2d • General discussion
Kingdom Key Point 44
I Walk in the Fear of the Lord and It Establishes My Life
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” — Proverbs 9:10 (KJV)
Kingdom Lesson
A Fear Unlike Any Other
There is a word in Scripture that has been misunderstood, minimized, and in many places almost removed from modern Christianity—and that word is fear.
We rightly emphasize grace, intimacy, and relationship with God. But when reverence is lost, stability is lost. The God we call Father is also a consuming fire. The One we call Friend is the One who spoke creation into existence.
The fear of the Lord is not dread. It is reverence, awe, and a deep awareness of who God truly is.
And Scripture is clear: this is not advanced wisdom—it is the beginning of it.
Seeing God as He Is
John, the beloved disciple, walked closely with Jesus. Yet when he encountered Christ in His glorified state on Patmos:
“And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead.” (Revelation 1:17)
This was not fear rooted in rejection—but in revelation.
Eyes like fire.Voice like many waters.Authority beyond comprehension.
And yet—this same Jesus touched him and said, “Fear not.”
This is the tension every leader must hold:He is both overwhelming in holiness and intimate in mercy.
The Balance That Establishes a Life
When intimacy exists without reverence, it produces casual Christianity—comfortable with compromise.
When reverence exists without intimacy, it produces cold religion—correct but disconnected.
But when both are held together, something powerful is formed:
- Deep respect
- True humility
- Stable identity
- Consistent obedience
This is the fear of the Lord.
The Foundation That Cannot Be Shaken
Jesus described the wise man as one who built on the rock:
“He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock…” (Luke 6:48)
The key phrase: digged deep.
The fear of the Lord creates depth.
And depth determines stability.
Every leader will face storms—pressure, testing, opposition. The difference is not the storm, but the foundation.
“The fear of the LORD is a strong tower…” (Proverbs 18:10)
Not an idea—a fortress.
What the Fear of the Lord Produces
The fear of the Lord is not theoretical—it produces visible fruit:
- Wisdom — right decisions
- Integrity — consistency in private and public
- Courage — freedom from the fear of man
- Purity — departure from compromise
- Stability — a life that endures
It governs the inner life so external control becomes unnecessary.
Leaders Who Lived It
Joseph, when tempted, did not respond based on consequence—but conviction:
“How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9)
Daniel purposed in his heart before pressure ever came.
These men were not reacting to situations—they were anchored in reverence.
The fear of the Lord was more real to them than the opportunity to compromise.
And because of that—they were established.
Conclusion: Build Deep, Stand Long
The fear of the Lord is not restrictive—it is protective.
Call Him Father—but do not forget He is holy.Walk in intimacy—but do not lose reverence.
Hold both.
Because the leader who fears God properly builds on a foundation that cannot be shaken.
Kingdom Quote
The fear of the Lord is the foundation that keeps a life steady when everything else is shaking.
Kingdom Prayer
Father, teach me to walk in the fear of the Lord. Let my life reflect reverence, honor, and a true awareness of who You are. Keep me from casualness and from coldness. Establish my life on the foundation of Your wisdom, and let my decisions, character, and leadership flow from a heart that truly fears You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pastor Robert E. Hardy
2
0 comments
Kingdom Key Point 44
