Godly fear, often referred to as the "fear of the Lord," is a profound reverence and awe for God that is foundational to the Christian faith. It is not characterized by terror or dread but by a deep respect and acknowledgment of God's holiness, power, and authority. This fear is integral to the believer's relationship with God and is seen as the beginning of wisdom and knowledge.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of godly fear is rooted in Scripture and is frequently mentioned throughout the Bible. 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 the importance of godly fear as the starting point for true wisdom and understanding, emphasizing its foundational role in the life of a believer.

In the New Testament, godly fear is further expounded upon. Hebrews 12:28-29 encourages believers to "serve God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire" . This passage underscores the necessity of approaching God with a heart of reverence, recognizing His majesty and holiness.

Characteristics of Godly Fear

1. Reverence and Awe: Godly fear involves a profound respect for God's character and His commandments. It acknowledges His sovereignty and the greatness of His works. This reverence is not passive but actively shapes the believer's conduct and worship.

2. Obedience: A natural outflow of godly fear is obedience to God's Word. Deuteronomy 10:12-13 instructs, "And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk 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" . This passage links fear of the Lord with a life of obedience and devotion.

3. Humility: Godly fear fosters humility, as believers recognize their dependence on God and their own limitations. Isaiah 66:2 declares, "This is the one I will esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at My word" . Such humility is a hallmark of those who truly fear the Lord.

4. Trust and Confidence: While godly fear involves reverence, it also engenders trust in God's promises and His faithfulness. Psalm 115:11 states, "You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD! He is their help and shield" . This trust is rooted in the assurance of God's protection and provision.

Role in the Christian Life

Godly fear plays a crucial role in the sanctification process, guiding believers to live lives that are pleasing to God. It acts as a deterrent against sin, as seen in Proverbs 16:6: "By loving devotion and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD one turns from evil" . This fear motivates believers to pursue holiness and righteousness.

Moreover, godly fear is a source of spiritual strength and encouragement. It provides a framework for understanding God's discipline and correction, as noted in Hebrews 12:5-6: "My son, do not take lightly the discipline of the Lord, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you. For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives" . This perspective helps believers endure trials with patience and faith.

Conclusion

Godly fear is an essential aspect of the Christian faith, shaping the believer's relationship with God and influencing their daily walk. It is characterized by reverence, obedience, humility, and trust, and it plays a vital role in the pursuit of holiness and spiritual maturity. Through godly fear, Christians are drawn closer to God, experiencing His love and grace in profound ways.Acts 9:31
Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Godly Fear and Its Goodly Consequence
... Godly Fear and its Goodly Consequence. ... no such division, because the hard and fast
line by which men of the world, and I fear some Christians, have divided ...
/.../spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/godly fear and its goodly.htm

A Seraph's Wings
... And we Christians, who hear it re-echoed in the very last Book of Scripture by ... our
reverence in our confidence, and that we do not part with godly fear in our ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/a seraphs wings.htm

The General Epistle of Jude
... the false teachers were guilty of gross and unnatural vice, that they were greedy,
and destitute of godly fear. They also, like the evil Christians at Corinth ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter xxiv the general epistle.htm

The Fifteenth Proposition. Concerning Salutations and Recreations ...
... sense of his fear, and from that evangelical Spirit wherewith Christians ought to
be leavened, and which leads into sobriety, gravity, and godly fear; in which ...
/.../the fifteenth proposition concerning salutations.htm

Reverence in Worship.
... of reverence has been the characteristic on the whole of Christians not of ... are directly
from God, inculcate the spirit of "reverence and godly fear," but those ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon i reverence in worship.htm

For Godly Sorrow Worketh Repentance to Salvation, not to be ...
... of those gushings of sorrow in which Christians sometimes break ... not now abstain from
it through fear, and to ... in the text, where it says "Godly sorrow worketh ...
/.../lectures to professing christians/for godly sorrow worketh repentance.htm

The Fear which Terminates in the Second Death.
... The primitive Christians drank largely of the bitter cup ... There is yet one other kind
of fear which leads ... followers""Yea, and all who will live godly in Christ ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xx the fear which.htm

The Sixth Season
... Some Christians have much to do with it; and the more spiritual the heart is ... grace,
whereby we may serve Him acceptably, with reverence and godly fear; for our ...
//christianbookshelf.org/flavel/on keeping the heart/vi the sixth season.htm

The Shaking of the Heavens and the Earth (Preached at the Chapel ...
... would approach new truth in that spirit; in the spirit of godly fear, which is ... in
that truly conservative spirit which is the duty of all Christians, and the ...
/.../kingsley/the water of life and other sermons/sermon vi the shaking of.htm

The First Commandment
... In the godly fear and love kiss each other. ... Use two. Christians are condemned who
profess to own God for their God and yet do not live as if he were their God. ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 1 the first commandment.htm

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