Godly fear, often synonymous with reverence and awe towards the Almighty, is a profound respect for God that influences one's actions and attitudes. This fear is not about being afraid of God in a negative sense, but rather about recognizing His holiness, power, and authority, leading to a life that seeks to honor and please Him. Throughout Scripture, those who possess godly fear are depicted as individuals who bring pleasure to God through their faithfulness and obedience.

Biblical Examples of Godly Fear:

1. Noah: Noah is a quintessential example of godly fear. In a world filled with corruption and violence, Noah stood out as a righteous man who walked with God. His reverence for God led him to obey God's command to build the ark, despite the ridicule he likely faced. Hebrews 11:7 states, "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 and obedience afforded pleasure to God, as evidenced by God's covenant with him.

2. Abraham: Abraham's life is marked by acts of faith that stem from his reverence for God. His willingness to leave his homeland and later to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice are profound demonstrations of godly fear. Genesis 22:12 records God's response to Abraham's obedience: "Do not lay a hand on the boy or do anything to him. For now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your only son from Me." Abraham's fear of God was pleasing to the Lord, who reaffirmed His promises to him.

3. Joseph: Joseph's life in Egypt is a testament to godly fear. Despite facing numerous trials, Joseph remained faithful to God, refusing to sin against Him. When tempted by Potiphar's wife, Joseph's response in Genesis 39:9 reveals his reverence: "How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?" Joseph's fear of God guided his actions, ultimately leading to his rise to power and the preservation of his family, which pleased God.

4. Job: Job is described as a man who feared God and shunned evil. His account illustrates that godly fear does not exempt one from suffering but provides the strength to endure it. Job 1:8 highlights God's pleasure in Job's character: "Then the LORD said to Satan, 'Have you considered My servant Job? There is no one on earth like him, a man who is blameless and upright, who fears God and shuns evil.'" Job's steadfastness in his fear of God, even amidst severe trials, was pleasing to the Lord.

5. The Early Church: The early Christians exemplified godly fear in their communal life and worship. Acts 9:31 notes the impact of their reverence: "Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria enjoyed peace, as it was strengthened and encouraged by the Holy Spirit. It grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord." Their godly fear contributed to the growth and strengthening of the church, which was pleasing to God.

Theological Insights:

Godly fear is foundational to a life that pleases God. Proverbs 9:10 declares, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." This fear is not merely an emotional response but a guiding principle that shapes one's decisions and lifestyle. It is characterized by humility, obedience, and a desire to honor God above all else.

The New Testament reinforces the importance of godly fear in the believer's life. Philippians 2:12-13 exhorts believers to "work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good pleasure." This passage underscores that godly fear is integral to spiritual growth and aligns the believer's will with God's purposes, bringing Him pleasure.

In summary, those who possess godly fear are marked by their reverence for God, which manifests in obedience and faithfulness. Their lives afford pleasure to God, as they reflect His holiness and righteousness in a world that often stands in opposition to His ways.Psalm 147:11
The LORD takes pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Turning-Points
... not only against sin, but for God; of godly fear, not only fear of God's anger,
but fear of God's ... Those Jews, in the day of their visitation, were blind ...
/.../kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon viii turning-points.htm

Divine Election and Reprobation
... decrees of election, but one and the same decree respecting all those who shall
be ... of God - such as, a true faith in Christ, filial fear, a godly sorrow for ...
/.../anonymous/synod of dort/divine election and reprobation.htm

The Former Subject of the Sedition Continued; Also of Fasting...
... who are sad are more blessed than those in pleasure ... every thing we do or suffer,
the fear of God ... yet produce our sweetest fruits, so, verily, godly sorrow will ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xviii the former subject.htm

How Deceitful the Love of this World Is, and How Amiable God Is.
... Eternal Wisdom."Those who for My sake give up perishable ... They fear the frost, and
fall into the snow ... It breaks open the gates, behind which godly living lies ...
/.../suso/a little book of eternal wisdom/chapter vi how deceitful the.htm

The Character of the Persons for whom this Rest is Designed.
... eternal fire, then no doubt but the godly enjoy eternal ... for the word of God." When
Christ says, "Fear not them ... my Spirit." If the spirits of those that "were ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter iv the character of.htm

The Good Man Useful in Life and Happy in Death.
... things, and have pleasure in them, fear harrows up ... his conscience, that in simplicity
and godly sincerity, he ... They minister consolation also to those who mourn ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxv the good man.htm

The Nature of Heavenly Contemplation; with the Time, Place, and ...
... views of glory are, thou wouldst less fear these harmless ... from all society, even
that of godly men, that thou ... upon him; so do thou thrust those thoughts from ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter xiii the nature of.htm

The Last Farewell in the Presence of the one Hundred and Fifty ...
... to every place in the case of the godly alone ... What fear of ourselves have we been
able to inspire for ... officers who precede us, our haughtiness to those who meet ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xlii the last farewell.htm

City of God
... Of the Ills Which Alone the Wicked Fear, and Which ... Time Foresaw How Large a Multitude
of Godly Persons Would ... Chapter 19.--Against the Opinion of Those Who Do ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/

Covenant Duties.
... noon, will I pray, and cry aloud; and he shall hear my voice."[240] So also should
godly fear. ... Whosoever there may be that fear God among those who rule ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter iv covenant duties.htm

What does it mean to have the fear of God? | GotQuestions.org

How 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

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