Acknowledgments L
iving Logos was the heart-work of Bro Dale Starks and Sis Josephine Starks, missionaries to Singapore in the early 1980s. As the original authors of this devotionals, the Starks meant for these self-study materials to help new converts (and matured saints alike) get a hold of an understanding of God’s written Word. Since Sis Stark’s passing in 2013, the couple had graciously entrusted Tabernacle of Joy with its copyright. Therefore, with every print run, we would like to honour their life work and sacrifice in bringing the gospel to Singapore. This copy is an updated and revised version. Be blessed as you immerse yourself in the Word and allow God to transform you into the likeness of Jesus Christ.
1
Spiritual Growth 2
Spiritual Growth 2
Lesson
Twenty
One
The FeAr oF goD We can define “the fear of the Lord” as reverence for Him, awe of Him, and respecting His righteous judgment.
i. the fear of the Lord iS:
1. the beginning of wisdom (Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 9:10). 2. the beginning of knowledge (Proverbs 1:7). 3. the source of life (Proverbs 14:27). 4. the instruction of wisdom (Proverbs 15:33). 5. clean (Psalm 19:9).
ii. Many bLeSSingS are proMiSed to thoSe who fear the Lord:
1. God “honoureth them that fear” Him (Psalm 15:4). 2. “For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward them that fear him” (Psalm 103:11). 3. “Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him” (verse 13). 4. “But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children” (verse 17). 5. “He will bless them that fear the LORD, both small and great” (Psalm 115:13). 6. “The fear of the LORD prolongeth days” (Proverbs 10:27).
138
7. “The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil” (Proverbs 19:23).
8. “By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life” (Proverbs 22:4). 9. “In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge” (Proverbs 14:16). 10. “Better is litte with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith” (Proverbs 15:16). iii. becauSe of the fear of the Lord, peopLe change their LifeStyLeS: 1. “Fear the LORD, and depart from evil” (Proverbs 3:7). 2. “The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate” (Proverbs 8:13). 3. “...by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil” (Proverbs 16:6). Jesus taught: And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. — matthew 10:18 The early church feared the Lord, and because of this they continued to walk in holiness and experience a continual outpouring of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:43; 5:1-11; 9:31; 19:13-17). The apostles also taught concerning fearing the Lord: 1. Paul: II Corinthians 7:1; Philippians 2:12; I Timothy 5:20; Hebrews 12:28 2. Peter: I Peter 1:17; 2:17 3. John: Revelation 14:7; 19:5 The conclusion of the whole matter: And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul. — deuteronomy 10:12
139
VOCABULARY
140
arrogancy
—
pride, haughtiness
confidence
—
trust, reliance, assure
haughtiness
—
thinking highly of one’s self
humility
—
condition of being humble, lowly, not proud
prolong
—
to lengthen or extend in time or space
source
—
place of origin, beginning
Lesson Twenty Test Spiritual Growth 2
1-5
List five things that the fear of the Lord is.
6-15 List ten blessings that belong to those who fear the Lord.
16
“Fear the LORD and ________________ from evil.�
17
The fear of the LORD is to ____________________ evil.
18
What did Jesus teach concerning fearing the Lord?
19
What does the Lord require?
20
What was of special interest to you in this lesson?
141
205 Henderson Road, #07-01 Henderson Industrial Park, S159549 Tel: 63344022 Email: contactus@tabjoy.org Website: www.tabjoy.org