Sermon: Protect this house! Proverbs 14:26 - Pastor Gino Bryant

The fear of the Lord is a powerful and protective force in the life of every believer. When we live with a deep reverence for God, it becomes a shield around us, offering confidence, wisdom, and a place of refuge for ourselves and our families. Just as we instinctively protect what is valuable—our families, our health, our finances—so too must we guard our hearts and lives by honoring God in all we do. The fear of the Lord is not about being afraid, but about living with a continual awareness of His greatness, His authority, and His loving care. This posture leads us away from evil, shapes our decisions, and brings about blessings that cannot be found elsewhere.

Throughout Scripture, we see that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge and wisdom. It is the foundation upon which a life of integrity and blessing is built. When we choose to honor God in our actions, even when no one else is watching, we sow seeds that will bring forth a harvest of protection, contentment, and longevity. The story of Jacob reminds us that what we sow, we will also reap—whether good or bad. Living in the fear of the Lord means making choices that please Him, trusting that He sees, rewards, and guides those who honor Him.

This reverence for God also brings practical benefits: it purges iniquity from our lives, prolongs our days, and becomes a fountain of life that continually refreshes us. It gives us discernment to dismiss opportunities that are not from God and to walk in wisdom. The fear of the Lord brings healing, contentment, and access to God’s salvation. It draws us into worship, aligns us with His covenant, and ensures that His watchful care and angelic protection surround us.

Moreover, when we fear God, we become protectors—not just physically, but spiritually—for our families and communities. Our choices open or close spiritual doors, impacting those we love. God delights in those who fear Him, records their conversations, and fulfills their desires. Even when we fall short, His mercy is extended to those who are sincerely trying to walk in His ways. Ultimately, the fear of the Lord is the key to a life marked by holiness, mutual submission, answered prayers, and the fulfillment of God’s promises.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The fear of the Lord is a shield of protection and a source of strong confidence. When we live with reverence for God, we create a spiritual refuge for ourselves and our families, safeguarding them from harm and spiritual attack. This protective posture is not passive but requires intentional choices and vigilance in every area of life. [01:28]
• 2. Living in the fear of the Lord is the foundation for true wisdom and knowledge. It enables us to discern right from wrong quickly, dismissing opportunities and relationships that do not align with God’s will. This discernment is a practical guide, helping us avoid pitfalls and build our lives on a solid, enduring foundation. [13:53]
• 3. The fear of the Lord leads to a life of integrity, contentment, and blessing. When we choose to honor God in private and public, we experience peace of mind, prolonged days, and a continual fountain of life. This contentment is not based on material abundance but on the assurance that we are walking rightly before God. [17:25]
• 4. Reverence for God brings healing, guidance, and access to His covenant promises. God draws near to those who fear Him, offering healing, refreshment, and divine direction. Even when we struggle or fall short, His mercy is extended to those who sincerely seek to honor Him, and He delights in guiding and teaching them. [19:35]
• 5. The fear of the Lord transforms us into spiritual protectors and intercessors. Our choices open or close spiritual doors for our families and communities, and God records and rewards our efforts to honor Him. This reverence compels us to pursue holiness, submit to one another, and trust that God will fulfill the desires of those who fear Him. [22:56]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:27] - Opening Prayer and Introduction
• [01:28] - The Fear of the Lord: Confidence and Refuge
• [02:42] - The Role of Protection in Life
• [04:13] - Guarding What Is Valuable
• [05:42] - Wisdom in Protection and Discernment
• [07:13] - Spiritual Protection and the Fear of God
• [09:06] - The Principle of Sowing and Reaping
• [11:09] - Living to Please the Creator
• [12:47] - “Protect This House”: Spiritual Application
• [13:23] - Benefits of the Fear of the Lord
• [15:06] - Prolonged Life and Avoiding Evil
• [16:42] - The Fountain of Life and Contentment
• [19:35] - Healing, Worship, and God’s Covenant
• [22:56] - Spiritual Protection for Families
• [24:18] - God’s Goodness and Watchful Care
• [26:06] - God’s Mercy and Pleasure in Those Who Fear Him
• [28:44] - Holiness and Mutual Submission
• [31:43] - God Fulfills the Desires of Those Who Fear Him
• [32:33] - Prayer for Healing and Provision
• [36:52] - Prayer for the Holy Spirit and Calling
• [39:05] - Commissioning and Blessing
• [41:52] - Intercession for Salvation
• [43:04] - Closing Prayer and Dismissal

Bible Reading

Proverbs 14:26 (NKJV) — > In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence,
> And His children will have a place of refuge.

Proverbs 9:10 (NKJV) — > The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
> And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Proverbs 19:23 (NKJV) — > The fear of the Lord leads to life,
> And he who has it will abide in satisfaction;
> He will not be visited with evil.

Observation Questions

1. According to Proverbs 14:26, what are the two main benefits that come from living in the fear of the Lord?
2. In the sermon, what examples did the pastor give of things we instinctively protect in our lives? ([04:13])
3. What does Proverbs 9:10 say is the starting point for wisdom?
4. How does the sermon describe the difference between being afraid of God and having a reverent fear of Him? ([01:28])

Interpretation Questions

1. Why does the Bible connect the fear of the Lord with confidence and refuge, rather than with anxiety or dread? How does this shape our understanding of God’s character? ([01:28])
2. The pastor mentioned that the fear of the Lord helps us quickly dismiss opportunities that are not from God. Why is this kind of discernment important in daily life? ([18:28])
3. The story of Jacob was used as an example of sowing and reaping. What does this story teach us about the long-term effects of our choices, especially when it comes to honoring or dishonoring God? ([09:06])
4. The sermon says that the fear of the Lord is a “fountain of life” and leads to contentment. What does it mean to have contentment that is not based on material abundance? ([17:25])

Application Questions

1. The pastor said that just as we protect our families, health, and finances, we should also guard our hearts by honoring God. What is one area of your life where you need to be more intentional about spiritual protection? ([04:13])
2. Think about a recent decision you made. Did you consider whether it would please God, even if no one else was watching? How might the fear of the Lord change the way you make everyday choices? ([07:58])
3. The sermon talked about how our choices can open or close spiritual doors for our families and communities. Is there a specific habit or pattern in your life that you feel could be affecting those around you, either positively or negatively? ([22:56])
4. The pastor described the fear of the Lord as a “fountain of life” that brings refreshment and healing. Are there areas in your life where you need God’s healing or refreshment right now? How can you invite God into those areas this week? ([19:35])
5. The message said that God delights in those who fear Him and even records their conversations. How does knowing this affect the way you talk about God with others? ([27:03])
6. The sermon encouraged us to pursue holiness and mutual submission out of reverence for God. Is there a relationship in your life where you need to practice more humility or submission? What would that look like in a practical way? ([29:54])
7. When you think about being a spiritual protector for your family or community, what is one step you can take this week to stand in that role more intentionally? ([22:56])