Message Notes

(I) THE TEACHING OF “THE FEAR OF THE LORD”

1. Well-Understood Teaching

a) Solomon

“Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all”   Ecclesiastes 12:13

b) The Sons of Levi

“My covenant was with him, one of life and peace;
And I gave them to him that he might fear Me;
So he feared Me, and was reverent before My name” Malachi 2:5

2. Great Statements

a) From the LORD Himself

“Oh, that they had such a heart in them that they should fear Me and always keep My commandments…” Deuteronomy 5:29

b) Collective national understanding expressed in Proverbial sayings

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge…”   Proverbs 1:7

“In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence…” Proverbs 14:26

(II) THEME TAKEN UP IN THE PSALMS

1. Many types of Psalms

a) Praise

b) Prayer

c) Penitence

d) Didactic historical

2. Many themes explored

One of the great themes- “The fear of the Lord”

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom”  Psalm 111:10

“Blessed is the man who fears the LORD,
who delights greatly in His commandments” Psalm 112:1 

(III) EXPRESSIONS OF “THE FEAR OF THE LORD”

1. Uprightness

“His righteousness endures forever”  Psalm 112:3b, 9c

2. Graciousness

“He is gracious and full of compassion, and righteous” Psalm 112:4b

3. Discretion

“He will guide his affairs with discretion” Psalm 112:5a

4. Steadfastness

“His heart is steadfast, trusting the LORD”   Psalm 112:7b

5. Generosity

“He has dispersed abroad; He has given to the poor” Psalm 112:9

LORD OF ALL

Along the rims of outer space

God moves as here on earth;

His love creates, His hand provides

Each thing of noble worth.

Where’er worlds are soon shall be

Each ting shall sing God’s praise

For He by whom each dawn is made

Shall rule o’er all our days.

No heart too small, no word too wide

To feel the Master’s touch;

Dear Lord of all we give Thee thanks

For Thou has sent so much.

O keep us, Lord, and help us live

Within these worlds of Thine

With hearts that look to Thee for grace

To grow in Light divine.

– Phyllis C. Michael –