Topical Encyclopedia The concept of time in the Bible is deeply intertwined with the fear of God, a reverential awe and respect for the Almighty that influences how believers are to live their lives. The fear of God is not merely an emotion but a guiding principle that shapes one's actions, decisions, and use of time.Biblical Foundation The Bible frequently emphasizes the importance of living in the fear of God. In Ecclesiastes 12:13 , Solomon concludes his reflections on life by stating, "Now that 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." This verse underscores the centrality of fearing God as a fundamental duty, suggesting that time should be spent in alignment with His commandments. Living in Reverence The fear of God is portrayed as the beginning of wisdom. Proverbs 9:10 declares, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." This wisdom is not merely intellectual but practical, guiding believers to use their time wisely in service to God and others. The fear of God leads to a life of obedience, humility, and devotion, directing time towards pursuits that honor Him. Time as a Gift Time is viewed as a precious gift from God, and believers are called to steward it wisely. Ephesians 5:15-16 advises, "Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil." This passage encourages believers to be intentional with their time, using it for godly purposes and avoiding the distractions and temptations of the world. Eternal Perspective The fear of God instills an eternal perspective, reminding believers that their time on earth is temporary and should be spent in preparation for eternity. Psalm 90:12 petitions, "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." This prayer reflects a desire to live each day with an awareness of its fleeting nature and the importance of investing in what is eternal. Practical Application Spending time in the fear of God involves regular engagement with Scripture, prayer, and worship. It means prioritizing activities that foster spiritual growth and community, such as attending church, serving others, and sharing the Gospel. It also involves making ethical decisions in daily life, reflecting God's character in personal and professional spheres. Consequences of Neglect Neglecting to spend time in the fear of God can lead to spiritual stagnation and moral decline. Proverbs 1:29-31 warns of the consequences: "For they hated knowledge and chose not to fear the LORD. They accepted none of my counsel; they despised all my reproof. So they will eat the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices." This passage highlights the dangers of ignoring God's wisdom and the resulting negative impact on one's life. In summary, the Bible calls believers to spend their time in the fear of God, recognizing it as a foundational aspect of a faithful and fruitful life. This reverence for God should permeate every aspect of a believer's existence, guiding their use of time in ways that honor and glorify Him. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Peter 1:17And if you call on the Father, who without respect of persons judges according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Of the vision that Appeared to a Certain Man of God Before the ... Against the Jews on the Question of the Sabbath. Early Impressions. Dangerous Books and Companions. The Saint is ... Some More Particular Directions for Maintaining Continual ... The Confession of St. Patrick How a Soul is to Exercise Meditation. ... Meditations to Stir us up to Morning Prayer. God's Care Over Me Luther's Separation from Rome. Luther's Separation from Rome Resources Does the Bible say anything about the possibility of time travel? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that Esther was appointed “for such a time as this”? | GotQuestions.org What is the time of Jacob's trouble? | GotQuestions.org Time: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Time in Prophetic Language, Means a Prophetic Year, or 360 Natural Time: All Events of, Predetermined by God Time: All God's Purposes Fulfilled in Due Time Time: Computed by Hours, After the Captivity Time: Daniel's Reckoning of Time, and Times, and Half Times Time: Division of, Into Watches Time: Epochs of Before the Flood Time: Eras from Which, Computed: Accession of Kings Time: Eras from Which, Computed: Building of the Temple Time: Eras from Which, Computed: Nativity of the Patriarchs During the Patriarchal Age Time: Eras from Which, Computed: The Captivity Time: Eras from Which, Computed: The Exodus from Egypt Time: Eras from Which, Computed: The Jubilee Time: One Day is Like One-Thousand Years Time: Part of a Period of, Usually Counted As the Whole Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Accepted Time Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Ancient Time Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Evil Time Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Time of Healing Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Time of Need Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Time of Reformation Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Time of Refreshing Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Time of Restitution of all Things Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Time of Temptation Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Time of Trouble Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Time of Visitation Time: Shortness of Man's Portion of Time: should be Spent in Fear of God Time: The Duration of the World Time: The Heavenly Bodies, Appointed As a Means for Computing Time: The Measure of the Continuance of Anything Time: The Sun-Dial Early Invented for Pointing Out Related Terms |