Topical Bible: Godly Fear: Necessary to The Service of God

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Definition and Nature of Godly Fear

Godly fear, often referred to as the "fear of the Lord," is a profound reverence and awe for God, recognizing His holiness, majesty, and authority. It is not a fear that leads to terror or dread but rather a deep respect and acknowledgment of God's power and righteousness. This fear is foundational to a believer's relationship with God and is essential for true worship and service.

Biblical Basis for Godly Fear

The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of godly fear in the life of a believer. 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 godly fear is the starting point for acquiring wisdom and understanding, essential qualities for serving God effectively.

In Ecclesiastes 12:13, the Preacher concludes, "Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind." This underscores that fearing God is not only foundational but also a duty for all people, guiding them to live in obedience to His commandments.

Godly Fear in the Old Testament

The Old Testament provides numerous examples of individuals who demonstrated godly fear. Abraham, when tested by God to sacrifice his son Isaac, exhibited profound reverence and obedience, which God acknowledged in Genesis 22:12: "Do not lay a hand on the boy or do anything to him," said the angel, "for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your only son from Me."

The Israelites were also instructed to fear the Lord as part of their covenant relationship with Him. Deuteronomy 10:12-13 commands, "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?"

Godly Fear in the New Testament

The New Testament continues to affirm the necessity of godly fear. In Acts 9:31, the early church is described as "walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit," which contributed to its growth and strength. This indicates that godly fear was integral to the life and expansion of the early Christian community.

The Apostle Paul, in Philippians 2:12, exhorts believers to "work out your salvation with fear and trembling." This call to action reflects a reverent acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and the seriousness of living a life that honors Him.

The Role of Godly Fear in Service to God

Godly fear is crucial for effective service to God, as it cultivates humility, obedience, and a desire to honor Him above all else. It motivates believers to live righteously and to serve God with sincerity and dedication. 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 reverence ensures that service to God is not performed out of mere obligation or ritual but from a heart that truly seeks to glorify Him. Godly fear aligns the believer's priorities with God's will, fostering a life of holiness and devotion.

Conclusion

While godly fear is a profound and complex concept, it remains a central tenet of the Christian faith, guiding believers in their worship, obedience, and service to God. Through godly fear, believers are drawn closer to God, equipped to serve Him faithfully and effectively.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 2:11
Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews 12:28
Why we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Fear which Terminates in the Second Death.
... But if we fear to enter the lists against our spiritual enemies ... Much culture is
necessary to man's attaining his proper rank in ... That he might seek a godly seed ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xx the fear which.htm

Reverence in Worship.
... dress, and the like"are considered as necessary for a ... "with reverence and godly fear,"
as St. ... to rouse or interest them." They think God's service dull and ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon i reverence in worship.htm

The Knowledge that God Is, Combined with the Knowledge that He is ...
... and command upon it, which is a necessary ingredient in ... I fear many cannot say it ...
in external church privileges, without a holy and godly conversation adorning ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture xi the knowledge that.htm

Parental Duties Considered and Urged.
... 3. Restraint is also necessary in the morning of life ... the ways in which parents should
seek a godly feed ... their children to God, nor teach them his fear, nor walk ...
/.../sermon xxii parental duties considered.htm

Article xv (viii): of Human Traditions in the Church.
... is the greatest most holy, most necessary, and highest ... as these: of repentance, of
the fear of God ... diligently maintain church-discipline and godly ceremonies and ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 20 article xv viii .htm

Manner of Covenanting.
... becoming one watery waste, was any force necessary to shut ... It should be performed
with godly fear and reverence ... was taken, in vowing to the Lord, fear his holy ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter ii manner of covenanting.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... 11). Yea, the whole of our service to God, and every part thereof, ought to
be done by us with reverence and godly fear. And therefore ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

Ananias and Sapphira.
... appear to be well founded, it is necessary to recollect ... the use of the poor, and
the service of the ... we may serve God acceptably, with reverence and godly fear. ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture vi ananias and sapphira.htm

The Contents.
... 130. And fear in the next ... Who affords us all necessary means to obtain it. ... Who, as
he grew in godly Wisdom when a Child, also us'd that Wisdom when grown up, and ...
/.../beveridge/private thoughts upon a christian life/the contents.htm

Hebrews xii. 28, 29
... This is "with reverence and godly fear." ( c. xii.28.) For a soul in ... "I will not
fear what man ... If it be necessary to observe [them], we must guard ourselves. ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxxiii hebrews xii 28.htm