THE FEAR OF THE LORD
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INTRODUCING MYSELF
INTRODUCING MYSELF
DISCIPLESHIP PASTOR HERE AT VENTURE CHURCH - IT’LL BE A YEAR HERE NEXT MONTH. AS THE DISCIPLESHIP PASTOR HERE AT VENTURE, I’M RESPONSIBLE FOR HELPING MAKE DISCIPLES THROUGH COMMUNITY GROUPS AND GROWTH GROUPS
WHERE OUR PEOPLE ARE
CONNECTING WITH OTHERS,
GROWING WITH OTHERS,
AND INFLUENCING THOSE GOD HAS PUT IN THEIR SPHERES OF INFLUENCE WITH THE GOSPEL.
MY WIFE, SHUANA AND I HAVE A BIBLICAL COUNSELING MINISTRY HERE IN KELLER THAT PROVIDE FREE BIBLICAL COUNSELING TO THE COMMUNITY AND THE LOCAL CHURCH. AND WE’RE THANKFUL TO BE LIVING LIFE HERE.
Father, thank you for today, thank you for the breath to praise your name. Holy Spirit, I pray that you would open our hearts and minds to the teaching of your word, that we would fear you. I pray that I would get out of the way, that you would increase, and be glorified. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, amen.
WE’RE COMING OFF OF A BEAUTIFULLY EXHAUSTING WEEK AT YOUTH CAMP WHERE 1,150 STUDENTS WERE LEARNING AND RESPONDING TO WHAT IT MEANS TO BE KNOWN BY GOD, IT WAS AMAZING!
WHAT’S EVEN MORE AMAZING WAS THE FACT THAT MY 12 YEAR OLD SON, JAXSON WAS THERE, AND WE GOT TO SHARE IN HIM SURRENDERING HIS LIFE TO CHRIST, SO KNOW HE KNOWS GOD AS CREATOR AND SAVIOR!!! BEAUTIFUL!!! I HAD THE UGLY GROWN MAN CRY GOING IN HIS NECK WHILE HUGGING HIM, THANK YOU JESUS!!!
TRANSITION: SO THANK YOU TO THE MANY THAT PRAYED AND HAVE BEEN PRAYING, I’M TRULY HUMBLED BY GOD’S AMAZING GRACE.......SO, TODAY, I GET THE HONOR TO PREACH TODAY FROM PROVERBS.
INTRODUCTION:
INTRODUCTION:
As we enter into the book of Proverbs over the next four weeks, and continue our journey in the literary genre of wisdom literature, I wanted to start on the basis of all wisdom, which is the “fear of the LORD’, so this morning, we’ll be pressing into this reality of fearing the LORD, which is the beginning of knowledge and wisdom. Verses walking in the fear of man, and living like a fool, which the book of Proverbs and the Psalms is opposed towards.
Beginning Prayer:
Beginning Prayer:
Father, thank you for today, thank you for the breath to praise your name. Holy Spirit, I pray that you would open our hearts and minds to the teaching of your word, that we would fear you. I pray that I would get out of the way, that you would increase, and be glorified. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, amen.
READING TEXT: READ FROM BACK
READING TEXT: READ FROM BACK
1 The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel: 2 To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, 3 to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity; 4 to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth— 5 Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance, 6 to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles. 7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.
7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.
A COUPLE CONTRASTING OBSERVATIONS ON WISDOM AND FOLLY
A COUPLE CONTRASTING OBSERVATIONS ON WISDOM AND FOLLY
READ THESE OBSERVATIONS FROM THE BACK (JUST THE REVERS AND REVILES TAG LINES, BUT READ THE VERSES FROM HERE.
