Pastor Tommy recently concluded a study through the book of Ecclesiastes, a book penned by Solomon, the wisest and wealthiest man to ever live. Solomon, despite his immense privilege, came to a profound realization: “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.” He had experienced everything the world had to offer, both good and bad, and concluded that worldly pursuits ultimately lead to emptiness.
This Sunday’s message focused on the concluding verses of Ecclesiastes, chapter 12, verses 13 and 14. Solomon, having explored the depths of human existence, boils down the purpose of life to a simple, yet profound statement: “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.”
This statement raises a crucial question: What does it mean to fear God? It’s not about cowering in terror, but rather living in the reality of God’s holiness, sovereignty, and just judgment. It’s about loving, respecting, revering, and adoring Him, holding Him in awe and worship. It’s a recognition of His immense power and our humble place before Him.
Pastor Tommy illustrated this concept by contrasting the common misconception of God as simply a loving and forgiving figure with the full picture of God’s character. While God’s love is undeniable, so is His holiness and justice. Just as there is love, there is also wrath. This understanding of God’s multifaceted nature is essential to a healthy fear of the Lord.
The fear of the Lord is not something exclusive to the Old Testament. It’s a concept that resonates throughout scripture, both Old and New. Even in heaven, beings will fear the Lord. This fear is not about dread, but about a deep reverence and awe that inspires worship and obedience.
This reverence should translate into action. It’s not enough to simply say we love God; we must demonstrate it through our obedience to His commands. Jesus himself said, “If you love me, keep my commandments.” The two greatest commandments, loving God with all our being and loving our neighbor as ourselves, summarize the essence of a life lived in accordance with God’s will.
The challenge lies in the constant struggle between our flesh and our spirit. Our flesh often desires the things of the world, while our spirit, redeemed by Christ, yearns for God. It’s a daily choice to prioritize God above all else. This means recognizing that everything in this world is secondary to our relationship with Him.
Pastor Tommy emphasized that the decline of churches often stems from a loss of the fear of God and a failure to obey Him. He challenged the congregation to examine their own lives and ask themselves: Who is God to me? Is He merely a convenient figurehead, or is He the Lord of my life, worthy of my reverence, obedience, and worship?
He concluded by urging those who have never accepted Jesus as their Savior to do so, and for those who desire a closer walk with Him to place Him in His rightful position of preeminence. It’s not enough to simply label ourselves as Christians; we must live out our faith in tangible ways, demonstrating our love and fear of God through our actions. The whole duty of man, as Solomon so wisely stated, is to fear God and keep His commandments.
Scripture: Ecclesiastes 12:13-14: The concluding verses of Ecclesiastes, summarizing the whole duty of man.
