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The Fear of God

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Sin arises from a lack of fearing God, a fundamental principle that shapes one's relationship with Him. Without this fear, individuals fail to take God into account in their lives, leading to conduct that reveals contempt for Him, even if not verbally expressed. This contempt manifests in actions that disregard God's judgment and the sacrifice of Christ, treating them as negligible. Such a disposition, rooted in the heart, drives sinful behavior, showing a lack of reverence for God's holiness and justice. The absence of fear of God results in a failure to react appropriately to His will, allowing sin to persist. When Adam and Eve sinned, it was because they lacked this fear; they were deceived into believing there would be no consequences for their actions, ignoring the reality that God can destroy in hellfire. Their choice unleashed pain and trauma on mankind, demonstrating how not fearing God leads to catastrophic outcomes. Fearing God is essential to departing from evil and living a godly life. It compels one to hate evil, pride, and arrogance, and to choose righteousness in every circumstance. Without this fear, moral and ethical clarity is lost, and life lacks direction and purpose. Sin flourishes where there is no dread of God's judgment, no recognition of His power to punish, and no submission to His way. Thus, the fear of God is the foundation that prevents sin, guiding one toward salvation by instilling a proper response to His authority and purpose.

The Fear of God (Part Three)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The, listen up! Sin often stems from a lack of fear toward God, and this principle is crucial to grasp. People who do not fear God will drift away from Him, while the fear of God draws us closer to Him, contrary to how we usually flee from our fears. This fear is beneficial, fostering unity among those who respect God's Word, as seen with the 120 who waited in Jerusalem as Jesus Christ commanded, trembling at His Word and steadfastly laying aside their own plans. Consider Ananias and Sapphira, whose sin of deception arose from fearing men more than God. Their desire for human praise led them to lie, lacking the holy fear that respects God's right to truthfulness. Their judgment was swift, just as with Nadab and Abihu, showing that God in the New Testament is no different from the Old. Great fear came upon the church after their punishment, jolting them out of complacency and prompting a reevaluation of attitudes and conduct before God. This fear of God is not a weakness but a vital defense against sin. It prevents us from taking Him for granted or growing contemptuous, ensuring we do not disregard His commands as trivial. Without this fear, sin festers, as seen in those who failed to heed God's Word across time. If satan had feared God, he would not have rebelled so foolishly. We, too, play this foolish game when we lack proper fear, though God patiently works with us as we grow in understanding its importance. The fear of God works alongside faith, hope, and love, enhancing our relationship with Him. It does not hinder love but supports it, ensuring we avoid actions that could damage our bond with Him. God's reaction to sin varies, as seen with Eli's sons compared to Ananias and Sapphira, due to the nearness of His glory and revelation at the time of the sin. Yet, judgment is sure, even if delayed, as God balances mercy and justice, patiently waiting for us to grow while never failing to judge sin.

The Fear of God (Part Four)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Sin arises from a lack of fear of God, leading to grave consequences for those who fail to revere Him. When individuals do not fear God, they risk engaging in behaviors that separate them from His presence, as evil is what distances us from Him. Without this fear, there is a tendency to become careless or negligent in handling God's Word, potentially bringing judgment upon oneself. The absence of fear can deceive one into thinking that delayed justice implies acceptance of sin, yet justice delayed is not justice denied. God cannot be outwitted or outfoxed, and the wages of sin remain death, even if His judgment appears patient. This lack of fear manifests in various forms of disobedience and disrespect, evident in both personal conduct and societal leadership. Leaders and individuals who do not fear God may conceive mischief and lies, ultimately facing His judgment, as they will be brought to fear Him through whatever means necessary. Within the community of believers, a lack of fear can lead to neglecting God's commandments, tarnishing the church's image, and even withdrawing from fellowship, violating the call to encourage and exhort one another. God questions, "Where is My respect?" when His people value lightly the privileges and gifts He has bestowed, such as forgiveness, access to Him, and union with His Son. The fear of God is essential as the first line of defense against sin, preventing the profaning of His name and protecting from pain or death. It is through fearing Him that one departs from evil, prompting God to draw close in reciprocity. Without this fear, individuals may abuse His grace, misunderstanding it as a cover-up for sin rather than a call to change and overcome. God expects transformation, not complacency, and despises the misuse of His grace as a dismissal of His Son's sacrifice. Thus, the absence of fear fosters a cycle of sin, while its presence fosters obedience, reverence, and a deepening relationship with Him.

Sin Defined and Overcome

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Sin creates estrangement from God, causing us to fail in everything we attempt. Sin always produces separation; it never heals, but causes death.

God Works in Marvelous Ways (Part Two)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

God's mysteries have been in plain sight from the beginning of time, but carnality has obscured them from mankind.

Is God in All Our Thoughts?

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

We must not allow the cares of the world, its pressures or its pride, to crowd God out of our thoughts, bringing about abominable works or evil fruits.

Conviction to Godly Righteousness

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Real repentance and conviction of righteousness should dramatically augment prayer, study, meditation, but most importantly, how we live our lives.

God and Reality

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

What God puts us through is designed to reveal reality to us. Accepting His doctrine without looking for loopholes will keep us true.

Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Twenty-Six)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

To keep us secure from the temptations of the world, we must embrace our metaphorical sister, Wisdom, keeping us focused on our relationship with God.

Ecclesiastes (Part Seven)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

We are required to make judgments in our area of influence, in the home and in our own lives. We cannot be careless with God's standards in our own family.

Four Views of Christ (Part 7)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Our lives parallel what Christ experienced: crucifixion, burial, resurrection, and glorification. The death of self must precede resurrection and glory.

Avoiding Detrimental Assumptions

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The world's religions have attempted to cast Almighty God into their faulty images, crafting an evil and destructive situational ethics.

Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Eighteen)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

We accept most of our opinions, prejudices, and beliefs unconsciously. We must scrutinize our own beliefs through the principles of God's Holy Scriptures.

Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Seven)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The church of God is not immune to the deterioration of doctrine. Minor deviations from doctrine bring about irreparable, disastrous consequences.

The Doctrine of Israel (Part Two): The Old Covenant

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

God made the New Covenant because Jacob's offspring did not have what it took to fulfill the terms of the Old Covenant. The carnal mind is hostile to God's law.

Foolishness and Cleansing

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Human nature has a perverse drive to take risks, pushing the envelope, taking unwise chances, foolishly gambling away the future. Foolishness is sin.