Fearing God

I really believe that, in general, many of us have failed to grow in our fear of God more than any other aspect of our Christianity.  Our disregard is shaped, in part, by our culture;  fearing God has become taboo.  I don’t think that is the biggest reason we tend to neglect this Biblical teaching though.  By our very nature, we shun the idea that there is someone that we answer to, someone who is all powerful and all knowing-  Someone who has made His desire for our obedience to Him very clear in His word.  

“And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul…”

Deuteronomy 10:12     

 

Facing these things is uncomfortable and unpleasant, so we don’t.  This has been my weakness for years.  Furthermore, I am concerned that I have failed to train my kids in this area, giving in to the pressure to talk only about the ‘positive’ aspects of Christianity.

Yes, fearing God cannot be our only motivation for obedience to God.  We need to mature and grow in our knowledge of God, His love, understanding of ourselves, and the gratitude that results.

However, in the absence of some fear of God, I wonder how motivated any of us would be to humbly seek after Him or His will. 

Maybe that is why we are told that it is the ‘beginning”…

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding.  To him belongs eternal praise.”

Ps 111:10

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

Proverbs 1:7

“Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor.”

Prov 15:33

  NOTE: We Need to Learn to Fear God

“Assemble the people—men, women and children, and the foreigners residing in your towns—so they can listen and learn to fear the Lord your God and follow carefully all the words of this law.”

Deuteronomy 31:12       

In Ecclesiastes:

“Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore fear God.”

Ecclesiastes 5:7               

“It is good to grasp the one and not let go of the other. Whoever fears God will avoid all extremes.”

Ecclesiastes 7:18             

“Although a wicked person who commits a hundred crimes may live a long time, I know that it will go better with those who fear God, who are reverent before him.”

Ecclesiastes 8:12             

“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.”

Ecc 12:13      

 

      

   NOTE: Fear of God Protects Us          

“Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life.”

Proverbs 22:4   

“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.”

Proverbs 29:25 

“The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.”

Prov 14:27         

“Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the Lord evil is avoided.”

Prov 16:6            

Also...

“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”

Prov 31:30         

“To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.”

Prov 8:13

NOTE: Jesus (Peter) Told Us to Fear God

“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”

Matt 10:28         

“Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear.”

1 Pet 1:17