In a powerful spiritual exposition dated 22 November 2025, Emeritus Professor Mercy Olumide reveals the profound blessings awaiting those who walk in the fear of the Lord. The teaching, titled "Adoration (38)" and shared at 1:37am WAT, emphasizes that God has promised to bless and honour all those who fear Him.
Drawing from Proverbs 22:4, Professor Olumide highlights that humility and the fear of the Lord bring riches, honour, and life. Additional divine promises include protection from death as stated in Proverbs 14:26-27, provisions for daily needs from Psalms 34:9 and 111:5, and long life regardless of worldly circumstances according to Ecclesiastes 8:12-13.
The Seven Characteristics of Fearing God
Professor Olumide systematically breaks down the seven key characteristics that define what it means to truly fear God and how they transform believers' lives.
Obedience in Difficult Times
The first characteristic reveals that the fear of the Lord enables obedience even during the most challenging circumstances. Professor Olumide points to Abraham's ultimate test when asked to offer his only son Isaac as a sacrifice in Genesis 22:1-2. The Psalmists further establish that fearing God equates to delighting in His commands and following His precepts. Ecclesiastes 12:13 summarizes life's true meaning in two imperatives: "Fear God, and keep his commandments," which brings wholeness compared to the emptiness described in earlier chapters.
Rejection of Sin and Evil
The second characteristic demonstrates how the fear of God moves believers to reject sin and depart from evil. Professor Olumide references Proverbs 3:7, 8:13, and 16:6, along with Moses' declaration to the people in Exodus 20:20 that God's fear prevents sin. The teaching emphasizes that those content with wickedness operate without the fear of God before their eyes, as described in Psalms 36:1-4.
Dread of God's Displeasure
The third aspect involves a wholesome dread of God's holy displeasure and wrath, supported by scriptures including Matthew 10:28, Romans 1:16-18, and 1 Peter 1:17. Professor Olumide stresses the critical importance of teaching children to fear the Lord by training them to hate sin and love God's righteous commands, referencing Deuteronomy 4:10 and 6:1-2,6-9. Since "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" as repeatedly stated throughout Scripture, this becomes the foundational step in godly education.
Proper Reverence and Worship
The fourth characteristic shows that the fear of God provides the necessary perspective for proper reverence and worship. When we truly fear God, we glorify Him as Lord and worship Him with our entire being. David identifies the worshiping congregation as "them that fear him," while Revelation 14:6-7 features an angel proclaiming the eternal gospel with the call to "Fear God, and give glory to him... worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters."
Sanctifying Effect on Believers
The teaching concludes by emphasizing the sanctifying effect of fearing God on believers' lives, transforming them into vessels fit for God's purpose and glory.
Professor Mercy Olumide, reachable at [email protected] and on Facebook as Yetunde Mercy Olumide, provides this comprehensive spiritual guide for Christians seeking to deepen their relationship with God through biblical fear that brings abundant life and divine favour.
