The Transformative Power of the Fear of God

 

Summary

In our time together, we explored the profound concept of the fear of God and its transformative power in our lives. The fear of God is not about being afraid but about having a reverential awe and respect for His majesty and holiness. As we grow in our understanding of who God is—His attributes, His names, His eternal decrees, and His mighty acts—we cultivate a deeper fear of God, which in turn diminishes our fear of man. This fear is nurtured through prayer, worship, and fellowship with other believers who take God seriously. It is a journey that begins with our entrance into the kingdom of God and continues throughout our Christian life, as we grow in wisdom and obedience to His commandments.

The fear of God is foundational to our spiritual journey, as Proverbs 1:7 states, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." It is a missing element in many modern churches, yet it is essential for true saving faith. We are reminded that no one enters the kingdom of God lightly; it is with reverential submission that we come to Him. This fear of God is not something we outgrow but something we grow into, as we learn to worship, adore, and love Him more deeply.

Furthermore, we discussed the importance of the Book of Psalms in understanding how God deals with His enemies and the assurance that He will ultimately conquer them. The Psalms remind us of God's sovereignty and the futility of opposing Him. In a world filled with lies and opposition to Christian ethics, we can have confidence that God's truth will prevail, and His purposes will be accomplished.

Lastly, we touched on the doctrine of election and its significance in understanding our salvation. While not necessary for conversion, it is essential for comprehending the grace of God and His sovereign choice in our lives. As we navigate the challenges of unbelief and doubt, we are encouraged to look to Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, and to trust in the promises of God.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Fear of God: Cultivating a reverential awe of God is essential for spiritual growth. It begins with understanding His attributes and is nurtured through prayer, worship, and fellowship. This fear displaces the fear of man and is foundational to wisdom and obedience. [49:33]

2. The Role of the Psalms: The Book of Psalms is a treasure for believers, offering guidance in times of trouble and assurance of God's ultimate victory over His enemies. It reminds us of God's sovereignty and the futility of opposing Him. [55:22]

3. The Doctrine of Election: Understanding election is crucial for grasping the grace of God in salvation. While not necessary for conversion, it deepens our appreciation of God's sovereign choice and His work in our lives. [01:04:02]

4. Dealing with Unbelief: In times of doubt, we are called to look to Jesus and trust in His promises. The struggle with unbelief is common, but assurance comes from the Holy Spirit's work in our hearts, confirming our identity as children of God. [01:21:03]

5. The Great Commission: We are called to make disciples by bringing them into the church and building them up through teaching. This involves a commitment to the whole counsel of God and a reliance on His authority and presence as we fulfill His mission. [02:11:11]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [46:29] - Introduction and Greetings
- [47:20] - Growing in the Fear of God
- [49:07] - The Beginning of Wisdom
- [50:54] - The Missing Element in Modern Churches
- [53:36] - The Importance of the Psalms
- [55:22] - God's Sovereignty Over Enemies
- [56:53] - Meditating on the Future Life
- [57:59] - Understanding Blamelessness
- [01:00:07] - Repentance and Faith
- [01:02:15] - The Doctrine of Election
- [01:07:30] - Addressing Unbelief
- [01:21:03] - Assurance of Salvation
- [02:11:11] - The Great Commission
- [02:27:08] - Conclusion and Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Reading:

1. Proverbs 1:7 - "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom."
2. Psalm 2 - A reminder of God's sovereignty and the futility of opposing Him.
3. Hebrews 12:2 - "Looking unto Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith."

