Topical Encyclopedia Godly fear, often understood as a reverent awe and respect for the Almighty, is a foundational aspect of the Christian faith. It is not a fear that repels or terrifies, but rather one that draws believers closer to God, acknowledging His holiness, majesty, and authority. This reverence is essential for a proper relationship with God and is a theme that runs throughout Scripture.Biblical Basis for Godly Fear The Bible frequently emphasizes the importance of fearing God. 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 that godly fear is the starting point for true wisdom and understanding. It is through this reverence that believers gain insight into God's will and character. In the New Testament, the concept of godly fear is reiterated. Hebrews 12:28-29 encourages believers to "worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire." This passage underscores the necessity of approaching God with a heart full of respect and honor, recognizing His power and holiness. Praying for Godly Fear Praying for godly fear is an acknowledgment of the believer's dependence on God to cultivate this reverence within their heart. It is a request for the Holy Spirit to instill a deeper understanding and appreciation of God's nature. Psalm 86:11 serves as a model prayer: "Teach me Your way, O LORD, that I may walk in Your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear Your name." The act of praying for godly fear aligns with the desire to live a life pleasing to God. It is a recognition that human efforts alone are insufficient to maintain the reverence due to God. By seeking divine assistance, believers express their longing to grow in holiness and obedience. The Role of Godly Fear in the Believer's Life Godly fear serves as a guiding principle in the life of a Christian. It influences behavior, decisions, and attitudes, steering believers away from sin and towards righteousness. Proverbs 16:6 declares, "By loving devotion and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD one turns from evil." This verse illustrates how godly fear acts as a deterrent against sin, encouraging a life of integrity and devotion. Moreover, godly fear fosters a deeper relationship with God. It cultivates humility, as believers recognize their own limitations and the greatness of God. Isaiah 66:2b states, "But to this one I will look, to him who is humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at My word." This trembling at God's word is a manifestation of godly fear, reflecting a heart that is sensitive to His voice and commands. Conclusion In summary, godly fear is an essential aspect of the Christian faith that should be earnestly prayed for. It is the foundation of wisdom, a catalyst for righteous living, and a means of drawing closer to God. Through prayer, believers can seek the Holy Spirit's guidance in cultivating a reverent awe for the Almighty, leading to a life that honors and glorifies Him. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 86:11Teach me your way, O LORD; I will walk in your truth: unite my heart to fear your name. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Reverence in Prayer The Sixth Season The Consuming Fire. The Touchstone of Godly Sincerity Of the Commissioners Hellebichus Commander of the Troops, and ... Prayer. The Temple and Its Dedication The Best Things Work for Good to the Godly An Appeal to Children of Godly Parents The Church as She Should Be Resources What does it mean to have the fear of God? | GotQuestions.orgHow can I overcome the fear of death? How can I stop being scared of dying? | GotQuestions.org Is there any reason to fear going into a cemetery / graveyard? | GotQuestions.org Fear: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Fear of God: A Motive of Obedience Fear of God: Conspicuous Instances of Those Who Feared: David Fear of God: Conspicuous Instances of Those Who Feared: Job, According to the Testimony of Satan Fear of God: Conspicuous Instances of Those Who Feared: Jonah, During the Storm Fear of God: Conspicuous Instances of Those Who Feared: Noah, in Preparing the Ark Fear of God: Conspicuous Instances of Those Who Feared: The Jews, in Obeying the Voice of the Lord Fear of God: Conspicuous Instances of Those Who Feared: The Women at the Grave Fear of God: Guilty Fear: Adam and Eve Fear of God: Guilty Fear: Demons Fear of God: Guilty Fear: Judas Fear of God: Guilty Fear: The Guards at Jesus' Tomb Fear of God: Hezekiah, in his Treatment of the Prophet Micah, Who Prophesied Harm Against Jerusalem Fear of God: Jacob, in the Vision of the Ladder, and the Covenant of God Fear of God: Obadiah, in Sheltering One-Hundred Prophets Against the Wrath of Jezebel Fear of God: Phinehas, in Turning Away the Anger of God at the Time of the Plague Fear of God: The Egyptians, at the Time of the Plague of Thunder and Hail and Fire Fear of God: The Midwives of Egypt, in Refusing to Take the Lives of the Hebrew Children Fear of God: The Nine and One-Half Tribes of Israel West of the Jordan River Godly Fear: A Characteristic of Saints Godly Fear: A Fountain of Life Godly Fear: A Treasure to Saints Godly Fear: Filial and Reverential Godly Fear: God is the Author of Godly Fear: God is the Object of Godly Fear: Motives to Judgments of God Godly Fear: Motives to The Forgiveness of God Godly Fear: Motives to The Goodness of God Godly Fear: Motives to The Greatness of God Godly Fear: Motives to The Holiness of God Godly Fear: Motives to Wondrous Works of God Godly Fear: Necessary to Avoiding of Sin Godly Fear: Necessary to Impartial Administration of Justice Godly Fear: Necessary to Perfecting Holiness Godly Fear: Necessary to Righteous Government Godly Fear: Necessary to The Service of God Godly Fear: Necessary to The Worship of God Godly Fear: Searching the Scriptures Gives the Understanding of Godly Fear: should Accompany the Joy of Saints Godly Fear: should be Constantly Maintained Godly Fear: should be Exhibited in Giving a Reason for Our Hope Godly Fear: should be Exhibited in Our Callings Godly Fear: should be Prayed For Godly Fear: should be Taught to Others Godly Fear: The Wicked Destitute of Godly Fear: Those Who Have are Accepted of God Godly Fear: Those Who Have are Blessed Godly Fear: Those Who Have are Pitied by God Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Afford Pleasure to God Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Confide in God Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Converse Together of Holy Things Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Days of, Prolonged Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Depart from Evil Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Desires of, Fulfilled by God Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Receive Mercy from God Godly Fear: Those Who Have: should not Fear Man Unholy Fear is Described as a Fear of Future Punishment Unholy Fear is Described as a Fear of Idols Unholy Fear is Described as a Fear of Judgments Unholy Fear is Described as a Fear of Man Unholy Fear is Described as Consuming Unholy Fear is Described as Overwhelming Unholy Fear: A Characteristic of the Wicked Unholy Fear: A Guilty Conscience Leads To Unholy Fear: Adonijah's Guests Unholy Fear: Exhortations Against Unholy Fear: Saints Delivered From Unholy Fear: Saints Sometimes Tempted To Unholy Fear: Seizes the Wicked Unholy Fear: Shall be Realised Unholy Fear: Surprises the Hypocrite Unholy Fear: The Wicked Judicially Filled With Unholy Fear: Trust in God, a Preservative From Related Terms |
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