The Month of May: Receiving Blessings – First Step: Fear of the Lord.

Sermon Outline: “The Month of May: Receiving Blessings – First Step: Fear of the Lord”

Scripture :

Isaiah 33:6: “He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.”
Hebrews 11:9: “By faith [Abraham] made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise.”

Praise the Lord, Church!

Hope everyone is doing well and walking in God’s grace. It’s a joy to gather together in His presence today. As we open our hearts, let us remember that God has something special to speak to each of us. Let’s lean in with faith and expectation. Yesterday, Pastor asked, “Where is your treasure?” He then shared that his treasure is in the fear of the Lord. This powerful truth reminds us that true treasure is not in riches but in reverence for God. The fear of the Lord leads to wisdom, peace, and a life rooted in purpose.

Introduction: The Month of May – A Divine Invitation to Blessings.

May is more than a month of blooming flowers and warmer days—it is a spiritual metaphor for growth, renewal, and divine alignment. Just as spring awakens dormant seeds, God invites us to awaken our hearts to His promises. The Bible is filled with seasonal symbolism: Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.” May, as a season of transition, mirrors Israel’s journey into Canaan—a time to step into blessings prepared by God.

But blessings are not automatic; they require posture and partnership. Isaiah 33:6 declares, “The fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.” This month, God calls us to revere Him deeply, aligning our hearts with His will. The fear of the Lord is not cowering terror but a holy awe that acknowledges His supremacy. It is the foundation for receiving His guidance, provision, and favor.

Consider the Israelites: their journey into blessing began with obedience to God’s commands (Deuteronomy 28:1-2). Similarly, May becomes a month of breakthrough when we prioritize reverence. Yet, many chase blessings without pursuing the Blesser. Like Abraham in Hebrews 11:9, we are called to live as “strangers” in this world—rooted not in earthly security but in faith in God’s eternal promises.

This sermon series will explore how the fear of the Lord unlocks blessings, equipping us to walk in faith, obedience, and expectancy. Let this month be a turning point where we shift from striving to surrendering, from doubt to devotion.

Topic 1: Understanding the Fear of the Lord

Scripture Focus: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10).
The fear of the Lord is the lens through which we see God’s character clearly. It is a reverence that acknowledges His holiness (Isaiah 6:3), justice (Psalm 89:14), and unchanging nature (Malachi 3:6). In a culture that often reduces God to a “divine genie,” fearing Him recalibrates our perspective.

Isaiah 33:6 links this fear to a “rich store of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge.” Imagine a vault of blessings—material, emotional, and spiritual—that only opens with the key of reverence. Without this fear, we risk treating God casually, like the Israelites who worshipped the golden calf while Moses met with Him on Sinai (Exodus 32). Their lack of reverence led to disaster.

Practical Application:

Study God’s Holiness: Read Isaiah 40:25-26. Meditate on His power as Creator.
Repent of Familiarity: Ask, “Do I approach God with awe, or entitlement?”
Worship Authentically: Sing hymns or psalms that magnify His majesty (e.g., “Holy, Holy, Holy”).

The fear of the Lord is not a burden but a gateway to freedom. When Job faced calamity, he declared, “Though He slay me, yet will I hope in Him” (Job 13:15). His reverence sustained his faith. Similarly, when we honor God above outcomes, we position ourselves to receive His best.

Topic 2: Faith Anchored in Reverence

Scripture Focus: “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8).
Abraham’s journey to the Promised Land was fueled by reverent faith. He didn’t demand a roadmap; he trusted God’s character. Reverence and faith are inseparable—you cannot truly trust someone you don’t respect.

In Genesis 22, Abraham’s fear of God was tested when he was asked to sacrifice Isaac. His obedience revealed a faith rooted in awe: “Now I know that you fear God” (Genesis 22:12). God honored this by renewing His covenant promises.

Modern Parallel:
Many believers today struggle to trust God with relationships, finances, or health. Yet, like Abraham, we’re called to act on reverence, not rationalization. For example, tithing (Malachi 3:10) is an act of fear—acknowledging God as Provider.

