Embracing the Fear of the Lord This Christmas

 

Summary

As we gather to celebrate Christmas, we reflect on the profound blessings bestowed upon us through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This year has been a remarkable one for our church, with increased participation in worship, life groups, and ministry. As we approach the end of our budget year, we find ourselves in need of a special outpouring of generosity to meet our financial goals. December has historically been a month of abundant giving, and we trust in God's provision through your generosity.

The Christmas story, as we read it, is filled with instances of fear. Zechariah, the shepherds, and even John in Revelation experienced fear when confronted with the divine. Yet, the message of Christmas is also one of fear being relieved. The angel's words to Mary, Joseph, Zechariah, and the shepherds were consistent: "Do not be afraid." The coming of Christ brings a fear to gain and a fear to lose. The fear of the Lord, which Christ brings, is a fear to gain, while all other fears are to be relieved.

The Bible speaks of two kinds of fear: the fear that God commands and the fear that God forbids. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, a Fountain of Life, and a protection against evil. It is a fear that builds us up, distinguishing those filled with the Holy Spirit. This fear is a blend of recognizing God's greatness, holiness, and love. It is a fear that leads to humility, holiness, and a sense of safety in God's love.

Growing in the fear of the Lord helps us overcome other fears. While it may not eliminate all fears, it positions us to face them with strength. Jesus teaches us not to fear those who can harm the body but to fear God, who holds our souls. In times of economic uncertainty, like Isaiah, we are reminded not to fear what others fear but to find sanctuary in God. As we deepen our understanding of the fear of the Lord, we are delivered from other fears, finding peace and strength in His presence.

Key Takeaways:

- The fear of the Lord is a profound blessing, the beginning of wisdom, and a Fountain of Life. It is a fear that builds us up, distinguishing those filled with the Holy Spirit. This fear is a blend of recognizing God's greatness, holiness, and love. [12:28]

- Growing in the fear of the Lord helps us overcome other fears. While it may not eliminate all fears, it positions us to face them with strength. Jesus teaches us not to fear those who can harm the body but to fear God, who holds our souls. [41:18]

- The fear of the Lord is a blend of recognizing God's greatness, holiness, and love. It is a fear that leads to humility, holiness, and a sense of safety in God's love. [22:44]

- In times of economic uncertainty, like Isaiah, we are reminded not to fear what others fear but to find sanctuary in God. As we deepen our understanding of the fear of the Lord, we are delivered from other fears, finding peace and strength in His presence. [45:29]

- The fear of the Lord is a command for Christians, both in the Old and New Testaments. It is a distinguishing mark of those filled with the Holy Spirit and is essential for spiritual growth and holiness. [17:24]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Gratitude and Generosity
- [00:55] - Financial Needs and Giving
- [02:47] - Marks of a Healthy Church
- [04:40] - The Christmas Story and Fear
- [05:23] - Zechariah's Encounter
- [06:23] - The Shepherds' Fear
- [07:08] - John's Vision of Christ
- [08:07] - Fear Relieved in the Christmas Story
- [09:04] - Two Kinds of Fear
- [11:28] - The Fear of the Lord
- [13:30] - The Fear of the Lord Keeps Us from Evil
- [17:24] - New Testament Command to Fear God
- [22:44] - Ingredients of the Fear of the Lord
- [31:33] - God is Holy and We are Not
- [35:45] - God is Love and We are Safe
- [39:15] - Overcoming Other Fears
- [46:15] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Luke 1:11-13
2. Luke 2:9-10
3. Proverbs 9:10

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Observation Questions:

1. In Luke 1:11-13, what was Zechariah's initial reaction to the angel's appearance, and how did the angel address his fear? [05:35]

2. According to Luke 2:9-10, how did the shepherds react when the angel appeared to them, and what message did the angel deliver to alleviate their fear? [06:36]

3. Proverbs 9:10 states, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." How does this verse relate to the sermon’s discussion on the fear of the Lord as a blessing? [12:28]

