Topical Bible: Godly Fear: should be Constantly Maintained

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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, power, and authority. It is not a fear that leads to terror or dread but rather a deep respect that influences one's actions and attitudes. This fear is foundational to wisdom and understanding, as stated in Proverbs 9:10 : "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."

Biblical Basis for Maintaining Godly Fear

The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of maintaining godly fear throughout one's life. This fear is not a one-time experience but a continual posture of the heart. 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." This passage highlights that godly fear is integral to a life of obedience and devotion.

Examples of Godly Fear in Scripture

Several biblical figures exemplify godly fear. Noah, for instance, demonstrated this fear by obeying God's command to build the ark, as noted in Hebrews 11:7 : "By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in godly fear built an ark to save his family." His reverence for God led to action, preserving his family and the future of humanity.

Similarly, the early church lived in godly fear, which contributed to its growth and strength. Acts 9:31 states, "Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, and it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord."

The Role of Godly Fear in the Believer's Life

Godly fear serves as a guiding principle for believers, influencing their conduct and decisions. It acts as a deterrent against sin, as seen in Proverbs 16:6 : "By loving devotion and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD one turns away from evil." This fear encourages believers to pursue righteousness and holiness, aligning their lives with God's will.

Moreover, godly fear fosters a deeper relationship with God. Psalm 25:14 reveals, "The LORD confides in those who fear Him, and reveals His covenant to them." This intimate connection is a result of reverence and respect, leading to greater spiritual insight and understanding.

Encouragement to Cultivate Godly Fear

Scripture encourages believers to actively cultivate and maintain godly fear. Philippians 2:12 exhorts, "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." This passage underscores the necessity of a continual, conscious effort to live in reverence before God.

In conclusion, godly fear is an essential aspect of the Christian life, deeply rooted in Scripture and exemplified by faithful individuals throughout biblical history. It is a constant, guiding force that shapes the believer's relationship with God and their conduct in the world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 14:23
And you shall eat before the LORD your God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of your corn, of your wine, and of your oil, and the firstborn of your herds and of your flocks; that you may learn to fear the LORD your God always.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Joshua 4:24
That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the LORD, that it is mighty: that you might fear the LORD your God for ever.
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Proverbs 23:17
Let not your heart envy sinners: but be you in the fear of the LORD all the day long.
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Library

One Thing is Needful;
... and that holiness Thou dost with so much godly zeal express ... By what I say, that
Christian men should drink In ... In watching, self-denial, and with fear To serve ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/one thing is needful.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... by virtue whereof there is begot and maintained in them ... to speak of it with reverence
and godly fear, but I ... to put Christians in mind that they should not in ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

Of the True Church. Duty of Cultivating Unity with Her, as the ...
... ever and anon aroused by a serious fear of the ... if only granted once, all the godly
can bear ... Christ; [531] but, moreover, that they should perpetually perform ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 1 of the true.htm

Covenant Duties.
... and he shall hear my voice."[240] So also should godly fear. ... for the welfare of one
another, should be cherished ... that they love God, so they who fear Him ought ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter iv covenant duties.htm

The Seven Deacons
... and by their prudent management and their godly example they ... to be "able men, such
as fear God, men ... positions of responsibility in the church, should be spent ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 9 the seven deacons.htm

Of Christian Liberty.
... The consciences of the godly not to be fettered by ... Those who are thoroughly impressed
with some fear of God, if ... with God in our minds, we should live peaceably ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 19 of christian liberty.htm

Patmos
... his strength, in whose shelter he could hide without fear. ... goodness in delivering
them from trial, should be repeated ... be with all who will live godly in Christ ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 56 patmos.htm

Comparison Between the False Church and the True.
... of evil, but rather to retain us in the fear of God ... this was done for the name of
Christ, the cause should first be ... not to be carried so far by the godly as to ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 2 comparison between the.htm

The Eternal Punishment of the Wicked Reconciled with the Goodness ...
... as well as with a godly fear and wholesome ... to the conclusion, when he should have
abandoned ... by a combination of opposite influences almost constantly acting on ...
/.../chapter iv the eternal punishment.htm

Unsound Spiritual Trading
... The Arminian, forsooth, godly man as he was, would be lost ... but it was not the love
but the fear of the ... seats at certain times in the week, and should sit there ...
/.../spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/unsound spiritual trading.htm