What does "learn to fear the LORD" mean in a contemporary context? The Verse “And you shall eat before the LORD your God in the place He chooses to establish His Name—the tithe of your grain, new wine, and oil, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks—so that you may learn to fear the LORD your God always.” (Deuteronomy 14:23) What “Fear the LORD” Meant Then • Reverent awe, not paralyzing terror • A heart-level recognition of God’s absolute holiness and authority • Practical obedience expressed through worship, giving, and joyful fellowship in God’s chosen place • Ongoing, learned behavior—“always,” not a one-time emotion Why God Linked Tithing to Learning Fear • Tithing acknowledged God as Provider and Owner • Traveling to worship centralized devotion around God, not personal convenience • Eating the tithe in God’s presence turned giving into celebration, reinforcing gratitude • Regular, concrete acts trained hearts to revere God continually Contemporary Meaning of “Learn to Fear the LORD” 1. Embrace God’s Holiness – Hebrews 12:28-29: “let us offer to God acceptable worship…for our God is a consuming fire.” 2. Cultivate Awe Through Scripture – Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 1:7: wisdom begins with fear of the LORD. 3. Submit Daily Choices to His Authority – Luke 6:46: calling Him “Lord” means doing what He says. 4. Celebrate His Provision Generously – 2 Corinthians 9:7-8: cheerful giving keeps the heart humble and grateful. 5. Participate in Corporate Worship – Acts 2:42-43: shared devotion produced “a sense of awe.” 6. Remember His Works – Psalm 103:2: “forget not all His benefits.” Intentional remembrance fuels reverence. 7. Teach the Next Generation – Deuteronomy 31:12-13: public reading of Scripture so children “may hear and learn to fear the LORD.” Practical Steps to “Learn” Today • Set aside a first portion of income to God before anything else. • Schedule weekly, non-negotiable corporate worship. • Read Scripture aloud in the home. • Keep a gratitude journal of God’s provisions. • Confess sin quickly, recognizing His holiness. • Serve others anonymously, crediting God alone. Results of Living in Fear of the LORD • Deeper wisdom and discernment (Proverbs 9:10) • Strong resistance to sin (Exodus 20:20) • Unshakeable confidence in trials (Psalm 112:1, 7) • Contagious witness that points others to Christ (Matthew 5:16) Summary To “learn to fear the LORD” in today’s world means regularly training heart, mind, and actions to recognize God’s holiness, submit to His authority, and celebrate His provision. Through consistent giving, worship, Scripture intake, and obedience, reverent awe becomes a lived reality—shaping character, guiding decisions, and glorifying God always. |
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