Fear the Lord

Proverbs 1:1-7

As we begin a new sermon series on wisdom, there are two fundamental truths about wisdom that need to be stressed.

First is that true wisdom and knowledge are obtained only through a fear of the Lord. This is repeated throughout Scripture (Proverbs 1.7; 9.10; 15.33; Job 28.28; Psalms 111.10). This kind of "fear" is not an unhealthy horror toward someone. Instead, it is a healthy reverence or awe. In other words, if one wants to gain true wisdom or knowledge, then s/he needs to depend on God.

Second, as valuable as wisdom is, it can also be an idol or a cause of sin. When we seek good things, like wisdom, outside of our relationship with God, then we are actually robbing God. To many, this might sound absurd. Therefore, it's important to remember that God is holy and the creator of all things. Everything belongs to him. A classic example of this is Adam and Eve. They sinned by eating the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil. Yet, it wasn't the fruit or knowledge that was sinful; rather, it was their desire to attain this knowledge outside of their relationship with God that was sinful. This is why Scripture repeatedly states: "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge." True wisdom or knowledge can only be found in one's relationship with God.

Since God is the creator of all things and is worthy of all of our worship, this same principle applies for everything else in life. Everything is intended to be enjoyed by us only within the context of our relationship with God. Apart from Christ, we will always be like Adam and Eve: we constantly value the things of this world over our relationship with God. We will choose wisdom, knowledge, security, comfort, affirmation, success, etc. instead of God every time.

Praise God, however, that our identity is no longer in Adam and Eve. For those who believe in and submit to the gospel of Jesus Christ, our identity is now in Christ. Therefore, we now have the power to fear the Lord and value him over all things. Within the context of a reverential relationship with God that Christ has established for us, we can now enjoy things like wisdom.

Questions:

1. Read the passage together and review your sermon notes. Share with one another what the Spirit might have been placing on your heart through the sermon.

2. In what ways do you seek after things like wisdom apart from your relationship with God?

3. What does it mean that you can enjoy things like wisdom within the context of a reverential relationship with God? Share about an example of what this would look like.

4. Take a moment and write a journal entry/prayer to God. Confess what your life would be like if your identity was still in Adam and Eve, then praise God that, because of the gospel, your identity is now in Christ. Share with one another what you wrote (or a summary of what you wrote).