Word of the Week - Fear of God - Part 2
“Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” Philippians 2:12
Last week I shared a basic definition of the “Fear of God” and a few of the benefits of having a healthy “Fear of God”. I realize that this scriptural truth is often misunderstood. The truth is that I have struggled with this over the years. I am just completing a book titled “The Awe of God” by John Bevere. It is an amazing book that has really given me insight and clarity in this area. I highly recommend the book, especially if you also struggle in this area. In this week’s “WOW” I am sharing a few concepts from John’s book that have helped me to embrace and pursue a healthy “Fear of God”. I hope it is helps you as much as it has helped me.
Old Testament (law) vs. New Testament (love/relationship)
Many Christians would argue that since Jesus came to fulfill the law by His death and resurrection, we have overcome the wages of sin and death and should not fear God. In fact,1 John 4:18 says “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear”. So, how do we discern this in a way that is what God intended for us. Based on my study and understanding, I would say that it is both. That Jesus overcame the grave by His death on the cross and through Him we have victory over sin and assurance of eternal life, which gives us the ability to connect with God in an intimate way through Jesus and face death without fear. On the other hand, the new testament has many scriptures that warn us as believers who are saved by grace to live holy and reverent lives that honor and glorify Christ and serve as a solid example to others, especially non-believers. In other words, just because we are born again and walking with Jesus our gracious Lord and Savior, we must never forget who God is and who we are. That God is all powerful and mighty and as humans we are totally dependent upon Him for everything. This is the reality of the “awe” or “fear” of God. He is all powerful and mighty and we should never become casual in our relationship with God. That being said, we can surely be comfortable and “Approach His throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive the mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need”. Hebrews 4:16
Holy Fear vs. being Scared of God
“Do not fear, for God has come to test you, and that His fear may be before you, so that you may not sin” Exodus 20:20. At first glance it seems that Moses contradicts himself: “Do not fear” because God has come “that His fear may be before you.” Is Moses speaking out of both sides of his mouth? The answer is no. Moses is merely differentiating between being “scared of God” and having “the fear of the Lord”. Generally speaking, someone who is scared of God has something to hide. Recall Adam and Eve in the garden after they had fallen to sin, they were afraid and hiding from God. It is human nature to withdraw in fear if there is something to hide. However, the person who has a healthy fear of God has nothing to hide. He or she is simply fearful of being separated from God. A healthy fear of God means that we know we cannot live without Him and must be connected to Him, which draws us to Him and away from sin, which separates us from God. Therefore, the person who has a healthy fear of God does not desire to walk the line of sin to see how close they can get without falling in. No, because they desire to be and stay connected to God through the Holy Spirit, and stay as far away from sin as they can. This is a healthy “fear of God”!! The psalmist writes, “The lord is a friend of those who fear Him” Psalm 25:14. So rest assured, holy fear does not quench intimacy; it does just the opposite – it enhances our connection and interaction with God.
What is Holy Fear
“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire.” Hebrews 12:28-29 This scripture references reverence and godly fear and they are different. Reverence is defined as profound adoration and awed respect. Godly fear carries the meaning of “awe”. Awe is defined as “fear inspired by something great and terrific, to strip with fear and reverence”. In the case of our relationship with God, Holy Fear should have a drawing and not repulsive effect on us if we are not living in a sinful state.
Statements/definitions of a healthy fear of God:
To fear God is to reverence and be in complete awe of Him
To fear God is to hallow Him – to “respect Him greatly”
To fear God is to esteem, respect, honor, venerate, and adore Him above anyone or anything else
When we fear God, we take on His nature and heart. We love what He loves, and hate what He hates
To fear God is to hate sin, hate injustice and depart from evil
To fear God is to walk in authentic humility before God and man
To fear God is to give Him the praise, adoration, thanksgiving, and worship He deserves
To fear God is to give Him all that belongs to Him
To fear God is to tremble before Him in wonder and awe. It is to give His Word and presence our full attention
To fear God is to obey Him
To fear God is to abstain from any form of complaining, murmuring, or grumbling
To fear God is to respect, honor and submit to His direct and delegated authority
To fear the Lord shapes our intentions, thoughts, words, and actions
Benefits of Holy Fear
The fear of the Lord is the starting place for an intimate relationship with God. We become His friend and His secrets are made known to us
The Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, understanding, and knowledge. It gives us foresight and clear divine direction
The fear of the Lord is how we mature in our salvation and are conformed to the image of Jesus
The fear of the Lord is clean; it produces true holiness in our lives
To abide in the fear of the Lord is to secure an eternal legacy
The fear of the Lord produces confidence, fearlessness, and security. It trumps all other fears, including the fear of man.
The fear of the Lord gives us identity, makes us productive, and empowers us to multiply
The fear of the Lord provides angelic assistance, fulfilled desires, enduring success, nobility, influence, longevity, productive days, enjoyment in life, happiness, pleasure in labor, healing for our body and so much more.
This https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=END3mS_3jBk is a great 35-minute message that John Bevere shared at Highlands College Chapel on “Having a Healthy Fear of God”. I would highly recommend a listen.
The fear of the Lord endures forever and will never fade. The fear of the Lord is a treasured gift from our heavenly Father!!!!
Have a great week.
Duane