THE RESULTS OF THE FEAR OF THE LORD
We live in a day when accountability is an increasingly challenging word. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has the responsibility to eliminate waste, reduce spending, and increase efficiency. They have found literally billions of dollars of waste and inefficiency. You would think that everyone would be excited and rejoicing, but at least half of our country is going crazy and believe the end of democracy is at hand. Even calling workers back to their offices, for greater communication and productivity, is creating a major uproar. In this type of culture, it should not be surprising that even among Christians and churches, there is a lack of accountability to God’s moral standards.
From last week, we learned that everything we think, say, and do, including our motives, is present constantly before the Lord, and one day we will give account for them to the Lord.
Why should we fear the Lord?
Because He created us (Colossians 1:16). He knows what is best for us.
Because He redeemed us (I Peter 1:18-19). He owns us.
Because He is our Father (Isaiah 64:7). He expects our obedience.
Because He is our Judge (2 Timothy 4:1; 2 Corinthians 5:10). He is watching.
Some of the amazing rewards of those who fear the Lord?
They begin to be wise. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Proverbs 9:10, NIV)
They experience strong confidence. “In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence,
and his children will have refuge” (Proverbs 14:26, NASB).
They learn contentment. “Better is a little with the fear of the Lord
than great treasure and turmoil with it” (Proverbs 15:16, NKJV).
They are delivered from trouble. “The fear of the Lord leads to life, and he who has it will abide in satisfaction; He will not be visited with evil” (Proverbs 19:23, NKJV).
They become a special treasure of God. “Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another, and the Lord listened and heard them; So, a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the Lord and who meditate on His name. They shall be Mine,” says the Lord of hosts, on the day that I make them My jewels” (Malachi 3:16-17a, NKJV).
How does a person learn the fear of the Lord?
Memorize Scripture that assures us that God is watching. (Luke 8:17; 12:3)
Recognize the close association between the fear of the Lord and the Word of God.
Relate the consequences of sin to the holiness of God. (Galatians 6:7-8; Hebrews 12:10-11)
Overcome destructive fear by increasing our faith in the attributes of God.
For example:
For His justice, He shows mercy
For His holiness, He gives grace
For His power, He displays loving kindness
For His wrath, He gives compassion
“That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty. God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14. NLT).
