1. The Fear of God Matthew 10:28 1

2. Religious and Moral Corruption A choice to ignore God, Rom. 1:18-32 Must choose to give God His rightful place of honor in our hearts and lives, Eccl. 12:13; Acts 10:34-35 What is the fear of the Lord? Do we fear God? –Reverence, awe and respect for God –Dread of displeasing God, coupled with faith and love -- compel us to obey Him –Goal of pleasing God is the controlling motive, 2 Cor. 7:1 2

3. The Fruit and Benefits of the Fear of God The starting point of knowledge and instruction, Prov. 1:7 –To refuse invites the vanity of sin, Rom. 1:21, 28 The beginning of wisdom, Prov. 9:10 –Honors God’s wisdom, Rom. 1:22 –Teaches us to fear God, Prov. 15:33 It leads us to depart from evil, Prov. 16:6; 8:12-14; 3:5-7 (Rom. 1:28) 3

4. The Fruit and Benefits of the Fear of God It leads us to pursue righteousness –Obedience, Deut. 10:12-13 –Worship and service, Deut. 6:13; Matt. 4:10 –Give glory to God, Rev. 14:7 –Given to lust without it, Rom. 1:24 It protects and strengthens, Prov. 14:26-27; Psa. 33:18-21 4

5. Those Who Fear God Ecclesiastes 8:12 God’s goodness is laid up for them, Psa. 31:19; cf. Rom. 2:4 They shall not lack, Psa. 34:9 (23:1); Phil. 4:19 (Matt. 6:33) God’s mercy is upon them, Psa. 103:11-14 God takes pleasure in them, Psa. 147:10-11 Are happy people, Prov. 28:14 5

6. When People Do Not Fear God Ecclesiastes 8:13 Moral restraint disappears, Rom. 1:24, 26, 28; Matt. 10:28 –Door is opened for all kinds of injustice toward men and irreverence toward God (Rom. 1:18) They live in rebellion against God, Psa. 36:1 (Rom. 3:18) 6

7. “Where is My Reverence?” Malachi 1:6 It must be seen in the knowledge and wisdom we use in our lives It must be seen by turning away from sin It must be seen by pursuing righteousness The fear of God must govern every relationship and every action Holiness is perfected in the fear of God, 2 Cor. 7:1 (Eccl. 12:13) 7