Action Steps:

Identify “Isaacs”: What are you clinging to more than God? Surrender it in prayer.
Step Out: Is God prompting you to forgive, serve, or give? Obey even if it’s uncomfortable.

Faith anchored in reverence transforms uncertainty into worship. As Corrie ten Boom said, “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.”

Topic 3: Cultivating Fear and Faith Daily
Scripture Focus: “Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness” (Psalm 86:11).

Cultivating a life of reverence and faith is not a one-time act but a daily discipline, much like tending a garden. Psalm 86:11 reveals David’s heart cry to learn God’s ways and anchor his life in divine faithfulness. This verse underscores a vital truth: Fear of the Lord and faith in His character are nurtured through intentional, everyday choices. Just as physical muscles grow stronger with exercise, our spiritual muscles of reverence and trust are fortified through consistent practice.

The Daily Rhythm of Reverence
King David, described as “a man after God’s own heart” (Acts 13:22), modeled this daily pursuit. His life was marked by:

Prayer: In Psalm 5:7, David writes, “I, by Your great love, may come into Your house; in reverence I bow down.” He began each day with worship, acknowledging God’s sovereignty before facing his battles.
Scripture Meditation: Psalm 119:38 declares, “Fulfill Your promise to Your servant, so that You may be feared.” David immersed himself in God’s Word, allowing it to shape his understanding of God’s holiness and promises.
Repentance: After his sin with Bathsheba, David’s raw prayer in Psalm 51:17—“My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart You will not despise”—reveals how repentance restores reverence.

Practical Habits for Growth
To cultivate fear and faith daily, consider these actionable steps:

Scripture Before Screens: Begin your morning with God’s Word rather than the distractions of social media or news. Set a “first fruits” rhythm by reading a Psalm or Proverb (e.g., Psalm 103 or Proverbs 3:5-6). This practice centers your heart on eternal truths before the demands of the day.
Accountability: Partner with a fellow believer to share struggles and victories. Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Regular check-ins foster accountability in prayer, obedience, and reverence.

Warning: The Danger of Complacency
The church in Laodicea (Revelation 3:15-17) drifted into lukewarmness because they lost their awe of God. Their wealth and comfort bred spiritual apathy. Similarly, busy schedules, career success, or even ministry activity can dull our reverence. Guard against complacency by asking, “Do I seek God’s presence more than His blessings?”

Testimony: Daniel’s Reverence in Babylon
Consider Daniel, a young exile in Babylon who chose integrity over compromise. When pressured to eat defiling food, he “resolved not to defile himself” (Daniel 1:8). His reverence for God’s laws led to divine favor—God granted him wisdom and influence that outlasted empires. Like Daniel, when we prioritize honoring God above cultural norms or personal gain, He opens doors no man can shut (Revelation 3:8).

Cultivating fear and faith is a journey of small, daily steps. It requires laying down distractions, embracing humility, and fixing our eyes on God’s character. As we do, we discover, like David and Daniel, that a life anchored in reverence unlocks unshakable peace and purpose. This week, ask yourself: “What one habit can I adopt to deepen my awe of God?” Start small, but start today—your spiritual muscles will thank you.

Topic 4: Expecting Blessings in God’s Timing.

Scripture Focus: “Those who trust in the Lord will find new strength” (Isaiah 40:31).

God’s blessings don’t always come quickly. Like a farmer waits for crops to grow, we must wait for God’s timing. Joseph’s story teaches us this. He was sold as a slave by his brothers, falsely accused, and put in prison for 13 years. But he never stopped trusting God. Eventually, God made him a leader in Egypt (Genesis 39–41). Joseph’s patience and faith were rewarded.

Myth vs. Truth:

Myth: “Blessings mean getting what I want right now.”
Truth: “Blessings come when we align with God’s plan and timing.”

Practical Ways to Wait Well:

Write Down God’s Faithfulness: Keep a journal of prayers God has answered. For example, “Last month, God provided money when I needed it.” This reminds us He is always working.
Thank God for Small Things: Celebrate daily blessings, like a good meal or a friend’s kindness. The Bible says, “God’s mercies are new every morning” (Lamentations 3:22-23).

