Topical Bible: Godly Fear: A Characteristic of Saints

◄ Godly Fear: A Characteristic of Saints ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Godly fear, often synonymous with reverence and awe towards God, is a defining characteristic of the saints, those who are set apart for God's purposes. This fear is not a paralyzing dread but a profound respect and acknowledgment of God's holiness, power, and authority. It is a foundational element of a believer's relationship with God, influencing their actions, thoughts, and worship.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of godly fear is deeply rooted in Scripture. Proverbs 9:10 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding" . This verse highlights that true wisdom and understanding begin with a reverent fear of God. It is the starting point for a life that seeks to honor and obey Him.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul writes in Philippians 2:12, "Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence but now even more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling" . Here, godly fear is linked to the believer's ongoing sanctification process, emphasizing a life of obedience and humility before God.

Characteristics of Godly Fear

1. Reverence and Awe: Godly fear involves a deep sense of reverence and awe for God's majesty and holiness. Hebrews 12:28-29 exhorts believers, "Therefore, since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us be filled with gratitude, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. For our God is a consuming fire" . This reverence leads to worship that is pleasing to God.

2. Obedience: A natural outflow of godly fear is obedience to God's commands. Deuteronomy 10:12-13 instructs, "And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God by walking in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments and statutes of the LORD that I am giving you this day for your own good?" . Obedience is a tangible expression of a heart that fears the Lord.

3. Hatred of Evil: Godly fear also manifests in a hatred of evil and sin. Proverbs 8:13 declares, "To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct, and perverse speech" . This hatred for sin aligns the believer's heart with God's righteousness and justice.

4. Trust and Dependence: Those who fear the Lord place their trust in Him, recognizing their dependence on His strength and provision. Psalm 115:11 encourages, "You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD! He is their help and shield" . Trusting God is a natural response to understanding His sovereignty and goodness.

5. Humility: Godly fear fosters humility, as believers recognize their own limitations and the greatness of God. Isaiah 66:2 states, "Has not My hand made all these things, and so they came into being? declares the LORD. This is the one I will esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at My word" . Humility is a hallmark of those who truly fear the Lord.

Examples of Godly Fear in Scripture

Several biblical figures exemplify godly fear. Noah, for instance, demonstrated this fear by obeying God's command to build the ark, despite the ridicule he faced. Hebrews 11:7 notes, "By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in godly fear built an ark to save his family" . His reverence for God led to his obedience and ultimately, salvation.

Similarly, the early church is described as living in the fear of the Lord. Acts 9:31 records, "Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, and it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord" . This fear was integral to their growth and spiritual vitality.

Conclusion

Godly fear is an essential characteristic of the saints, shaping their relationship with God and guiding their conduct. It is a reverent acknowledgment of God's holiness and authority, leading to a life marked by obedience, trust, and humility. Through godly fear, believers align themselves with God's will and purpose, reflecting His glory in their lives.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Malachi 3:16
Then they that feared the LORD spoke often one to another: and the LORD listened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought on his name.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Reverence in Worship.
... whole, so, want of reverence has been the characteristic on the ... "with reverence and
godly fear," as St ... speak our own words;" in imitation of all Saints before us ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon i reverence in worship.htm

Hebrews xii. 18-24
... we [3431] serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. ... there is nothing of
this to fear,"lest after a ... Nothing is so characteristic of a Christian, as ...
/.../homily xxxii hebrews xii 18-24.htm

Ananias and Sapphira.
... of spiritual things, and as characteristic of a ... God, sinners are intimidated, and
saints are inspired ... may serve God acceptably, with reverence and godly fear. ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture vi ananias and sapphira.htm

Of the True Church. Duty of Cultivating Unity with Her, as the ...
... had long before given this as the characteristic of the ... cap.2). Let all the godly
study to provide themselves ... ever and anon aroused by a serious fear of the ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 1 of the true.htm

Mongrel Religion
... it; but it is sure to be the characteristic of a ... see that the most bitter opponents
of that godly man were ... Their fear of God was such that they wanted to join ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 27 1881/mongrel religion.htm

The Epistle of Saint Jude.
... Their third characteristic is, that they will not be subject ... They are without care
or fear; they think the devil ... him, Genesis 5. that he led a godly life, and ...
/.../the epistle of saint jude.htm

Mr. John Bunyan's Dying Sayings.
... of God shall meet together, without fear of being ... Divine service, contrary to the
godly laws and ... Among these truly remarkable sayings, so characteristic of our ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr john bunyans dying sayings.htm

Fifth Sunday after Epiphany
... and cheerfulness, being moved neither by fear of punishment ... that sincere and
whole-souled mercy characteristic of the ... often as the support of godly pastors and ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/fifth sunday after epiphany.htm

Chapter iv
... of the development of the family of the godly. ... will slay me." The psychology of the
reaction is characteristic. Murderers fear that they in turn will be slain ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter iv.htm

On the Great Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria.
... when wisdom has burst the bonds of fear and risen up ... turn to that which is his chief
characteristic; and God ... 3319] nevertheless for the present the godly are a ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xxi on the great.htm