Defenses Against Deception | Episode 13 | Fear of the Lord

In the thirteenth episode of "Defenses Against Deception," Duane teaches about the fear of the Lord as a crucial defense against deception. Understanding and embracing the fear of the Lord is vital for believers to maintain their faith and avoid falling into deception.

The fear of the Lord is not a tormenting fear but a reverent and holy respect for God. This reverence is essential for guarding against the prevalent deception in the world and within the church. To clarify the fear of the Lord, Duane refers to Jesus' response to Satan during His temptation in the wilderness.

In Matthew 4:10, Jesus rebukes Satan, saying, "Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve." Jesus was quoting Deuteronomy 6:13, which states, "Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God, and serve him." Jesus equates the fear of the Lord with worshiping God, highlighting that to fear God is to worship Him and have a deep reverence for His holiness and authority.

Reverence for God is crucial for believers. It leads them to depart from evil and align their lives with God's will. Job 28:28 declares, "The fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding." This verse underscores that fearing God grants wisdom and understanding, enabling believers to recognize and avoid evil.

The fear of the Lord is foundational for acquiring true wisdom and knowledge. Proverbs 9:10 states, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding." By fearing God, believers start their journey toward wisdom and insight into God's nature and His expectations for righteous living.

Duane contrasts the fear of the Lord with the fear of man or the world, which often leads to deception and sin. A proper fear of God includes an awareness of His holiness and justice. This fear motivates believers to live righteously, avoiding behaviors contradicting God's commandments. It also brings a deep respect for God's word, which is a defense against false teachings and cultural pressures that lead away from the truth.