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I frequently hear individuals clarify the fear of the Lord as a negligible regard or reverence. However, the Bible uses the word fear at minimum 300 times in reference to God, so we commit an error when we downplay it. The subject turns out to be considerably more puzzling when we read something like 1 John 4:18 that says that "perfect love expels all fear." So how would we marry this dichotomy? How might we fear God while he expels all fear?.
Scripture is brimming with examples of how fearing God is a positive instead of a negative thing. For example inGenesis 42:18, Joseph wins his siblings' trust when he pronounces he is a God-fearing man. It was on the grounds that the birthing assistants feared God that they obeyed him rather than the specialists by saving the Hebrew babies (Exodus 1:17).
Pharaoh expedited disaster his nation since he didn't fear God (Exodus 9:29-31). Moses picked leaders to help him on the premise that they feared God and wouldn't take fixes (Exodus 18:21) and told the Hebrews that God met with them in a frightening presentation of his power so they wouldn't sin (Exodus 20:20).
The Mosaic Law refers to fear of God as motivation to treat the disabled and elderly well (Leviticus 19:14, 32). Furthermore, for fear that you think this is just an Old Testament thought, take note of that Jesus expresses this more grounded than anybody when he says, "Don't fear the individuals who need to murder your body; they can't touch your spirit. Fear just God, who can decimate both soul and body in hellfire" (Matthew 10:28). What's more, Paul says to move in the direction of finish holiness since we fear God (2 Corinthians 7:1).
So it's obvious from these sections, that fearing God is great since it saves us from caving into our own particular sinful nature. That is the reason hearing somebody is God-fearing really influences us to trust that individual more. On the off chance that they fear God, they will probably keep their statement and treat others with graciousness. In fact, Romans 3, a great chapter on sin, says that our main sin is that we "have no fear of God by any stretch of the imagination" (Romans 3:18).
So how does fear of God, who is perfect love, take away fear? William D. Eisenhower puts it along these lines in his article 'Fearing God" in Christianity Today:
Tragically, a considerable lot of us assume that the world is a definitive danger and that God's capacity is to balance it. How unique this is from the scriptural position that God is far scarier than the world … . When we accept that the world is a definitive danger, we give it baseless power, for in truth, the world's dangers are transitory. When we anticipate that God will adjust the worry of the world, we decrease him to the world's equivalent.
As I stroll with the Lord, I find that God represents an inauspicious danger to my ego, yet not to me. He saves me from my dreams, so he may uncover reality that sets me free. He throws me down, just to lift me up once more. He sits in judgment of my sin, however forgives me by and by. Fear of the Lord is the start of shrewdness, yet love from the Lord is its consummation.
Furthermore, obviously, a definitive example of fear and perfect love cooperating is Jesus Christ. He cautioned us every step of the way to fear God, not men—and he affirmed that in everything about his life and demise. He talked affectionately yet honestly to all and didn't mince words when individuals expected to confront their sin and apologize. Yet, he additionally showed love outside human ability to comprehend when he experienced his words, "There is no more prominent love than to set out one's life for one's companions (John 15:13)." With love like this, what is left to fear but God?
The Bible mentions two particular sorts of fear. The first is helpful and is to be encouraged. The second kind is a burden and is to be overcome. The primary sort of fear will be fear of the Lord. This sort of fear does not really mean to fear something. Or maybe, it is a respectful awe of God; a reverence for His power and wonderfulness. Be that as it may, it is additionally an appropriate regard for His wrath and anger. At the end of the day, the fear of the Lord is an aggregate affirmation of all that God is, which comes through knowing Him and His qualities.
Fear of the Lord carries with it numerous blessings and benefits. It is the start of insight and prompts great comprehension (Psalm 111:10). Only fools despise wisdom and discipline(Proverbs 1:7). Besides, fear of the Lord prompts life, rest, peace, and happiness (Proverbs 19:23). It is the wellspring and life (Proverbs 14:27) and gives a security and a position of wellbeing for us (Proverbs 14:26).
Consequently, one can perceive how fearing God ought to be encouraged. Be that as it may, the second kind of fear specified in the Bible isn't advantageous in any way. This is the "spirit of fear" specified in 2 Timothy 1:7: "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but rather of power and of love and of a sound mind" (NKJV). A spirit of fearfulness and timidity does not originate from God.
In any case, sometimes we are anxious, sometimes this "spirit of fear" beats us, and to defeat it we have to trust in and love God totally. "There is no fear in love. Be that as it may, perfect love drives out fear, since fear needs to do with discipline.
The person fears' identity not made perfect in love" (1 John 4:18). Nobody is perfect, and God knows this. That is the reason He has generously sprinkled encouragement against fear all through the Bible. Starting in the book of Genesis and proceeding all through the book of Revelation, God reminds us to "Fear not."
