10 Jul W4 | Fear of The Lord

Posted at 04:30h in August, Topics 2024 by

REFERENCE BIBLE VERSES

Deuteronomy 10:12 NIV | “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul”

OBJECTIVE

To understand that we need the fear of the Lord but we also know that God is a loving God.

CONTENT

UNDERSTANDING THE FEAR OF GOD 

 

  • When we speak of the fear of the Lord, we are not speaking of a paralyzing dread or terror before an angry deity. Rather, it is a deep reverence and awe in response to the majesty, holiness and sovereignty of God. Living in the fear of the Lord means walking in humility and obedience before Him; it involves seeking His guidance in every aspect of our lives, surrendering our will to His, and trusting His perfect plan even when it diverges from our own.
  • Some redefine the fear of God for believers to “respecting” Him. While respect is definitely included in the concept of fearing God, there is more to it than that. A biblical fear of God, for the believer, includes understanding how much God hates sin and fearing His judgment on sin—even in the life of a believer. When we were children, our fear of discipline from our parents no doubt prevented some evil actions on our part. The same should be true in our relationship with God. This fear compels us to live in obedience to His Word, to honor Him with our lives, and to turn away from sin. It is a reverential fear that acknowledges His authority and our dependence on Him.

GOD’S LOVING NATURE

  • 1 John 4:18 states, “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“. Contrasting fear, perfect love refers to God's unconditional, sacrificial, and unending love for us. It is the love demonstrated through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Romans 5:8 reminds us, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (NIV). This perfect love is not based on our performance or merit but on God's character and grace.
  • John teaches us that perfect love drives out fear. The fear mentioned here is not the reverential fear of God we discussed previously, but rather a fear rooted in anxiety and dread. When we truly grasp the depth and breadth of God's love for us, fear loses its grip on our hearts. Believing in God's sovereignty and care for us reassures us that He is in control, even in uncertain times (Romans 8:28); Understanding that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus liberates us from the fear of punishment (Romans 8:1).
  • As we strive to understand the fear of the Lord, we must embrace the tension between awe and love. This tension is beautifully expressed in Psalm 103:13-14 (NKJV), “As a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.” Here we see God’s compassion and understanding toward His children who fear Him. He meets us with tenderness and mercy, guiding us gently in His ways. He does not punish nor condemn those who come humbly before Him.
  • While our fear of the Lord is rooted in a deep reverence for God’s holiness and a profound appreciation for His boundless love, we can draw near to Him with confidence, knowing that His perfect love and His grace sustain us through every season of our life.

REFLECTION/DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  • Share examples from Scripture or personal experiences where the fear of the Lord has led to positive outcomes or transformation. (example: obedience, discipline, etc)
  • Share practical steps or habits that help you to grow in both love for God and reverence for His holiness.

REFERENCES