The God of Fear (Holy) | Sunday PM Service | Trinity Bible Church | Morgan Hill, CA | http://trinitybiblechurch.org

This is the second sermon in a series on the fear of the Lord. It picks up with the imagery of fire, drawing near and yet with respect. The message focuses on the holiness of God, through the lens of Exodus and Isaiah. It presents God’s holiness as the cornerstone to the fear of the Lord. The whole principle begins not with us or sin. Rather, it emphatically begins with a view of God in majestic holiness.

The Sanhedrin responds to Peter and John in a most intriguing scene. All is cast in irony. The whole encounter evidences the heart. It sketches the pattern and polarity of a heart for and against Christ. Evidence that betrays truth is betrayed. Here facts and faith, their power and place, are revealed for all to see.

This sermon introduces a series of messages on the fear of the Lord. It lays some of the groundwork for rightly understanding the meaning of fear. It addresses some of fear’s complexities, the concept of a godless and a Godward fear, and touches on how the fear of the Lord brings peace, comfort, and joy. There is no other theme in Scripture that is more comprehensive, more pervasive, or more penetrating concerning man’s relation to God.

Events, evidences, and explanations converge to a point of singularity. All is purposed to make much of Christ. Signs and Scriptures testify to His attributes and accomplishments. Now, the narrative shifts attention as the Jewish authorities enter the scene. The newborn church is introduced to persecution, which will become an age-long thorn in her side. The value of Christ is still the proposition. The power behind the healing is still the question. The theological conclusion is still the proclamation. Redemption, substitution, blood atonement, forgiveness of sins, removal of the curse, reconciliation with God, resurrection from the dead to times of refreshing and restoration in body and soul—salvation—is possible in no one else but in Christ alone.

A sign opens the way for a sermon, again. The Jerusalem crowd is drawn in wonder and amazement to the apostles because of the healing of a lame man. But Peter directs all attraction to Christ. The healing was not about the healing. To be sure, it was real and wonderful but was only a sample. The whole scene anticipates something far greater. And Christ is the cause, the center, and the chief celebration of it all. Here, in Peter’s second recorded sermon, the deeper significance of Christ is explored as He and His work are linked to the hope of true healing, the likes of which the miracle served as only a sampling sign.

“Many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.” One stands primary in its emblematic power to illustrate the apostles’ teaching. The scene is rich. Its irony is thick. And its drama vivid. Groaning and glory are juxtaposition, begging for reconciliation. All is calculated to extol Christ. The perfect combination of factors conspires to burst forth the name above every name in spectacular signaling. The crucified and resurrected—reigning—Messiah manifests a glory that is greater than gold.

Peter preached Christ crucified and risen. As a result, thousands were convicted of their sin and need for salvation. They repented, placing their trust and being baptized in the name of Jesus. Their response was more than emotional as evidenced by a whole new orbit of life, centered in a persistent devotion to Christ—together. Luke closes this foundational chapter with a summary of the newly formed Christian church. Vitals of the church in its thriving infancy are highlighted to remind us of the essentials. Every detail testifies that the redeemed, by design, thrive together for Christ.

Peter preached Christ crucified and risen. As a result, thousands were convicted of their sin and need for salvation. They repented, placing their trust and being baptized in the name of Jesus. Their response was more than emotional as evidenced by a whole new orbit of life, centered in a persistent devotion to Christ—together. Luke closes this foundational chapter with a summary of the newly formed Christian church. Vitals of the church in its thriving infancy are highlighted to remind us of the essentials. Every detail testifies that the redeemed, by design, thrive together for Christ.

False teachers and false doctrine were creeping in to the church. John writes to the local churches in the area to be on guard for this heresy. He begins by reminding His readers who Jesus is, and how close to Him he was. John reminds his readers of his apostolic authority when writing his warning.

The elect exiles suffered greatly for their faith in Christ which Peter admonished was not to surprise them as though something strange were happening (4:12). In sharing Christ’s sufferings, they were to rejoice (4:13). When insulted for the name of Christ, they were blessed (4:14). While suffering according to God’s will, they were to entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good (4:19). But those so persecuted were also to be cared for by their shepherds. Peter’s exhortation to the elders to shepherd the flock of God among them is linked to the preceding passage and enjoins willing and eager pastoral care as humble examples to the flock in ministering to them amidst their sanctifying suffering.