Wisdom reveres (WHICH MEANS TO DEEPLY RESPECT) the LORD -
Wisdom reveres (WHICH MEANS TO DEEPLY RESPECT) the LORD -
13 Whoever despises the word brings destruction on himself, but he who reveres the commandment will be rewarded.
Folly reviles (WHICH MEANS TO ABUSIVELY INSULT) the LORD (; ; ;) A COUPLE TEXT’S TO PUT THAT INTO PERSPECTIVE
Folly reviles (WHICH MEANS TO ABUSIVELY INSULT) the LORD (; ; ;) A COUPLE TEXT’S TO PUT THAT INTO PERSPECTIVE
13 Whoever despises the word brings destruction on himself, but he who reveres the commandment will be rewarded.
1 The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds; there is none who does good.
1 The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds; there is none who does good.
13 Whoever despises the word brings destruction on himself, but he who reveres the commandment will be rewarded.
4 In the pride of his face the wicked does not seek him; all his thoughts are, “There is no God.”
1 The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds; there is none who does good.
18 Remember this, O Lord, how the enemy scoffs, and a foolish people reviles your name.
4 In the pride of his face the wicked does not seek him; all his thoughts are, “There is no God.”
18 Remember this, O Lord, how the enemy scoffs, and a foolish people reviles your name.
A FOOL CAN ONLY INSULT THE LORD, BUT WHEN GOD’S PEOPLE SPEAK GOD’S TRUTH, THEY ASSULT GOD’S PEOPLE, THATS WHY PROVERBS TALKS A LOT OF A FOOLS BEHAVIOR, AND WHY THE FIRST 8 CHAPTERS ARE WRITTEN AS FAMILIAL INSTRUCTION, WARNING SONS OF SINNERS BEHAVIORS. All FOLLY DOES IS INSULT AND ASSULT - WHERE AS
A FOOL CAN ONLY INSULT THE LORD, BUT WHEN GOD’S PEOPLE SPEAK GOD’S TRUTH, THEY ASSULT GOD’S PEOPLE, THATS WHY PROVERBS TALKS A LOT OF A FOOLS BEHAVIOR, AND WHY THE FIRST 8 CHAPTERS ARE WRITTEN AS FAMILIAL INSTRUCTION, WARNING SONS OF SINNERS BEHAVIORS. All FOLLY DOES IS INSULT AND ASSULT - WHERE AS
Wisdom thanks God for all things and trusts in his divine hand of provision, while folly pridefully declares the works of his own hands and thinks he doesn’t need God.
Wisdom thanks God for all things and trusts in his divine hand of provision, while folly pridefully declares the works of his own hands and thinks he doesn’t need God.
TRANSITION - SO AFTER IDENTIFYING SOME DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WISDOM AND FOLLY, THE RIGHTEOUS AND THE WICKED, LETS ANSWER THE MAIN QUESTION;
SLIDE - READ DEFINITION
WHAT IS THE FEAR OF THE LORD?
WHAT IS THE FEAR OF THE LORD?
It is a reverential awe towards and worshipful response of faith to the God of the scriptures who reveals Himself as the Creator, the Savior, and the judge.
It is a reverential awe towards and worshipful response of faith to the God of the scriptures who reveals Himself as the Creator, the Savior, and the judge.
TRANSITION - A NEW TESTAMENT PASSAGE THAT CAPTURES THE ESSENCE & EXTENT OF THIS DEFINITION IS
, where God is shown to be creator, savior, and judge.
, where God is shown to be creator, savior, and judge.
READ FROM SLIDE-
19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. 21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. 24 Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, 25 because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.
HERE - God’s eternal power and divine nature are demonstrated all throughout creation, like the ocean for example;
HERE - God’s eternal power and divine nature are demonstrated all throughout creation, like the ocean for example;
The vastness and beauty of the ocean is undeniable. It’s sounds are soothing and become moments of solace for the millions who enjoy costal living. It becomes a place where people can enjoy exploration and swimming until their heart is content, a place where fishers can provide a living for their families, a place of business and pleasure. But those who enjoy the ocean must conform to it, it doesn’t conform to those who come to it.
The vastness and beauty of the ocean is undeniable. It’s sounds are soothing and become moments of solace for the millions who enjoy costal living. It becomes a place where people can enjoy exploration and swimming until their heart is content, a place where fishers can provide a living for their families, a place of business and pleasure. But those who enjoy the ocean must conform to it, it doesn’t conform to those who come to it.
In other words, we can enjoy the ocean, but we have to tread carefully, and the moment we’re careless, that could be our last breath. The ocean is good, but its not safe, therefore, we must respectfully fear it.
