Embracing the Fear of the Lord for Holiness
Summary
The sermon delivered by the speaker delved into the profound understanding of the fear of the Lord and its implications on our lives, legacies, and the pursuit of holiness. The speaker began by discussing the importance of celebrating God's revelations and convictions, emphasizing that while holy sorrow has its place, it should lead to celebration when God brings us out of it. They cautioned against arrogance, reminding the congregation that our identity in Christ should bring honor and reverence, not pride.
The speaker then addressed the extremes of hyper Grace and legalism within the Church, illustrating how both can lead to an improper handling of our "garbage," or sin. They urged the congregation to allow God to clean up their lives, with the fear of the Lord serving as a motivator for engaging with God and pursuing holiness. The speaker shared a personal reflection on their journey of conviction and the need to reevaluate their understanding of God's law.
Moving on to the topic of money and beauty, the speaker expressed their appreciation for extravagance in the context of the old Temple and Palaces, arguing that the issue is not the money spent on beauty but people's mindsets towards it. They cited Proverbs 22:4, which connects humility and the fear of the Lord with riches, honor, and long life, and shared their vision for a church that impacts the community through giving and sacrifice.
The speaker also shared personal stories, including an encounter with a lion in Africa, which brought a deeper understanding of fear and awe, and the discovery of a family Bible that instilled a sense of honor for their ancestors. They emphasized the importance of leaving a godly legacy, contrasting the negative legacy of the Jukes family with the positive impact of Jonathan Edwards' descendants.
The sermon concluded with reflections on the importance of seeking God's wisdom over human wisdom, the continuous process of humility, and the significance of training children in faith. The speaker reiterated the benefits of living in holy fear, such as protection and prosperity, and the power of the fear of the Lord to surpass all other fears, as exemplified by Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
Key Takeaways:
- True humility is found in seeing ourselves as God sees us, which should lead to a celebration of our identity in Christ rather than arrogance. This perspective aligns with the biblical call to have sound judgment and not to think too highly of ourselves, as stated in Romans 12:3. It is a reminder that our worth comes from God, and our response should be one of gratitude and reverence. [01:10:24]
- The fear of the Lord is a powerful motivator that can lead us away from the extremes of hyper Grace and legalism. It encourages us to confront the sin in our lives and seek God's cleansing, rather than making excuses or hiding our faults. This holy fear is essential for a life that evidences faith through action, as true belief is always accompanied by works that reflect our commitment to God. [01:07:30]
- Prosperity, when viewed through the lens of humility and the fear of the Lord, can be a force for good in the world. The speaker's vision of a church that uses its resources to make a kingdom impact challenges the notion that money is inherently evil. Instead, it is a tool that, when used wisely and generously, can fund initiatives like a baby house in South Africa and contribute to the betterment of the community. [01:38:46]
- The legacy we leave is a direct reflection of our reverence for God. The contrasting stories of the Jukes family and Jonathan Edwards' descendants illustrate the long-term effects of our choices and the importance of fearing God. A godly legacy can lead to generations of individuals who contribute positively to society, while a lack of holy fear can result in a destructive path that burdens future generations. [01:30:09]
- Living in holy fear of God means doing things because they are right and pleasing to Him, not for personal gain or recognition. This mindset leads to a life that is rich in spiritual benefits, such as a fear that surpasses all other fears. The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego demonstrates that when we fear God above all else, we can stand firm in the face of adversity, confident in His protection and sovereignty. [01:11:00]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Proverbs 22:4 - "True humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches, honor, and long life."
2. Romans 12:3 - "For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you."
3. Daniel 3:16-18 - "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied to him, 'King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Proverbs 22:4 say are the outcomes of true humility and the fear of the Lord?
