WALKING IN THE FEAR OF THE LORD

BIBLE STUDY: WALKING IN THE FEAR OF THE LORD

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Proverbs 9:10
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.”

Supporting Texts:
Proverbs 1:7
Ecclesiastes 12:13
Isaiah 11:2-3
Acts 9:31
Psalm 111:10
Deuteronomy 10:12
Hebrews 12:28-29

INTRODUCTION:
The fear of the Lord is a central theme in Scripture and is often misunderstood. It does not refer to being afraid of God, but rather, having a deep reverence, awe, and respect for Him. To walk in the fear of the Lord is to live in such a way that honours God in all areas of life. It is foundational to living a wise, obedient, and fruitful life. This study will explore the importance of the fear of the Lord, its benefits, and how we can cultivate it in our daily walk.

1. WHAT IS THE FEAR OF THE LORD?
The fear of the Lord is an attitude of the heart that influences our thoughts, actions, and decisions, causing us to live in a manner that pleases God.

a) Reverence for God’s Holiness: The fear of the Lord comes from recognising God’s holiness and our need to live in accordance with His standards (Isaiah 6:1-5).

b) Respect for God’s Authority: Walking in the fear of the Lord means submitting to His authority and acknowledging that His ways are higher than ours (Deuteronomy 10:12).

c) Awe of God’s Power: The fear of the Lord includes a sense of awe for His omnipotence and greatness. It leads us to trust in His sovereign control over all things (Job 37:23-24).

d) Love for God’s Commandments: The fear of the Lord motivates us to obey His Word, knowing that His commandments are for our good (Psalm 112:1).

e) Hatred of Sin: To fear the Lord is to have a deep hatred for sin and to turn away from anything that displeases Him (Proverbs 8:13).

Biblical Example:
Job (Job 1:1) was described as a man who feared God and shunned evil. His reverence for God was evident in his righteous living, even in the face of trials.

2. WHY WALKING IN THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS ESSENTIAL

Walking in the fear of the Lord is not only commanded in Scripture but is also essential for living a life that honours God and experiences His blessings.

a) It Leads to Wisdom: The fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. It helps us make sound decisions and live in a way that pleases God (Proverbs 9:10).

b) It Produces Righteous Living: The fear of the Lord compels us to live holy lives, free from sin and worldly influences (2 Corinthians 7:1).

c) It Brings God’s Blessings: Those who fear the Lord receive His favour, protection, and provision (Psalm 128:1-4).

d) It Strengthens Our Faith: Walking in the fear of the Lord builds trust in His sovereignty and strengthens our faith, especially in times of difficulty (Psalm 115:11).

e) It Keeps Us Humble: The fear of the Lord keeps us humble, reminding us of our dependence on Him and preventing pride and self-reliance (Isaiah 66:2).

Biblical Example:
Solomon (1 Kings 3:7-14) asked God for wisdom to govern Israel, and God granted his request because Solomon feared the Lord. His wisdom became legendary, showing that fearing God is the key to wise leadership.

3. BENEFITS OF WALKING IN THE FEAR OF THE LORD
The Bible outlines several benefits for those who walk in the fear of the Lord, both spiritually and practically.

a) Long Life and Prosperity: The fear of the Lord leads to a life of blessing, peace, and prosperity (Proverbs 10:27; Psalm 128:1-2).

b) Divine Guidance and Instruction: God guides and instructs those who fear Him, showing them the way they should go (Psalm 25:12-14).

c) Protection from Evil: The fear of the Lord provides a shield of protection against the schemes of the enemy and the dangers of the world (Proverbs 14:26-27).

d) Fulfilled Desires and Prayers: The Lord hears the prayers of those who fear Him and fulfills their desires (Psalm 145:19).

e) Intimate Fellowship with God: Those who fear the Lord enjoy a closer, more intimate relationship with Him (Psalm 25:14).

Biblical Example:
Cornelius (Acts 10:1-4) was a devout man who feared God with all his household. His reverence for God led to a divine encounter where he and his family were among the first Gentiles to receive the Holy Spirit.

4. HOW TO CULTIVATE THE FEAR OF THE LORD
Cultivating the fear of the Lord requires intentional effort and a heart that is sensitive to God’s leading. Here are practical ways to develop this crucial aspect of your spiritual life.

a) Spend Time in God’s Word: The Word of God reveals His character and helps us understand the importance of fearing Him. Regular meditation on Scripture deepens our reverence for God (Proverbs 2:1-5).

b) Pray for a Heart that Fears God: Ask the Holy Spirit to cultivate in you a heart that fears the Lord and a desire to walk in His ways (Psalm 86:11).

c) Seek to Obey God’s Commands: True fear of the Lord is demonstrated through obedience to His Word. Make it a priority to follow His instructions (Deuteronomy 6:2).

d) Avoid Compromising with Sin: Develop a strong resistance to sin and compromise. The fear of the Lord keeps us from evil (Proverbs 16:6).

e) Surround Yourself with Godly Influences: Fellowship with other believers who walk in the fear of the Lord will encourage you to do the same (Acts 9:31).

Biblical Example:
Joseph (Genesis 39:7-9) demonstrated the fear of the Lord when he refused to sin with Potiphar’s wife. His fear of God and commitment to righteousness enabled him to resist temptation.

5. THE CONSEQUENCES OF IGNORING THE FEAR OF THE LORD
Failure to walk in the fear of the Lord leads to dire consequences both in this life and in eternity.

a) Spiritual Blindness: Those who lack the fear of the Lord are blinded to spiritual truths and fall into deception (Romans 1:21-22).

b) Moral Decay and Wickedness: Without the fear of God, people are prone to moral decline, embracing sin and unrighteousness (Romans 3:18).

c) Judgment and Separation from God: A life without the fear of the Lord ultimately leads to God’s judgment and eternal separation from Him (Hebrews 10:26-31).

d) Lack of Divine Protection: Ignoring the fear of the Lord exposes us to the attacks of the enemy and the dangers of the world (Proverbs 28:14).

e) Missed Opportunities for Blessings: Those who do not fear God miss out on the blessings and favour that come from walking in reverence and obedience to Him (Isaiah 1:19-20).

Biblical Example:
Pharaoh (Exodus 5:2) displayed no fear of God when he defied Moses and the command to let the Israelites go. His hard-heartedness led to devastating plagues and the eventual destruction of his army.

CONCLUSION:
Walking in the fear of the Lord is essential for every believer who desires to live a life that honours God. It brings wisdom, protection, blessings, and a deeper relationship with Him. As we cultivate the fear of the Lord in our daily lives, we will experience the fullness of His promises and the richness of His presence. Let us strive to live in reverence and awe of the Almighty, knowing that this is the foundation for a life of true success and eternal reward.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, teach me to walk in the fear of Your name every day.

2. Father, give me a deeper reverence for Your holiness and power.

3. Holy Spirit, help me to obey Your Word and avoid compromise.

4. Lord, remove every form of pride and self-reliance from my heart.

5. Father, let the fear of the Lord guide my decisions and actions.

6. Lord, keep me from evil and strengthen my resistance to temptation.

7. Father, grant me wisdom that flows from fearing You.

8. Lord, bless me with the peace and protection that come from fearing You.