If God is love, then why does He command us to fear Him? Dr. Stanley clarifies how the fear of the Lord isn't about being afraid of God; it’s about revering Him above all else. Explore this seeming contradiction a little further and discover the truth of Dr. Stanley’s words: “The fear of the Lord is the source of every blessing imaginable.”
Sermon Outline
What does it mean to fear God? Many people think it means living in terror of divine punishment. But fearing God is something far different—and far more beautiful. This week, Dr. Stanley explores what it truly is to fear the Lord and why this attitude transforms the believer’s life.
Key Passage: Deuteronomy 13:4
Supporting Passages: Psalm 33:8; Psalm 34:7; Psalm 145:19; Proverbs 1:7; Proverbs 3:7-8; Proverbs 9:10; Proverbs 10:27; Proverbs 14:6; Proverbs 16:6; Proverbs 19:23; Romans 3:10-18; Philippians 2:10; Hebrews 9:27
For those living in sin, there’s reason to be afraid of a holy God. But for believers, fear of God is a blessing.
►“The wisest decision a person can make is to fear the Lord.”
Fearing God means we ...
Reverence, honor, and exalt Him.
Worship Him and hold Him in the highest esteem.
Obey Him and acknowledge His position as Creator and Judge.
Here are 10 reasons to fear the Lord (and how it blesses us). Doing so …
Is something He requires (Deut. 13:4)—God commands us to follow, fear, obey, serve, and cling to Him.
Is the beginning of knowledge (Prov. 1:7)—Without fearing God, you’re missing the foundation of all true knowledge: knowing who He is and who you are in relation to Him.
Is the beginning of wisdom (9:10)—God gives wisdom to those willing to ask, surrender, and yield to Him.
Keeps you from evil (16:6)—God within you creates a desire for righteousness.
Promotes health (3:7-8)—Honoring God brings renewed health and vitality.
Gives confidence (14:26)—You never face anything alone when God dwells within you.
Is a fountain of life—Christ’s life flows through believers, producing the fruit of the Spirit. (See 14:27.)
Leads to fulfilled desires (Ps.145:19)—When you fear God, you’ll desire what He desires for you. (See Ps. 37:4.) And He promises to fulfill those longings.
Brings divine protection (34:7)—The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him.
Leads to real life (Prov. 19:23)—The fear of the Lord is the source countless blessings.
► “The fear of the Lord leads to real life—the true life.”
The cost of not fearing God:
Disobedience to God is foolish, costly, and ultimately futile.
A life lived without reverence for God lacks true meaning and direction.
A person who lives 40 years trusting God experiences more “real life” than someone who reaches 70 without Him.
After Watching
Look back at the ways fearing God transforms life. Which do you need most? Wisdom? Confidence? Protection? This week, before you make decisions or respond to challenges, pause and remind yourself: God is holy, sovereign, and worthy of reverence.
Spend some time reflecting on this truth: Living 40 years in reverence to God brings more real life than 70 years without Him. Also, pay attention to moments when you honor God and moments when you forget Him. What differences do you notice?
