'The Fear of the Lord Is the Beginning of Wisdom'
The sermon emphasizes the importance of cultivating a godly fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom and a key aspect of a believer's relationship with God.
Greek Word Studies for a sermon on 'Deny' (Arneomai) explores the concept of refusing to consent, stating something is not true, disclaiming association, and saying 'no' to oneself in order to live wholly for Christ. The sermon emphasizes the importance of denying ungodliness and worldly desires, highlighting that grace empowers believers to renounce sinful actions and live in holiness. The act of denial involves a conscious, purposeful action of the will, turning away from destructive behaviors and moving towards godliness. The preacher delves into various Bible passages that instruct believers to deny ungodliness, abstain from fleshly lusts, and live sensibly in the fear of God.
Text
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (Prov. 1:7). Happy the soul that has been awed by a view of God's majesty, that has had a vision of God's awful greatness, His ineffable holiness, His perfect righteousness, His irresistible power, His sovereign grace. Does someone say, "But it is only the unsaved, those outside of Christ, who need to fear God"? Then the sufficient answer is that the saved, those who are in Christ, are admonished to work out their own salvation with "fear and trembling." Time was when it was the general custom to speak of a believer as a "God-fearing man." That such an appellation has become nearly extinct only serves to show whither we have drifted.
Nevertheless, it still stands written, "Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him" (Psalm 103:13).
When we speak of godly fear, of course we do not mean a servile fear, such as prevails among the heathen in connection with their gods. No, we mean that spirit which Jehovah is pledged to bless, that spirit to which the prophet referred when he said, "To this man will I (the Lord) look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word" (Isa. 66:2). It was this the apostle had in view when he wrote, "Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king" (I Pet: 2:17). And nothing will foster this godly fear like a recognition of the Sovereign Majesty of God.
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Godly Fear
- Godly Fear in the Saved
- The Nature of Godly Fear
- Distinguishing from Servile Fear
- The Spirit of Godly Fear
Key Quotes
“Happy the soul that has been awed by a view of God's majesty, that has had a vision of God's awful greatness, His ineffable holiness, His perfect righteousness, His irresistible power, His sovereign grace.” — A.W. Pink
“Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him” — A.W. Pink
“To this man will I (the Lord) look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word” — A.W. Pink
Application Points
- Recognize the Sovereign Majesty of God in order to foster a godly fear.
- Understand the difference between godly fear and servile fear.
- Cultivate a spirit of reverence and awe for God's character and holiness.