In a recent sermon, Pastor Pauley implored believers to always live godly, especially amidst this perverse and wicked society. As he exposits the small epistle of Jude, Pastor Pauley adamantly declared that believers must obey what the word of God teaches. Jude listed several examples from the Old Testament to illustrate just how ungodly living manifested itself. Incidentally, this ungodly living did not go unpunished by God, and today’s Christians can wisely learn from Jude’s examples.
It was because of Jude’s graphic examples that I was moved to study about the fear of God. After contextually reading much Scripture about godly fear, I came to the understanding that in order to live godly and turn away from perversion and wickedness, the believer must have a legitimate fear of God. According to Scripture, a fear of God is deemed: wise, reverent, respectful, honoring, glorifying, healthy, appropriate, and necessary. A godly fear is imperative for all Christians to possess, especially if they desire to have a productive and progressive walk with Christ.
So, just what is godly fear? Godly fear in the life of a believer is an absolute reverence and respect; to have an awe-filled reaction to God’s incredible omniscience and omnipotence. Furthermore, godly fear results when the believer completely and obediently submits to God’s will. Thus, his walk with Christ will deepen and grow when this principle is applied. Incidentally, God commands that He and He alone, is entitled to a godly fear (Matthew 10:28; Luke 12:5)!
A sinful response to fear can indeed be paralyzing or can prompt a believer to react sinfully to a fearful situation. Having fear in general is not necessarily bad and sinful. In fact, fear in general can protect someone from certain troubles, injuries, or even death. For example, one wouldn’t stick his hand in a blazing fire because the consequences could be very harmful. In such a case, fear would wisely and necessarily prevent a serious injury from occurring. This would be an instinctive fear that requires common sense. However, if a Christian experiences fear other than that required by common sense, and fails to prayerfully solicit the mighty hand of God, they are responding sinfully. They are forsaking the very one who can help in their time of dread.
I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles (Psalm 34:6).
It is good for a believer to possess godly fear and Scripture definitely confirms this:
- The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever (Psalm 111:10).
- The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction (Proverbs 1:7).
- Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding (Job 28:28).
So godly fear is a necessary and great virtue to have! Not only does it validate a believer’s honor and respect for God, but it can lead to strict obedience. For instance, Abraham, by faith, was painfully willing to sacrifice his only son Isaac as a burnt offering, because God commanded him to do so. To Abraham, Isaac was a very much loved son indeed! I am quite certain that Abraham may have been tempted to question whether or not to obey God. However, because of Abraham’s great faith and his rightly choosing to obey God; God graciously and mercifully spared Isaac’s life and also blessed Abraham! Because of his great faith, God offered Abraham a ram to sacrifice in substitution for Isaac. God then commanded Abraham; “Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God (emphasis added), seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me” (Genesis 22:12).
In closing, God commands all of His children to fear Him. He desires perfect righteousness, and demands to be feared! Obviously, to fear God is one explicit way for believers to exhibit honor and glory to Him. Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; (Philippians 2:12). Amen!
Posted on September 1st, 2009 by Robert
Filed under: From the Pew