Parenting by the Book
STUDY 111
Text: Proverbs 14
10 August 2003
Dear Parents,
THE THEME: “THE FEAR OF THE LORD”
Once again, we have the theme of “The Fear of the Lord” taken up. This is not just a repeated theme. Each time this theme comes up a new dimension is discussed. Let us consider this theme in the following text.
In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence,
And His children will have a place of refuge.
The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life,
To turn one away from the snares of death.Proverbs 14:26-27
WHAT IS THE FEAR OF THE LORD?
Each time we come across this phrase, we must seek to re-define our understanding of it.
1. It involves a strong sense of the Presence of the Lord.
2. Of course there must be an understanding that there is essential faith in God in the first place.
3. The fear of the Lord is therefore a reference to one who practices his faith in God consciously.
4. There is a good and healthy reverence of God.
Children should be brought up in the knowledge of the Scriptures. However, that in itself is not sufficient. They must also be taught how to apply their faith in the Lord. They must be taught to reverence or fear the Lord in their daily life.
POWERFUL AND PRACTICAL INFLUENCE IN LIFE
When a person practices his faith consciously, he will find that it has a direct impact on his life.
1. He finds that he has a very strong and confident approach towards life.
His knowledge of God’s involvement in his life enables him to look at life in the most positive manner.
2. He finds that God is a wonderful source of refuge in times of difficulties.
Children should be taught to turn to God in faith. If they learn how to resort to God in meaningful prayer they will find Him a great source of comfort at all times!
Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie