The Whole Duty of Man

Ecclesiastes 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

INTRODUCTORY THOUGHTS

Learning to fear the Lord yields great results in our daily walk with Him. Some facets of man’s relationship with the Lord change over time and through the seasons. Yet, one thing that has remained constant from the very beginning concerns God’s call upon His people to fear Him. How vital is the fear of God? The Bible refers to it as “the whole duty of man.” Some Bible teachers have tried to lessen the severity of this truth by saying that this fear merely refers to reverencing God, yet Hebrews 12:28 presents the fear of God and reverence as two separate and distinct actions. God’s people are to fear the Lord as the Creator of all things and the One who will one day bring all things into judgment. As saints of God, we will never please the Lord until we first learn to fear Him (Deuteronomy 4:10).

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

(For children): When Adam and Eve broke God's rule, they were afraid (Genesis 3:8-11). God forgave them, but they had to leave their beautiful garden and life became very difficult. We should fear God and keep His rules because He knows what is best for us.

(For everyone): Why should we fear the Lord? How could the fear of the Lord affect our walk with Him? How could it change the decisions that we make on a daily basis?

(For everyone): Why does God desire for us to fear Him? Why is He worthy of our fear? How could fear of God keep us from trouble? How could it lead us into righteousness?

PRAYER THOUGHTS

Ask the Lord to teach you how to fear Him.

Ask the Lord to use godly fear to shield you from troubles.

SONG

Lord of Our Life, God Whom We Fear

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