Topical Bible: Unholy Fear is Described as Overwhelming

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Unholy fear, distinct from the reverential fear of the Lord, is characterized by its overwhelming and paralyzing nature. This type of fear is often rooted in a lack of trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, leading to anxiety and distress. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that illustrate the destructive power of unholy fear.

In the Old Testament, the Israelites frequently exhibited unholy fear, particularly during their wilderness journey. When faced with the report of the spies about the giants in the Promised Land, the Israelites were overwhelmed with fear and refused to trust in God's promise. Numbers 14:1-4 recounts their reaction: "Then the whole congregation lifted up their voices and cried out, and that night the people wept. All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, and the whole congregation said to them, 'If only we had died in the land of Egypt, or if only we had died in this wilderness!'"

This fear led to rebellion and a lack of faith, resulting in severe consequences. The Israelites' overwhelming fear caused them to forget God's past deliverance and miracles, focusing instead on their immediate circumstances.

In the New Testament, Jesus addresses unholy fear in His teachings. In Matthew 6:25-34 , He instructs His followers not to be anxious about their lives, emphasizing God's provision and care. Jesus says, "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?" (Matthew 6:25). Here, unholy fear is depicted as a lack of faith in God's ability to provide for His children.

The Apostle Paul also speaks to the issue of unholy fear in his letters. In 2 Timothy 1:7 , he writes, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline." This verse highlights that unholy fear is not from God, and believers are instead endowed with the strength and love necessary to overcome it.

The Psalms frequently address the theme of fear, contrasting unholy fear with trust in God. Psalm 56:3-4 states, "When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" This passage illustrates the psalmist's response to fear by reaffirming trust in God's protection and faithfulness.

Unholy fear can also manifest in the form of fear of man, which the Bible warns against. Proverbs 29:25 declares, "The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high." This verse underscores the danger of allowing fear of human opinion or actions to overshadow trust in God.

Throughout Scripture, unholy fear is depicted as a hindrance to spiritual growth and obedience. It often leads to doubt, disobedience, and a focus on earthly concerns rather than eternal truths. Believers are encouraged to combat unholy fear by cultivating a deep trust in God's promises and character, relying on His strength to face life's challenges.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 15:16
Fear and dread shall fall on them; by the greatness of your arm they shall be as still as a stone; till your people pass over, O LORD, till the people pass over, which you have purchased.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 15:21,24
A dreadful sound is in his ears: in prosperity the destroyer shall come on him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Interpretation of Holy Scripture. --Inspired Interpretation. --The ...
... to be with her, joined to his holy fear of sinning ... liii.:""if this may be in words
described minutely, and move ... of the words which fell from his unholy lips? ...
/.../burgon/inspiration and interpretation/sermon v interpretation of holy.htm

Chapter xxxi
... Under these circumstances Dillmann should not have described Jacob as ... And Jacob swore
by the Fear of his father ... this crafty fellow goes about his unholy work. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxi.htm

Reconstruction.
... This condition was thus described by Bishop White, in an ... promotion of holy living
in an unholy age; and ... of their societies who had, through fear, necessity, or ...
/.../bacon/a history of american christianity/chapter xiii reconstruction.htm

The Fifth Book
... for the lawless and disobedient, for the unholy, for the ... closest friends, and do
you not fear and tremble? ... 15 the Franks are described as especially hospitable ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the fifth book.htm

Useful Phrases
... balanced capacity. baldly described. baleful glances. ... pampered darling. panic fear.
panting eagerness. ... unhindered flight. unholy triumph. uniform blending. ...
/.../kleiser/fifteen thousand useful phrases/section i useful phrases.htm

Chapter iii
... was not a clean and holy perceiving but an unholy lusting ... All true fear of God and
love of Him has, of ... in putting man out of the garden is here described as He ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter iii.htm

The Bible
... its ascension to power, and described it as ... blasphemers, disobedient to parents,
unthankful, unholy, without natural ... to be "high-minded," but "to fear"; for so ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/haldeman/christ christianity and the bible/the bible.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1812 to the Death of ...
... be expected, a sensation of sorrow not easily described. ... settlements in a continual
state of fear and alarm ... him to the subduing of all unholy propensities, must ...
/.../chapter 2 from the close.htm

Acts VIII
... recovered from the dominion of his unholy passions ... conflicted with the humiliation
and suffering described by the ... the common people, who had much more to fear! ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts viii.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1820 to the Beginning ...
... that we should love one another, and fear and obey ... it broke forth in the manner now
to be described. ... trials she had been borne down with overwhelming sorrows. ...
/.../chapter 6 from the close.htm