Pastor Leon’s SOAP: Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer

May 26: Proverbs 1-3; Romans 7

Scripture: Proverbs (NIV) 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

Observation: In the first six verses of the book of Proverbs, Solomon gives his purpose in writing these proverbs: to give wisdom and understanding, to help distinguish between good and evil, to give guidance, etc. The first proverb given is here in verse 7: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.” Fearing the LORD is given priority in that it is the first proverb; it is also mentioned many times in the book of Proverbs. When people truly come to know the limitless God, it is proper to fear Him. Man cannot outsmart Him. Man cannot overpower Him. Man cannot hide anything from Him.

Application: When I learned to fear the LORD, it was just a starting place. I was just starting to get smart! Later Jesus would say that the first commandment is to Love the Lord our God. Fear and love mixed together to give me a healthy respect for God. And I find that His perfect love overpowers my fear especially as my not-so-perfect love walks in obedience. But I cannot sin and think that it is unimportant to Him. He is too holy to allow me to continue in sin. The song writer, Newell, put it: “Then I trembled at the law I’d spurned…”

Prayer: Lord, if I knew nothing of your great love, I would tremble with fear to think that I might displease you. I am so glad that you are both holy and loving! Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!