For example, Isaiah 41:10 encourages us, "Don't fear, for I am with you; Do not tensely look about you, for I am your God I will reinforce you, most likely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My equitable right hand." Often we fear the future and what will happen to us. In any case, Jesus advises us that God tends to the winged animals of the air, so what amount more will He accommodate His kids? "So don't be perplexed; you are worth more than numerous sparrows" (Matthew 10:31).
Simply these few verses cover various kinds of fear. God lets us know not to fear being distant from everyone else, of being excessively frail, of not being heard, and of lacking physical necessities. These rebukes proceed all through the Bible, covering the a wide range of parts of the "soul of fear."
In Psalm 56:11 the psalmist states, "In God I trust; I won't be apprehensive. What can man do to me?" This is a magnificent declaration to the power of trusting in God. Notwithstanding what happens, the psalmist will trust in God since he knows and comprehends the power of God. The way to defeating fear, at that point, is add up to and finish trust in God.
Trusting God is a refusal to surrender to fear. It is a swinging to God even in the darkest times and trusting Him to make things right. This trust originates from knowing God and knowing that He is great. As Job said when he was encountering probably the most troublesome trials recorded in the Bible, "However he kill me, yet will I trust in him" (Job 13:15 NKJV).
When we have figured out how to put our trust in God, we will never again fear the things that come against us. We will resemble the psalmist who said with certainty "… let all who take asylum in you be happy; let them regularly sing for satisfaction. Spread your assurance over them, that the individuals who love your name may celebrate in you" (Psalm 5:11).
Proverbs 9:10 says, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Basically, this verse teaches that the fear of God is foundational to true wisdom; all other types of learning are worthless unless built upon a knowledge of the Lord Himself. Many other passages talk about the fear of the Lord (e.g., Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 1:7; 14:27; 15:33). Before we can understand how the fear of the Lord leads to wisdom
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Yea,this is so true,we should have the fear of God,that is reverence him,and I think all believers in Christ have it in their spirit,Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Thanks for this
It is the fear of God that help us to live in obedience and in love
It help us to live a righteous life.
It is the fear that we have for God that curb us from sinning against God.
Our God is a loving father and "He has not given us the spirit of fear but of love".
The love for him make us to reverence him
The Bible mentions many benefits of fearing the Lord, including the promise of Proverbs 22:4: “By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honor, and life.”
The fear of God is the begining of wisdom because we ought to know what he is capable of doing,so he should be placed above all else but also God wants us to be spiritually and physically brave for he says, i am with you!!
Since God is FAR above us and FAR greater than us, is our Creator who created us to do His will, and He can do with us as He will, including destroying us in a consuming fire, we should be fearful. We MUST recognize who He is and who we are NOT. We have absolutely no hope apart from God’s mercy upon us and fortunately, God is exceedingly and abundantly merciful. But, we should never take that mercy for granted. Never.
Since God is FAR above us and FAR more prominent than us, is our Creator who made us to do His will, and He can do with us as He will, incorporating decimating us in a devouring flame, we ought to be dreadful. We MUST perceive his identity and our identity NOT. We have positively no expectation separated from God's benevolence upon us and luckily, God is exceedingly and plentifully kind. In any case, we ought to never underestimate that benevolence. Never.
If you love God with your whole heart, you will fear him, God is love, to fear him you need to love him
The man who fears GOD has nothing to fear!.
If GOD be for us, who can be against us?.
Thanks for sharing Bro.Abiye
The dread of God is the beginning of wisdom.For what so ever a man sows that he additionally tear.
Contained in your posts are deep truths... This specifically got me pondering:
Truly, the only fear, as believers, that we permitted to exhibit is the reverential fear for God, our Father, and not fear towards any man. However, we are advised to respect others (and those rightly positioned in authority) but not to fear them. We need to fear God in awe, because of who He is.
Thanks for sharing @abiye.
Kind regards.
Very good post @abiye, in this life we as creatures of god, we are obliged to fear the god. The word fear actually has its own meaning, we fear God if we sin, and do something that makes God become angry. But if we always do all the commandments of God, and always read the word, God will always give his grace to us. In essence, whatever we do in this world we must always remember to God, pray to God, that way, God will facilitate all our affairs in the world and the Hereafter. Thanks for sharing...
Fear of the Lord carries with it numerous blessings and benefits. It is the start of insight and prompts great comprehension (Psalm 111:10). Only fools despise wisdom and discipline(Proverbs 1:7). Besides, fear of the Lord prompts life, rest, peace, and happiness (Proverbs 19:23). It is the wellspring and life (Proverbs 14:27) and gives a security and a position of wellbeing for us (Proverbs 14:26).
