No Fear, No Faith

I wonder if modern Christians, myself included, truly understand what it means to have a godly fear of the Lord.

While generations past may have focused too strongly on the wrath of God, I fear that we modern Christians have ignored it.

We've created a god in our own image who is too soft and permissive to fear.

Those who reject Jesus have every reason to fear God in the way criminals fear honest policemen and godly judges (Romans 1:18; Hebrews 10:31).

As Christians we no longer need to fear God's wrath (1 John 4:18), but we haven't forgotten that wrath is a very real aspect of His character. And we aren't ashamed to admit it (Jeremiah 9:23-25).

Holy fear inspires reverence, love, assurance, comfort, contentment, and peace.

But it also inspires obedience, commitment, and a deep respect for every aspect of God's character - including His holy wrath.

Godly fear teaches us we're in no position to judge God's actions, argue with His Word, or ignore His commands because He is perfectly, fearfully wise and just. 

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See below some of the passages of Scripture that call us to this holy fear:
Psalm 25:12; Psalm 31:19; Psalm 33:18; Psalm 34:7; Psalm 34:9; Psalm 85:9; Psalm 103:11; Psalm 112:1; Psalm 115:11; Psalm 115:13; Psalm 128:1; Psalm 145:19; Psalm 147:11; Proverbs 1:7; Proverbs 10:27; Proverbs 14:26-27; Proverbs 15:16; Proverbs 19:23; Proverbs 22:4; Proverbs 28:14; Ecclesiastes 7:18; Ecclesiastes 8:12-13; Isaiah 33:6; Malachi 3:16-17; Malachi 4:2; Luke 1:50; Revelation 11:18. 

Don't miss this opportunity to study this subject more in today's Bite Size Bible Study where every Scripture is in full text and additional insights are given. 
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