Fear the Lord

 “..the fear of the Lord is Zion’s treasure.” Isaiah 33:6

What does it mean to “fear God”?

To “fear the Lord” means to take God seriously!  He is the all-powerful supreme ruler of the universe, he means what he says and he says what he means and nothing can stay his hand.  His pleasure is my reward; his displeasure is my demise.

Emphasized in Scripture

In the ESV  “fear God”, “fear the Lord”, etc. occur 94 times.  By comparison “love God”, “love the Lord”, etc. occur 19 times.

Are Christians to “fear the Lord”?

• The early church grew by living in the “fear of the Lord” (Acts 9:31).
• Paul’s evangelistic zeal was propelled by his “fear of the Lord” (2 Cor. 5:11).
• Peter urge the members of the early church to “fear God” (1 Pet. 2:17).

Foundation of true wisdom

Professors, politicians, judges, etc. may be very intelligent and well-educated but without the “fear of the Lord” they will lack wisdom by biblical standards!  (Job 28:28; Psa. 111:10; Prov.1:7; 9:10; 15:33)

Key to hating Evil

When we “fear God” we will hate evil and avoid its practice.  (Prov. 8:13; 16:6)

The importance of consistency

When we truly “fear God” we will continue to take him seriously even when things are going well.

• Exodus 9:13-35 – notice Pharaoh’s behavior when faced with the devastating hail plague.
• Also notice what enabled some of his servants to protect their slaves and livestock (Exodus 9:20).

The foundation of civilized behavior

According to Scripture an appropriate “fear of God” is the source and foundation of civilized behavior.  When citizens do not “fear God” more and more power must be given to civil law enforcement and individual freedom is inevitably diminished.

• When strangers “fear God” you can trust them to not harm you.  (Gen. 20:11)
• When men “fear God” they can make trustworthy leaders and judges (Jethro to Moses Ex. 18:21; 2 Chr. 19:5-7).
• When leaders “fear God” they will not abuse or take advantage of those they lead (Nehemiah Neh. 5:15).
• When kings “fear God” their reign will bring prosperity to the nation (King Uzziah 2 Chr. 26:5).
• When fathers “fear God” it benefits their children (Abraham Gen. 22:12).

The importance of Scripture

We learn to “fear the Lord” (to take him seriously) by absorbing the teaching of Scripture; it exposes us to the consequences of God’s pleasure and displeasure in the lives of people and nations in the past; it reveals to us how to live pleasing to God.

• This is true for kings (Deut. 17:19-20).
• This is true for adults (Deut. 31:12).
• This is true for children (Deut. 31:13).

How do we benefit?

The “fear of God”, which produces a life of submissive obedience, is a key to living “the good life” in this fallen world.  (Deut. 6:24; Psa. 34:9; 115:13; Prov. 10:27; 14:26-27; 22:4).

Negative Consequences?

What are some negative consequences when people do not “fear the Lord”?  (2 Kings 17:25, 27-28)

• God humbles those who do not take him seriously (Psa. 55:19).
• God threatens to “tear apart” those who forget him (Psa. 50:22).
• God lets people self-destruct who do not “fear him” (Prov. 1:29-32).