Topical Bible: Godly Fear: Those Who Have are Accepted of God

◄ Godly Fear: Those Who Have are Accepted of God ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Godly fear, often synonymous with reverence and awe towards the Almighty, is a profound respect and veneration for God that influences a believer's life and actions. This fear is not a paralyzing dread but a recognition of God's holiness, justice, and power, coupled with a deep love and trust in His character and promises. It is a foundational aspect of a faithful relationship with God and is frequently highlighted in Scripture as a characteristic of those who are accepted by Him.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of godly fear is deeply rooted in the Bible. Proverbs 9:10 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." This verse underscores the idea that true wisdom and understanding begin with a reverent fear of God. It is this fear that leads to a life aligned with God's will and purposes.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul writes 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 pleasure." Here, Paul emphasizes the importance of godly fear in the believer's journey of salvation, acknowledging that it is God who empowers and guides the faithful.

Examples of Godly Fear in Scripture

1. Noah: In Hebrews 11:7, Noah is commended for his godly fear: "By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in godly fear built an ark to save his family. By faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith." Noah's reverence for God's warning led him to act in obedience, resulting in the preservation of his family and the continuation of humanity.

2. Abraham: Abraham's fear of God is evident in Genesis 22:12, where God says, "Do not lay a hand on the boy or do anything to him. For now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your only son from Me." Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac demonstrated his profound reverence and trust in God, which was counted to him as righteousness.

3. The Early Church: Acts 9:31 describes the early church living in godly fear: "Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers." The fear of the Lord was a catalyst for growth and spiritual vitality within the early Christian community.

Characteristics of Godly Fear

· Obedience: Those who fear God are marked by a desire to obey His commandments and live according to His statutes. This obedience is not out of compulsion but out of love and reverence for God.

· Humility: Godly fear fosters humility, recognizing one's own limitations and the greatness of God. It leads to a reliance on God's wisdom and guidance rather than one's own understanding.

· Worship: A life characterized by godly fear is one of worship and adoration. It acknowledges God's sovereignty and majesty, resulting in a heart that seeks to glorify Him in all things.

· Trust: Those who fear God place their trust in Him, confident in His promises and faithfulness. This trust is evident in times of trial and uncertainty, where reliance on God's character provides peace and assurance.

Acceptance by God

Scripture affirms that those who possess godly fear are accepted by God. Psalm 147:11 declares, "The LORD is pleased with those who fear Him, who hope in His loving devotion." This acceptance is not based on human merit but on a heart posture that honors and reveres God. In Isaiah 66:2, God says, "But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at My word."

Godly fear is a distinguishing mark of those who belong to God, setting them apart as His treasured possession. It is a fear that draws believers closer to God, aligning their hearts with His will and purposes, and ultimately leading to a life that is pleasing and acceptable in His sight.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 10:35
But in every nation he that fears him, and works righteousness, is accepted with him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

So Likewise Ye, when Ye Shall have done all those Things
... true knowledge of God, so that we truly fear Him, truly ... This can be better understood
by the godly than those ... granted to works, it is granted to those who have ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 10 so likewise ye.htm

Reverence in Worship.
... praise Him to each other, in few words, and those continually repeated ... What I have
said has been enough to suggest what it ... "with reverence and godly fear," as St ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon i reverence in worship.htm

Parental Duties Considered and Urged.
... By a godly seed, children consecrated to the service of God ... as a bond on parents
to train them up in his fear. And those who have been of the household of faith ...
/.../sermon xxii parental duties considered.htm

Hebrews xii. 18-24
... we [3431] serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. ... there is nothing of
this to fear,"lest after ... cast the most; or rather, more than those who cast ...
/.../homily xxxii hebrews xii 18-24.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... be the blessed experience of all those who prayerfully ... of God, if it be not seasoned
with godly fear. Wherefore the apostle saith, "Let us have grace, whereby ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

First Epistle of St John, Ch. Ii. Part of the 1St and 2D Verses.
... Lusts, and to live soberly, righteously, and godly; but merely ... Time of your Sojourning
here in Fear, saith St ... the Guilt and Punishment of those Christians, who ...
/.../sermon xii first epistle of.htm

A Solemn Warning for all Churches
... Though they may be godly men, upright men, ask them ... because they are the people who
truly fear me: they ... Those who have not defiled their garments here, shall ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/a solemn warning for all.htm

2 Cor. vii. 8
... sources the proof of what he said, nor to bring forward those in the ... self-same thing,
that ye were made sorry after a godly sort, what ... "Yea, what fear." (ver.11 ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xv 2 cor vii.htm

The Former Subject of the Sedition Continued; Also of Fasting...
... yet produce our sweetest fruits, so, verily, godly sorrow will ... wanton and contemptuous;
and when the fear has passed ... would not the calamity of those who are ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xviii the former subject.htm

Reply to the Arguments of the Adversaries.
... our doctrine is, indeed, plain; it need not fear the light ... Hence we refer godly minds
to the consideration of the ... For he speaks of the works of those who have ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 7 reply to the.htm