The Fear of God: A Compass for the Young Heart

- Share a relatable story about a teenager/young adult facing moral choices, emphasizing how the right path isn't always the easiest.

My basketball story

- Introduce the theme: The importance of fearing God in our decisions, especially during the formative years of life.

Certainly, here are bullet points on the theme of "The importance of fearing God in our decisions, especially during the formative years of life":

- Definition of 'Fearing God':

It's more about showing respect and honor to God than being afraid.

Understanding that God is much wiser and bigger than what we humans can fully grasp.

What I gather from reading the different verses from from scripture is that the "fear of God" is about reverent awe, obedience, pursuit of wisdom, and a rejection of evil. It's about fully embracing and honoring God's great presence and role in our lives.

- Moral Compass:

- Fearing God provides a foundational moral compass.

- Acts as a guiding principle to differentiate right from wrong.

- Accountability:

- Belief in a higher power instills a sense of accountability for our actions.

- Encourages individuals to make choices they can be proud of.

- Protection from Harmful Choices:

- Helps young individuals avoid decisions that can lead to harm or regret.

- A deterrent against peer pressure and societal temptations.

- Building Character:

- Developing a healthy fear of God helps in building character traits like honesty, integrity, and humility.

- Promotes a life led by virtues rather than desires.

- Formative Years are Crucial:

- Adolescence and young adulthood are times of self-discovery and identity formation.

- The values and beliefs instilled during this time can influence the trajectory of one's entire life.

- Positive Peer Selection:

- Encourages association with likeminded individuals who also prioritize moral values.

- Reduces the likelihood of falling into negative or harmful social circles.

- Life's Purpose and Meaning:

- Fearing God can provide a greater sense of purpose in life.

- Encourages reflection on the bigger picture and life's ultimate goals.

- Resilience During Hard Times:

- Faith and reverence towards God can be a source of strength during challenging periods.

- Provides hope and a sense of security that there's a bigger plan.

- Legacy and Long-term Impact:

- Making decisions based on a fear of God can lead to a legacy of positive impact.

- Encourages thinking about how actions affect others and future generations.

- Inner Peace:

- Aligning decisions with spiritual beliefs can lead to greater inner peace.

- Reduces internal conflict and feelings of guilt.

Three things I want to speak about is Why, the understanding, and how to apply the fear of God in our lives.

1. WHY We Should Fear God

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Scripture:

Proverbs 1:7

(CSB)

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*"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and discipline."*

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Lets take a deeper look and empathize on Proverbs 1:7

1. **"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge"**: what does that mean it means that the foundation of all true understanding and knowledge starts with a reverent respect and awe(fear and wonder) for God. To truly understand knowledge deeply, one needs to experience it fully.

2. **"fools despise wisdom and discipline"**: This part of the verse underscores the consequence of not having the fear of God as one's foundation. Those who don't prioritize God in their lives often disregard the value of wisdom and the importance of discipline, leading them to make unwise or foolish decisions.

The wisdom literature of Proverbs, especially this verse, emphasizes that without a profound respect for God, one is likely to miss out on the true depth of understanding and might fall into foolish ways.

Socrates "The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing."

This quote emphasizes humility and the recognition that true wisdom often begins by acknowledging our own limitations, similar to the understanding that knowledge begins with the fear (or reverence) of the Lord.‌

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2. UNDERSTANDING the Fear of God

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Scripture:

Proverbs 8:13

(CSB)

*"To fear the Lord is to hate evil. I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct, and perverse speech."*

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- Discussion: The fear of God isn't about being afraid of Him in a paralyzing way. It's about hating what is evil and being repulsed by wrongdoing. This includes behaviors and attitudes that are contrary to God's nature and design, such as pride, malicious actions, and deceitful speech.

1. **Reverential Respect**: The fear of God is not about dread or terror; it's about deep respect and awe for His infinite wisdom and power.

2. **Moral Compass**: A true fear of God drives us to despise and avoid evil actions and behaviors, guiding us towards righteous living.

3. **God's Nature as a Standard**: Aligning with God means shunning attitudes and actions like pride, malice, and deceit, as they go against His inherent goodness and design.

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- Illustration: Use the analogy of a parent-child relationship. Children don't avoid wrongdoing because they're terrified of their parents, but because they respect and love them, and don't want to disappoint them.

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3. APPLYING the Fear of God in Everyday Life

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Scripture:

Psalm 111:10

(CSB)

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*"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his instructions have good insight. His praise endures forever."*

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- Discussion: Emphasize how fearing God is a daily commitment. When we revere Him, we'll naturally want to obey His instructions, leading to wise choices that bring about blessings and a life that sings His praises.

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- Practical Tips for Application:

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1. Scripture Meditation: Dedicate time daily to meditate on scriptures that discuss God's character and commands.

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2. Prayer: Ask God for wisdom and guidance in decision-making.

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3. Accountability: Surround yourself with fellow believers who can remind and encourage you to make choices rooted in the fear of God.

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Conclusion:

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Draw back to the initial story shared at the beginning. Re-emphasize the difference the fear of God can make in the life of a young person navigating the complexities of the world. Challenge the young adults and teenagers to cultivate a genuine fear of God in their hearts, assuring them that this will serve as their moral and spiritual compass throughout their lives.

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End with a prayer, asking God to instill in everyone present a deep reverence for Him and the strength to walk daily in His wisdom.

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