The FEAR of the LORD is the FOUNDATION that Gives us STRENGTH & SECURITY as We Begin a NEW YEAR!
Sometimes there are some truths and principles that every one of us needs, that probably should be more evident or obvious than they are, but we also might need a nudge or a reminder to bring them into proper focus. I know that’s true for me. In addition to this, it’s important to note that most of them are lessons we gain from having a clear understanding of God’s Word.
Throughout the Bible, “the fear of the Lord” is emphasized as a necessity for us to have a healthy and vibrant relationship with our Lord and Savior and I don’t believe that it receives enough attention. It’s highlighted in the Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, as well as in many of Paul’s epistles. We might define or explain it in this way, “Simply stated, to fear the Lord involves having an appropriate reverence and respect for God that acknowledges His authority, sovereignty, and majesty. It’s all about understanding that He is God and there is nothing else in our entire universe that deserves our worship!” This actually sounds more theological than it is. In reality, it’s as practical and personal as it possibly could be. Maybe we should pause and ask ourselves about our tendencies or temptations toward idolatry. As we step into the new year, here are some scripture passages intended to help us start the new year by analyzing the strength of our relationship with the Lord. First, please consider three questions and then focus some attention on several passages that tell us about “the fear of the Lord.” Please use these passages to help analyze how much respect and reverence we have for the Lord.
1) Why is the fear of the Lord an essential aspect of maintaining a healthy relationship with God? 2) How should the fear of the Lord be a part of our daily routine? 3) In what ways do our personal fears influence our ability/inability to trust and honor the Lord?
Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;
Fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
Proverbs 15:16 Better is a little with the fear of the Lord
Than great treasure and turmoil without it.
Proverbs 19:23 The fear of the Lord leads to life,
So that one may sleep satisfied, untouched by evil.
Proverbs 14:27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life,
That one may avoid the snares of death.
Proverbs 16:6 By lovingkindness and truth iniquity is atoned for,
And by the fear of the Lord one keeps away from evil.
Ecclesiastes 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.
2 Corinthians 5:9—11 Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men.
Happy New Year to everyone! May God’s richest blessings fill our lives as we seek to show Him our reverence and respect throughout 2022! With prayer for God’s glory and praise for His grace, Pastor Greg