Theology Thursdays: Where Do We Start?

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1:7

This verse is a great beginning place as we study theology and explore God's word in a deeper way. After all, it shows us where the knowledge begins, in fear of LORD. To gain knowledge . . . start with fear.

What does it mean to fear the LORD? To have a deep respect or admiration and humility before the Maker and Redeemer. Before we can go any further in our understanding we must come to a deep place of reverence for the LORD.

We should be in awe of the LORD and worship Him because...

He is glorious
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” Psalm 19:1

He created us
“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.” Psalm 139:13

He chose us
“For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will”
Ephesians 1:4-5

We are saved
"For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Romans 10:13

We are adopted
“For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!"” Romans 8:15

Christ lives in us
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

We are justified and glorified
"And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.” Romans 8:30

We are blessed
And the angel said to me, "Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb." Revelation 19:9

Our Creator reached down from on high and rescued us . . . bringing us into a spacious place (Psalm 18:16-19).

Remembering the things listed above is how we humble ourselves, worship, stand in awe, and fear our LORD. That kind of fear is the beginning of knowledge and wisdom. Thanksgiving and praise for what He did to us, in us, and through us. I hope we bow our hearts today in reverence, filled with fear, that we would receive knowledge from our King.