Fearing God

Fearing God The Key to the Treasure House of Heaven by Dr. Robert Morey

Table of Contents Part 1: A Modern Analysis of the Fear of God Lesson 1: What Has Happened Lesson 2: The Liberalization of Christianity Lesson 3: The Feminization of the Clergy Lesson 4: The World Molding the Church Part 2: The Importance of Fearing God Lesson 5: How Important Is It? Lesson 6: The Importance of Wisdom

Table of Contents Part 3: The Nature of Fearing God Lesson 7: The Vocabulary of Fearing God Lesson 8: The Meanings of Fearing God Part 4: The Origins of Fearing God Lesson 9: Why We Should Fear God Lesson 10: The Terror of the Lord Part 5: The Results of Fearing God Lesson 11: The Blessings of Fearing God

Introduction Have I ever resisted the temptation to sin because I feared the wrath of God? Will God really judge me if I cheat on my wife or husband? Does the God I worship ever get upset or angry with me because of my sins? Does God really punish people today? Does the idea of fearing God ever enter my mind?

Introduction Some common objections: You are asking me to think negatively about God. Since God is love, the idea of fearing Him never crosses my mind. Why would I fear sweet Jesus, meek and mild? He would never do anything to hurt me.

Introduction When the average “born-again” Christian does not fear the Lord, things have gotten completely out of hand. Adultery and divorce are as common among church goers as in the world. Immorality, drugs and wickedness can be found today in our families, churches, Bible colleges and seminaries. But this was not always so.

Introduction Evangelicals used to be called “a God-fearing people.” Now, adultery and divorce are as common among church goers as in the world. Church discipline was swift and sinners were rebuked for their wickedness. When a pastor fell into adultery and divorce, he left the ministry in disgrace.

Introduction Today, we tolerate pastors who have gone through the cycle of adultery and divorce two or three times. When one pastor was caught on video tape “entertaining” hookers at a cheap motel, he is not only still pastoring his church, but back on TV as if there was nothing wrong!

Introduction Paul’s condemnation, “There is no fear of God before their eyes” (Romans 3:18), was originally aimed at unbelievers to explain why unbelievers were going to suffer the eternal wrath of God in hell. It would have come as a complete surprise to the apostle Paul to find that his condemnation now describes the church as well as the world.

Introduction The fear of the Lord is the missing note in Evangelical theology today. There have been no major works on this subject in this century. The last full book on the fear of God was written by John Bunyan in A.D. 1688! The last popular systematic theology text to devote an entire chapter to fearing God was John Gill’s Body of Divinity (1770).

Introduction The textbooks used by most Christian colleges and seminaries do not teach the fear of the Lord. An entire generation of pastors and missionaries have never been taught the fear of God. They, in turn, have never taught the people of God that the Lord should be feared as well as loved.

Introduction Is it any wonder then that Christians are no longer referred to as “God-fearing” people? Indeed, who today views himself or herself as “God-fearing”? Do you?

Introduction We have moved so far away even from the idea of fearing God that the very words “God-fearing” seem strange to our ears. Most Christians today assume that “fearing” God is no longer necessary. This situation cannot and must not be allowed to continue.

Introduction The fear of the Lord is absolutely necessary for the spiritual health of our nation, our churches and our families as well as for our personal lives. Any nation, church, family or individual that ceases to fear the Lord will fall into gross sins.

Introduction The positive effects of fearing God are many. The blessings that come our way as we fear the Lord benefit the individual, the family, the church, and the nation. What it means to fear the Lord and how to put it into practice in our daily lives is the focus of this study. May God use it to revive the fear of the Lord in our day.

Part One A Modern Analysis of the Fear of God

What Has Happened The entire Bible from Genesis to Revelation is filled with commands to fear the Lord. In the Old Testament, the fear of God was viewed as the fundamental attitude of the believer to his God. In the New Testament, the fear of God is taught from Matthew to Revelation.

What Has Happened In the Gospels, the fear of God played a significant role in the life and teachings of Christ. Stop being afraid of those who kill the body but can’t kill the soul. Instead, be afraid of the one who can destroy both body and soul in hell. — Matt. 10:28 (ISV)

What Has Happened The fear of God was preached as part of the early Church’s proclamation of man’s duty to God. As [the church] continued to be built up and to live in the fear of the Lord, it kept increasing in numbers through the encouragement of the Holy Spirit. —Acts 9:31 (ISV)

What Has Happened The Apostle Paul viewed sanctification as taking place in the context of the fear of God. Since we have these promises, dear friends, we should cleanse ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit by perfecting holiness in the fear of God. —2 Corinthians 7:1 (ISV)

What Has Happened The Apostle Peter commanded all men to fear God. Show honor to everyone. Keep on loving the brothers, fearing God, and honoring the king. —1 Peter 2:17 (ISV)

What Has Happened Heaven itself is filled with the glorious hymn that all nations should fear the Lord. “ Your deeds are spectacular and amazing, Lord God Almighty. Your ways are just and true, King of the nations. Lord, who won’t fear and praise your name? For you alone are holy, and all the nations will come and worship you because your judgments have been revealed.”

