Godly fear, often synonymous with reverence and awe towards the Almighty, is a profound theme woven throughout the Scriptures. It is a fear that acknowledges God's majesty, holiness, and authority, leading to a life of obedience and worship. This fear is not a paralyzing dread but a respectful acknowledgment of God's power and righteousness, resulting in blessings for those who possess it.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of godly fear is rooted deeply in the Old Testament. 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 foundational to acquiring wisdom and understanding, essential virtues for a righteous life.

In the New Testament, godly fear continues to be emphasized. Hebrews 12:28-29 exhorts 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 passage underscores the importance of approaching God with reverence, recognizing His holiness and power.

Blessings of Godly Fear

1. Wisdom and Knowledge: As noted in Proverbs 9:10, godly fear is the starting point for wisdom. Those who fear the Lord are granted insight and understanding, enabling them to navigate life's complexities with discernment.

2. Protection and Security: Psalm 34:7 assures, "The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and he delivers them" . This promise of divine protection is a profound blessing for those who live in reverence of God.

3. Provision and Sufficiency: Psalm 34:9 declares, "Fear the LORD, you His saints, for those who fear Him lack nothing" . God promises to meet the needs of those who fear Him, ensuring they lack no good thing.

4. Life and Prosperity: Proverbs 19:23 states, "The fear of the LORD leads to life, that one may rest content, untouched by trouble" . This verse highlights the peace and contentment that accompany a life lived in godly fear.

5. Intimacy with God: Psalm 25:14 reveals, "The LORD confides in those who fear Him, and reveals His covenant to them" . Those who fear God are granted a deeper relationship with Him, marked by divine revelation and understanding of His covenant.

Examples of Godly Fear in Scripture

· Abraham: In Genesis 22, Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac is a profound demonstration of godly fear. His obedience and reverence for God resulted in blessings and the reaffirmation of God's promises to him.

· Joseph: In Genesis 39, Joseph's refusal to sin against God with Potiphar's wife is an example of godly fear. His reverence for God led to eventual elevation and blessing in Egypt.

· The Early Church: Acts 9:31 describes the early church as "walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied" . The fear of the Lord contributed to the church's growth and spiritual vitality.

Conclusion

Godly fear is a vital aspect of the believer's relationship with God. It is a reverence that leads to wisdom, protection, provision, and a deeper intimacy with the Creator. Those who cultivate this fear are assured of God's blessings, both in this life and the life to come.Psalm 112:1
Praise you the LORD. Blessed is the man that fears the LORD, that delights greatly in his commandments.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 115:13
He will bless them that fear the LORD, both small and great.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Godly Fear and Its Goodly Consequence
... Godly Fear and its Goodly Consequence. ... Observe the promise: "His children shall have
a place of refuge." So then, you see that those who fear God and have ...
/.../spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/godly fear and its goodly.htm

Reverence in Worship.
... religions, which are directly from God, inculcate the spirit of "reverence and godly
fear," but those other religions which have existed, or exist ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon i reverence in worship.htm

Persecution Every Christian's Lot
... "Fear not therefore those that can ... after that have no more that they can do; but
fear Him only ... both body and soul in hell." Dare, dare to live godly in Christ ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/persecution every christians lot.htm

An Appeal to Children of Godly Parents
... be to do as they did who trained you in God's fear! ... If the earth had opened under
the godly man's feet ... Dear friends, those of you who are unconverted, our great ...
/.../spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/an appeal to children of.htm

The Author to the Reader.
... make bates) incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are ... and such as tempt the
Lord have no ground ... of all things within them, in godly fear hide themselves ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/the author to the reader.htm

On the Different Kinds of Voluntary Actions, and the Sins Thence ...
... of sinners," as those who, while appearing to fear the Lord ... so as not to be united
to those that have ... the maxim, "Follow God." [2313] "The godly," says Esaias ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xv on the different kinds.htm

The Former Subject of the Sedition Continued; Also of Fasting...
... who are sad are more blessed than those in pleasure ... every thing we do or suffer,
the fear of God ... yet produce our sweetest fruits, so, verily, godly sorrow will ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xviii the former subject.htm

Prayer.
... Let those that name the name of Christ depart from ... iniquity of their closet"when
men have a closet ... carnally, and without reverence and godly fear, performs it ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xix prayer.htm

The Fear which Terminates in the Second Death.
... But those who cannot, "endure hardness as good soldiers""who faint ... But if we fear
to enter the lists against our spiritual ... That he might seek a godly seed ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xx the fear which.htm

Things that Cannot be Shaken
... Spirit tells to the churches what awaits those who overcome ... may serve God acceptably
with reverence and godly fear; for our ... what the love of God would have us be ...
/.../smith/the god of all comfort/chapter 11 things that cannot.htm

Is it true that fear is a liar? | GotQuestions.org

What 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

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