Topical Bible: Godly Fear: Motives to Judgments of God

◄ Godly Fear: Motives to Judgments of God ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Godly fear, often understood as a reverent awe and respect for the Almighty, is a foundational aspect of the believer's relationship with God. It is a fear that acknowledges God's holiness, justice, and power, and it serves as a profound motivator for righteous living. The judgments of God, as revealed in Scripture, are a significant aspect of His divine character and serve as a compelling reason for cultivating godly fear.

The Nature of Godly Fear

Godly fear is not a paralyzing terror but a deep reverence for God that influences one's actions and decisions. It is rooted in the recognition of God's sovereignty and His righteous standards. Proverbs 9:10 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding" . This fear is the starting point for a life that seeks to honor God in all things.

Judgments of God as a Motive

The judgments of God, both temporal and eternal, are a sobering reminder of His holiness and justice. Throughout Scripture, God's judgments serve as a warning and a call to repentance. They are a demonstration of His righteous character and His intolerance of sin. The fear of these judgments motivates believers to live in accordance with God's will.

Biblical Examples of God's Judgments

1. The Flood: In Genesis 6-9, God judged the world with a flood due to the widespread wickedness of humanity. This cataclysmic event underscores the seriousness with which God views sin and serves as a historical reminder of His power to judge.

2. Sodom and Gomorrah: The destruction of these cities, as recorded in Genesis 19, highlights God's judgment against immorality and injustice. The fear of such divine retribution encourages believers to pursue righteousness.

3. The Plagues of Egypt: In Exodus 7-12, God sent plagues upon Egypt to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites. These judgments revealed God's supremacy over false gods and His commitment to justice, instilling fear and reverence in those who witnessed His power.

4. The Exile of Israel and Judah: The Assyrian and Babylonian exiles were judgments upon God's people for their persistent idolatry and disobedience. These events, chronicled in 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles, serve as a warning of the consequences of turning away from God.

Eternal Judgment

The New Testament further emphasizes the reality of eternal judgment. Hebrews 10:31 warns, "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God" . The prospect of standing before God's judgment seat, as described in Revelation 20:11-15, motivates believers to live in a manner worthy of their calling, knowing that their deeds will be evaluated.

The Role of Godly Fear in the Believer's Life

Godly fear leads to obedience and a desire to align one's life with God's commands. It fosters humility, recognizing human frailty and the need for divine grace. Philippians 2:12-13 encourages believers to "work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good pleasure" . This fear is not about earning salvation but about living in a way that reflects the transformative power of God's grace.

Conclusion

Godly fear, motivated by the judgments of God, is an essential aspect of the Christian life. It drives believers to pursue holiness, seek God's will, and live in a manner that honors Him. Through understanding and embracing this fear, believers are equipped to navigate the challenges of life with wisdom and reverence for their Creator.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Revelation 14:7
Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Application of these Motives
... sins of the land, and the judgments that have ... and painful under all these motives
and engagements ... serve God acceptably, with reverence, and godly fear; for our ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/article 4.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... 4. The judgments that sometimes God hath executed upon men for their want of godly
fear, while they have been in his worship and service, put fear and dread ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

The Motives to this Oversight
... I shall next lay before you some motives to awaken ... the gospel, and of all that desire
to fear the Lord ... your hearts to think that all the godly Christians about ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/section 2 the motives to.htm

An Exhortation to Love God
... But if you love God, there is no fear of losing ... Thus we have seen twenty motives
to excite and inflame our ... A godly man is contented with a very little of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/an exhortation to love god.htm

Ananias and Sapphira.
... of those visible and alarming judgments, which, contrary ... truth was sincere, and their
motives were upright ... serve God acceptably, with reverence and godly fear. ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture vi ananias and sapphira.htm

Motives from the Benefits of Work
... MOTIVES FROM THE BENEFITS OF THE WORK ... of our labors, then, no doubt, if the fear
of God ... Methinks I even see all the godly ministers of England commencing the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/article i.htm

The Duty of the People of God to Excite Others to Seek this Rest.
... upon God, and associating with the godly: persuade him ... But that all who fear God
may be excited to do ... me entreat you to consider the following MOTIVES: As, for ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter ix the duty of.htm

Letter iv. On the Reading and Study of the Holy Scriptures
... of God but with feelings of reverence and godly fear. ... you read of particular mercies
or judgments, as experienced ... of the Bible, study the motives and conduct ...
/.../a practical directory for young christian females/letter iv on the reading.htm

One Thing is Needful;
... be bad, not arising from evangelical motives; while all ... holiness Thou dost with so
much godly zeal express ... will by no means mitigate their fear, But aggravate ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/one thing is needful.htm

Sermon for St. Peter's Day
... those who are under their care in the fear of God ... the inward joy of hearty sweetness
and godly love: for ... they fall under suspicion of selfish motives, and it is ...
/.../xxvi sermon for st peters.htm