“THE FEAR OF THE LORD” IN PROVERBS
Introduction:
What is the Fear of God? This has been answered in a variety of ways in the introduction; dread or terror in some cases, reverence or respect, worship, serving, faithfulness and obedience. The Fear of the Lord is a controlling motive of life in matters spiritual and moral, not only a fear (dread) of his power and righteous retribution, but also a wholesome displeasure of displeasing Him. A fear, which does not shrink from his presence, but accepts God’s amazing grace and love towards our lives and responds with reverence and respect. The Fear of the Lord trusts in the guidance of God through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
We know that Jesus was empowered by the Holy Spirit (Luke 4:1-14) as seen in sis Baptism. What motivated Jesus to do the will of the Father? He delighted in the Fear of God (Isaiah 11:1-3a).
Holiness is the basis of our respect and worship of God. There is none like Him; He is HOLY and SET APART FROM CREATION. He is the CREATOR. He is unlike any other god in that he is both “Infinite and Personal”. We can only enter into the depth of worship of God, as we understand His awesome holiness. Until you understand God's holiness, you will never really fathom the fear of the Lord.
The Fear Of The Lord” In Proverbs
The “fear of the Lord” is one of the most basic truths found in the book of Proverbs. As one can see from Proverbs 1:7 - The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge. Unless one has “fear of the Lord” he will not have any wisdom, knowledge or understanding. There is a very real contrast between the wise and the foolish found in this Book; wise people fear God and foolish people don’t. Proverbs 1:29 - For they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord.
“Fear of the Lord” can be found fifteen times in the book of Proverbs. We will study the fifteen “fear of the Lord” passages used in the book of Proverbs. One way these verses can be organized into a structure for understanding is as follows:
Definition Of “Fear Of The Lord”
· Proverbs 1:7 - The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
· Proverbs 9:10 - The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
· Proverbs 15:33 - The fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor.
· Proverbs 8:13 - To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behaviour and perverse speech.
How To Acquire “Fear Of The Lord”
· Proverbs 2:1-5 - then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.
· Proverbs 3:7 – Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil
Benefits Of The “Fear Of The Lord”
· Proverbs 10:27 – The fear of the Lord adds length to life…
· Proverbs 14:26-27 - He who fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge. 27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.
· Proverbs 15:16 - Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil.
· Proverbs 16:6 - Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the Lord a man avoids evil.
· Proverbs 19:23 - The fear of the Lord leads to life: Then one rests content, untouched by trouble.
· Proverbs 22:4 - Humility and the fear of the Lord bring wealth and honor and life.
Different levels of the fear of God relating to sin:
We live in a world where there are different standards by which people live, whether religious standards, political views, and economic values etc. These principles vary so deeply that from country to country we see very significant differences. In the context of the fear of the Lord there are also different intensities that people engage in. Psalm 36:1 is very clear - An oracle is within my heart concerning the sinfulness of the wicked: There is no fear of God before his eyes.
(Joy Dawson)
1. People who sin because they lack the Holy Spirit’s conviction.
They fear getting caught.
They fear punishment or the consequences of sinning are too great.
If I don’t get caught then I can secretly sin.
2. People who live by the Golden Rule.
I am a good person and avoid bad behavior.
They fear people and what they will think.
The fear of man is greater than the fear of God. They are religious in their behaviour.
They seldom repent because they do not live close to God’s presence.
3. Sincere Christians who find in some areas of life and character they frequently fall into particular sins.
They fear God, but secretly they love some hidden sin.
They are slow to repent and stay stuck in their sin.
4. Mature Christians who fear God and hate sin and therefore seldom practice sin.
They have a mature fear of God in their lives.
They are quick to repent and move towards God.
Let's make a choice to live like Christ:
Our church - Courts Of Praise – has a mission statement entitled, Apprehending God’s Heart and Fulfilling His Dreams. Let’s make the fear of the Lord a cornerstone, a foundation here at Courts. There is great reward to those who hunger and thirst after God, who reverence and respect his holiness, who love God and people with a passion…
Let’s pray