Christian Life Church
November 30, 2022 - 7pm
#11. The Fear of God (Understanding the Beginning of Wisdom) IMMANUEL: THE PURPOSES
Locations & Times
Christian Life Church Columbia
2700 Bush River Rd, Columbia, SC 29210, USA
Wednesday 6:30 PM
#11. The Fear of God
(Understanding the Beginning of Wisdom)
Psalm147:11 The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him.
Let’s explore foundational facts about the fear of God:
I. The Fear of God is much more than reverential awe.
A. A sense of dreadful awe
1. Abraham’s estimation of King Abimelech and his people
a. Genesis 20:11 ESV Abraham said, “I did it because I thought, ‘There is no fear of God at all in this place, and they will kill me because of my wife.’
2. Paul’s description of wicked humanity
a. Romans 3:18 ESV There is no fear of God before their eyes.
3. Exodus 3:6 ESV And he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.
4. Judges 6:22-23 ESV Then Gideon perceived that he was the angel of the Lord. And Gideon said, “Alas, O Lord God! For now I have seen the angel of the Lord face to face.” 23But the Lord said to him, “Peace be to you. Do not fear; you shall not die.”
5. Isaiah 8:13 ESV But the Lord of hosts, him you shall honor as holy. Let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.
6. Many seem to feel the Incarnation eliminated any need for the fear of God. The Old and New Testament God is the same.
7. Revelation 1:17 ESV When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last,
B. A sense of astonished devotion
1. This is the legitimate sense of awe and respect, which produces worship.
2. If God has removed the fear of wrath, do we still need to fear Him?
a. Philippians 2:12 KJV Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
b. 1 Peter 1:17 KJV And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:
II. What are the reasons we should fear God?
A. Because of who He is.
1. Psalm 89:6-7 NIV For who in the skies above can compare with the Lord?Who is like the Lord among the heavenly beings? 7In the council of the holy ones God is greatly feared; he is more awesome than all who surround him.
2. Jeremiah 10:6-7 NIV No one is like you, Lord; you are great, and your name is mighty in power. 7Who should not fear you, King of the nations? This is your due.Among all the wise leaders of the nations and in all their kingdoms, there is no one like you.
3. “The fear of the Lord is something that takes its specific character from its object, from The Lord {Himself}. It is awe. It is worship. It is wonder. It is absolute adoration.” ─ Peter Kreeft
B. Because of what He has done.
1. Exodus 14:31 NIV And when the Israelites saw the mighty hand of the Lord displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant.
2. Exodus 15:11 NIV Who among the gods is like you, Lord? Who is like you—
majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?
3. Psalm 33:6-9 NIV By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth. 7 He gathers the waters of the sea into jars; he puts the deep into storehouses. 8Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the people of the world revere him. 9For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.
C. Because of what He continues to do.
1. Exodus 20:20 NIV Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.”
2. Psalm 66:5 NIV Come and see what God has done, his awesome deeds for mankind!
3. Psalm 130:3-4 NIV If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand?4 But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you.
III. Is it possible to love God and fear God at the same time?
A. Does 1 John 4:18 complicate the issue?
1 John 4:18 KJV There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
B. Deuteronomy 10:12 NIV And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul,
C. Romans 11:22 NIV Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off.
D. Psalm 118:4 NIV Let those who fear the Lord say: “His love endures forever.”
E. In his book, The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, C.S. Lewis says, “people often think a thing cannot be good and terrible at the same time. If the children had ever thought so, they were cured of it now.” (page 50)
IV. The fear of God comes with special promises.
A. Provision
1. Psalm 34:9-10 NIV Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing. 10The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.
B. Protection
1. Psalm 33:18-19 NIV But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, 19 to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.
C. Victory over sin
1. Psalm 103:12-13 NIV as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. 13 As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;
2. 2 Corinthians 7:1 NIV Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.
D. Blessings
1. Psalm 128:1-4 NIV Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to him. 2You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours. 3Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table. 4Yes, this will be the blessing for the man who fears the Lord.
2. Proverbs 10:27 NIV The fear of the Lord adds length to life, but the years of the wicked are cut short.
E. A legacy
1. Deuteronomy 5:29 NIV Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever!
2. Psalm 103:17 NIV But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children—
IMMANUEL: THE PURPOSES NOVEMBER 30, 2022
INTRODUCTION
Generally, a synagogue “service” would contain three parts: Worship and/or prayer, Scripture readings, and teaching and/or discussion.
