Pages

We Need It: Fear of the Lord

We desperately need the good type of fear: Fear of God. This devotion explains.

“When you fear God, you fear nothing else, whereas if you do not fear God, you fear everything else.” ~ Oswald Chambers 

God’s love overcomes one type of fear: Christians have no fear of condemnation (1 John 4:18).(1) 

But His love inspires another type of fear: a combination of reverence, respect, honor, and awe. 

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,” and He “delights in those who fear Him” (Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 9:10; Psalm 147:10-11).  

When we fear God we:(2)

1. Grow wiser (Proverbs 9:10).
2. Love God's commands (Psalm 112:1).
3. Avoid evil (Proverbs 16:6).
4. Long to share Christ with others (2 Corinthians 5:11).

It's a little bit like the affection and obedience a loving father inspires in his children.

“As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him.” Psalm 103:13

It's a little bit like the fear a godly policeman inspires. Both good and bad men understand the policeman’s power. One opposes it, the other is grateful for it.

“Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe. For our God is a devouring fire.” Hebrews 12:28-29 

When we fear God, we need not fear anything else (Matthew 10:28).

💙Beyond 1-minute for those who want more:

We desperately need the good type of fear: Fear of God. This devotion explains.
(1) See No Condemnation - Often Misunderstood

(2) 4 results of fearing the Lord:

1. Fearing the Lord leads to wisdom.
Proverbs 9:10: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."  

2. When we fear the Lord we love His commands. 
Psalm 112:1: "Praise the LORD. Blessed are those who fear the LORD, who find great delight in his commands."
 
3. Fearing the Lord keeps us out of trouble.
Proverbs 16:6: "Through the fear of the LORD evil is avoided."   
 
4. Fearing the Lord motivates us to share His love with others.
2 Corinthians 5:11: "Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others."

We desperately need the good type of fear: Fear of God. This devotion explains.



Bible Love Notes 

2 comments:

  1. I have recently heard a comment about the fear of God: "It is not that we are afraid of God that He will punish us because of our sins, but rather we are afraid not to hurt Him with our sins, because we love each other so much"...

    ReplyDelete