The Fear of the Lord

Acts 9:31 Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied. Philippians 2:12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; Matthew 10:28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

What does is mean to fear the Lord?

"reverential fear," (1) of God, as a controlling motive of the life, in matters spiritual and moral, not a mere "fear" of His power and righteous retribution, but a wholesome dread of displeasing Him, a "fear" which banishes the terror that shrinks from His presence, Rom. 8:15, and which influences the disposition and attitude of one whose circumstances are guided by trust in God, through the indwelling Spirit of God, Acts 9:31; Rom. 3:18; 2 Cor. 7:1; Eph. 5:21 (RV, "the fear of Christ"); Phil. 2:12; 1 Pet. 1:17 (a comprehensive phrase: the reverential "fear" of God will inspire a constant carefulness in dealing with others in His "fear"); 3:2,15; the association of "fear and trembling," as e.g., in Phil. 2:12, has in the Sept. a much sterner import,

The Fear of the Lord Hebrews 10:26-27, 30-31; 12:28-29 The fear of the Lord includes reverential awe; a desire not to disappoint Him, and a fear of what happens when we do.

Its Importance: Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the L ORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 8:13 The fear of the L ORD is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverse mouth I hate.

Its Importance: Proverbs 10:27 The fear of the L ORD prolongs days, But the years of the wicked will be shortened. Proverbs 14:26-27 In the fear of the L ORD there is strong confidence, And His children will have a place of refuge. 27 The fear of the L ORD is a fountain of life, To turn one away from the snares of death.

Its Importance: Proverbs 16:6 In mercy and truth Atonement is provided for iniquity; And by the fear of the L ORD one departs from evil. Proverbs 19:23 The fear of the L ORD leads to life, And he who has it will abide in satisfaction; He will not be visited with evil.

Its Importance: We cannot please God without a healthy fear of Him. Isaiah 66:1-2 We will miss out on His mercy. Psalm 103:17-18

Developing the fear of the Lord Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Deuteronomy 31:9-13; Romans 2:4-11, 2 Peter 3:7-14 Romans 11:22 Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off.

Conclusion Psalm 89:7 God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, And to be held in reverence by all those around Him. Hebrews 10:31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. 2 Corinthians 7:1 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.