Sunday School Lesson 20
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
BIBLE PASSAGE: Psalms 111:4-10 KJV
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.
LESSON OUTLINES
- Why Is It Necessary To Fear God?
- 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 (2 Kings 17:36); goodness (1 Samuel 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).
2. 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, honour and life (Proverbs 22:4).
CONCLUSION: Fear the Lord God Almighty.
QUESTIONS:
- Why should you fear the Lord?
- What are some of the outcomes of fearing the Lord?
FURTHER READING:
Monday: Exodus 14:13; And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.
Tuesday: Isaiah 43:1; But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.
Wednesday: Proverbs 29:25; The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.
Thursday: Proverbs 15:16; Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.
Friday: Malachi 3:16; Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.
Saturday: Ecclesiastes 12:14; For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
Sunday: Isaiah 11:12: And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.