The Fear of the Lord

What's "The Fear of the Lord: Discover the Key to Intimately Knowing God" about?

• Exploration of Holy Fear: The book delves into the concept of the fear of the Lord as a foundational element for a deep, intimate relationship with God.
• Divine Order and Glory: It outlines a pattern seen throughout the Bible: divine order, followed by God's glory, and then judgment for irreverence.
• Personal Transformation: The author, John Bevere, emphasizes how understanding and embracing the fear of the Lord can transform one's life and relationship with God.
• Scriptural Insights: The book is rich with biblical references and stories that illustrate the importance and impact of fearing God.

Why should I read "The Fear of the Lord: Discover the Key to Intimately Knowing God"?

• Deepen Your Faith: It offers insights into how fearing God can deepen your faith and enhance your spiritual journey.
• Biblical Understanding: The book provides a comprehensive understanding of biblical principles related to the fear of the Lord.
• Practical Application: John Bevere includes practical advice on how to apply the fear of the Lord in everyday life.
• Spiritual Growth: Reading this book can lead to personal and spiritual growth by aligning your life more closely with God's will.

What are the key takeaways of "The Fear of the Lord: Discover the Key to Intimately Knowing God"?

• Fear vs. Afraid: The book distinguishes between being afraid of God and fearing Him, emphasizing that true fear leads to obedience and intimacy.
• Foundation of Relationship: The fear of the Lord is presented as the beginning of wisdom and the foundation for a genuine relationship with God.
• Consequences of Irreverence: It highlights the biblical pattern where irreverence leads to judgment, stressing the importance of respecting God's holiness.
• Blessings of Fear: The book outlines numerous blessings and promises for those who fear the Lord, including wisdom, protection, and provision.

How does John Bevere define the fear of the Lord in the book?

• Reverence and Awe: The fear of the Lord involves giving God the glory, honor, and reverence He deserves.
• Obedience to God: It means esteeming God's desires above our own and obeying His commandments.
• Trembling at His Word: Those who fear God tremble at His Word and presence, indicating a deep respect and commitment.
• Foundation for Intimacy: The fear of the Lord is the starting point for an intimate relationship with God, leading to deeper knowledge and understanding.

What is the pattern of "Order, Glory, Judgment" discussed in the book?

• Divine Order: Before God's glory is revealed, there must be divine order, which involves aligning with God's Word and commands.
• Manifestation of Glory: Once divine order is established, God's glory is revealed, bringing blessings and His presence.
• Judgment for Irreverence: After God's glory is revealed, any irreverence or disobedience is met with immediate judgment.
• Biblical Examples: The book uses examples from the Bible, such as the tabernacle and temple, to illustrate this pattern.

What role does the fear of the Lord play in personal transformation according to the book?

• Heart Alignment: The fear of the Lord aligns the heart with God's will, leading to personal transformation and spiritual growth.
• Protection from Sin: It acts as a safeguard against sin, helping believers to depart from evil and live righteously.
• Foundation for Wisdom: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, providing insight and understanding for life decisions.
• Intimacy with God: It opens the door to a deeper, more intimate relationship with God, where He reveals His secrets and ways.

How does "The Fear of the Lord" address the concept of God's glory?

• Unapproachable Light: God's glory is described as unapproachable light, too magnificent for mortal flesh to behold without a veil.
• Manifestation in Believers: The book emphasizes that God's glory is meant to be revealed in and through believers who fear Him.
• Contrast with Anointing: It distinguishes between the anointing, which can be present without God's approval, and His glory, which requires reverence.
• Future Outpouring: The book anticipates a future outpouring of God's glory that will surpass what was seen in the Book of Acts.

What are the blessings associated with fearing the Lord as outlined in the book?

• Divine Protection: Those who fear the Lord are promised angelic protection and deliverance from harm.
• Provision and Satisfaction: The fear of the Lord leads to provision, satisfaction, and fulfillment in life.
• Wisdom and Understanding: It is the beginning of wisdom and understanding, guiding believers in their decisions and actions.
• Intimacy and Revelation: Fearing God leads to a deeper intimacy with Him, where He reveals His secrets and covenant.

How does John Bevere use biblical examples to illustrate the fear of the Lord?

• Abraham's Test: Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac is used to demonstrate his fear of God and obedience, leading to friendship with God.
• Moses' Intimacy: Moses is highlighted as a friend of God who knew His ways, contrasting with the Israelites who only saw His acts.
• Ananias and Sapphira: Their story illustrates the consequences of irreverence in the presence of God's glory.
• Joseph's Integrity: Joseph's fear of God is shown in his refusal to sin, even in difficult circumstances, leading to his eventual promotion.

What are the best quotes from "The Fear of the Lord: Discover the Key to Intimately Knowing God" and what do they mean?

• "Holy fear is the key to God’s sure foundation, unlocking the treasuries of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge." This quote emphasizes the foundational role of fearing God in accessing His blessings and wisdom.
• "You will serve whom you fear." It highlights the idea that our actions and loyalties are determined by what or whom we fear.
• "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." This underscores the importance of fearing God as the starting point for true understanding and insight.
• "Friendship with the Lord is reserved for those who fear Him." It conveys that intimacy with God is a privilege for those who revere and obey Him.

How does "The Fear of the Lord" differentiate between fearing God and being afraid of God?

• Drawing Near vs. Drawing Back: Those who fear God draw near to Him, while those who are afraid of Him draw back in terror.
• Reverence vs. Terror: Fearing God involves reverence and awe, while being afraid involves dread and avoidance.
• Obedience vs. Disobedience: The fear of God leads to obedience and alignment with His will, while being afraid can lead to disobedience and rebellion.
• Intimacy vs. Distance: Fearing God fosters intimacy and friendship, while being afraid creates distance and separation.

What practical advice does John Bevere offer for cultivating the fear of the Lord?

• Seek God's Knowledge: Pursue the knowledge of God through His Word and prayer, allowing it to transform your heart and mind.
• Obey His Commands: Practice obedience to God's commands, even when it seems difficult or inconvenient.
• Tremble at His Word: Approach God's Word with reverence and a willingness to be corrected and guided by it.
• Prioritize God's Presence: Make God's presence and glory the focus of your life, valuing it above all else.