2. According to Romans 12:3, how should we view ourselves in relation to the faith God has given us?
3. In the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Daniel 3:16-18), what was their response to King Nebuchadnezzar’s threat, and what does this reveal about their faith? [01:14:32]
4. How did the speaker describe the impact of encountering a lion in Africa on their understanding of fear and awe? [01:00:35]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the fear of the Lord serve as a motivator for pursuing holiness and confronting sin in our lives? [01:05:41]
2. What are the dangers of falling into the extremes of hyper Grace and legalism, and how does the fear of the Lord help balance these extremes? [01:05:12]
3. How can the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego inspire us to stand firm in our faith despite external pressures? [01:15:06]
4. What does it mean to leave a godly legacy, and how can our reverence for God influence future generations? [01:28:56]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced a revelation or conviction from God. How did you respond, and did it lead to a celebration of your identity in Christ? [01:08:04]
2. Are there areas in your life where you might be leaning towards hyper Grace or legalism? How can you invite the fear of the Lord to bring balance and holiness to these areas? [01:05:12]
3. Think about your current mindset towards money and beauty. How can you align your perspective with the biblical view that sees prosperity as a tool for kingdom impact? [01:36:43]
4. What steps can you take to ensure that you are leaving a godly legacy for future generations? Consider practical actions such as daily prayers, Bible reading, and teaching your children about faith. [01:28:56]
5. How can you cultivate a fear of the Lord that surpasses all other fears in your daily life? Reflect on the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and identify specific ways to stand firm in your faith. [01:15:06]
6. In what ways can you seek God's wisdom over human wisdom in your decisions and actions this week? Consider reading a chapter of Proverbs daily to guide your thoughts and choices. [01:45:10]
7. Identify one area of your life where you need to practice true humility. How can you see yourself as God sees you and respond with gratitude and reverence? [01:09:12]
Devotional
Day 1: Celebrating Identity in Christ
True humility is embracing our identity in Christ, leading to a life of gratitude and reverence. Recognizing oneself through God's eyes fosters a celebration of redemption and transformation. This perspective is not about self-deprecation but about acknowledging the divine image within us and responding with joyous humility. [01:10:24]
James 4:6 - "But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: 'God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.'"
Reflection: How does understanding your identity in Christ change the way you interact with others and view yourself?
Day 2: The Motivation of Holy Fear
The fear of the Lord is a sanctifying force, steering believers away from complacency and towards a life of purity and devotion. It is not a paralyzing dread but a reverential awe that compels one to deal with sin earnestly and seek God's cleansing presence. This holy fear is the beginning of wisdom, leading to a life that authentically reflects one's faith. [01:07:30]
Proverbs 8:13 - "To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to cultivate a greater fear of the Lord to overcome complacency or hidden sin?
Day 3: Prosperity with Purpose
Viewing wealth through the lens of humility and the fear of the Lord transforms it into a tool for kingdom impact. Prosperity is not condemned but is to be used wisely and generously, funding initiatives that reflect God's heart for the community. This approach to resources challenges believers to consider how their financial decisions can extend beyond personal comfort to eternal significance. [01:38:46]
1 Timothy 6:17-19 - "Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share."
Reflection: How can you use your resources this week to reflect God's generosity and make an impact in someone's life?
Day 4: Legacy of Godly Reverence
The legacy one leaves is a testament to their reverence for God. Choices made today ripple through generations, either as a beacon of godliness or a shadow of neglect. Fearing God and living according to His precepts sets a foundation for descendants to build upon, contributing positively to society and furthering the kingdom of God. [01:30:09]
Psalm 78:4-6 - "We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done. He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which he commanded our ancestors to teach their children, so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children."
Reflection: What specific actions can you take to ensure that your legacy reflects a deep reverence for God?
Day 5: Holy Fear Overcomes Worldly Fears
Living in the holy fear of God equips believers to face life's challenges with divine courage and assurance. This fear is not about being scared but about prioritizing God's will and pleasure above all else. It is a protective and empowering fear that enables one to stand firm in adversity, confident in God's sovereignty and care. [01:11:00]
Daniel 3:16-18 - "Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, 'King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.'"
Reflection: What fears are you currently facing, and how can you surrender them to God, trusting in His protection and plan for your life?
Quotes
"Fear of the Lord is your grip on the wheel and your focus on the road." [01:48:06] (Download)
"If anyone lacks wisdom, ask the Lord, and he gives abundantly. So right now, if you're lacking wisdom in a certain area, firstly get yourself into the fear of the Lord, secondly ask him for wisdom." [01:49:29] (Download)
"The reverent fear of the Lord that is worshiping him and regarding him as truly awesome is the beginning and the preeminent part of wisdom, its starting point and its essence." [01:45:43] (Download)
"God wants wealth in the hands of people who will bless the world. Money amplifies who you are; it doesn't necessarily corrupt, but it can reveal your true character." [01:39:53] (Download)
"We need to live our lives in this holy fear of God where we just do things because they're right. We just do things because God is Holy and we want to please Him and we want to be holy." [01:11:35] (Download)
"True humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches, honor, and a long life. Can you imagine what kind of impact that would make on our communities?" [01:38:04] (Download)
"When we hold him in his right place, we hold ourselves in the right place. True humility is seeing yourself the way God sees you, and it's not putting yourself down, it's seeing yourself in the correct light." [01:09:48] (Download)
"God brings Revelation and conviction we get to celebrate. There is a place for a holy sorrow, but you don't stay there, you get to celebrate because God brings you out of that. That's the beauty of it." [01:08:04] (Download)
"The blood of Jesus breaks all generational curses. You're not stuck in that place; you could change your family line today. It stops with me, because the blood of Jesus broke every curse." [01:31:42] (Download)
"Are you going to fear the Lord, or are you not going to fear the Lord? That's the decision. Are you going to submit yourself to Him, or are you not going to submit yourself to Him? That's what it is, that's the decision to make." [01:32:15] (Download)
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