKJV) The secret of the LORD is with those who fear Him, And He will show them His covenant.
Psalm 25:14 (AMP) The secret [of the sweet, satisfying companionship] of the Lord have they who fear (revere and worship) Him, and He will show them His covenant and reveal to them its [deep, inner] meaning.
Psalm 25:14 (TLB) Friendship with God is reserved for those who reverence him. With them alone he shares the secrets of his promises.
The fear of the Lord, or we can say a respect, a trust, a worshipful love for God. One dictionary says it like this: The fear of the Lord is used of true piety. It is a fear linked with love and hope, and is therefore not a slavish dread, but rather loving reverence.
The fear of the Lord for those who know the lord is a very good thing. It comes with many Blessings and helps us in our course of life.
It gives us knowledge: Proverbs 1:7 (NKJV) The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.
It gives us wisdom: Proverbs 9:10 (NKJV) "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
It helps us depart from evil: Proverbs 16:6 (NKJV) In mercy and truth Atonement is provided for iniquity; And by the fear of the LORD one departs from evil.
It Prolongs days: Proverbs 10:27 (NLT) Fear of the LORD lengthens one’s life, but the years of the wicked are cut short.
It Gives us strong confidence and protection: Proverbs 14:26 (NKJV) In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence, And His children will have a place of refuge.
It is a fountain of life: Proverbs 14:27 (NKJV) The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, To turn one away from the snares of death.
It produces contentment: Proverbs 15:16 (NKJV) Better is a little with the fear of the LORD, Than great treasure with trouble.
It gives Life and protects from evil: Proverbs 19:23 (NKJV) The fear of the LORD leads to life, And he who has it will abide in satisfaction; He will not be visited with evil.
It gives riches, honor and life: Proverbs 22:4 (NKJV) By humility and the fear of the LORD Are riches and honor and life.
Solomon found it to be the answer for life: Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 (NLT) 13 That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty. 14 God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad.
Job saw its importance: Job 28:28 (NKJV) And to man He said, 'Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, And to depart from evil is understanding.
David saw its importance also: Psalm 19:9 (NKJV) The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
Now in being a friend of God, there needs to be respect as a child is to respect there parents. In these next few verses we see that we need to keep this respect before us.
This is where the world misses it, and some Christians. They say well God is love so I can do what I want and it will all work out. Well, not really.
Matthew 10:28 (NKJV) And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
2 Corinthians 7:1 (NKJV) Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Philippians 2:12 (NKJV) Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;
Ephesians 5:21 (NKJV) submitting to one another in the fear of God.
Hebrews 12:28-29 (NKJV) 28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. 29 For our God is a consuming fire.
God is Love, but he has set His word which cannot change. We can desire to please Him or do our own thing. As for me, I want to do it God’s way. I want to be a friend of God. How about you?