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Observation Questions:

1. According to the sermon, how does the fear of God differ from being afraid of God? ([52:41])
2. What role does the Book of Psalms play in understanding God's sovereignty over His enemies? ([55:22])
3. How is the doctrine of election described in the sermon, and why is it considered important for understanding salvation? ([01:04:02])
4. What does the sermon suggest is the key to dealing with unbelief and doubt? ([01:21:03])

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does cultivating a reverential awe of God help in diminishing the fear of man, according to the sermon? ([49:33])
2. In what ways does the Book of Psalms provide assurance to believers in times of trouble? ([55:22])
3. Why might understanding the doctrine of election deepen one's appreciation of God's grace, even if it's not necessary for conversion? ([01:04:02])
4. How does the sermon suggest believers should respond to personal struggles with unbelief? ([01:21:03])

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current understanding of the fear of God. How can you cultivate a deeper reverence for God in your daily life? ([49:33])
2. The sermon highlights the importance of the Psalms in reminding us of God's sovereignty. How can you incorporate the Psalms into your personal prayer or study routine? ([55:22])
3. Consider your understanding of the doctrine of election. How does this understanding impact your view of God's grace in your life? ([01:04:02])
4. When faced with doubt, the sermon encourages looking to Jesus. What practical steps can you take to focus on Jesus during times of uncertainty? ([01:21:03])
5. The sermon mentions the Great Commission. Identify one person in your life who you can disciple or share your faith with this week. How will you approach this? ([02:11:11])
6. How can you engage in fellowship with other believers to nurture your fear of God and spiritual growth? ([49:33])
7. Reflect on a recent situation where you felt overwhelmed by fear of man. How might a deeper fear of God have changed your response? ([49:33])

Devotional

Day 1: Reverential Awe as the Foundation of Wisdom
Cultivating a reverential awe of God is essential for spiritual growth. This awe is not about fear in the traditional sense but about recognizing the majesty and holiness of God. As believers grow in their understanding of God's attributes, His eternal decrees, and His mighty acts, they develop a deeper fear of God, which in turn diminishes the fear of man. This journey begins with entering the kingdom of God and continues throughout the Christian life, nurtured through prayer, worship, and fellowship with other believers. The fear of God is foundational to wisdom and obedience, as Proverbs 1:7 states, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." It is a missing element in many modern churches, yet it is essential for true saving faith. [49:33]

"Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him! For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm." (Psalm 33:8-9, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a deeper reverential awe of God in your daily life, and how might this change your interactions with others?


Day 2: The Psalms as a Guide in Troubled Times
The Book of Psalms is a treasure for believers, offering guidance in times of trouble and assurance of God's ultimate victory over His enemies. The Psalms remind us of God's sovereignty and the futility of opposing Him. In a world filled with lies and opposition to Christian ethics, believers can have confidence that God's truth will prevail, and His purposes will be accomplished. The Psalms provide a rich resource for meditation and reflection, helping believers to focus on God's character and His promises. [55:22]

"The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples. The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations." (Psalm 33:10-11, ESV)

Reflection: How can you incorporate the Psalms into your daily routine to remind yourself of God's sovereignty and find peace in His ultimate victory?


Day 3: Understanding the Doctrine of Election
Understanding the doctrine of election is crucial for grasping the grace of God in salvation. While not necessary for conversion, it deepens the appreciation of God's sovereign choice and His work in believers' lives. This doctrine highlights the grace and mercy of God, who chooses individuals for salvation according to His purpose and will. As believers navigate the challenges of unbelief and doubt, they are encouraged to look to Jesus, the author and perfecter of their faith, and to trust in the promises of God. [01:04:02]

"Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will." (Ephesians 1:4-5, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on how the understanding of God's sovereign choice in your life can deepen your appreciation for His grace and influence your daily walk with Him.


Day 4: Trusting in Jesus Amidst Unbelief
In times of doubt, believers are called to look to Jesus and trust in His promises. The struggle with unbelief is common, but assurance comes from the Holy Spirit's work in the hearts of believers, confirming their identity as children of God. By focusing on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, believers can find strength and confidence in their spiritual journey. This trust is nurtured through prayer, meditation on Scripture, and fellowship with other believers who encourage and support one another in faith. [01:21:03]

"Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, 'I believe; help my unbelief!'" (Mark 9:24, ESV)

Reflection: Identify a specific area of doubt in your life and ask Jesus to help you trust in His promises today. What steps can you take to strengthen your faith in this area?