Jesus’ first sermon was given during a period referred to as the “Galilean Springtime.” And here, Jesus offers an understanding of why He has come to earth:
(Jesus) went to Nazareth, where He had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day He went into the synagogue, as was His custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. Unrolling it, He found the place where it is written:
“The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Then He rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on Him. He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” Luke 4:16-21, NIV
THE PURPOSES OF CHRISTMAS
Here Jesus speaks to the spiritual and natural realms with a focus on the spiritual.
1/ He came to proclaim good news to the poor.
2/ He came to proclaim freedom for the prisoners.
3/ He came to proclaim recovery of sight for the blind.
4/ He came to set the oppressed free.
5/ He came to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.
Throughout the rest of the New Testament, we’re told Jesus came for other reasons as well:
6/ He came to glorify the Father.
“Glorify Your Son, that Your Son may glorify You.” John 17:1, NIV
This is one of the most overlooked aspects of Jesus’ purpose.
7/ He came to reveal the Father.
“Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father.” John 14:9, NIV
8/ He came to do the work of the Father.
“I have brought You glory on earth by finishing the work You gave Me to do.” John 17:4, NIV
9/ He came to testify to the truth.
“In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to Me.” John 18:37, NIV
10/ He came to serve.
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” Mark 10:45, NIV
11/ He came to preach.
Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else to the nearby villages so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” Mark 1:38, NIV
12/ He came to destroy the works of the devil.
The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work. 1 John 3:8, NIV
The forces of darkness have been disrupted and will be destroyed.
13/ He came to fulfill the law.
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.” Matthew 5:17-18, NIV
14/ He came to identify with us.
Therefore, it was necessary for Him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that He could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Hebrews 2:17, NIV
The only way Christ is not like us is in sin.
And in Him is no sin. 1 John 3:5, NIV
15/ He came to bring division and unity.
“Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” Matthew 10:34, NIV
Jesus came to divide the sheep from the goats and to unify the sheep.
16/ He came to give His life as a ransom for many.
“…and to give His life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45, NIV
17/ He came to give eternal life.
“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10, NIV
18/ He came to seek and to save.
“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:10, NIV
19/ He came to call sinners to repentance.
“I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Luke 5:31-32, NIV
20/ He came to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins and to take our sins aways.
But you know that He appeared so that He might take away our sins. 1 John 3:5, NIV
(Understanding the Beginning of Wisdom)
Psalm147:11 The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him.
Let’s explore foundational facts about the fear of God:
I. The Fear of God is much more than reverential awe.
A. A sense of dreadful awe
1. Abraham’s estimation of King Abimelech and his people
a. Genesis 20:11 ESV Abraham said, “I did it because I thought, ‘There is no fear of God at all in this place, and they will kill me because of my wife.’
2. Paul’s description of wicked humanity
a. Romans 3:18 ESV There is no fear of God before their eyes.
3. Exodus 3:6 ESV And he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.
4. Judges 6:22-23 ESV Then Gideon perceived that he was the angel of the Lord. And Gideon said, “Alas, O Lord God! For now I have seen the angel of the Lord face to face.” 23But the Lord said to him, “Peace be to you. Do not fear; you shall not die.”
5. Isaiah 8:13 ESV But the Lord of hosts, him you shall honor as holy. Let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.
6. Many seem to feel the Incarnation eliminated any need for the fear of God. The Old and New Testament God is the same.
7. Revelation 1:17 ESV When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last,
B. A sense of astonished devotion
1. This is the legitimate sense of awe and respect, which produces worship.
2. If God has removed the fear of wrath, do we still need to fear Him?
a. Philippians 2:12 KJV Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
b. 1 Peter 1:17 KJV And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:
II. What are the reasons we should fear God?
A. Because of who He is.
1. Psalm 89:6-7 NIV For who in the skies above can compare with the Lord?Who is like the Lord among the heavenly beings? 7In the council of the holy ones God is greatly feared; he is more awesome than all who surround him.
2. Jeremiah 10:6-7 NIV No one is like you, Lord; you are great, and your name is mighty in power. 7Who should not fear you, King of the nations? This is your due.Among all the wise leaders of the nations and in all their kingdoms, there is no one like you.
3. “The fear of the Lord is something that takes its specific character from its object, from The Lord {Himself}. It is awe. It is worship. It is wonder. It is absolute adoration.” ─ Peter Kreeft
B. Because of what He has done.
1. Exodus 14:31 NIV And when the Israelites saw the mighty hand of the Lord displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant.
