The King Worth Fearing: Embracing Light and Obedience
Summary
In the sermon titled "The King Has Come: The King Worth Fearing" delivered on December 10, 2023, the speaker, Lawrence Payton, begins by expressing gratitude for the congregation's giving and introduces the exploration of Isaiah chapter n verses. The sermon emphasizes the importance of walking as children of light, with the understanding that God's presence brings peace and protection. The congregation is invited to participate in a communion service, a meaningful act of worship, and to approach it with reverence.
The speaker delves into the concept of light, identifying Jesus as the personification of this light, shining in the darkness to bring hope and salvation. The significance of Jesus' bloodshed for the remission of sins is highlighted, portraying Jesus as the conqueror of sin, death, hell, and Satan. The sermon underscores Jesus' dual nature as both divine and human, worthy of fear, worship, adoration, and praise, and the anticipation of His return as a lion from the tribe of Judah.
The worthiness of Jesus is further emphasized through the imagery of the lion and the lamb in Revelation 5. The sermon describes the scene where no one is found worthy to open the scroll except for the lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David, who has conquered. The Lamb, slain before the foundation of the world, is declared worthy to receive power, wealth, wisdom, might, honor, glory, and blessing.
The importance of fearing the Lord and obeying His commandments is stressed, with the example of Noah building the ark in reverent fear. The speaker calls for a revival and for people to walk in the fear of the Lord like never before. Personal stories of worship and its transformative power are shared, and the congregation is encouraged to surrender their struggles to the Lord for His peace.
The sermon also addresses the power and awesomeness of God, the vulnerability of Jesus as a baby, and the unstoppable nature of God's plan for individuals. The speaker explains God's act of emptying Himself to become human, experiencing human limitations, and ultimately being exalted by God. The danger of fearing man over God is discussed, with the fear of the Lord leading to obedience, service, and worship.
The name of Jesus is presented as powerful and authoritative, with everything that has a name required to bow down to it. The speaker encourages invoking the name of Jesus in all situations. The concept of light is revisited, with believers called to be the light of the world, dispelling darkness with the word of God.
Upcoming church events are announced, and the focus of the Advent season on peace is highlighted. The speaker discusses the power of light in penetrating darkness during the Advent season and the significance of Jesus' sacrifice. The sermon concludes with a call to have a profound respect and fear of God, to walk in His ways, and to turn away from evil.
Key Takeaways:
- The true light that shines in the darkness is not an energy source or natural element, but the person of Jesus Christ. As both divine and human, Jesus embodies hope and salvation, demonstrating that the light of Christ can penetrate the deepest darkness and bring transformation to those who dwell in it. This insight encourages believers to recognize Jesus as the ultimate source of light in their lives and to share that light with others. [33:51]
- The fear of the Lord is foundational to a believer's life and should precede any pursuit of calling or ministry. It involves a deep respect for God's holiness and an earnest desire to obey His commandments. This reverent fear leads to a life of obedience and service, exemplified by Noah's construction of the ark. Such a fear is not only the beginning of wisdom but also a catalyst for revival in the church and society. [01:03:59]
- The dual nature of Jesus as both the lion and the lamb reveals the comprehensive nature of His worthiness. As the lion, He embodies authority and power, and as the lamb, He exemplifies submission and sacrifice. This duality is essential for understanding the full scope of Jesus' role in redemption and His ultimate victory over evil. Believers are called to acknowledge and worship Jesus for both His might and His meekness. [01:07:42]
- The act of God becoming human in the person of Jesus is a profound demonstration of love and humility. By taking on human flesh, Jesus experienced the full range of human limitations, yet without sin. This act of condescension was necessary for the redemption of humanity and highlights the lengths to which God will go to save His creation. It serves as a powerful reminder of the value God places on human life and the extent of His grace. [42:48]
- The fear of man is a snare that can hinder one's relationship with God, but the fear of God leads to life. Believers are encouraged to respect God's authority and to serve Him with a heart that is fully committed to His will. This fear of the Lord is not about dread but about recognizing His sovereignty and responding with obedience and worship. It is a healthy fear that aligns one's life with God's purposes and brings true fulfillment. [57:23]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Isaiah 9:1-6 (ESV)
- "But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil. For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
2. Revelation 5:5-6, 12 (ESV)
- "And one of the elders said to me, 'Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.' And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth... saying with a loud voice, 'Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!'"