4. The sermon mentions that the fear of the Lord is a blend of recognizing God's greatness, holiness, and love. How are these three attributes described in the sermon? [22:44]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the sermon explain the difference between the fear that God commands and the fear that God forbids? What are the implications of each type of fear for a believer's life? [09:30]

2. The sermon suggests that growing in the fear of the Lord helps us overcome other fears. How does this concept align with Jesus' teaching in Matthew 10:28 about whom we should truly fear? [41:18]

3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the fear of the Lord leads to humility and holiness? How does this fear provide a sense of safety in God's love? [22:44]

4. The sermon references Isaiah's experience of economic uncertainty. How does Isaiah 8:12-14 provide guidance for dealing with fears related to financial instability? [45:29]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you experienced fear in the presence of God or during a spiritual encounter. How did you respond, and what can you learn from the sermon about handling such fears? [07:40]

2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of generosity, especially during times of financial need in the church. How can you contribute to your church's needs this month, and what steps can you take to cultivate a habit of generous giving? [02:15]

3. Consider the three ingredients of the fear of the Lord: God's greatness, holiness, and love. Which of these aspects do you find most challenging to grasp, and how can you deepen your understanding of it this week? [22:44]

4. In times of personal or economic uncertainty, how can you apply the lesson from Isaiah 8:12-14 to find sanctuary in God rather than succumbing to fear? What practical steps can you take to trust in God's provision? [45:29]

5. The sermon suggests that the fear of the Lord is a distinguishing mark of those filled with the Holy Spirit. How can you cultivate this fear in your daily life, and what changes might you expect to see as a result? [19:50]

6. Reflect on a specific fear you currently face. How can growing in the fear of the Lord help you address this fear, and what actions can you take to strengthen your faith in this area? [41:18]

7. The sermon mentions that the fear of the Lord leads to wisdom and a Fountain of Life. How can you seek this wisdom in your daily decisions, and what practical steps can you take to align your life with God's wisdom? [12:28]

Devotional

Day 1: The Fear of the Lord as a Fountain of Life
The fear of the Lord is not a fear that paralyzes but one that invigorates and builds up. It is the beginning of wisdom and a Fountain of Life, distinguishing those filled with the Holy Spirit. This fear is a blend of recognizing God's greatness, holiness, and love. It leads to humility, holiness, and a sense of safety in God's love. By embracing this fear, believers are set apart, growing in spiritual maturity and wisdom. This fear is not about being afraid of God but about having a deep reverence and awe for His majesty and power. [12:28]

"The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor." (Proverbs 15:33, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a deeper reverence for God's greatness and holiness in your daily life?


Day 2: Overcoming Other Fears Through the Fear of the Lord
Growing in the fear of the Lord helps us overcome other fears. While it may not eliminate all fears, it positions us to face them with strength. Jesus teaches us not to fear those who can harm the body but to fear God, who holds our souls. This perspective shifts our focus from earthly concerns to eternal truths, providing peace and strength in His presence. In times of uncertainty, we are reminded to find sanctuary in God, trusting in His sovereignty and love. [41:18]

"Do not call conspiracy all that this people calls conspiracy, and do not fear what they fear, nor be in dread. But the Lord of hosts, him you shall honor as holy. Let him be your fear, and let him be your dread." (Isaiah 8:12-13, ESV)

Reflection: What is one fear you are currently facing, and how can you shift your focus to trust in God's eternal perspective?


Day 3: The Ingredients of the Fear of the Lord
The fear of the Lord is a blend of recognizing God's greatness, holiness, and love. It is a fear that leads to humility, holiness, and a sense of safety in God's love. This fear is not about being afraid but about having a profound respect and awe for who God is. It draws us closer to Him, transforming our hearts and minds to align with His will. As we grow in this fear, we experience a deeper relationship with God, marked by trust, obedience, and love. [22:44]

"The secret of the Lord is with those who fear him, and he will make them know his covenant." (Psalm 25:14, ESV)

Reflection: How can you deepen your understanding of God's holiness and love to cultivate a more profound sense of awe and reverence for Him?


