Fear of God

For the Explore the Bible lesson "Do You Need the Gospel," LifeWay’s Adult Leader’s Guide, pg.49, commenting on Romans 3:18, indicates the ‘root problem’ of why all people are sinners is ‘lack of vision.’ That’s because of the truth found in Proverbs 16:6 - “through the fear of the LORD a man avoids evil.” Paul said, “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” Proverbs 15:3 says, “The fear of the LORD teaches a man wisdom”. In 2 Corinthians 5:11, Paul says, “Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men.” So Paul knew the fear of the Lord. He experienced His presence on the road to Damascus.

The fear of God is key and Christians should delight in it as Jesus did (see Isaiah 11:10, Messiah would have the fear of the LORD and “he will delight in the fear of the LORD.”). Isaiah 33:6 tells why the fear of the Lord is key: “He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure.” Proverbs 2:1-6 lays out what we need to do to understand the fear of the Lord.

John writes in Revelation 15:4, “Who will not fear you, O Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy.” Grasping God’s unique holiness leads to fear of the Lord. That comes with great blessing according to Psalm 34:9, “Fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing.” Do members of your class fear the Lord?

Living in Houston and watching the mass reaction to the approach of hurricane Rita makes me think of Psalm 29. Are we hearing the voice of the Lord? Do we give Him glory? If so, we fear Him and He blesses us.

3 The voice of the LORD is over the waters;
the God of glory thunders,
the LORD thunders over the mighty waters.
4 The voice of the LORD is powerful;
the voice of the LORD is majestic.
....
9b And in his temple all cry, "Glory!"
10 The LORD sits enthroned over the flood;
the LORD is enthroned as King forever.
11 The LORD gives strength to his people;
the LORD blesses his people with peace.