Lesson7-Day 4 Healthy Churches Fear the Lord

What does it mean to fear the Lord? The correct fear of God is reverence and awe. I question myself as to what kind of fear I would have had if I had been witness to Ananias and Sapphira. I think I would be dumbfounded, shaking in my boots. Why? Because I have done the same as them. That is trying to make myself look righteous before man. I think my fear would be similar to my fear of snakes. I am terrified of them just ask my wife. She has what she thinks are funny stories about me and snakes.

This is not the fear of God which is healthy for my fellowship with him or other believers. I need this "right" fear of God to permeate me so that I am holy before him and as a result also before man. Holiness is a pure thinking (Christ revealed) obedient lifestyle that is opposed to my evil desires. The apostle Paul would use some old man new man language.

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. (Ephesians 4:22-24)

Holiness is a lifestyle we are called to and not a condition we simply earn by asking for forgiveness.

Which bring me back to Day 1 of this weeks lesson, How do we grow in holiness from the inside out?