The Fear Of The Lord And Understanding Godly Fear And Ungodly Fear Series

Fear is a universal human emotion that can be both positive and negative. In the Bible, we find two types of fear: godly fear and ungodly fear. Godly fear is a healthy reverence for God that leads to obedience, worship, and a deeper relationship with Him. Ungodly fear, on the other hand, is a destructive emotion that can lead to anxiety, doubt, and disobedience. In this sermon, we will explore what the Bible says about godly fear and ungodly fear.

Godly Fear

Godly fear is a fundamental aspect of the Christian life. It is a fear that is rooted in a deep reverence for God's power, wisdom, and holiness. This type of fear leads to obedience, worship, and a desire to please God.

Psalm 111:10 - "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise."

This verse highlights the importance of godly fear as the foundation of wisdom.

Proverbs 9:10 - "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."

This verse reinforces the idea that godly fear is essential for gaining wisdom and understanding.

Deuteronomy 10:12-13 - "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, and to observe the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?"

This passage emphasizes the importance of fearing God as a way of demonstrating love and obedience to Him.

Ungodly Fear

Ungodly fear, on the other hand, is a destructive emotion that can lead to anxiety, doubt, and disobedience. This type of fear is rooted in a lack of trust in God's sovereignty and providence.

Hebrews 2:15 - "and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death."

This verse highlights the enslaving power of ungodly fear, which can hold people captive throughout their lives.

1 John 4:18 - "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."

This passage emphasizes the incompatibility of fear and love. Ungodly fear can actually drive out love and hinder our relationship with God.

Matthew 25:25 - "So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you."

This verse illustrates how ungodly fear can lead to inaction and disobedience. The servant in the parable was so afraid of failing that he failed to use the talent given to him.

The Consequences of Ungodly Fear

Ungodly fear can have severe consequences, including:

Anxiety and Worry: Matthew 6:25-34 warns against worrying about tomorrow, emphasizing that God will provide for our needs.

Doubt and Unbelief: Mark 4:40 says, "He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, 'Quiet! Be still!' Then the wind died down and it was completely calm." This verse highlights the danger of doubting God's power and sovereignty.

Disobedience: Genesis 3:6-7 illustrates how ungodly fear can lead to disobedience. Adam and Eve were afraid of God's judgment, but instead of trusting in His mercy, they hid from Him.

Separation from God: Isaiah 59:2 says, "But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear." This verse emphasizes the consequence of allowing ungodly fear to dominate our lives, leading to separation from God.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Bible teaches us that godly fear is a healthy reverence for God that leads to obedience, worship, and a deeper relationship with Him. Ungodly fear, on the other hand, is a destructive emotion that can lead to anxiety, doubt, and disobedience. As Christians, we must strive to cultivate godly fear in our lives, trusting in God's sovereignty and providence. By doing so, we can experience the freedom.