Nehemiah 5:15 But the former governors that had been before me were chargeable to the people, and had taken of them bread and wine… I. WHAT IT IS TO FEAR GOD. 1. In general it is a passion of the soul whereby a man doth flee from imminent evil. 2. In particular it is — (1) Servile. (2) Filial. II. THAT A MAN WHO FEARS GOD WILL NOT DO AS OTHERS DO. 1. In the matter of their choice (Matthew 14:7, 8; Hebrews 11:25). 2. In the matter of their worship (Joshua 24:15). 3. In their business calling. 4. In what they are entrusted with. 5. In their refreshments. 6. In their afflictions. 7. In their right and propriety.Lot would not let Abraham have his right, though it was his right, yet Abraham, because he feared God and for peace sake, gives up his right. III. WHAT IS THERE IN THIS FEAR OF GOD THAT SHOULD BALANCE THE SOUL, AND CAUSE IT NOT TO DO AS OTHERS DO. A man that fears the Lord — 1. Has different ends from others. 2. Has a tenderer conscience. 3. Has different restraints. IV. WHAT IS THE ISSUE AND CONSEQUENCE OF THE FEAR OF THE LORD? 1. God deals well with the man who fears Him (Psalm 50.; 112:6-8). 2. God will delight in him.Conclusion: If you would fear the Lord in truth — 1. Be humbled for the want of it. 2. Ask God to fulfil His promise, "I will put My fear into their hearts." 3. Observe what that is that is nearest and dearest to you, and give it up. 4. Worship God according to His own appointment. 5. Take heed of sinning when you have the opportunity. 6. Labour to strengthen your love to God. 7. Live much in and study much upon dependence wholly upon God. H a man be upon a high tower, and another holds him from falling by the hand only, he will certainly be very fearful of offending him that holds him so. 8. Use the world as not abusing it. Deal with men as in the presence of God. 9. Labour after more communion with Him. We used to say, "Too much familiarity breeds contempt"; but here it is not so, for by familiarity and communion with God we shall have more sweetness and more delight in His ways, more strength in His service, more comfort in our afflictions. (W. Bridge.) Parallel Verses KJV: But the former governors that had been before me were chargeable unto the people, and had taken of them bread and wine, beside forty shekels of silver; yea, even their servants bare rule over the people: but so did not I, because of the fear of God. |
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