In other words, we can enjoy the ocean, but we have to tread carefully, and the moment we’re careless, that could be our last breath. The ocean is good, but its not safe, therefore, we must respectfully fear it.
Likewise, and even more supremely, we must fearfully respect God because He is good, but he isn’t safe----meaning, we must enjoy him on his terms, not ours. HE IS SAFE TO THOSE WHO KNOW HIM, HE IS A STRONG TOWER AND REFUGE - A VERY PRESENT HELP IN TROUBLE. HE MAKES US SAFE, BUT THAT DOESN’T MAKE HIM SAFE.
Likewise, and even more supremely, we must fearfully respect God because He is good, but he isn’t safe----meaning, we must enjoy him on his terms, not ours. HE IS SAFE TO THOSE WHO KNOW HIM, HE IS A STRONG TOWER AND REFUGE - A VERY PRESENT HELP IN TROUBLE. HE MAKES US SAFE, BUT THAT DOESN’T MAKE HIM SAFE.
So even through creation God has revealed His character, which is what it means to fear the LORD. Living according to his character as his image bearers.
So even through creation God has revealed His character, which is what it means to fear the LORD. Living according to his character as his image bearers.
READ FROM SLIDE - Fearing the Lord isn’t about keeping our distance from him, but drawing near to him and experiencing him on his terms, according to His character as he’s revealed himself. - MAIN POINT
READ FROM SLIDE - Fearing the Lord isn’t about keeping our distance from him, but drawing near to him and experiencing him on his terms, according to His character as he’s revealed himself. - MAIN POINT
TRANSITION: SO, NOW THAT WE’VE DEFINED THE FEAR OF THE LORD, LETS CONSIDER HOW ITS APPLIED. “THE FEAR OF THE LORD” ISN’T AN ABSTRACT THOUGHT OR SOME ETHEREAL HOPE, BUT A REAL CONCRETE, MORAL REALITY, A FUNCTIONAL WORLDVIEW IN WHICH WE LIVE OUR LIVES.
THE FEAR OF THE LORD APPLIED
THE FEAR OF THE LORD APPLIED
King David said this in , modern day application; some of us in this room manage people, some of us, a lot of people, and David is saying, when we manage under the fear of the LORD, we’re a blessing to those who sit under our leadership, like states, where those we manage receive wise instruction in wise dealing in righteousness, justice, and equity - we’re fair and impartial.
3 The God of Israel has spoken; the Rock of Israel has said to me: When one rules justly over men, ruling in the fear of God, 4 he dawns on them like the morning light, like the sun shining forth on a cloudless morning, like rain that makes grass to sprout from the earth.
3 to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity;
Or Nehemiah for example, in where as an official, in rebuilding Israel, stopped oppression of the poor because of His fear of the LORD.
15 The former governors who were before me laid heavy burdens on the people and took from them for their daily ration forty shekels of silver. Even their servants lorded it over the people. But I did not do so, because of the fear of God.
In the book of Job, also wisdom literature, Eliphaz try’s to remind Job of his confidence in the fear of the LORD through his suffering, he say’s, is not your fear of God your confidence, and the integrity of your ways your hope.
1 Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said: 2 “If one ventures a word with you, will you be impatient? Yet who can keep from speaking? 3 Behold, you have instructed many, and you have strengthened the weak hands. 4 Your words have upheld him who was stumbling, and you have made firm the feeble knees. 5 But now it has come to you, and you are impatient; it touches you, and you are dismayed. 6 Is not your fear of God your confidence, and the integrity of your ways your hope?
6 Is not your fear of God your confidence, and the integrity of your ways your hope?
Job, said in that he who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty. So fear of the LORD is applied in our horizontal relationships too.
14 “He who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty.
And David would conclude in
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!
So in all of these examples of God’s people living out their fear of the LORD, we see that,
SLIDE -READ FROM SLIDE: “The fear of the LORD” is a lifestyle. A God-fearing worldview is a lifestyle that promotes godly living; loving God and neighbor, and rightly living life ON GOD’S TERMS.
