Discussion Questions  |  7 June 2020

SERMON SUMMARY

As we move forward to build a new normal, Proverbs calls us to an attitude of fearing God as foundational to living in God’s world. The fear of God is an attitude towards God’s rightful place and rule in our life and our world. Proverbs 1:7 (MSG) paraphrases with, ‘Start with God—the first step in learning is bowing down to God; only fools thumb their noses at such wisdom and learning.’ Ps Chee shared two practical ways we can fear God by beginning and bowing down to:

1) God’s Holiness – Proverbs 3:7-8, 16:6, 10:27, 22:4
Fearing God drives us away from doing evil, but instead drives us to know and do what is right in the eyes of God.

2) God’s Justice – Proverbs 28:14, 22:22-23, 29:7, 31:8-9, 11:10-11
Fearing God drives us away from indifference, apathy and injustice, but instead drives us to speak, live out and trust God’s justice.

Ultimately Proverbs points us to the wisdom of Jesus – our need of a Saviour in whom God’s holiness and justice is met.

DISCUSSION

Read 1 Proverbs 1:7

Discuss one or more of the following questions:

1. Ps Chee defined the fear of God as an attitude towards God’s rightful place and rule in our life and our world. Do you agree or disagree with this definition? Discuss.
2. What would our world look like if without the fear of God? 
3. Read Proverbs 9:10. Ps Chee shared we need the fear of God as a foundation to rebuild the new future. The fear of God would make our life and world a better place because it would enable good judgment for: 
   · Innovation with ethics and accountability
   · Entrepreneurial opportunities for the common good and not for selfish gain
   · Wealth creation opportunities without exploitation and for the end goal of loving our neighbours
   · Bridging the social disparity while giving an ear and voice to the marginalised
   · Bridging the racial divide without contributing to the cycle of injustice

   Discuss. Do you agree or disagree? 

4. Fearing God can often be very conceptual and intangible. From listening to this message, how do you practically live out a life of fearing God? Give some personal examples. 
5. Read Proverbs 3:7-8, 16:6, 10:27, 22:4. What can you learn about the fear of God? 
6. One of the reasons why people don’t fear God is because they feel they can do wrong and get away with it. Read Proverbs 28:14 (NLT) and Hebrews 4:13. What do these verses practically mean for you? 
7. Read Proverbs 31:8-9 and 11:10-11. These verses draw a connection between our personal life of justice and the prosperity of the city. Are there issues of justice that you see in your life that God may be calling you to speak up for? 
8. Commit to reading a chapter from the book of Proverbs every day until you finish the book.