The central message of this sermon is that the fear of the Lord is not about being intimidated or fearful, but rather it's about having reverential awe and respect for God's person and character. It's about recognizing who He is and responding to Him properly. The teacher argues that the new covenant does not abolish the fear of the Lord, but rather enhances it, by revealing God's holiness, majesty, and power. Through various biblical examples and analogies, such as Isaiah's vision and Job's trials, the sermon emphasizes that true reverence for God involves acknowledging one's sin and recognizing God's judgment upon it, leading to a deeper appreciation of His deliverance. Ultimately, the fear of the Lord is not about earning God's approval or avoiding punishment, but rather about having a profound respect and awe for who He is and what He has done.