Godly Fear

Godly Fear

Rev. 14:6-7, An angel preaches the gospel

6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,

7 Saying with a loud voice, **FEAR GOD, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

**FEAR, #5399-Phobeo (reverential awe, a wholesome dread of displeasing God)

Robert D. Pace says,

"We don’t hear much talk about “the fear of God” these days, and I have to admit it’s not a “feel good” topic. But it doesn’t diminish the fact that the Bible commands Christians to be governed by a reverential fear of the Lord."

Solomon said the fear of God is the “whole duty of man” (ECC 12:13).

There is blessing awaiting those living under its influence and peril for those ignoring it.

The prophet Zephaniah said: “The LORD your God in the midst of you is mighty” (3:17).

He is powerful and present—nothing escapes His awareness.

Psalm 85:9 say: “Surely His salvation is near to those who*** fear Him.”

***fear, #7931 - shakan (to settle down and abide)

Philippians 2:12 says: “work out your salvation with fear and trembling.”

Hebrews 2:3 says: “[if] every transgression and disobedience received a just penalty, how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation”?

Solomon said: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”

The Benefits of Godly Fear

First, the Bible says the fear of God lengthens life. And if there’s anything modern man, with his pills and potions, strives for it’s the lengthening of days. Proverbs 10:27 says, “The fear of the LORD prolongs life, but the years of the wicked will be shortened.”

But the fear of God not only lengthens days, it also guards us. Psalm 33:18 says: “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.”

How often did Christ’s enemies attempt to apprehend Him only to lose Him as He mysteriously slipped through their presence? They tried to stone Him or hurl Him from a cliff but couldn’t—and the reason they were unsuccessful is because of His perfect reverence for His Heavenly Father.

Proverbs 16:7 says: “When a man’s ways are pleasing to the LORD, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him.”

That’s the promise of God’s Word. And Jesus Christ so perfectly pleased the Father that no one could assail Him. The only reason He suffered and died at Calvary is because He voluntarily surrendered Himself.

Folks, pay attention to the Spirit’s prompting. It’s sent for protection and guidance.

But now notice that the fear of God brings special blessing.

Psalm 31:19 says, Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee;

which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!

And Proverbs 22:4 says “Humility and the fear of the LORD bring wealth and honor and life.”

You and I are not going to lose when we determine to live in the fear of the Lord.

Quite the contrary, we are going to reap benefits.

Are we living with godly fear?

Are our choices and lifestyle based on the fear of God?

If not, God is calling us to change course right now.

But if we are living in the fear of God then we can expect God’s blessing.

Is the fear of God the governing principle of our lives? It should be!

I quote Solomon when he said the “fear of the Lord is the whole duty of man.” And it is!