Fearing God The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever (Ps. 19:9). Fearing God leads to reverential attitudes and actions. In the Old Testament, to fear God was to view Him with reverential awe and bow to His sovereign authority. In Psalm 34 David wrote, Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. Who is the man who desires life, and loves length of days that he may see good? Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it (vv. 11- 14). His son Solomon added, The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. . . . Fear the Lord and turn away from evil (Prov. 1:7; 3:7). The concept of fearing God isnt limited to the Old Testament. Paul said, Work out your salvation with fear and trembling (Phil. 2:12), Let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God (2 Cor. 7:1) and, Be subject to one another in the fear of Christ (Eph. 5:21). Our fear of God compels us to worship Him and conform our lives to His will. If you fear Him, pleasing Him will be your greatest delight and displeasing Him, your greatest disappointment. In Psalm 19:9 David uses fear as a synonym for Gods Word, implying that Scripture is Gods manual on how to worship Him. Clean (v. 9) is a comprehensive term that speaks of the absence of sin, corruption, filthiness, defilement, imperfection, and error. The message Scripture conveys is always flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times (Ps. 12:6, NIV). Because it is so perfect, Scripture endures forever (Ps. 19:9). Thats why Jesus said, Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away (Mark 13:31). It never needs to be updated to accommodate contemporary thinking. It stands forever as authoritative and unyielding. Those who judge it, slander it, or ignore it are in grave peril. Far better to fear God and bow to His revealed will. Suggestions for Prayer Read Psalm 33 as a prayer of praise to the Lord. For Further Study Memorize Proverbs 3:5-7 as a reminder always to seek Gods will and approval. From Drawing Near by John MacArthur Copyright © 1993. Used by permission of Crossway Books, a division of Good News Publishers, Wheaton, IL 60187, crossway. Search GTY Resources or browse by Topic or Scripture More Latest Sermons LISTEN I Am the Resurrection and the Life, Part 3 (John 11:45–57) LISTEN When Sin Entered the Church, Part 2 (Acts 5:1–14) LISTEN I Am the Resurrection and the Life, Part 2 (John 11:37–46) LISTEN When Sin Entered the Church, Part 1 (Acts 4:32–5:11) ArchiveBy ScriptureRadioBy DateTelevisionBy Series Doctrine What We Teach Our Distinctives Positions Articles Sermons Bible Study Tools Audio Bible Study Bible Book Studies Bible Introductions Bible Q&A Study Guides Links Questions & Answers Christian Living Church Ministry Grace to You Society & Culture Theology
Posted on: Wed, 22 Oct 2014 07:25:51 +0000
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