This weekend at Eastbrook we continued our series on Proverbs entitled “Words to Live By.” I lead us through a look at what could be termed the key to the life of wisdom according to the Bible: having an appropriate fear of the Lord. I rooted the message in two texts:
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction (Proverbs 1:7).
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding (Proverbs 9:10).
You can listen to my message online at the Eastbrook web-site here. You can also subscribe to the Eastbrook podcast here or follow Eastbrook Church on Twitter.
My message outline is below.
Getting into Proverbs
- Pithy sayings, not promises
- Thematic journeys, not a step-by-step tour
The Fear of the Lord is…
- Not just respect or terror
- Knee-knocking Awe
- Reverent Trust
- Also the source of: obedience, a soft heart, avoiding evil, contentment, humility, a long-term perspective
The Fear of the Lord looks like…
- Abraham (Genesis 22:12) – total obedience
- Job (Job 1:1, 8; 28:28) – absolute trust
- The counter-example of Pharaoh (Exodus 9:30) – disregard for God’s action
- Cornelius (Acts 10:1-2, 34-35) – reverent regard
- John the Apostle (Revelation 1:17-18) – humble freedom
The Fear of the Lord made real:
- Relationship: connecting to the Living God
- Details: our thoughts, our words, our actions
- Attitude: self-regard and God-regard
- Perspective: who and what is worth fearing?
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Matthew Erickson 
I desperately want what the fear of the Lord LOOKS LIKE in my my life. I desperately want the fear of the Lord to be made REAL in my live.
I do not want to be shot and left for dead when I fail in fearing the Lord…