Wisdom Series

- In our context, the word denotes more of a meaning of reverence.

- The word speaks of a profound respect for someone or something, often a deity, conceived as fear.

- In the book of Proverbs, fear of the Lord relates to faith in God that seeks understanding.

- In Proverbs 1:7, it is crucial to understand that the fear of the Lord is not about living in constant dread or terror of God; Instead, it is about cultivating a deep reverence, awe, and respect for God.

- When we talk about the fear of the Lord, we acknowledge God's greatness, holiness, and sovereignty.

- It involves recognizing His majesty and authority over all creation.

- This reverence stems from a profound understanding of who God is and a realization of our place as His creations.

- This fear is not a paralyzing emotion that drives us away from God but rather a motivating force that draws us closer to Him.

- It compels us to live in a manner that honors Him, to seek His wisdom and guidance in all things, and to align our hearts with His will.

- When we approach God with the fear of the Lord, we come before Him with humility, recognizing our dependence on Him and our need for His guidance.

- This reverence serves as the foundation for a close and intimate relationship with God, allowing us to profoundly experience His love, grace, and mercy.

- You will never properly experience God'sGod's love if you don't also fear Him.

- That might sound counterintuitive at first. It is true that 1 John 4:18 says, "Perfect love casts out fear."

- But that passage is about an unholy fear, the fear that comes when we fear other things more than we fear God.

- It's the irrational, phobia kind of fear.

- The Bible also talks about a holy fear and a godly love working hand in hand.

- Love and fear aren't on opposite ends of the spectrum.

- They can work together.

- Fearing God makes you fearless.

- The fear of God keeps all of our other fears at bay.

- When fearing God is at the top of your fear list, all your other fears fall into place.

- I find it interesting that of all the times the Bible tells us to fear the LORD, the most often repeated command is "Fear not," or "Do not be afraid."

- Some 70 times, we are commanded not to be afraid.

- When you fear God, you will fear nothing else.

- Do you realize that most of our struggles with fear come from the fact that we fear the wrong things?

- Our fear priorities are all messed up.

- Overcoming fear isn't about not fearing the wrong things but learning to fear the right thing.

- When you realize God is bigger than everything else you're afraid of, there's nothing to be afraid of anymore.

- Fearing God makes you fearless.

- Fearing God fosters holiness.

- It inspires obedience.

- When we fear someone, do we obey them?

- What do you do when you see a police car in your rearview mirror?

- Chances are, you don't wave or speed up.

- Most of us instinctively hit our brakes.

- You double-check your speedometer.

- You make sure you are obeying the speed limit.