We Need It: Fear of the Lord

“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:

(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."

Bible Love Notes