Sermons

Sermon: The Fear of God Theme Scripture Proverbs 1 v 7: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Introduction • What do we learn from these two scriptures? • Fear is an unpleasant, primal emotion triggered by the perception of danger, threat, or harm • Is it a healthy friendship if we are fearful our friend? In John 15 v 15 Jesus says, I call you friends. Proverbs 1 v 7: 2 Timothy 1 v 7: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control]. Summary of Differences Feature 2 Timothy 1:7 (Timidity) Proverbs 1:7 (Reverence) Original Language Greek (deilia) Hebrew (yirah) Core Definition Cowardice, anxiety, panic, dread. Awe, deep respect, worshipful honor. Origin / Source The flesh, the world, or the enemy. A proper understanding of God's character. Effect on the Mind Confuses, paralyzes, and distorts reality. Grants clarity, wisdom, and knowledge. Relationship to God Drives you away from God in shame. Draws you closer to God in obedience. What is the fear of God • The Fear of God is defined not as a paralyzing terror or being afraid of God, but as a profound, reverent awe, humble submission, and complete allegiance to His absolute authority and holiness • It inspires worship • It motivates us to want to please God • Brings us into submission • Let God be God When the student is ready, the teacher will appear • True learning only happens when you are mentally open, actively seeking growth, and prepared to receive knowledge • The Student can only learn and grow if the submit to the Teacher’s plan. • Are we in alignment with God’s plans? • Do our actions, attitude and meditations reflect our Fear of God 1 Samuel 15 v 24: Then Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned; for I have transgressed the command of the Lord and your words, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice. Exodus 1 v 15 - 17: The king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, whose names were Shiphrah and Puah, “When you are helping the Hebrew women during childbirth on the delivery stool, if you see that the baby is a boy, kill him; but if it is a girl, let her live.” The midwives, however, feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them to do; they let the boys live. So What? 1) Choose to Fear God Proverbs 1 v 28 - 29: “Then they will call to me but I will not answer; they will look for me but will not find me, since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the Lord. 2) Let the Holy Spirit Teach us to Fear God Psalm 34 v 11: Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. 3) Depart from Evil Proverbs 3 v 7: Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. • Faith is living in conformity with an unseen God • Fear of the Lord is recognition of God’s sovereignty and holiness

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