SUNDAY SCHOOL – APRIL 11, 2021 THE FEAR OF THE LORD

TOPIC: THE FEAR OF THE LORD

MEMORY VERSE: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1:7.

LESSON TEXT: Psalms 111:4-10.

4 He has made His wonderful works to be remembered;

The Lord is gracious and full of compassion.

5 He has given food to those who fear Him;

He will ever be mindful of His covenant.

6 He has declared to His people the power of His works,

In giving them the heritage of the nations.

7 The works of His hands are verity and justice;

All His precepts are sure.

8 They stand fast forever and ever,

And are done in truth and uprightness.

9 He has sent redemption to His people;

He has commanded His covenant forever:

Holy and awesome is His name.

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;

A good understanding has all those who do His commandments.

His praise endures forever.

INTRODUCTION: The fear of the Lord is a reverential trust of God coupled with a hatred of evil. It is also an inward attitude of humble reverence toward God, in light of His self-revelation, that results in outward expression of Christ’s likeness. You cannot serve God or keep His commandments if His fear is not in you (Deut.6:13; Eccl.12:13; Prov.8:13).

However, believers should not be scared of God but see the fear of God as respecting, obeying, submitting to His discipline and worshiping Him in awe.

OUTLINES

1. Why Is It Necessary to Fear God?

2. What Are the Benefits of Having the Fear of God?

WHY IS IT NECESSARY TO FEAR GOD?

We are commanded to fear God (Psalm 33:8) because of God’s holiness (Revelation 15:4); greatness (2Kings 17:36); goodness (1Samuel 12:24) and his forgiveness without which we would all have ended up in hell (Psalm 130:4).

The fear of the Lord is also necessary for worship (Psalm 5:7); in service (Heb. 12:28); to keep us from sin (Exodus 20:20); for administration of justice (2 Chronicles 19:6-9); for good governance (2 Samuel 23:3); for the perfecting of holiness in our Christian lives (2 Corinthians 7:1); because of coming judgements against which there is no appeal (Revelation 14:7).

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HAVING THE FEAR OF GOD?

The fear of God brings pleasure to the Lord which in turn brings blessings to man (Psalm 147:11; 112:1). It gives deep knowledge and wisdom (Proverbs 1:7; Psalm 111:10). 

It is a unique weapon against sin (Proverbs 14:26)

It brings protection for believers and their loved ones (Proverbs 14:26). If you fear the Lord, His pity will increase upon you (Psalm 103:13). It makes a man acceptable to God (Acts 10:35). It brings down His mercy (Ps.103:17). It brings long life (Proverbs 10:27; 14:27). It brings answers to prayers (Ps.145:19). It brings separation from evil (Proverbs 16:6). It brings confidence (Proverbs 14.26). It guarantees true riches, honor and life (Proverbs 22:4).

CONCLUSION: Fear the Lord God Almighty.

 QUESTIONS

1. Why should you fear the Lord?

2. What are some of the outcomes of fearing the Lord?

 FURTHER READING: MON: Exo. 14:13; TUE: Isaiah 43:1; WED: Prov. 29:25; THUR: Prov. 15:16; FRI: Mal. 3:16; SAT Eccl. 12:14; SUN: Isaiah 11:12.

 ASSIGNMENT: List five people in the Bible that feared God.