Scripture reveals that humans are creatures created to fear. But like every other part of our spiritual constitution, we twist the design into perversion. God’s design is for you to live in the joyful fear of the Lord as the only escape from the terrifying fear of man. So let’s dive in.
In part 1, we saw how God-given faith is the right antidote to fear. In part 2, we saw how God’s perfect love drives out fear. And in part 3, Proverbs showed us the relationship between wisdom and fear.
Finally, let us take seriously Jesus’ words in Matthew 10:28 – “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” Scripture reveals that humans are creatures created to fear. But like every other part of our spiritual constitution, we twist the design into perversion. God’s design is for you to live in the joyful fear of the Lord as the only escape from the terrifying fear of man. So let’s dive in.
Proverbs repeatedly states “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” (Pro. 9:10) Acts 9:31 shows that “walking in the fear of the Lord” is a mark of the Spirit-filled church. And 1 Peter 1:17 charges us to “conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of exile.” Whatever this fear is, it certainly isn’t optional.
What is this fear? The following definitions are favorites of mine:
- A profound sense of awe towward God is undoubtedly the dominant element in the attitude or set of emotions the Bible calls “the fear of God.”
-Jerry Bridges - The fear of God in which godliness consists is the fear which constrains [compels] adoration and love. It is the fear which consists in awe, reverence, honor and worship, and all of these on the highest level of exercise. It is the reflex in our consciousness of the transcendent majesty and holiness of God.
-John Murray - …that undefinable mixture of reverence, fear, pleasure and joy which fills our hearts when we realize who God is and what He has done for us.
-Sinclair Ferguson