THE RESULT OF FEARING THE LORD
THE RESULT OF FEARING THE LORD
TRANSITION: END OF THE MATTER
So in all of these examples of God’s people living out their fear of the LORD, we see that, “The fear of the LORD” is a lifestyle. A God-fearing worldview is a lifestyle that promotes godly living; loving God and neighbor, and rightly living life.
THE RESULT OF FEARING THE LORD
THE RESULT OF FEARING THE LORD
Solomon contends that a life of fearing the LORD results in riches, honor, and life.
THE RESULT OF FEARING THE LORD
THE RESULT OF FEARING THE LORD
4 The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life.
this isn’t a formula for health and wealth - materialistically speaking. Solomon is pointing out and promoting the idea that a life governed by fearing the LORD is generally the result, but its not promised. Riches in the sense that because you have favor and honor, riches will generally follow to some extent, and that you will have life, and more fully. So in context,
1 A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold. 2 The rich and the poor meet together; the Lord is the Maker of them all. 3 The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it. 4 The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life.
David puts the result of fearing the LORD this way in
4 Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. 6 He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.
If i’m delighting in God, then my desires will be his desires, so of course he’d give me the desires of my heart because they’d be to love God with all my heart, respect him deeply, and live my life according to his will, and love my neighbor with the love of God. And committing my life to him, is trusting him to act on my behalf. My life is his, and therefore I will live accordingly.
Here’s the end of the matter:
Here’s the end of the matter:
Solomon in Ecclesiastes, after reflecting on the meaning of life and observing the vanity of life with its pursuits including wisdom, work, pleasure, and wealth, say’s this;
13 The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. 14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.
So if the fear of the LORD:
So if the fear of the LORD:
is a reverential awe towards and worshipful response of faith to the God of the scriptures who reveals Himself as the Creator, the Savior, and the judge, we can humbly draw near to him and experience him on his terms. And in Christ, we have full access to God the father, and as new creations in Christ, we have a heart for coming to him on his terms, we want to, we delight in it.
is a reverential awe towards and worshipful response of faith to the God of the scriptures who reveals Himself as the Creator, the Savior, and the judge, we can humbly draw near to him and experience him on his terms. And in Christ, we have full access to God the father, and as new creations in Christ, we have a heart for coming to him on his terms, we want to, we delight in it.
SLIDE - READ FROM SLIDE - TRANSITION:
SO HERE’S THE BOTTOM LINE: OUR INWARD BELIEF OF FEARING THE LORD (KNOWING GOD AS CREATOR, SAVIOR, AND JUDGE) DETERMINES OUR OUTWARD EXPRESSION OF IT IN LIFE.
IF OUR FEAR OF THE LORD:
is a reverential awe towards and worshipful response of faith to the God of the scriptures who reveals Himself as the Creator, the Savior, and the judge.
is a reverential awe towards and worshipful response of faith to the God of the scriptures who reveals Himself as the Creator, the Savior, and the judge.
THEN WE’LL HAVE:
A God-fearing lifestyle that promotes godly living; loving God and neighbor, and rightly living life ON GOD’S TERMS NOT OURS.
A God-fearing lifestyle that promotes godly living; loving God and neighbor, and rightly living life ON GOD’S TERMS NOT OURS.
LAST SLIDES:
LAST SLIDES:
SLIDE -RESPONSE QUESTIONS -
READ SLIDE - TEXT TALK TO 30500
SLIDE - TEXT TALK TO 30500
A God-fearing lifestyle that promotes godly living; loving God and neighbor, and rightly living life ON GOD’S TERMS NOT OURS.
CLOSING PRAYER:
LORD, our hearts are prone to be foolish, to rest in our own strength, but even that strength is borrowed by the very oxygen we breath to use up that strength, I pray we would be more aware of walking in the fear of YOU, everything is yours......we breath for your glory, and your grace keeps us for the works you’ve given us to do in Christ, may we be a people that fears you with our use of our possessions, loving our neighbor as Christ loves us......Holy Spirit continue to create and perfect our affections toward you, to honor you, and serve you, In Jesus name, amen.
