Topical Encyclopedia Godly fear, often referred to as the "fear of the Lord," is a profound reverence and awe for God, recognizing His supreme authority, holiness, and power. This fear is not characterized by terror or dread but by a deep respect and acknowledgment of God's majesty and righteousness. It is a foundational aspect of a believer's relationship with God, guiding their actions, thoughts, and worship.Biblical Foundation The concept of godly fear is deeply rooted in Scripture, where it is presented as the beginning of wisdom and knowledge. 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 are grounded in a reverent fear of God. God as the Object of Fear Throughout the Bible, God is consistently portrayed as the rightful object of fear. This fear is not about being afraid of God in a negative sense but about recognizing His greatness and living in a way that honors Him. In Deuteronomy 10:12 , Moses instructs the Israelites, "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." Here, fearing God is linked with loving and serving Him wholeheartedly. Expressions of Godly Fear Godly fear manifests in various ways in the life of a believer. It leads to obedience, as seen in Ecclesiastes 12:13 : "When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind." This fear motivates believers to live according to God's commandments, understanding that His ways are just and righteous. Worship is another expression of godly fear. Psalm 96:9 exhorts, "Worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness; tremble before Him, all the earth." Worshiping God with reverence and awe is a natural response to His holiness and majesty. Godly Fear in the New Testament In the New Testament, godly fear continues to be emphasized as an essential aspect of faith. Hebrews 12:28-29 encourages 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 passage underscores the importance of approaching God with reverence, acknowledging His power and holiness. The early church also exemplified godly fear. Acts 9:31 describes the church as "walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied." The fear of the Lord was integral to the growth and spiritual health of the early Christian community. The Role of Godly Fear in the Believer's Life Godly fear serves as a guiding principle for believers, influencing their conduct and relationship with God. It fosters humility, as seen in Isaiah 66:2 : "This is the one I will esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at My word." A humble heart that trembles at God's word is esteemed by the Lord. Moreover, godly fear provides protection and security. Proverbs 14:26 assures, "He who fears the LORD is secure in confidence, and his children shall have a place of refuge." This fear leads to a life of trust and reliance on God, offering a refuge for the believer and their family. In summary, godly fear is a vital aspect of the Christian faith, with God as its rightful object. It encompasses reverence, obedience, worship, and humility, shaping the believer's life and relationship with the Almighty. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 8:13Sanctify the LORD of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library A Treatise of the Fear of God; Father and Judge How we Shall Make Use of Christ as the Truth, that we May Win to ... The Saint among Sinners On the Omnipresence of God Preaching among the Heathen "This Then is the Message which we have Heard of Him, and Declare ... The Shaking of the Heavens and the Earth (Preached at the Chapel ... The Tests of Love to God The Spirit of Whitsuntide. Resources What does “perfect love casts out fear” mean? | GotQuestions.orgHow is the fear of man a snare (Proverbs 29:25)? | GotQuestions.org How is the fear of the Lord the beginning of wisdom? | GotQuestions.org Fear: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Fear of God: A Motive of Obedience Fear of God: Conspicuous Instances of Those Who Feared: David Fear of God: Conspicuous Instances of Those Who Feared: Job, According to the Testimony of Satan Fear of God: Conspicuous Instances of Those Who Feared: Jonah, During the Storm Fear of God: Conspicuous Instances of Those Who Feared: Noah, in Preparing the Ark Fear of God: Conspicuous Instances of Those Who Feared: The Jews, in Obeying the Voice of the Lord Fear of God: Conspicuous Instances of Those Who Feared: The Women at the Grave Fear of God: Guilty Fear: Adam and Eve Fear of God: Guilty Fear: Demons Fear of God: Guilty Fear: Judas Fear of God: Guilty Fear: The Guards at Jesus' Tomb Fear of God: Hezekiah, in his Treatment of the Prophet Micah, Who Prophesied Harm Against Jerusalem Fear of God: Jacob, in the Vision of the Ladder, and the Covenant of God Fear of God: Obadiah, in Sheltering One-Hundred Prophets Against the Wrath of Jezebel Fear of God: Phinehas, in Turning Away the Anger of God at the Time of the Plague Fear of God: The Egyptians, at the Time of the Plague of Thunder and Hail and Fire Fear of God: The Midwives of Egypt, in Refusing to Take the Lives of the Hebrew Children Fear of God: The Nine and One-Half Tribes of Israel West of the Jordan River Godly Fear: A Characteristic of Saints Godly Fear: A Fountain of Life Godly Fear: A Treasure to Saints Godly Fear: Filial and Reverential Godly Fear: God is the Author of Godly Fear: God is the Object of Godly Fear: Motives to Judgments of God Godly Fear: Motives to The Forgiveness of God Godly Fear: Motives to The Goodness of God Godly Fear: Motives to The Greatness of God Godly Fear: Motives to The Holiness of God Godly Fear: Motives to Wondrous Works of God Godly Fear: Necessary to Avoiding of Sin Godly Fear: Necessary to Impartial Administration of Justice Godly Fear: Necessary to Perfecting Holiness Godly Fear: Necessary to Righteous Government Godly Fear: Necessary to The Service of God Godly Fear: Necessary to The Worship of God Godly Fear: Searching the Scriptures Gives the Understanding of Godly Fear: should Accompany the Joy of Saints Godly Fear: should be Constantly Maintained Godly Fear: should be Exhibited in Giving a Reason for Our Hope Godly Fear: should be Exhibited in Our Callings Godly Fear: should be Prayed For Godly Fear: should be Taught to Others Godly Fear: The Wicked Destitute of Godly Fear: Those Who Have are Accepted of God Godly Fear: Those Who Have are Blessed Godly Fear: Those Who Have are Pitied by God Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Afford Pleasure to God Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Confide in God Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Converse Together of Holy Things Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Days of, Prolonged Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Depart from Evil Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Desires of, Fulfilled by God Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Receive Mercy from God Godly Fear: Those Who Have: should not Fear Man Unholy Fear is Described as a Fear of Future Punishment Unholy Fear is Described as a Fear of Idols Unholy Fear is Described as a Fear of Judgments Unholy Fear is Described as a Fear of Man Unholy Fear is Described as Consuming Unholy Fear is Described as Overwhelming Unholy Fear: A Characteristic of the Wicked Unholy Fear: A Guilty Conscience Leads To Unholy Fear: Adonijah's Guests Unholy Fear: Exhortations Against Unholy Fear: Saints Delivered From Unholy Fear: Saints Sometimes Tempted To Unholy Fear: Seizes the Wicked Unholy Fear: Shall be Realised Unholy Fear: Surprises the Hypocrite Unholy Fear: The Wicked Judicially Filled With Unholy Fear: Trust in God, a Preservative From Related Terms |
    |