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THE FEAR OF THE LORD By Randy Cavender Throughout the Bible, God teaches us that our disposition of mind or attitude is where everything begins. One will quickly see that this is particularly true in the hook of Proverbs. Notice the following passages: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." (Prov. 1:7) "Let not mercy and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart." (Proverbs 3:3) "Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the Issues of life." (Proverbs 4:23) Since these truths are apparent, I must acknowledge that practical component: There must be "the fear of the Lord" in my life. The only way I can have a good life is through the proper respect for God. Let as examine what the Bible says concerning this vital subject. What is the fear of the Lord? The question comes to mind, "What is the fear of the Lord?" In short, it is not a feeling of terror as Paul describes in Romans 8:l5. It is not a cowardly spirit as John condemns in Revelation 21:8. The fear of the Lord is an attitude of respect toward God, which includes the dread of displeasing Him. It is about reverence, respect, love and honor toward God. This is the attitude necessary to please God. The Lack of Fear! It is a sad thing to see the lack of fear in the lives of people today. Especially is this true with those who profess to be Christians. You See, if I want to know what is right, I must have the fear of the Lord. If I want to do what is right, I must respect God. Nevertheless, the lack of this respect is manifested in the lack of faithful service to God and obedience to Christ. Paul instructed the Philippians to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (2:12). Preachers and teachers of God's word need to present lessons designed to encourage, foster and nurture this fear of the Lord. However, when this is not done, the people of God move farther away from God and fail in their responsibilities as Christians. The Results! As we pointed out at the beginning, the book of Proverbs admonishes us to fear the Lord. The same writer, points out the results, for Instance, if we have the fear of the Lord in our lives it will cause us to depart from evil (Prov. 3:7). In fact, a healthy respect for God will cause us to hate evil because of His hatred for sin (Prov. 8:13; 6:16). Furthermore, the fear of the Lord keeps our heart (Prov 23:17). When we all realize that all good or evil things come from our heart, then we will be diligent to keep our hearts right with God. The only way to do this is having the respect, honor and love for God as we ought. Conclusion What is your attitude toward God? Your attitude will determine where you will spend eternity. Thus, "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man's all" (Eccl. 12:13, NKJV) & GOD’S PLAN By Bill Walton In the first century, God's plan for saving the lost and caring for the saved was made known through the apostles and put into practice by their followers. God's plan was simplicity itself. And the success was the marvel of all the world. The gospel was sent to the lost. The poor and needy was cared for. And the church was edified. How was the gospel sent to the lost? By congregations (1 Thes.1:2-8) and individual Christians (Gal. 6:6) supporting evangelists to carry the gospel message all over the world, and by every faithful Christian "who (would) teach others also" (2 Tim. 2:2) How were the poor and needy cared for? By each congregation caring for its own needy (Acts 4:34-35, 1 Tim. 5:16) and receiving help from other congregations when needed (Romans 15:25-26), and by each individual Christian "doing good unto all men" as there was opportunity (Gal. 6:10). How was the church edified? By the elders of each congregation "feeding the flock which is among them" (1Pet. 5:2), and by Christians "exhorting one another" and "provoking one another unto love and good works" (Heb. 10:24-25). This plan is tried and proven! It worked in the first century, and it works well today when put into practice. We do not need a new plan. We do not need an improved plan. But we do need a renewed zeal for executing God's plan. & HOW TO KEEP FROM SINNING By Bob Myhan There are those, even among our own brethren, who teach that man cannot keep from sinning. Others think they are above sin, and do not guard against temptation. David, however, not only knew that he might sin but that he could keep from sinning; and he knew how: “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You” (Psalm 119:11). Thus, to keep from sinning you must hide God’s word in your heart. Spurgeon said that this verse mentions the best thing—God's word—in the best place—my heart—for the best purpose—that I might not sin. “But,” someone asks, “What is the heart and how do I hide God’s word there?” The heart is the inner person and has four distinct natures: intellectual (Matt 9:4); emotional (1 Peter 1:22); ethical (1 John 3:19-21) and volitional (Rom. 6:17; 2 Cor. 9:6-7). When speaking of the heart in its intellectual nature, we call it the mind. When talking of its ethical nature, we refer to it as the conscience. When speaking of its volitional nature, we refer to it as the will. We do not seem to have a separate word for the heart when talking of its emotional nature. To hide God’s word in your mind, emotions, conscience and will, you must: 1 Desire to understand it. (1 Peter 2:2; 2 Thess. 2:10-12) 2 Strive to understand it (2 Tim. 2:15; Eph. 5:17). 3 Appreciate its power (Rom. 1:16; Heb. 4:12; Psalm 19:7). 4 Esteem it highly for its value (Psalm 119:105,161). 5 Store it up in your memory (John 8:32; Deuteronomy 6:4-9). 6 Apply it consistently to your life (James 1:22-25; Luke 6:46). The word of God keeps one from sinning by doing at least six things. 1 It imparts counsel concerning sin (Psalm 1:1-2). 2 It warns of punishment for sin (Rom. 6:23). 3 It makes promises for overcoming sin (James 1:12). 4 It informs of God's love (John 3:16; 1 John 4:9-10, 19). 5 It enjoins practical duties (Rom. 12:9-21). 6 It communicates strength (Eph. 6:10-20). Will we truly be able to keep from sinning? Yes, this was the reason John wrote his first epistle My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. (1 John 2:1). Will we be able to perfectly keep from sinning? Yes, if we perfectly apply these principles. &
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