25.120 | Fear The Lord And The King | Prov 24:21-22 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon

God’s Word For Today

Content provided by Gospel Light Filipino. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Gospel Light Filipino or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://staging.podcastplayer.com/legal.

6d ago 8:37

MP3•Episode home

Text: Prov 24:21-22 ESV

21 My son, fear the LORD and the king, and do not join with those who do otherwise,

22 for disaster will arise suddenly from them, and who knows the ruin that will come from them both?

-Prov 24:21-22 ESV

FEAR THE LORD AND THE KING

The "fear" of God is the cornerstone of the entire book of Proverbs. (Prov 1:7). This is not panic or fright. To "fear" something or someone, in this sense, means to humbly perceive it from the right perspective. One must recognize God's authority as Creator, and His power, and resolve to act accordingly. There is a sense of awe and reverence towards God as a result.

Reverence for the Lord and respect for government leaders go hand in hand. A proper relationship with God produces respectful citizens. Government leaders are delegated authorities of God. Thus, an unruly citizen violates the command to love the Lord with all his heart, soul, strength, and mind by not respecting their authorities. The apostle Paul writes: "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth" (1 Tim 2:1–4). Of course, this does not mean believers are bound to obey everything their governments command. When earthly authorities and laws direct people to sin, we are morally obligated to not follow but not through violent means. (Acts 5:29). Solomon's counsel about not associating with those who disrespect God and the civil authorities parallels the instruction of Moses, "You shall not fall in with the many to do evil" (Exos 23:2).

Scripture acknowledges that evil people do not always experience justice in this life. In fact, at times, it can seem as if immoral people benefit from their choices (Psa 73:2–3; Prov 24:1–2). Yet the Bible reminds us that rejecting godly wisdom brings great risks in this life (Prov 8:32–36) and damnation in eternity (Prov 10:24; 11:23). When such consequences occur, they can come abruptly, as noted in this verse.

Disobedience to authorities will lead to ruin. The word translated "ruin" does not appear in the Old Testament except here and several times in the book of Job. It implies piercing, suggesting a damaging, sudden, and painful experience. More often than not, those who reject God's law suffer the natural consequences of those choices. They would experience punishment from human government (Rom 13:1–5). Just when someone thinks they've "gotten away with it," disaster strikes.

The worst will come when the person dies in his rebellion and sin. He himself will be judged by God for his sins (Prov 11:4; Rev 20:11–15). But, there is hope in Jesus, who died for the forgiveness of all our sins.[2 Cor 5:21] Don’t be caught dead without Jesus.

-------------------------

Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

1466 episodes

#Religion #Christianity #Gospel Light Filipino