3. Philippians 2:6-11 (ESV)
- "Who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Isaiah 9:2 say about the people who walked in darkness? How is this related to Jesus being the light of the world? [33:51]
2. In Revelation 5:5-6, what are the two titles given to Jesus, and what do they signify about His nature? [01:07:42]
3. According to Philippians 2:6-8, what did Jesus do to demonstrate His humility and obedience? [42:48]
4. How does the sermon describe the dual nature of Jesus as both the Lion and the Lamb? [01:09:19]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the imagery of light in Isaiah 9:2 help us understand the role of Jesus in bringing hope and salvation to the world? [33:51]
2. What is the significance of Jesus being both the Lion of Judah and the Lamb that was slain, as described in Revelation 5? How does this duality impact our understanding of His worthiness? [01:07:42]
3. In Philippians 2:6-11, what does it mean that Jesus "emptied himself" and took on the form of a servant? How does this act of humility relate to His exaltation by God? [42:48]
4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of fearing the Lord. How does the example of Noah in Hebrews 11:7 illustrate this concept? [01:05:56]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt you were walking in darkness. How did the light of Jesus bring hope and transformation to your situation? [33:51]
2. The sermon calls for a revival and for people to walk in the fear of the Lord. What practical steps can you take to cultivate a deeper reverence and respect for God in your daily life? [01:01:02]
3. Jesus' dual nature as both the Lion and the Lamb reveals His comprehensive worthiness. How can you incorporate both aspects of His character into your worship and daily walk with Him? [01:09:19]
4. The act of God becoming human in the person of Jesus is a profound demonstration of love and humility. How can you emulate this humility in your interactions with others, especially during challenging times? [42:48]
5. The sermon discusses the danger of fearing man over God. Are there areas in your life where the fear of man has hindered your obedience to God? How can you shift your focus to fearing and trusting God more? [55:48]
6. The name of Jesus is presented as powerful and authoritative. How can you make a habit of invoking the name of Jesus in your daily challenges and decisions? [54:23]
7. The sermon encourages believers to be the light of the world. What specific actions can you take this week to shine the light of Christ in your community and dispel darkness? [38:02]
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus, the True Light of Hope
Jesus Christ is the true light that dispels all darkness, offering hope and salvation to those who believe. This light is not a mere physical phenomenon but the very presence of Jesus, illuminating the path to redemption and transformation. As believers, recognizing Jesus as the ultimate source of light is essential, and sharing this light with the world is a calling. [33:51]
Isaiah 60:1-2 - "Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you."
Reflection: How can you actively reflect the light of Christ in your daily interactions with others?
Day 2: Reverent Fear as Wisdom's Foundation
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, shaping a life of obedience and service. This reverent fear is not about being scared but about acknowledging God's holiness and responding with earnest obedience, as exemplified by Noah's faithful construction of the ark. It is a fear that inspires revival and transformation within the church and individual lives. [01:03:59]
Proverbs 8:13 - "To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech."
Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a deeper sense of reverent fear of the Lord in your life, leading to greater obedience and service?
Day 3: Embracing the Lion and the Lamb
Jesus Christ embodies the fullness of authority and submission, represented as both the lion and the lamb. This duality is crucial for understanding His role in redemption and His ultimate victory over evil. Believers are called to worship Jesus for His might and His meekness, recognizing the comprehensive nature of His worthiness. [01:07:42]
Revelation 5:5-6 - "Then one of the elders said to me, 'Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.' Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne."
Reflection: How does the understanding of Jesus as both the lion and the lamb influence your worship and daily walk with Him?
Day 4: The Humility of God in Flesh
God's act of becoming human in Jesus Christ is the ultimate expression of divine love and humility. Jesus, fully God yet fully man, experienced human limitations to redeem humanity. This profound act of love demonstrates the value God places on human life and the extent of His grace. [42:48]
Philippians 2:6-8 - "Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness."
Reflection: How does the humility of Jesus challenge you to live out your faith in service to others?
Day 5: Choosing God's Fear Over Man's
The fear of man can ensnare, but the fear of God leads to life and true fulfillment. Believers are encouraged to respect God's authority and serve Him wholeheartedly. This healthy fear aligns one's life with God's purposes, leading to obedience, worship, and a heart fully committed to His will. [57:23]
Isaiah 8:13 - "The Lord Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you have allowed the fear of man to overshadow the fear of God, and how can you begin to address this today?
Quotes
"The name of Jesus is above every name; at the name of Jesus every knee is going to bow. If it has a name, it must bow at the name of Jesus because God, because of His humility, highly exalted Him." [54:23] (Download)
"Just say Jesus, because there's power in the name, there's deliverance in the name, there's no salvation or deliverance in any other name but that name, Jesus." [55:01] (Download)
"The fear of man is a snare, but the one who trusts in the Lord is protected. When you fear people, it's a dangerous trap, but trusting in the Lord brings safety and liberation from these fears." [56:34] (Download)
"The fear of God, the Bible says, is the beginning of wisdom. This idea of fear is reverence, respect for God because God is Holy." [01:16:47] (Download)
"God is Holy and he deserves to be feared, to be revered, respected, loved, and served." [01:17:26] (Download)
"The fear of the Lord does not produce anxiety but respect; it leads us to obey, serve, and worship the Lord with a deep desire to obey and please him above all else, not wanting to disappoint and taking into consideration that we have an account of ourselves before him." [59:36] (Download)
"Fear God because God has your eternal and your temporal state in his hand. The one who has your future destiny, your eternal destiny in his hand is God, and that is why he said fear God." [58:07] (Download)
"Revival is going to break out when the people of God and the children of God start walking more and more in the fear of God, that people around them would see what walking in the fear of God is." [01:01:02] (Download)
"Only Christ himself conquered sin, death, hell, the grave, and Satan himself. Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, glory to God he did that for you and I." [01:11:44] (Download)
"God Almighty, Supreme Being, emptied Himself... It was because of God's great love for you and I that He took this extreme measure of humiliation and humility and emptied Himself and became a human finite man." [43:40] (Download)
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