Week of 5/24/26: Growing in the Fear of the Lord
SUMMARY
Formation Theme: Be the Church - Formed in Wisdom and LoveWeekly Theme: Be the Church - Growing In the Fear of the Lord
Sermon Text: Proverbs 1
Primary Reading: Proverbs 1-2
Secondary Reading: Galatians 1-6
Memory Verses (Through July 4th): Proverbs 2:1–5
[1] My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you,
[2] making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding;
[3] yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding,
[4] if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures,
[5] then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.
1 | Theme Reflection - “Receive the Fear of the Lord”
Wisdom begins with an accurate view of God and self.
In a world that prizes information and speed, Scripture invites us to start lower - to bow before the God who knows. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 1 : 7).
This fear is not terror; it is reverent awe - a posture that places God at the center and ourselves in perspective!In Proverbs 1–2, wisdom cries out from the streets, inviting all who will listen to turn from arrogance to understanding. In Galatians 1–6, Paul warns against trusting human approval or performance: wisdom and freedom both flow from the Spirit.
To Be the Church - Growing in the Fear of the Lord is to trade self-reliance for surrender.
Only those who kneel before God can walk upright before men.
Wisdom begins with an accurate view of God and self.
In a world that prizes information and speed, Scripture invites us to start lower - to bow before the God who knows. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 1 : 7).
This fear is not terror; it is reverent awe - a posture that places God at the center and ourselves in perspective!In Proverbs 1–2, wisdom cries out from the streets, inviting all who will listen to turn from arrogance to understanding. In Galatians 1–6, Paul warns against trusting human approval or performance: wisdom and freedom both flow from the Spirit.
To Be the Church - Growing in the Fear of the Lord is to trade self-reliance for surrender.
Only those who kneel before God can walk upright before men.
2 | Daily Reading Rhythm
3 | Practice of the Week - The Posture of Reverence
Begin each morning by kneeling (literally, if possible).
Before words or plans, pause and whisper:
Begin each morning by kneeling (literally, if possible).
Before words or plans, pause and whisper:
“You alone are God, and I am Yours.”
Spend one minute in silence before moving into prayer.Throughout the day, when pride rises or frustration builds, return to this posture in your heart—bowed, listening, open.Reverence is not the fear of punishment, but awareness of the Lord’s presence!
4 | Doctrinal Focus - The Fear of the Lord
“The fear of the Lord” is the biblical foundation of wisdom, describing the awe-filled love of one who knows God’s holiness and mercy.
The fear of the Lord is about delight - an awakened awareness that God is both infinitely powerful and perfectly good.
This holy fear produces trust, obedience, and joy.
To fear God rightly is to love what He loves, hate what He hates, and rest in His unshakable wisdom.
“The fear of the Lord” is the biblical foundation of wisdom, describing the awe-filled love of one who knows God’s holiness and mercy.
The fear of the Lord is about delight - an awakened awareness that God is both infinitely powerful and perfectly good.
This holy fear produces trust, obedience, and joy.
To fear God rightly is to love what He loves, hate what He hates, and rest in His unshakable wisdom.
“Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.” (Psalm 2:11)
5 | Missional Focus - Humility Before Witness
Mission begins with humility.
When the Church loses reverence, it loses clarity.
This week, let your humility speak louder than your certainty.
Listen more than you lecture. Ask questions before you give answers.
Mission begins with humility.
When the Church loses reverence, it loses clarity.
This week, let your humility speak louder than your certainty.
Listen more than you lecture. Ask questions before you give answers.
Consider this question:
“How would I reach my pre-Christian self with the Gospel?”
Sometimes our most effective evangelistic efforts are driven by asking others curious questions rather than giving them pre-curated answers.
6 | Community Group Discussion Questions
From the Sermon (Text — Proverbs 1 : The Way of Wisdom)
- How does “the fear of the Lord” shape our understanding of right and wrong?
- What are some modern voices that compete with the call of wisdom today?
- What does Proverbs 1–2 teach about listening and obedience as acts of wisdom?
- How does Paul’s message in Galatians 1–2 challenge our culture’s view of self-made success?
- Where are you most tempted to rely on your own understanding?
- How might reverence reshape the way you pray, lead, or make decisions this week?
From Community Life
- 7. How can our group cultivate a shared posture of humility and awe before God?
- 8. What would it look like for our church to be known as a people who “fear the Lord and love wisdom”?
Questions for Children
- What does it mean to “fear the Lord”?
- Who gives us wisdom when we ask for it?
- Why should we listen to God’s words instead of foolish voices?
- Can you think of one wise choice you can make this week?
7 | Closing Prayer
Holy God,
You are worthy to be revered.
Teach us to stand in awe of You meditating on who you are.
Holy God,
You are worthy to be revered.
Teach us to stand in awe of You meditating on who you are.
Father, Son, Spirit, give us a more clear vision of You that leads to obedience. For Your glory and our good,
Amen.