In our text today the very first verse contains five very important words.

Peace, edified, fear, comfort and multiplied.

“Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.” Acts 9:31, NKJV.

These words translate into spiritual peace, strength, fear, comfort & increase.

But two of these words, fear and comfort stand out as if they conflict. But in reality these words compliment each other. For you cannot have “the comfort of the Holy Spirit” without also having “the fear of the Lord“. Today we have all but lost the meaning of “the fear of the Lord”. It is rare when we hear someone complemented because they are “God-fearing”. But this state of mind is crucial to a healthy spiritual life. To “fear the Lord” simply means to have such great awe and reverence for God that you dare not disobey or cross Him. If you fear the Lord, you actually believe both the warnings and promises in the scriptures. If you fear the Lord, you will live much differently than if you disrespect the Lord. The fear of the Lord means you believe in the sowing and reaping principles promised in scripture and you believe and live as if your words and actions reap consequences.

Would you like to have “the comfort of the Holy Spirit“? Then walk in “the fear of the Lord“. Live your life under His watchful eye, knowing that He will reward you for your actions whether good or evil. When you live in the fear of The Lord you can walk before Him in confidence and peace.

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever.” “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” “The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate.” “The fear of the LORD prolongs days, But the years of the wicked will be shortened.” “In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence, And His children will have a place of refuge. The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to turn one away from the snares of death.” Psalms 111:10; Proverbs 1:7; 8:13; 10:27; 14:26, 27, NKJV.

Walk in fear and Comfort,

Pastor Mike