Topical Bible: Godly Fear: Motives to Wondrous Works of God

◄ Godly Fear: Motives to Wondrous Works of God ►

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Introduction

Godly fear, often synonymous with reverence and awe, is a profound respect for the majesty and holiness of God. It is a central theme throughout the Bible, serving as a powerful motivator for righteous living and obedience to God's commandments. This reverence is not a paralyzing fear but a recognition of God's supreme authority and a response to His wondrous works. The Bible provides numerous examples of how godly fear inspires individuals and communities to act in accordance with God's will, leading to transformative and miraculous outcomes.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of godly fear is deeply rooted in Scripture. Proverbs 9:10 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding" . This verse highlights the foundational role of godly fear in acquiring wisdom and understanding. It is the starting point for a life that seeks to honor God and align with His purposes.

In the Old Testament, the Israelites were repeatedly reminded of the importance of fearing God. Deuteronomy 10:12-13 commands, "And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God by walking in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments and statutes of the LORD that I am giving you this day for your own good?" . Here, godly fear is linked to obedience, love, and service, underscoring its role as a motivator for faithful living.

Motivations for Wondrous Works

1. Recognition of God's Sovereignty

Godly fear arises from an acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and power. The psalmist declares, "Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the people of the world revere Him. For He spoke, and it came to be; He commanded, and it stood firm" (Psalm 33:8-9). This recognition of God's creative power and authority compels believers to respond with awe and submission, motivating them to participate in His wondrous works.

2. Response to God's Holiness

The holiness of God is a central aspect of His character that elicits godly fear. Isaiah's vision of the Lord in the temple, as described in Isaiah 6:1-5, reveals the prophet's immediate response of fear and humility in the presence of God's holiness. This encounter not only transformed Isaiah but also propelled him into a life of prophetic ministry, demonstrating how godly fear can lead to a commitment to God's purposes.

3. Gratitude for God's Mercy and Grace

God's mercy and grace are powerful motivators for godly fear. Psalm 130:3-4 states, "If You, O LORD, kept track of iniquities, then who, O Lord, could stand? But with You there is forgiveness, so that You may be feared" . The realization of God's forgiveness and grace inspires a reverent fear that leads to worship and a desire to live in accordance with His will.

4. Anticipation of God's Judgment

The anticipation of God's righteous judgment also serves as a motivator for godly fear. Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 concludes, "Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether good or evil" . The awareness of future judgment encourages believers to live righteously and to engage in works that reflect God's justice and mercy.

Examples of Godly Fear Leading to Wondrous Works

1. Noah's Obedience

Noah's reverent fear of God led him to build the ark, an act of obedience that resulted in the preservation of humanity and the animal kingdom. Hebrews 11:7 recounts, "By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in godly fear built an ark to save his family. By faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith" . Noah's godly fear motivated him to act in accordance with God's instructions, leading to a miraculous deliverance.

2. The Early Church's Growth

The early church experienced rapid growth and miraculous works as a result of godly fear. Acts 9:31 describes, "Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, and it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord" . The reverence for God among the believers fostered an environment where the Holy Spirit could work powerfully, resulting in the expansion of the church and the spread of the Gospel.

3. Cornelius' Household

Cornelius, a centurion described as "a devout man who feared God with all his household" (Acts 10:2), exemplifies how godly fear can lead to wondrous works. His reverence for God and commitment to prayer and charity prepared the way for a divine encounter with the Apostle Peter, resulting in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon his household and the inclusion of Gentiles in the early Christian community.

Conclusion

Godly fear, as demonstrated in these biblical examples, serves as a powerful motivator for engaging in the wondrous works of God. It is a reverence that acknowledges God's sovereignty, responds to His holiness, expresses gratitude for His mercy, and anticipates His judgment. Through godly fear, believers are inspired to live lives that reflect God's character and participate in His redemptive purposes.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Joshua 4:23,24
For the LORD your God dried up the waters of Jordan from before you, until you were passed over, as the LORD your God did to the Red sea, which he dried up from before us, until we were gone over:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Sermon for Septuagesima Sunday
... never look to the purity of their motives, but retain ... in the least to injure a
thoroughly godly-minded and God ... bear such fruit would not need to fear in anywise ...
/.../ix sermon for septuagesima sunday.htm

Galatians Chapter I.
... error the name of the Gospel, without fear they undermined ... the Church sprung not
from human motives, but from ... it was not this motive, but a godly zeal, which ...
/.../galatians chapter i.htm

A Defence of the Doctrine of Justification, by Faith in Jesus ...
... of peace have they not known: there is no fear of God ... These Sir, are the motives
by which we Christians act ... of hearing the law, or of doing good works; but of ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a defence of the doctrine.htm

Paul's Departure and Crown;
... encouragement to it.3. Press it with several motives.4. Make ... is the duty and wisdom
of those that fear God, you may ... they are spoken to stir up the godly to be ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/pauls departure and crown.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... He who created the wondrous universe of nature condescended to ... hand upon me, even
all the works of their ... in his house with reverence and godly fear; and with ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.' Wondrous throne ... How the godly
distinguish the ... if thy heart be well poised and balanced with the fear of God ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners:
... my life upon earth, and tell of his wondrous works to my ... remember your terrors of
conscience, and fear of death ... a wife whose father was counted godly.[11] This ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/grace abounding to the chief.htm

Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
... of persecution"the instruments"the motives"its cruelty ... the manner is that comely,
godly, humble, faithful ... again, watch and pray, fear God, reverence his ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/seasonable counsel or advice to.htm

On the Great Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria.
... when wisdom has burst the bonds of fear and risen ... 3319] nevertheless for the present
the godly are a ... term his instability, though I respect his pious motives. ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xxi on the great.htm

The Doctrine
... me tell you that your condition is wondrous safe, in ... no other security of Abraham
against the fear of mischief ... the Law of God, or Covenant of Works, doth not ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the doctrine.htm