Great write up apostle
The fear of the Lord gives wisdom and understanding. When we fear the Lord it means we reverence Him and honor Him. As Christians, one of duties is to fear the Lord.
Good one @abiye
All Glory belongs to God,he made all things.Therefore the fear of his mighty power brings wisdom and understanding.
One thing is sure.And that is the word kf God does not return to him void.
Fear God is the optimum duty of every man.
The fear of God is the beging of wisdom.For what so ever a man sow that he also rip.
Thank you for this spirit uplifting message.
Well shared brother.
One of my favourite part of the scripture is the one that relates the fear of God to wisdom.
When we reference Him, He espouses Himself to us.
beautiful word brother @abiye when in the bible speaks of fear to speak, speaks of a holy fear with fear of reverence with love. and not a fear of fear or fright.
Tell the word of God in the psalms 128
"1Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord,
That walks in his ways.
2 When you eat the work of your hands,
Blessed are you, and it will be well with you.
3 Your wife will be like a vine bearing fruit on the sides of your house;
Your children like olive plants around your table.
4 Behold, thus shall man be blessed
That he fears Jehovah. "
Fearing God is good because it saves us from caving into our own sinful nature. That's why hearing someone is God-fearing actually makes us trust that person more. If they fear God, they are more likely to keep their word and treat others with kindness. In fact, Romans 3 , a classic chapter on sin, says that our chief sin is that we "have no fear of God at all" (Romans 3:18 ).
The fear of the Lord is such a vast phenomenon which like I understand from your post can simply be understood as absorbing the consciousness of the totality of whom God is and His characteristics of greatness, terror, strength, power, authority, wealth, all-sufficiency, omnipotence, omniscience, creativity, love, peace and joy...the list is endless and difficult for the natural mind to comprehend. Absorbing the consciousness of Him with all these affects how we live and relate with people around us and how we relate to circumstances. Wow. Expository and edifying post.
The dread of the Lord is such a tremendous marvel which like I comprehend from your post can basically be comprehended as retaining the cognizance of the totality of whom God is and His qualities of significance, fear, quality, influence, expert, riches, all-adequacy, power, omniscience, imagination, love, peace and joy...the list is unending and troublesome for the characteristic personality to understand. Retaining the cognizance of Him with every one of these influences how we live and relate with individuals around us and how we identify with conditions. Goodness. Interpretive and enlightening post.
yes you are right @abiye
God want us to fear him, and doing this, he want us to obey his commandment. god want us to follow his word as written in the bible. the only way we can respect and fear God to abstain from sin. Because the bible says that the wages of sin is death.
So my dear brothers and sisters is right to fear God.
wow what a wonderful message@abiye truely the fear router of the lord is the begining of wisdom
Thanks for sharing this wonderful topic called fear and for an extensive explanation on this contentious topic; to fear God meaning to obey his commandment , even the bible says work out your salvation with fear and trembling (phillipians 2:12)
Fear in this context means "reverence" or "respect"
The bible also says that those that fear will not inherit the kingdom of God .....fear in this context mean "fear of the future" "anxiety" to be afraid of what human may do to you......
Fear
Remember, the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom, and wisdom is to depart from evil. Now that you are saved and delivered from the grip of sin through the power of the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit directs and empowers you to avoid sin, or any kind of evil in your life. The Holy Spirit creates in you a distaste and hatred for evil, something that you enjoyed before, or had no power over.
Thanks for sharing.
God is not a god of fear, He is love and fire consuming He wants us to have fear He is a God of love
Thank you @abiye
The reverence of God does not sponsor torment instead it builds an hedge against it.
I hope to see you around.
From the fear of God comes salvation.
Truly the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
As children of God, we have to fear the Lord our God,so as to reference him.
The fear of the Lord is such a vast phenomenon which like I understand from your post can simply be understood as absorbing the consciousness of the totality of whom God is and His characteristics of greatness, terror, strength, power, authority, wealth, all-sufficiency, omnipotence, omniscience, creativity, love, peace and joy...the list is endless and difficult for the natural mind to comprehend. Absorbing the consciousness of Him with all these affects how we live and relate with people around us and how we relate to circumstances. Wow. Expository and edifying post.
You put it very well, brother. The fear of God is to have respect. Respect not to sin or do things that displease him. and the general fear does not please God because it is like minimizing the power of God. If we trust him and know that he frees us from danger, we minimize his power when, for example, we do not want to go to a place out of fear. So where is the trust we have in God when we declare that he protects us but we are afraid of going through a place? In the Bible there are many passages that speak of the fear that does not please the Lord ... I personally did not imagine that there were so many verses but they really are many and I discovered it by reading a book about fear and phobias. God bless you.