The Fear of the Lord!

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.” – Psalm 111:10 NIV

First of all, we must not be misunderstand that “fear” in the context of Psalm 111:10 does not mean scary-fear. It actually means like amazement. Therefore, the first part of first sentence of Psalm 111:10 states, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” This phrase means that we begin to have another wisdom that God has intended us to have if we actually fear Him. This is because the mindsets between the world and the kingdom are totally different and they are completely opposite to each other in the way of thinking and acting. The reason why God has intended us to have the kingdom mindset is that Jesus Christ proclaims, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” (John 14:6-7) This is why Apostle Paul declares, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things… And the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:8-9) if we truly believe that Jesus is the way of the truthful life (John 14:6) and have the kingdom mindset, then the Holy Spirit begins to dwell within us (John 14:15-27). The Holy Spirit is actually the Spirit of God, whom God has poured into us to teach us how to be holy in everything that we do (1 Peter 1:14-16). Furthermore, the Spirit has given us the power to be godliness until the end of the age (2 Peter 1:3-11) “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” (1 Timothy 4:8)

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:1-2)

Moreover, God has created His Word through the apostles and prophets (2 Peter 1:20-21), due to the fact that God knew that following Jesus Christ until the end of the age is going to be too hard for us (Matthew 16:24-27). This means that God is literally able to speak to us through His Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17) if we just abide in the Spirit of God at same time. “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12) Thus overall, the main reason why all of us meant to have the Spirit and the Word of God within us is that God wants us to become the righteousness of God through them. ‘For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”’ (Romans 1:17) Because of this, Jesus Christ was crucified and resurrected (Romans 8:3-4; John 16:7-15)

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him. (Philippians 1:27-29)