Day 5: Fulfilling the Great Commission
Believers are called to make disciples by bringing them into the church and building them up through teaching. This involves a commitment to the whole counsel of God and a reliance on His authority and presence as they fulfill His mission. The Great Commission is not just about evangelism but also about nurturing and discipling new believers, helping them grow in their faith and understanding of God's Word. This mission is accomplished through the power of the Holy Spirit and the support of the Christian community. [02:11:11]

"And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.'" (Matthew 28:18-20, ESV)

Reflection: Consider how you can actively participate in the Great Commission within your community. What specific actions can you take to disciple others and help them grow in their faith?

Quotes


The fear of God is foundational to our spiritual journey, as Proverbs 1:7 states, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." It is a missing element in many modern churches, yet it is essential for true saving faith. We are reminded that no one enters the kingdom of God lightly; it is with reverential submission that we come to Him. [00:49:07]

The Book of Psalms is one of the greatest treasures God has given his people and the relative ignorance of the book of Psalms really just in the last generation I think or a little bit more in the life of the church is one of the real tragedies of the life of the church. [00:54:22]

The confidence we can have is that the LIE will always eventually collapse of its own weight and foolishness. The problem is it takes a while sometimes so you know it took Nazism 12 years to collapse it took communism 80 years to collapse they collapsed in part because of outside pressure but they collapsed also because of the internal lie that couldn't sustain itself. [00:56:53]

You do not have to believe in the doctrine of election in order to be saved in order to be a Christian. I was converted when I was 17 years old I did not come to embrace the doctrines of Grace and specifically election till I was 28 years old so there's an entire decade there in which it was not primary though I was still saved. [01:04:02]

The same Holy Spirit who convicts you of sin the same Holy Spirit who calls you and draws you to Christ the same Holy Spirit who regenerates you the same Holy Spirit who gives you the gifts of repentance and faith is the same Holy Spirit who convinces you that you are a child of God and that you are a Believer. [01:21:03]

The Great Commission is God's Own word now the 11 disciples went to Galilee to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them and when they saw him they worshiped but some doubted and Jesus came and said to them all authority in heaven and on Earth has been given to me go therefore and Make Disciples of all Nations. [02:11:11]

Jesus said Go Make Disciples and we've spent some time in this conference talking about the difficult circumstances the increasingly difficult circumstances it seems in which we find ourselves as American Christians so the question how do you make disciples is perhaps more pressing more crucial than ever. [02:13:39]

The church as community of love and faith and discipline is going to shine ever more brightly in this world to people who are lonely. Some years ago we had friends whose grandson little boy was killed in an automobile accident and the highway patrolman came to visit them a day later and he said to them you must be Christians. [02:27:08]

Jesus speaks to us and calls us to a confidence as we go all authority in heaven and on Earth has been given to me imagine yourself standing on a hillside on the edge of the Sea of Galilee and there are only 12 of you there Jesus is one and you're standing with 11 other disciples who along with you all fled away when Jesus was arrested. [02:31:00]

Jesus says all authority in heaven and on Earth has been given to me do we believe that do we need to fret about what Authority functions in Washington as Citizens we need to think about that as Christians we don't have to give it a moment's thought Christ is not building his church out of Washington he's building the church out of the church. [02:35:12]

Jesus reminds us all I'll be with you you don't go to work for me by yourself you don't go on your own you don't go without me I will be with you I will be with you every day as you do my work so what's left to say go go why are you still here all right you can stay for a little longer with the music but then go. [02:40:00]

Father we thank you for a savior who has all authority who is already king of kings and Lord of lords who is accomplishing his purpose and will never at any point be thwarted but will build his church and establish a new Humanity in his blood and in his name fill us with confidence in serving him encourage Us in the truth of his word. [02:43:00]

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Transcript
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