~ Lessons From Proverbs 21 ~
God does not want His children living in fear. “Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue” (2 Peter 1:2-3). However, God does want His children to have a proper respect and reverence for Him. We are told in many places in Scripture to “fear God.”
This Week’s Passage ~ “My son, if you receive my [wisdom] words [1], and treasure my commands within you [2], so that you incline your ear to wisdom [3], and apply your heart to understanding [4]; yes, if you cry out for discernment [5], and lift up your voice for understanding [6], if you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures [7]; then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding; He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk uprightly; He guards the paths of justice, and preserves the way of His saints. Then you will understand righteousness and justice, equity and every good path” (Proverbs 2:1-9).
Important Points ~ There are a number of important points in this short passage including, but not limited to:
[1] You cannot receive God’s Word if you are not reading and studying God’s written Word the Bible.
[2] Allow the Word of God to penetrate your thinking, conscience, and action.
[3] Really listen to the wisdom from above.
[4] The goal is application. How can you apply what you are learning?
[5] Spend time alone with God in prayer seeking His guidance.
[6] Be specific in asking God for direction in specific situations you face.
[7] Be observant of how God is directing and working.
Summary ~ Seek wisdom! That is seek God’s face and His direction in all of your life’s activities.
Fearing God Results in Salvation ~ “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31). “A wise person fears and departs from evil, but a fool rages and is self-confident” (Proverbs 14:16). This does not mean the Christian is to live a fearful life—but a life which reverences God and seeks to do His will.
Fearing God Results in Fearlessness ~ “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1). The answer is: only God. With the gift of salvation comes responsibility.
Fearing God Results in Witnessing ~ “Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will declare what He has done for my soul” (Psalm 66:16).
~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.
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