2. Exodus 15:11 NIV Who among the gods is like you, Lord? Who is like you—
majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?
3. Psalm 33:6-9 NIV By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth. 7 He gathers the waters of the sea into jars; he puts the deep into storehouses. 8Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the people of the world revere him. 9For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.
C. Because of what He continues to do.
1. Exodus 20:20 NIV Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.”
2. Psalm 66:5 NIV Come and see what God has done, his awesome deeds for mankind!
3. Psalm 130:3-4 NIV If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand?4 But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you.
III. Is it possible to love God and fear God at the same time?
A. Does 1 John 4:18 complicate the issue?
1 John 4:18 KJV There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
B. Deuteronomy 10:12 NIV And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul,
C. Romans 11:22 NIV Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off.
D. Psalm 118:4 NIV Let those who fear the Lord say: “His love endures forever.”
E. In his book, The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, C.S. Lewis says, “people often think a thing cannot be good and terrible at the same time. If the children had ever thought so, they were cured of it now.” (page 50)
IV. The fear of God comes with special promises.
A. Provision
1. Psalm 34:9-10 NIV Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing. 10The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.
B. Protection
1. Psalm 33:18-19 NIV But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, 19 to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.
C. Victory over sin
1. Psalm 103:12-13 NIV as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. 13 As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;
2. 2 Corinthians 7:1 NIV Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.
D. Blessings
1. Psalm 128:1-4 NIV Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to him. 2You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours. 3Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table. 4Yes, this will be the blessing for the man who fears the Lord.
2. Proverbs 10:27 NIV The fear of the Lord adds length to life, but the years of the wicked are cut short.
E. A legacy
1. Deuteronomy 5:29 NIV Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever!
2. Psalm 103:17 NIV But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children—
IMMANUEL: THE PURPOSES NOVEMBER 30, 2022
INTRODUCTION
Generally, a synagogue “service” would contain three parts: Worship and/or prayer, Scripture readings, and teaching and/or discussion.
Jesus’ first sermon was given during a period referred to as the “Galilean Springtime.” And here, Jesus offers an understanding of why He has come to earth:
(Jesus) went to Nazareth, where He had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day He went into the synagogue, as was His custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. Unrolling it, He found the place where it is written:
“The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Then He rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on Him. He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” Luke 4:16-21, NIV
THE PURPOSES OF CHRISTMAS
Here Jesus speaks to the spiritual and natural realms with a focus on the spiritual.
1/ He came to proclaim good news to the poor.
2/ He came to proclaim freedom for the prisoners.
3/ He came to proclaim recovery of sight for the blind.
4/ He came to set the oppressed free.
5/ He came to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.
Throughout the rest of the New Testament, we’re told Jesus came for other reasons as well:
6/ He came to glorify the Father.
“Glorify Your Son, that Your Son may glorify You.” John 17:1, NIV
This is one of the most overlooked aspects of Jesus’ purpose.
7/ He came to reveal the Father.
“Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father.” John 14:9, NIV
8/ He came to do the work of the Father.
“I have brought You glory on earth by finishing the work You gave Me to do.” John 17:4, NIV
9/ He came to testify to the truth.
“In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to Me.” John 18:37, NIV
10/ He came to serve.
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” Mark 10:45, NIV
11/ He came to preach.
Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else to the nearby villages so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” Mark 1:38, NIV
12/ He came to destroy the works of the devil.
The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work. 1 John 3:8, NIV
The forces of darkness have been disrupted and will be destroyed.
13/ He came to fulfill the law.
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.” Matthew 5:17-18, NIV
14/ He came to identify with us.
Therefore, it was necessary for Him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that He could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Hebrews 2:17, NIV
The only way Christ is not like us is in sin.
And in Him is no sin. 1 John 3:5, NIV
15/ He came to bring division and unity.
“Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” Matthew 10:34, NIV
Jesus came to divide the sheep from the goats and to unify the sheep.
16/ He came to give His life as a ransom for many.
“…and to give His life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45, NIV
17/ He came to give eternal life.
“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10, NIV
18/ He came to seek and to save.
“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:10, NIV
19/ He came to call sinners to repentance.
“I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Luke 5:31-32, NIV
20/ He came to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins and to take our sins aways.
But you know that He appeared so that He might take away our sins. 1 John 3:5, NIV