The Fear of the Lord

Dennis Tuuri

Outline: The Fear of the Lord (Part One) Sermon Notes for January 14, 2007 by Pastor Dennis R. Tuuri The fear of the Lord is a New Testament characteristic. 1. It’s presence is a summary description of the church and is put in parallel with the edifying, strengthening work of the Holy Spirit, and it results in peace. (Context: Conversion of Saul) Acts 9:31 Then the churches throughout all Judea , Galilee , and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit , they were multiplied. Revelation 19:5 Then a voice came from the throne, saying, “Praise our God, all you His servants and those who fear Him, both small and great!” (From Next Week: 1. It results from Sprit-filled angry men, who put the elect in mind of the judgments of God.) 1 Sa 11:5 Now, behold, Saul was coming from the field behind the oxen. And Saul said, “What is wrong with the people, that they are weeping?” So they told him the news of the men of Jabesh. 6 And the Spirit of God rushed upon Saul when he heard these words, and his anger was greatly kindled. So he took a yoke of oxen and cut them in pieces, and sent them throughout all the territory of Israel by the hands of messengers, saying, “Whoever does not go out with Saul and Samuel to battle, so it shall be done to his oxen.” And the fear of the Lord fell on the people, and they came out with one consent. 2. Its absence is a summary description of fallen man. Romans 3:9-19 0 What then? Are we better than they ? Not at all. For we have previously charged both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin.10 As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one; 11 There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God. 12 They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one.” 13 “Their throat is an open tomb; With their tongues they have practiced deceit”; “The poison of asps is under their lips”;14 “Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.”15 “Their feet are swift to shed blood; 16 Destruction and misery are in their ways; 17 And the way of peace they have not known.” 18 “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” 19 Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. 3. It is commanded of us, and manifests itself in a sincere obedience towards God’s image-bearers. It is tied to a judgment of our works. Colossians 3:22-25 22 Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God.23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.25 But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality. 4. It is the necessary precondition for receiving God’s mercy. Luke 1:50 “ And His mercy is upon generation after generation Toward those who fear Him . 5. It is a basic motivation for our ongoing sanctification, and is not antithetical to the promises of God. 2 Corinthians 6:11-17:1 11 O Corinthians! We have spoken openly to you, our heart is wide open.12 You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted by your own affections.13 Now in return for the same (I speak as to children), you also be open.14 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever?16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell in them And walk among them . I will be their God, And they shall be My people.” 17 Therefore “Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.”18 “I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the Lord Almighty.” 7:1 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. (From Next Week: 13. It aids our sanctification) Proverbs 16:6 In mercy and truth Atonement is provided for iniquity; And by the fear of the Lord one departs from evil. Proverbs 23:17 Do not let your heart envy sinners, But be zealous for the fear of the Lord all the day; 6. It is the context for our New Creation mutual submission to one another, and is linked to thanksgiving and the beautiful musical work of the filling of the Holy Sprit. Ephesians 5:18-22 18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit,19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,21 submitting to one another in the fear of God. 22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 7. It is a motivation for evangelism, and is tied to a judgment of works. Once more, it is tied to courage/strength. 2 Co 5:6-11 6 So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9 So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. 11 Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences. 8. It is a general description of an elect Gentile. As such, it is tied to the basic disciplines of alms-giving and prayer. Acts 10:1,2 1 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment,2 a devout man and one who feared God with all his household , who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always. 9. Its foundation is a proper dread of the One who can punish temporally and eternally. Dt. 28 Matthew 10:28 “And do not fear those who kill the body, but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Luke 12:5 “But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who after He has killed has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him 10. It’s presence is eminently reasonable. Re 15:4 4 Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest. (From Next Week: 5. It can be taught and learned) Psalm 34:11 Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. (From Next Week: 7. It can be chosen.) Proverbs 1:29 Because they hated knowledge And did not choose the fear of the Lord, (From Next Week: 14. It is found in our Savior.) Isaiah 11:2,3 The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. 3 His delight is in the fear of the Lord, And He shall not judge by the sight of His eyes, Nor decide by the hearing of His ears; Isaiah 33:6 (NASB) 6 And He shall be the stability of your times, A wealth of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge; The fear of the Lord is his treasure.