Do You Fear The Lord?

Introduction

The fear of the Lord is a topic of great importance but not greatly talked about.

Prov 1:7 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction.” - this makes it necessary to exist in a relationship with God [I cannot be a Christian who does not fear God]

“Fearing God” makes it easier to accept what He says even though it may be challenging.

Next month, will be one of self-examination where our “fear for God” will be tested.

Our Text

Ecclesiastes 12:13–14 NASB95

The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.

Background

This book is a book about LIFE.

Life will not always turn out the way you want it

Frustrations and struggles will always be lurking

Everything has its season

Life is meant to be enjoyed (it should bring fulfillment)

True fulfillment comes through a God-centered worldview

Nothing brings true satisfaction except a life with GOD!

[Wisdom, Assets, Pleasures, Friends, Money, will not bring true satisfaction]

This helps me keep life in a proper persepctive

True meaning in life comes from knowing God! - Eccl 3:11 “He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also set eternity in their heart, yet so that man will not find out the work which God has done from the beginning even to the end.”

“The Preacher” emphasizes that there really is no hope in the things of this life. They are meant to be enjoyed but ultimately, all will face DEATH.

What is the point of life?

Eccl. 12:13-14 “The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.”

All of life eventually ends in vanity BUT there is value in fearing God.

This is not outdated

Acts 9:31 “So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria enjoyed peace, being built up; and going on in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it continued to increase.”

2 Cor 5:11 “Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men, but we are made manifest to God; and I hope that we are made manifest also in your consciences.”

It is the first of these commands that draws our attention; “fear God”

Definition

ירא

The Hebrew term suggests (yare/yira):

To be frightened, afraid

To show profound respect for one

Fear because of ACTIONS

1 Sam 17:24 “When all the men of Israel saw the man, they fled from him and were greatly afraid.” - Prospect

Deut 13:11 ““Then all Israel will hear and be afraid, and will never again do such a wicked thing among you.” - Cosequences

This notion of fear is communicated through phrases like, MIGHT, TERROR etc.

HOWEVER, this does not mean living in a state of dread

Fear because of ATTRIBUTES

Lev 19:14 “‘You shall not curse a deaf man, nor place a stumbling block before the blind, but you shall revere your God; I am the Lord.”

Ex 14:31 “When Israel saw the great power which the Lord had used against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord, and they believed in the Lord and in His servant Moses.”

This notion of fear is communicated through phrases like, REVERENCE, HONOUR, RESPECT etc.

Ps 111:9 “He has sent redemption to His people; He has ordained His covenant forever; Holy and awesome is His name.”

Ps 96:4 “For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods.”

I have fear because of God’s capabilties and His character

Demonstrated

It is impossible to FEAR God and not Praise Him

Ps 99:3 “Let them praise Your great and awesome name; Holy is He.”

Ps 96:4-5 “For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the peoples are idols, But the Lord made the heavens.”

It is impossible to FEAR God and love sin

Prov 3:7 “Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and turn away from evil.”

Job 1:1 “There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job; and that man was blameless, upright, fearing God and turning away from evil.”

Prov 8:13 ““The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverted mouth, I hate.”

It is impossible to FEAR God and shun His ways

Ps 86:11 “Teach me Your way, O Lord; I will walk in Your truth; Unite my heart to fear Your name.”

Gen 22:12 “He said, “Do not stretch out your hand against the lad, and do nothing to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.”” - OBEDIENCE

Deut 10:12-13 ““Now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require from you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and love Him, and to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the Lord’s commandments and His statutes which I am commanding you today for your good?”

Eccl 12:13 “The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person.”

Blessings

Confides in them and makes his covenant known to them

Ps 25:14 “The Lord is a friend to those who fear him. He teaches them his covenant.”

Has his eyes on them

Ps 33:18 “But the Lord watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love.”

Has compassion on them

Ps 103:13 “The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.”

God delights in them

Ps 147:11 “No, the Lord’s delight is in those who fear him, those who put their hope in his unfailing love.”