Bible Example: The Ark of the Covenant
When the Israelites faced the strong walls of Jericho, God told them to march around the city for seven days (Joshua 6). They carried the Ark of the Covenant, a symbol of God’s presence. On the seventh day, the walls fell! Their victory came not from their strength but from trusting God’s presence and timing.

Why Waiting Is Hard But Good:

We Want Control: Like a child impatiently waiting for a gift, we often rush God. But His plans are wiser.
God Prepares Us: While Joseph waited in prison, God taught him leadership skills. Our waiting seasons shape us for future blessings.

What to Do When Impatient:

Pray: “God, help me trust Your timing.”
Serve Others: Use your waiting time to help people in need.
Remember Past Victories: Think of times God came through for you.

God’s blessings are worth waiting for. Like Joseph and the Israelites, trust His process. Keep praying, stay thankful, and rely on His presence. Even when life feels slow, God is working for your good. As Isaiah 40:31 says, “Those who wait on the Lord will soar like eagles.”

Self-Check This Week.

Reflection Questions:

Reverence Check: “Do I approach prayer and Bible study with awe, or is it just a routine?”
- Think about your last quiet time. Were you excited to meet with God, or were you just “checking a box”? For example, if you rush through reading the Bible to get to breakfast, it might be routine. Try starting with a short prayer: “God, help me see Your greatness today.”
Faith Audit: “What decision am I avoiding because I’m scared, not trusting God?”
- Maybe you’re delaying forgiving someone, starting a new job, or sharing your faith. Fear says, “What if it goes wrong?” Faith says, “God’s got me.” Write down one thing you’ve been avoiding and pray: “Lord, give me courage to trust You.”
Obedience Inventory: “Is there a command I’m ignoring, like tithing or forgiving?”
- Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commands” (John 14:15). Are you giving God your first 10% (Malachi 3:10)? Holding a grudge? Pick one area to obey this week, even if it’s hard.

Action Plan:

Morning Routine: Spend 10 minutes on Psalm 103. Read a verse (e.g., “He forgives all your sins”v.3) and write down one way God has blessed you.
Evening Reflection: Ask, “Where did I see God today?” Maybe He helped you stay calm in traffic or gave you peace during stress. Thank Him!
Accountability Partner: Text a friend: “This week, I’m working on ______. Can you pray for me?”Meet for coffee or call to share progress.

Warning: No Guilt Trips!
God doesn’t expect perfection—He wants progress. If you mess up, don’t beat yourself up. The apostle Paul said, “I keep trying to reach the goal” (Philippians 3:14). Remember, God’s mercy is new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). Confess mistakes quickly and start fresh!

Conclusion: Walking into May’s Blessings

May isn’t about luck—it’s about posture. Just like standing tall helps you breathe better, fearing God (respecting Him deeply) positions you to receive His blessings. Abraham didn’t just wait for God’s promises; he walked with God daily (Genesis 12:1-4). Blessings come when we focus on the Giver, not just the gifts.

Final Challenge:

Recommit to Reverence: Pray, “Lord, reset my heart. Help me honor You first, not just ask for things.” Write this prayer and stick it on your mirror.
Act on Faith: Do one bold thing this week:
- Apologize to someone you’ve hurt.
- Start a 5-minute daily Bible plan (try Proverbs or the Gospels).
- Give God His “10%” from your next paycheck.

Promise:
God rewards those who seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). Even if you’re in a tough season—like waiting for healing or a job—He sees your faithfulness. A farmer doesn’t harvest crops overnight, but the wait is worth it!

Prayer:
“Father, as we enter May, clothe us in reverence. Help us trust Your timing, not ours. When we’re impatient, remind us You’re always working. When we’re scared, fill us with Your peace. Thank You for the blessings You’ve prepared—help us recognize them. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Key Takeaway:
May’s blessings begin with fearing the One who holds them all. Start small: open your Bible before your phone, whisper a prayer of thanks, and watch God work!

Remember: You’re not alone. Like Abraham, Daniel, and Joseph, God walks with you every step. Let this May be the month your faith grows deeper than ever!

God bless abundantly.