Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionGodly fear, often understood as a reverent awe and respect for God, is a foundational aspect of the Christian faith. It is not merely a fear of punishment but a profound recognition of God's holiness, majesty, and authority. Teaching godly fear is essential for nurturing a deep and abiding relationship with God, fostering obedience, and cultivating wisdom. Biblical Basis for Godly Fear The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of fearing God. 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 true wisdom and understanding, underscoring its significance in the believer's life. In Deuteronomy 6:2, the Israelites are instructed to fear the Lord: "so that you and your children and grandchildren may fear the LORD your God all the days of your lives, by keeping all His statutes and commandments that I give you, and so that your days may be prolonged" . This passage indicates that godly fear is to be passed down through generations, ensuring that each successive generation understands and honors God's commandments. Teaching Godly Fear 1. Through Scripture: The primary means of teaching godly fear is through the study and application of Scripture. The Bible is replete with examples and teachings that illustrate the nature and necessity of fearing God. Psalm 34:11 invites believers to learn this fear: "Come, children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD" . This verse suggests an active, intentional approach to imparting godly fear. 2. By Example: Leaders and parents are called to model godly fear in their own lives. In 1 Peter 1:17, believers are reminded to "conduct yourselves in reverent fear during your stay as foreigners" . By living out a life of reverence and obedience, individuals can demonstrate the importance and impact of godly fear to others. 3. Through Worship and Prayer: Worship and prayer are vital practices that cultivate a sense of godly fear. Hebrews 12:28-29 encourages believers to "worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire" . Engaging in worship with a heart of reverence helps instill a deeper understanding of God's holiness and power. 4. In Community: The Christian community plays a crucial role in teaching and reinforcing godly fear. Acts 9:31 describes the early church as "walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit" . Fellowship with other believers provides opportunities for mutual encouragement and accountability in maintaining a reverent attitude toward God. The Benefits of Godly Fear Teaching godly fear yields numerous benefits for individuals and communities. It leads to a life of obedience and righteousness, as seen in Ecclesiastes 12:13: "Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man" . Godly fear also brings protection and guidance, as Psalm 25:12-14 promises that those who fear the Lord will be instructed in the way they should choose and will experience His covenantal friendship. Moreover, godly fear fosters humility and dependence on God, recognizing human limitations and the need for divine grace. Isaiah 66:2 declares, "This is the one I will esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at My word" . Such an attitude aligns believers with God's purposes and opens the door to His blessings and favor. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 34:11Come, you children, listen to me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Fear which Terminates in the Second Death. A Seraph's Wings The Duty of the People of God to Excite Others to Seek this Rest. How we Shall Make Use of Christ as the Truth, that we May Win to ... Reverence in Prayer The Shaking of the Heavens and the Earth (Preached at the Chapel ... V. ... Of Atheistical Discourse. Reverence in Worship. Psalm XIX. Resources Is it true that fear is a liar? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible mean when it tells us to fear not / do not fear? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about fear? | 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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