Topical Encyclopedia Godly fear, often referred to as the fear of the Lord, is a profound reverence and awe for God that influences a believer's conduct and decision-making. It is a foundational aspect of a righteous life and is essential for avoiding sin. This fear is not a paralyzing dread but a respectful acknowledgment of God's holiness, justice, and authority.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 start with a reverent fear of God. It is this fear that guides believers in making choices that align with God's will. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of godly fear in Philippians 2:12-13: "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. For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose." Here, Paul encourages believers to live out their salvation with a sense of reverence and responsibility, recognizing God's active role in their lives. Role in Avoiding Sin Godly fear acts as a deterrent to sin by instilling a consciousness of God's omnipresence and omniscience. Proverbs 16:6 declares, "By loving devotion and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD one turns away from evil." This verse underscores that a healthy fear of God leads individuals to shun evil and pursue righteousness. The fear of the Lord also fosters a deep love and respect for God's commandments. Psalm 112:1 states, "Hallelujah! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in His commandments." This delight in God's laws is a natural outcome of godly fear, motivating believers to live in obedience and avoid sin. Examples from Scripture The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals who exemplified godly fear and, as a result, avoided sin. Joseph, when tempted by Potiphar's wife, responded in Genesis 39:9, "How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?" His fear of God and respect for His commandments empowered him to resist temptation. Similarly, the prophet Daniel demonstrated godly fear by refusing to defile himself with the king's food and wine (Daniel 1:8). His commitment to God's standards, even in a foreign land, illustrates how godly fear can guide believers to remain steadfast in righteousness. Consequences of Lacking Godly Fear Conversely, a lack of godly fear often leads to moral decay and sin. Romans 3:18 describes the unrighteous with the words, "There is no fear of God before their eyes." This absence of reverence for God results in a life characterized by sin and rebellion against His laws. The account of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-11 serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of lacking godly fear. Their deceit and lack of reverence for God led to their sudden deaths, illustrating the seriousness of sin and the importance of fearing the Lord. Conclusion Godly fear is an essential component of a believer's life, serving as a guiding principle that helps avoid sin and live in accordance with God's will. Through reverence and awe for the Almighty, believers are empowered to make righteous choices, delight in His commandments, and ultimately, live lives that honor Him. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 20:20And Moses said to the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that you sin not. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ... Dedication Covenant Duties. Of Christian Liberty. "Who Will Rise up with Me against the Wicked?" The Irish Articles of Religion. AD 1615. On God's vineyard A Voice from the Hartley Colliery Letter x. The Preservation of Health. Having used these means to procure them Resources What does it mean to have the fear of God? | GotQuestions.orgHow can I overcome the fear of death? How can I stop being scared of dying? | GotQuestions.org Is there any reason to fear going into a cemetery / graveyard? | 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 |
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