The Fear of God (Deuteronomy 13:4)
This sermon explores the true meaning of "the fear of God," distinguishing it from mere terror. It invites listeners to understand this foundational concept as reverent honor and willing obedience towards our Creator.
This sermon defines "the fear of God" not as terror, but as reverent honor and obedience towards a holy God. This reverence leads to true knowledge, wisdom, protection, and fulfillment in life.
Overview
This sermon by Dr. Charles Stanley explores "The Fear of God," clarifying its meaning for believers. It begins by distinguishing between being afraid of God (appropriate for those living in unrepentant sin) and the scriptural command to "fear Him," which means to reverence, honor, and hold God in the highest esteem.
The preacher elaborates that fearing God entails worshipping Him, exalting Him, obeying Him, acknowledging His worthiness, and honoring His position as Creator and Judge of all mankind. It signifies a spirit of yielding and surrender to Almighty God, in contrast to a world that often sees God as an obstacle to personal desires.
The sermon then outlines numerous benefits of fearing God, citing various Proverbs and Psalms. These include it being the beginning of true knowledge and wisdom, a means of keeping oneself from evil, and a source of healing and refreshment for the body. Fearing God also leads to strong confidence, the fulfillment of righteous desires, and divine protection.
Ultimately, the sermon emphasizes that fearing God is the wisest way to live. It is an essential element in salvation, enabling a life of true blessing and purpose. The message concludes by inviting listeners to make the decision to fear the living God, honoring and trusting Him in every aspect of life.
Key points
- The sermon distinguishes between being afraid of God (due to sin) and the "fear of God" (reverence and honor) for believers.
- For believers, fearing God means to reverence, honor, exalt, worship, obey Him, and acknowledge His position as Creator and Judge.
- Deuteronomy 13:4 commands us to follow, fear, keep His commandments, listen to His voice, serve Him, and cling to Him.
- The world often lacks the fear of God, seeing Him as an impediment to sin, as described in Romans 3.
- Fearing God is declared to be the beginning of true knowledge (Proverbs 1:7) and wisdom (Proverbs 9:10).
- It leads to turning away from evil (Proverbs 16:6), healing and refreshment (Proverbs 3:7-8), and strong confidence (Proverbs 14:26).
- God fulfills the desires of those who fear Him (Psalm 145:19), offers divine protection (Psalm 34:7), and leads to true, prolonged life (Proverbs 19:23, 10:27).
In Charles Stanley's words
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.”
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.”
“Fearing You can make us fearless of anything and everybody else.”
Outline
- I. Introduction: What Does "The Fear of God" Mean?
- A. Being Afraid of God vs. Fearing God
- 1. If living in sin, one has a right to be afraid of a holy God.
- 2. The fear of God for believers means reverence, honor, and high esteem.
- B. Deuteronomy 13:4: God's Command to Fear Him
- 1. To follow, fear, keep commandments, listen, serve, and cling to Him.
- C. The World's View vs. God's Command
- 1. Romans 3:10-18 describes a world without the fear of God.
- 2. God does not hate the sinner, but hates sin because of its detriment to His children.
- 3. Judgment is unavoidable; turning from God is turning from one's only hope.
- II. Why We Should Fear God
- A. Because He Commands It (Deuteronomy 13:4)
- B. It Is the Beginning of Knowledge (Proverbs 1:7)
- 1. Without fearing God, one is ignorant about life's most important thing.
- C. It Is the Beginning of Wisdom (Proverbs 9:10)
- 1. God gives wisdom to those who seek it from Him.
- D. It Keeps Us Away From Evil (Proverbs 16:6)
- 1. Fearing God helps prevent wrecking and ruining one's life.
- E. It Brings Healing to the Body and Refreshment to the Bones (Proverbs 3:7-8)
- 1. Honoring God with one's body is physically beneficial.
- F. It Leads to Strong Confidence (Proverbs 14:26)
- 1. God within us assures us through challenges.
- G. He Will Fulfill the Desires of Those Who Fear Him (Psalm 145:19)
- 1. Fearing God aligns our desires with His will.
- H. The Angel of the LORD Encamps Around Those Who Fear Him (Psalm 34:7)
- 1. We have God's awesome, divine protection.
- I. It Leads to Life (Proverbs 19:23)
- 1. The source of every imaginable blessing.
- J. It Prolongs Life (Proverbs 10:27)
- 1. Living with God provides true, abundant life, regardless of physical years.
- III. Conclusion: The Wisest Decision
- A. Parents should model fearing God for their children.
- B. Fearing God is an element in one's salvation.
- C. The wisest decision is to fear the living God, honor Him, obey Him, and trust Him for salvation.
Scripture references
- Deuteronomy 13:4
- Psalm 147
- Psalm 33:8
- Romans 3:10-18
- Proverbs 1:7
- Proverbs 9:10
- Proverbs 16:6
- Proverbs 3:7-8
- Proverbs 14:26
- Psalm 145:19
- Psalm 34:7
- Psalm 91
- Proverbs 19:23
- Proverbs 10:27
4 Ye shall walk after the Lord your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him.
1 Praise ye the Lord: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely.
2 The Lord doth build up Jerusalem: he gathereth together the outcasts of Israel.
8 Let all the earth fear the Lord: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.
10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.
12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
13 Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips:
7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
6 By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the Lord men depart from evil.
7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.
8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.
26 In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.
19 He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.
7 The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.
1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
23 The fear of the Lord tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.
27 The fear of the Lord prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.
Insights
True wisdom begins with reverencing the One who created all things.
Fearing God means honoring Him above all else, not living in terror.
A life yielded to God finds its deepest security and purpose.
Questions & answers
What does "the fear of God" mean for believers in this sermon?
The sermon defines "the fear of God" for believers not as terror, but as reverencing, honoring, exalting, and holding God in the highest esteem. It includes obeying Him, acknowledging His worthiness, and recognizing His position as Creator and Judge.
Why does the preacher say people should be afraid of God?
The preacher clarifies that if a person is living in sin, they have a right to be afraid of a holy and righteous God, who will judge sin. However, this is distinct from the reverence believers are called to cultivate.
What are some key benefits of fearing God mentioned?
Fearing God is presented as the beginning of knowledge and wisdom, a means to stay away from evil, and a source of physical healing and refreshment. It also brings strong confidence, leads to God fulfilling desires, and offers divine protection.
How does the sermon contrast "the world" with those who fear God?
The sermon explains that the world, as described in Romans 3, has no fear of God and views Him as a problem getting in the way of sin. In contrast, those who fear God obey Him, live righteously, and experience His blessings.
Is fearing God connected to salvation?
Yes, the sermon states that fearing God is an element in salvation, as no one is saved without first yielding themselves to a holy God. It's described as the wisest decision one can make for eternal life.
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Source
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