Genesis 42:18; Job 28:28; Psalm 34:9,11 In this study we will be using Joseph as our case study.
The central principle of the life of Joseph was fear of God: “And Joseph said … I fear God”. From his teen, when he was sold into slavery and was tempted by Potiphar’s wife, to when he became a ruler in Egypt, he was ruled and controlled by the fear of God. in spite of the adverse wind blowing, rising storm, persecution, affliction he still lived by the fear of God as his guiding principle. The principle made him lived the way he did, accomplished all he did under the presence, control, influence of the Almighty God.
1. COMMAND FOR ALL MEN TO FEAR GOD
Ecclesiastes 12:13,14; Deuteronomy 10:12,13,20; 31:12, 13; We are commanded to fear God.
The fear the Bible talks about is not emotional fear but the fear that knows that there is a judgment day coming. We ought to learn to fear God. that is the purpose God bring us together to learn. The fear of God is not for new converts and awakened sinners only but for all Christians. It is fear connected with observing to do all that the word of God says, with obedience to all the commandments of God.
*It not enough to profess the fear of God; it is more than just mere talking or a private perception; the true reflection of that fear will be made manifests in our actions and speech.
2. CONDEMNATION FOR MEN WHO DO NOT FEAR GOD
Ecclesiastes 8:11-13; Proverbs 1:29,24-28, 30-32; Jeremiah 2:19; Psalm 36:1-4,12; Deuteronomy 25:17-19;
Many people do not fear God because He does not always pass instant judgment like He did on Ananias and Sapphira. But that does not mean judgment will not come. If a wicked person persists in doing evil, no matter his positive confession, one day judgment will surely come upon him.
Not fearing God, not having respect, honour or reverence for Him brings judgment, condemnation, curse, problem, yoke, perdition and eternity in hell as we see in the case of the Amalekites or in the case of men brought into the cities of Samaria by the king of Assyria.
Some pray and fast, yet they fear not the Lord. Therefore, their mountains remain.
Recommended Reading
10 Guidelines That will Keep You In Minsrtry
Top Ten Lessons from the Life of Eve
Leaders Who Scatter Churches
3. CHARACTER OF MEN WHO FEAR GOD
Deuteronomy 5:29; Proverbs 3:7; 8:13; 16:6; Job 1:8; 2:3; Nehemiah 7:2; Genesis 22:12; Jeremiah 32:38-40.
What is the character of one that fear God?
1. He departs from evil.
2. He hates evil and separates himself from it.
3. He holds on to his integrity and does not go back to evil even when negative things occur.
4. He is faithful to God.
5. He transfers the same to his children.
LET US ASK FOR GRACE TO BE ABLE TO WALK IN THE FEAR OF THE LORD ALL THE DAYS OF OUR LIVES.