Walking In The Fear Of The Lord

Introduction. In writing about the early church, Luke recorded that they walked in the “fear of the Lord” (Acts 9:31). This is the only time this expression occurs in the New Testament, although it occurs twenty-six times in the Old Testament (NKJV). In writing to the church at Philippi, Paul told them to work out their own salvation with “fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12).

The concept of “fear and trembling” in connection with God isn’t a popular concept. People prefer to hear about God’s love, longsuffering, and mercy. Sometimes when we point out God’s righteous indignation, holiness, and justice, people reply, “My God is not like that”. The emphasis on God’s love and mercy today is possibly a reaction to the “hell, fire, and brimstone” preaching of another generation.

But could it be that we have gone to other extreme, where there is no concept of “fear and trembling” as it relates to being a Christian? Could this be why many Christians are apathetic in their service? Could it be we have forgotten whom we should fear if we are negligent?

In this lesson, we’ll first define the “fear of the Lord”. Second, we’ll point out why the “fear of the Lord” is important to a Christian. Third, we’ll see how we can develop a healthy “fear of the Lord” without going to one extreme or the other.

Defining the “Fear of the Lord”

A definition of the word.

In the Hebrew, the word is yir’ah and is used in the Old Testament to describe fear or terror, an awesome or terrifying thing (an object causing fear), and the fear of God in respect, reverence, and piety.

The Greek word is “phobos”, and it is used to describe fear, dread, and something that strikes terror.

In connection with the “fear of the Lord”, it’s often defined as reverence or awe.

But this definition may not go far enough to express the depths of “fear”.

For though the terms “reverence” and “awe” imply a place for “trembling”, do most people make the connection?

The “fear of the Lord” should include a place for “trembling”.

Paul indicated this in Philippians 2:12 by combining “fear and trembling”.

“Trembling” is tromos and means “a trembling or quaking with fear”.

Just as one would likely tremble in the presence of one who could take our life, so Jesus taught the fear of the Lord (Matthew 10:28).

A proper “fear of the lord” would then include a couple of very important points.

It would include reverence and awe, and it would include being afraid to offend God in any way.

Put together, it is a trembling and quaking when someone realizes they have offended God and not obtained forgiveness (Hebrews 10:26-27, 30-31; 12:28-29).

The Importance of the “Fear of the Lord”

From the book of Proverbs, we learn the importance of the “fear of the Lord”.

It is the beginning of knowledge (Proverbs 1:7).

It will cause one to hate evil (Proverbs 8:13).

It will prolong life (Proverbs 10:27).

It provides strong confidence and is a fountain of life (Proverbs 14:26-27).

It prompts one to depart from evil (Proverbs 16:6).

It leads to a satisfying life, and spares one from much evil (Proverbs 19:23).

It is the way to riches, honor, and life (Proverbs 22:4).

What happens without the “fear of the Lord”?

We close ourselves to the treasures of God’s wisdom and knowledge.

We will flirt with evil and will be corrupted by it.

Our lives are likely to be shortened by our refusal to listen to God’s Word as it relates to pure living (e.g. addiction, etc.).

We will not know God’s love that gives us the confidence of salvation.

When we fall into sin, we will not be provoked to repent and turn to God.

We will not be stimulated to “work out our own salvation”.

We will not please God (Isaiah 66:1-2). Only the person who “trembles at His Word” has God’s promise to receive His tender mercy (Psalm 103:17-18).

Developing the “Fear of the Lord”

The “fear of the Lord” comes through the Word of God.

Just as “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God” (Romans 10:17), the same can be said for the “fear of the Lord” (Deuteronomy 31:10-13).

As one reads the Word of God, they will gain a healthy degree of the “fear of the Lord” (Romans 2:4-11; 2 Peter 3:7-14).

The Word of God, properly used, will maintain a proper balance.

It’s important to emphasize, however, that to avoid the following extremes, we have to take in all of God’s Word.

Some read only those portions that reveal God’s love and mercy, and have no “fear of the Lord” (2 Thessalonians 3:3-5).

Others emphasize the “fire, hell, and brimstone” passages, and know nothing of God’s everlasting lovingkindness (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9).