Bringing the Fear of God into the Church

Sermon by Prophet Dr. Hope Hodzi

Transcribed from the Sunday Service - May 18, 2025

Proverbs 9:10 (ESV) - "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."

The fear of God is a foundational spiritual attitude that leads to wisdom, humility, obedience and deeper relationship with God. The problem of the church today is that many don't fear God.

This verse highlights the importance of revering God as the foundation of wisdom. The "fear" mentioned here is not about being afraid, but about having a deep respect and awe for God's power, majesty, and holiness. When we fear God in this way, we gain wisdom and understanding, which guides our decisions and actions. In the context of the church, this verse encourages believers to prioritize their relationship with God and cultivate a reverence for Him that leads to wise living.

Deuteronomy 10:12 (ESV) - "And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul."

This verse emphasizes that fearing God is not just a feeling, but a choice to obey and serve Him wholeheartedly. When we fear God, we are motivated to live according to His ways and commandments. In the church, this verse encourages believers to prioritize their love and service to God, demonstrating their fear of Him through their actions and obedience.

Psalm 31:19 (ESV) - "Oh, how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you and worked for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of the children of mankind!"

This verse highlights God's goodness and blessings towards those who fear Him. When we reverence God and take refuge in Him, we experience His goodness and protection. In the church, this verse encourages believers to trust in God's goodness and provision, and to live in a way that honors Him.

Proverbs 10:27 (ESV) - "The fear of the Lord prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be shortened."

This verse suggests that fearing God has tangible benefits, including a long and fulfilling life. When we prioritize our relationship with God and live according to His principles, we experience blessings and protection. In the church, this verse encourages believers to prioritize their walk with God, trusting that His ways lead to life and prosperity.

Proverbs 19:23 (ESV) - "The fear of the Lord leads to life, and whoever has it will rest satisfied; he will not be visited by harm."

This verse reiterates the benefits of fearing God, including a life of satisfaction and protection. When we fear God, we live in a way that honors Him, and He blesses us with peace and security. In the church, this verse encourages believers to cultivate a deep reverence for God, trusting that it will lead to a life of purpose and fulfillment.

Proverbs 22:4 (ESV) - "The reward of humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, honor, and life."

This verse highlights the connection between humility, fearing God, and experiencing His blessings. When we approach God with humility and reverence, we open ourselves up to receiving His riches, honor, and life. In the church, this verse encourages believers to cultivate humility and a deep fear of God, trusting that it will lead to spiritual riches and honor.

By fearing God, we demonstrate our love and respect for Him, and He blesses us with spiritual and material riches and honor.

New Testament Example

Acts 10:34-35 (ESV) - "So Peter opened his mouth and said: 'Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.'"

In this passage, Peter realizes that God's love and acceptance are not limited to a specific group or nation. Instead, God blesses and accepts people from all backgrounds who fear Him and live righteously.

This verse highlights that fearing God is not just about personal piety, but also about experiencing God's acceptance and blessings regardless of one's background or nationality. When we fear God and live according to His principles, we are acceptable to Him, and He blesses us.

Together, these verses emphasize that fearing God leads to:

- Wisdom and understanding (Proverbs 9:10)

- Motivation to obey and serve Him (Deuteronomy 10:12)

- God's goodness and blessings (Psalm 31:19)

- A long and fulfilling life (Proverbs 10:27)

- Satisfaction and protection (Proverbs 19:23)

- Riches, honor, and life (Proverbs 22:4)

- Material blessings (Malachi 3:10, Proverbs 3:9-10)

- Eternal life (John 3:36, 1 John 5:3)

- God's acceptance and blessings regardless of background (Acts 10:34-35)

Fearing God is the foundation of a vibrant and meaningful relationship with Him, and it opens us up to experiencing His love, blessings, and acceptance.

Overall, these verses emphasize the importance of fearing God in the church today. When we prioritize our relationship with God and cultivate a deep respect and awe for Him, we experience wisdom, obedience, and blessings.