Joshua 24:13, NLT
So I gave you a land on which you did not toil and cities you did not build; and you live in them and eat from vineyards and olive groves that you did not plant.’
Deuteronomy 6:10-12, NIV
When the Lord your God brings you into the land he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to give you—a land with large, flourishing cities you did not build, houses filled with all kinds of good things you did not provide, wells you did not dig, and vineyards and olive groves you did not plant—then when you eat and are satisfied, be careful that you do not forget the Lord, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
Joshua 24:14-15, NLT
“So fear the Lord and serve him wholeheartedly. Put away forever the idols your ancestors worshiped when they lived beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt. Serve the Lord alone. But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.”
What Does It Mean To “Fear The Lord?”
Fear Defined:
Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines “fear” as “an unpleasant, often strong emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of danger; anxious concern; or unpleasant alarm.”
Luke 12:4-5, NIV
“I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.
Exodus 14:31, NIV
And when the Israelites saw the mighty hand of the Lord displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord and put their trust in him…
1 John 4:18, NIV
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
Acts 9:31, NIV
Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.
- Fear also means “profound reverence and awe, especially toward God.”
- The fear of the Lord is that attitude of reverence and awe that His people show to Him because they love Him and respect His power and His greatness.
How Do We Grow In The Fear Of The Lord?
Psalm 34:11, NIV
Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
John Bunyan:
“For as a man drinketh good doctrine into his soul, so he feareth God. If he drinks it in much, he feareth him greatly; if he drinketh it in but little, he feareth him but little; if he drinketh it not in at all, he feareth him not at all.”
Psalm 36:1-2, NIV
I have a message from God in my heart concerning the sinfulness of the wicked: There is no fear of God before their eyes. In their own eyes they flatter themselves too much to detect or hate their sin.
Romans 3:14-18, NIV
“Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.” 15 “Their feet are swift to shed blood; 16 ruin and misery mark their ways, 17 and the way of peace they do not know.” “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”
Isaiah 40:28, NLT
Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding.
How Will Fearing God Affect Our Lives?
Deuteronomy 10:12, NLT
“And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you? He requires only that you fear the Lord your God, and live in a way that pleases him…
1. The Fear Of God Leads To A Holy Life
Exodus 20:20, NIV
Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.”
Proverbs 3:7, NIV
Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.
Proverbs 8:13, NIV
To fear the Lord is to hate evil…
Proverbs 16:6, NIV
Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the Lord evil is avoided.
2 Corinthians 7:1, NKJV
Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
2. The Fear Of God Leads To Radical Obedience
Genesis 22:12, NIV
“Do not lay a hand on the boy,” he said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.”
Deuteronomy 5:29, NIV
Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever!
Ecclesiastes 12:13, NIV
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.
3. The Fear Of God Leads To A Blessed Life
Proverbs 22:4, NRSV
The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life.
Proverbs 14:26-27, NIV
Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge. 27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life.
Psalm 34:9, NIV
Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing.
Psalm 33:18-19, NIV
18 But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, 19 to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.
4. The Fear Of God Leads To Deep And Profound Worship
Psalm 22:23, NLT
Praise the Lord, all you who fear him! Honor him, all you descendants of Jacob! Show him reverence, all you descendants of Israel!
Revelation 14:6-7, NLT
And I saw another angel flying through the sky, carrying the eternal Good News to proclaim to the people who belong to this world—to every nation, tribe, language, and people. “Fear God,” he shouted. “Give glory to him. For the time has come when he will sit as judge. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and all the springs of water.”
Revelation 15:3-4, NIV
“Great and marvelous are your deeds, Lord God Almighty. Just and true are your ways, King of the nations. Who will not fear you, Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.”