Main Scripture:

Ecclesiastes 12:13 NIV Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.

Proverbs 9:10 NIV The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Psalm 33:18 NIV But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love…

Core Message: 

The fear of the Lord is a profound awe and respect that serves as the essential guardrail for the Christian life, protecting us from the judgment of the world and leading us into wisdom and obedience. The protection and discipline of the Father brings total fulfillment, as those who fear Him will lack no good thing.

The Necessity of God's Discipline

Ecclesiastes 12:13 tells us to “fear God and keep his commandments.” Just as a father's presence guides a child’s behavior, the Father's watchful eye corrects and keeps His true sons faithful to His ways amidst the world's influence. 

• Discipline is Love: The discipline of the Father is an act of love, compelling us toward obedience by asking Him for guidance daily and to help us from going our own way.
• Rejecting Worldly Compromise: The pride, greed, and selfishness of the world have no place in the house of the Lord. The process of sanctification is a conscious choice to judge our actions and thoughts in the Father's sight, according to His word.
• Fear of the Lord, not of the World: The Church has often compromised its standards by fearing the threats and opinions of the world, rather than fearing the Lord. To fear the Lord is to walk in reverent obedience to God’s word, embracing His loving discipline in our lives. The fear of the Lord is an empowering safeguard that keeps us on the path of righteousness and eternity with Him.

The Fear of the Lord Brings Wisdom

Proverbs 9:10 reminds us that the fear of the Lord is the fundamental, non-negotiable truth upon which all wisdom and understanding is built. Without it, all worldly instruction and intellect are meaningless.

• The Foundation of Knowledge: Fearing God is Christianity 101; it is the beginning of wisdom, acknowledging that God is the Creator and we are the creation, subject to His authority.
• The Internal Compass: The wisdom that comes from God is an internal compass that helps us make decisions and avoid the traps and pitfalls set by the enemy.
• Sober-mindedness: Fearing the Lord makes us sober-minded about the consequences of our actions, causing us to weigh all decisions in light of eternity, rather than acting on impulse and emotion (which is the way of the world).
• God's Forbearance: We must not mistake the Lord’s kindness and patience for weakness. His forbearance is intended to lead us to repentance (Romans 2:4) before the final day of judgment.

The Fear of the Lord Brings Protection and Provision

Psalm 33:18 tells us that the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him. Those who fear God are under the constant vigil of His protection and receive abundant supply for all their needs.

• Defense Against the Enemy: When we fear God, His eyes are on us, and He provides a hedge of protection that no army, worldly institution, or financial security can match. He will reveal every plot and trap of Satan, delivering us from death.
• Provision That Sustains: Those who fear the Lord lack no good thing (Psalm 34:10). The fear of the Lord promises a wholeness that fulfills us even in our weaknesses and sustains us so we can run the path of life without growing weary.
• Rivers of Life and Bread: Fearing God connects us to the fountain from heaven, causing "rivers of living water,” to overflow from within, as described by Jesus in John 7:38. This represents the Holy Spirit being poured through our lives. We will also not lack the Rhema (or revealed) word of God allowing us to know Him and walk in His ways. This is the bread of life we feed ourselves and others.

Next Step: 

Let us examine ourselves to see if the fear of the Lord is guiding our lives. Are we living a life that reflects His ways, or are we living by our own ideas?  Today let us throw off everything that hinders and come into the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom!