Outline

 

1. The Injunction

2. Promises to Those Who Fear God

3. The Good Effects of This State of Mind

4. Indications of This Affection

5. Warning to the Fearless

6. A Mistaken Form of Fear

 

1. The Injunction

 

Psalm 2:11 Serve the Lord with reverent fear, and rejoice with trembling.

 

Deuteronomy 6:13 You must fear the Lord your God and serve him. When you take an oath, you must use only his name.

 

2. Promises to Those Who Fear God

 

Psalm 31:19 How great is the goodness you have stored up for those who fear you.   You lavish it on those who come to you for protection, blessing them before the watching world.

 

Psalm 103:11 For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.

 

Luke 1:50 He shows mercy from generation to generation to all who fear him.

 

3. The Good Effects of This State of Mind

 

Proverbs 9:10 Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom.   Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.

 

Proverbs 16:6 Unfailing love and faithfulness make atonement for sin.  By fearing the Lord, people avoid evil.

 

Proverbs 19:23 Fear of the Lord leads to life, bringing security and protection from harm.

 

4. Indications of This Affection

 

Proverbs 14:2 Those who follow the right path fear the Lord; those who take the wrong path despise him.

 

Proverbs 8:13 All who fear the Lord will hate evil.  Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance,   corruption and perverse speech.

 

5. Warning to the Fearless

Proverbs 28:14  Blessed are those who fear to do wrong,  but the stubborn are headed for serious trouble.

 

1 Corinthians 10:12 If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall.

 

6. A Mistaken Form of Fear

 

1 John 4:17-18 And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world.   18 Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.