Proverbs 1:7 - The fear of the Lord, is the beginning of wisdom.
What is fear?
- Fear is the acknowledgement of the existence of something or someone who has greater power than you do, and can impact your life directly or indirectly.
But, what is fear of God?
- Fear of God, is not a negative emotion (like fear of future or fear of loss); It's rather a positive declaration of God's Sovereignty and power over everything.
- Fear can take the form of respect, given to the One in authority.
- Fear of God could also mean an unconditional submission to God's plans
- The fear of the Lord is the attitude that enables us to seek God's will
How do we know that the "fear of God" manifests in us?
- When there's an increasing tendency in us to move away from places or things or people or practices, that can negatively impact my relationship with God. (Proverbs 3:7 - Fear the Lord and depart from evil)
- When we lean on the Holy Spirit all the time, in order to please God through obedience to His Words, which are in accordance with His perfect will.
- When we fear the prospect of missing out on God's will (when I lean on my own understanding).
- When we value obedience to God; and do not compromise with the world.
What is fear?
- Fear is the acknowledgement of the existence of something or someone who has greater power than you do, and can impact your life directly or indirectly.
But, what is fear of God?
- Fear of God, is not a negative emotion (like fear of future or fear of loss); It's rather a positive declaration of God's Sovereignty and power over everything.
- Fear can take the form of respect, given to the One in authority.
- Fear of God could also mean an unconditional submission to God's plans
- The fear of the Lord is the attitude that enables us to seek God's will
How do we know that the "fear of God" manifests in us?
- When there's an increasing tendency in us to move away from places or things or people or practices, that can negatively impact my relationship with God. (Proverbs 3:7 - Fear the Lord and depart from evil)
- When we lean on the Holy Spirit all the time, in order to please God through obedience to His Words, which are in accordance with His perfect will.
- When we fear the prospect of missing out on God's will (when I lean on my own understanding).
- When we value obedience to God; and do not compromise with the world.
- When we fear God, we fear nothing (and no-one) else.
Enter Love
Perfect love casts out fear (I John 4:18)
- Fear -> Wisdom -> Love: Fear is the beginning of Wisdom; And the Highest form of Wisdom is Love.
- Love is all-inclusive and overshadows everything else; For God Himself is LOVE.
- When you value God's will in every aspect of your life => You fear God
- When you seek God's will in every area of your life => You are wise
- When you're ready to pay any cost for following God's will => You love God
- When you know God's power => You fear Him
- When you know God's heart (His character) => You love Him
When we love God, do we stop fearing Him?
Psalm 2:11
Serve the Lord with fear, And rejoice with trembling.
- Even though we love God, there are times we worship Him with absolute awe and adoration.
Perfect love casts out fear (I John 4:18)
- Fear -> Wisdom -> Love: Fear is the beginning of Wisdom; And the Highest form of Wisdom is Love.
- Love is all-inclusive and overshadows everything else; For God Himself is LOVE.
- When you value God's will in every aspect of your life => You fear God
- When you seek God's will in every area of your life => You are wise
- When you're ready to pay any cost for following God's will => You love God
- When you know God's power => You fear Him
- When you know God's heart (His character) => You love Him
When we love God, do we stop fearing Him?
Psalm 2:11
Serve the Lord with fear, And rejoice with trembling.
- Even though we love God, there are times we worship Him with absolute awe and adoration.
- It takes wisdom (given by the Holy Spirit), to know when to love God and when to fear Him.
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