Episode The Fear of the Lord | Week 3
Being afraid of something doesn’t sound preferable, but throughout the Bible we see benefits from fearing the Lord. Find out what that can look like for us today and what we’ll experience when we do!
Chapter 11
Have you ever found fear to be comforting? Those two words don’t seem to belong together, do they? Fear and anxiety are a better fit. But join the Discover the Word group this week as they wrap up their three-week series called “The Fear of the Lord” by exploring why the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. In this conversation, they discuss how the Gospels describe “the fear of the Lord” by connecting fear and comfort.
Chapter 12
We don’t usually associate fear with commitment but join the Discover the Word group as they explore how the book of Acts often uses the term “God-fearing” as a way of describing a commitment to God. Daniel Ryan Day is continuing to lead Bill Crowder, Elisa Morgan, and Rasool Berry to understand what the fear of the Lord is—and how it leads to wisdom.
Chapter 13
What does it look like to fear God? In this Discover the Word conversation, the group explores some ways that Jesus’ disciple Peter encouraged early followers of Jesus to fear God. He shared in a letter how people could demonstrate their fear of God and why that would lead to living with wisdom. Discover how this even impacts the way we treat others.
Chapter 14
Do you long for the day when Jesus will make all things right? Join the Discover the Word group as they explore how the fear of the Lord helps us draw closer to God—and even helps us have confidence in the time when Jesus will make all things right. Discover how the book of Revelation connects fearing God to the most amazing future we could imagine.
Chapter 15
The fear of the Lord is mentioned throughout both the Old and New Testaments. And it’s stated as the starting point for the kind of wisdom that will help us live life well. In this conversation, the Discover the Word group concludes a three-week series called “The Fear of the Lord.” Discover how having a healthy, Bible-informed fear of God integrates us with who He is—and allows us to have a relationship with Him that can handle our questions, our struggles, and our joys.
About This Episode
- Show Notes
Receive
The fear of the Lord is the starting place for wisdom and it leads to a never-ending friendship with a loving God. Scripture reveals that fearing the Lord is intended to comfort us not to scare us. Because the more we understand God’s character, the more we are compelled to revere Him. God’s Word guides us to express our fear of the Lord through right living, rejecting evil, and clinging to what is good.
Reflect
- Read the verses connected with this episode below. As you reflect on the Scripture, what stands out to you?
- Matthew 10:26-31 helps the disciples understand how much God cares for them—and how much He’s in control, even during tribulations. How does this encourage you to know that God is on your side?
- Acts 10:1-2, 34-35 shows that those who fear God leave an openness to be surprised with how He works. How does this encourage you to look for God’s mighty presence and expansive invitation in your life?
- 1 Peter 2:11-17 summarizes a picture of what it looks like to fear God (live in freedom, respect everyone, love the family of believers, honor authority). How does keeping God first in these kinds of ways help you live in the world better?
- Revelation 14:6-8 shows that the fear of the Lord is linked to God’s judgment which can lead to worship and praise. How does this fear of the Lord draw you closer into relationship with Him?
Respond
(Use this prayer to start a conversation with God)
“Jesus, help me demonstrate my reverence for God by living in His freedom, respecting others, loving fellow believers, and honoring the authorities He has placed in my life. Help me see how putting God first in these kinds of ways leads me to live well.”
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