Topical Bible: Godly Fear: Necessary to The Worship 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 supreme authority, holiness, and justice. It is not merely a fear of punishment but a deep respect and acknowledgment of God's majesty and righteousness. This fear is foundational to a proper relationship with God and is essential for true worship.

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 wisdom and understanding, essential components of worship.

In the New Testament, Hebrews 12:28-29 underscores the necessity of godly fear in worship: "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 connects godly fear with acceptable worship, emphasizing reverence and awe as integral to approaching God.

Godly Fear in the Old Testament

The Old Testament provides numerous examples of godly fear as a vital aspect of worship. In Deuteronomy 10:12, Moses instructs the Israelites, "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." Here, fear of the Lord is linked with love, service, and obedience, forming a comprehensive approach to worship.

The Psalms frequently echo this theme. Psalm 33:8 declares, "Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the people of the world revere Him." This call to fear the Lord is universal, extending beyond Israel to all nations, indicating that godly fear is a fundamental aspect of worship for all humanity.

Godly Fear in the New Testament

In the New Testament, godly fear continues to be a crucial element of worship. Acts 9:31 describes the early church as "walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit," suggesting that godly fear was a defining characteristic of the early Christian community. This fear was not paralyzing but was accompanied by the comfort and guidance of the Holy Spirit, leading to growth and edification.

The Apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 7:1, exhorts believers to "perfect holiness in the fear of God." This call to holiness is intertwined with godly fear, indicating that reverence for God motivates believers to pursue a life that honors Him.

The Role of Godly Fear in Worship

Godly fear is essential for worship because it aligns the heart and mind of the worshiper with the character and will of God. It fosters humility, recognizing human limitations and the need for divine grace. This fear leads to obedience, as seen in Ecclesiastes 12:13, "Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind."

Moreover, godly fear enhances the worship experience by deepening the worshiper's appreciation of God's attributes. It cultivates a sense of awe and wonder, drawing the believer into a more profound encounter with the divine. As Psalm 96:9 exhorts, "Worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness; tremble before Him, all the earth."

Conclusion

Godly fear is indispensable to the worship of God, serving as the foundation for wisdom, obedience, and reverence. It is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, underscoring its importance in both personal devotion and corporate worship. Through godly fear, believers approach God with the respect and honor due to His holy name, fulfilling their duty to worship Him in spirit and truth.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 5:7
But as for me, I will come into your house in the multitude of your mercy: and in your fear will I worship toward your holy temple.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 89:7
God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Reverence in Worship.
... inculcate the spirit of "reverence and godly fear," but those ... Worship, forms of
worship"such as bowing the knee ... the like"are considered as necessary for a ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon i reverence in worship.htm

The Confession of the Society of Friends, Commonly Called Quakers. ...
... revelations, which we make absolutely necessary for the ... of their conscience, or
difference in worship or opinion ... into sobriety, gravity, and godly fear; in which ...
/.../the confession of the society.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

The Fear which Terminates in the Second Death.
... But if we fear to enter the lists against our spiritual enemies or to endure ... Seeking
a godly seed is not the only design ... An help meet was necessary even in Eden ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xx the fear which.htm

"Whereby we Cry, Abba, Father. "
... of the hearts of men in divine worship! ... rejoice with trembling, and pray with reverence
and godly fear. ... salvation, that which is absolutely necessary, you may ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xl whereby we cry.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

The Law of God
... rule for directing his life in a godly and spiritual ... and to refrain from evil, through
a fear of punishment ... For it is necessary, that they be strictly observed ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 12 the law of.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

Manner of Covenanting.
... becoming one watery waste, was any force necessary to shut ... rebuilt, in houses erected
for the worship of God ... It should be performed with godly fear and reverence ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter ii manner of covenanting.htm

The Consuming Fire.
... serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear, for our ... The worship of fear is
true, although very low ... of inestimable worth as the necessary and connected ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macdonald/unspoken sermons/the consuming fire.htm