Day 4: Finding Sanctuary in God During Economic Uncertainty
In times of economic uncertainty, like Isaiah, we are reminded not to fear what others fear but to find sanctuary in God. As we deepen our understanding of the fear of the Lord, we are delivered from other fears, finding peace and strength in His presence. This fear provides a refuge, a place of safety and security amidst the chaos of the world. By trusting in God's provision and sovereignty, we can navigate uncertain times with confidence and hope. [45:29]

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you seek God's sanctuary and trust in His provision during times of financial or economic uncertainty?


Day 5: The Command to Fear the Lord
The fear of the Lord is a command for Christians, both in the Old and New Testaments. It is a distinguishing mark of those filled with the Holy Spirit and is essential for spiritual growth and holiness. This fear is not optional but a vital aspect of our faith journey. It shapes our character, influences our decisions, and guides us in living a life that honors God. By embracing this command, we align ourselves with God's purposes, experiencing the fullness of life He offers. [17:24]

"And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul." (Deuteronomy 10:12, ESV)

Reflection: How can you intentionally cultivate the fear of the Lord in your daily walk with Him, and what changes might this bring to your life?

Quotes


The Bible very clearly speaks about two kinds of fear. Did you know that there is a fear that God commands and that there is a fear that God forbids? Did you know that there is a kind of fear that builds you up as well as a kind of fear that obviously tears you down? [00:09:20]

The fear that Christ brings is called in the Bible the fear of the Lord. It's a very important phrase, and we're going to learn about it together. The fear that Christ brings is the fear of the Lord, and the fear that Christ relieves is any other kind of fear. [00:09:54]

Grow in the fear of God, the fear that Christ brings, and you will find strength, strength to deal with every other kind of fear. This is so important in the Christian life. How do I deal with all the fears that I face in life, in this world, in all the uncertainty of our economy? [00:10:46]

The fear of the Lord is a blessing to be sought. Many of you will know this verse from The Book of Proverbs: the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. You see, that's something you want to have. You want to know how to put your life together. [00:12:09]

The fear of the Lord is a Fountain of Life. What's not to like about that? Do you see that picture, a fountain of life, like water kind of welling up and refreshing you? Everyone wants to know what it is to be connected to a Fountain of Life. [00:12:49]

The fear of the Lord Keeps Us from Evil. Now, this is scattered all over the Bible, but maybe the best place to start is here: the distinguishing mark of the wicked, if you look at people who do grotesque things, evil things, violent things, the Bible makes this very clear. [00:13:24]

The fear of God is a New Testament command. See, I think sometimes when we hear this, we think, "Oh, that's all Old Testament stuff, and we're Christians, we're in the love of God, and so perfect love casts out fear." That's nothing to do with us, you see. [00:17:02]

The fear of the Lord is a blend of three ingredients: that God is great, that God is Holy, and that God is love. Blend these three together, and you've got to the core of what it means in the Bible to fear the Lord. [00:22:38]

God is great, and I am small. You get that all over the Bible, don't you? I mean, I'm thinking about Psalm 8, for example: "Oh Lord Our God, How Majestic is your name in all the Earth, your glory is above the heavens." [00:27:18]

God is Holy, and I'm a long way from Holiness. You remember the story in the Old Testament about Isaiah the prophet? What a marvelous leader he was, and his words and his ministry. He'd been prophesying for some time and was known as a silver golden-tongued prophet. [00:31:40]

God is love, and I am safe. You see, fearing the Lord in the Bible is something that redeemed people do. It's something that we're called to in the context of Grace. You got to remember that in both the Old and the New Testament. [00:35:52]

The fear of the Lord, when you get it and when you grow in it, will help you to overcome all other fears. Now, I choose my words very carefully. I don't say it will end all other fears. I say it will help you to overcome other fears. [00:39:19]

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Transcript
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