What Has Happened Historically, the fear of God has always been a part of the historic Christian understanding of God. From the Apostolic Fathers to our country’s Pilgrim Fathers, the fear of God was a part of fundamental Christian belief and practice. Our Puritan and Pilgrim Fathers delighted in the fear of the Lord.

What Has Happened Before the 1770s, the average person mostly held to a Puritan view of God who was: Aggressive in rewarding saints and punishing sinners. Not a wimp or pushover. A righteous and holy God who would not let sin go unpunished. Holy as well as loving.

What Has Happened The God of the Puritans and Pilgrims: Was worthy to be feared. Was mighty to save. Was mighty to judge. Held all people accountable for the way they lived. Would one day judge all people for their sins.

What Has Happened The God of the Puritans and Pilgrims: Was enthroned in the heavens. Laughed at the puny efforts of rebel sinners to throw off His sovereign rule. His justice would be fully vindicated by His divine judgment on Judgment Day.

What Has Happened To the Puritans and Pilgrims, Hell was not an empty threat. Heaven was not an empty dream. There was a hell to shun and a heaven to gain. The fear of God was the soul and substance of the Gospel. Salvation made sense only upon the assumption of the fear of God.

What Has Happened The Great Awakening was the greatest revival in American history. Its most famous sermon was “Sinners in the Hands of An Angry God” by Jonathan Edwards. Revival broke out in Edwards’ church on the day the sermon was preached. Before it ended, the revival turned America into a church-going nation.

What Has Happened Have you ever heard preaching like Edwards today? We are more likely to hear “God in the Hands of Angry Sinners”. In Edwards’ day, people in general believed that God would indeed punish people for the evil they do. This meant that sinners must prepare to meet their God.

What Has Happened The Puritans and Pilgrims did not deny the love of God. They had a profound understanding of the love of God that exceeds the “cheap” love so often preached today. God’s wrath was the black velvet pillow on which the jewel of divine love shined its brightest. Wrath always forms the context of love.

What Has Happened In the third chapter of John, we find the most well known verse in the Bible: For this is how God loved the world: He gave his unique Son so that everyone who believes In him would not perish but have eternal life. —John 3:16 (ISV)

What Has Happened But with the message of God’s gracious gift is the message of God’s wrath: The one who believes in the Son has eternal life, but the one who disobeys the Son will not see life. Instead, the wrath of God remains on him. —John 3:36 (ISV)

What Has Happened What if you do not fear the wrath of God? You will not appreciate the love of God. That’s why cheap grace and cheap love are so popular today. The fear of God is not limited to conversion. It is the foundation for holy living. It is a sign of spiritual maturity and depth. Its lack shows immaturity & shallowness.

What Has Happened To conclude: When a nation or a church no longer fears God, iniquity and lawlessness will abound. The only real and lasting cure for violence and crime in modern society is a return to the biblical understanding for the fear of God.

The Liberalization of Christianity The demise of the fear of God can be traced back to two “mega-shifts” during the 18th and 19th centuries. A mega-shift is a radical change that alters a culture or society to such a degree that it becomes something new and different.

The Liberalization of Christianity The Industrial Revolution moved people from the rural areas to the inner city. Churches were few and attendance was meager. An entire generation grew up that had never to church to hear the Gospel. People lost any sense of the fear of God. They sinned and cursed God while doing so.

The Liberalization of Christianity Darwinianism The theory of evolution gave people the excuse to live as they pleased. It led to secular humanism, which denied there was a God to fear. It led to Marxism and Nazism, which sought to destroy the Church and its Gospel.

The Liberalization of Christianity The Church’s Condition The Church became more interested in buildings, numbers, and money. The Church failed to teach the whole counsel of God. Confessions, creeds and catechisms were laid aside in the vain pursuit of carnal goals. Churches became places of entertainment instead of repentance and conversion.

The Liberalization of Christianity The Root Cause Religious liberalism in the 19th century caused of the demise of the fear of God. Liberal theology proclaimed that there was nothing in God to fear. It paved the way for the triumph of secular humanism and Darwinianism. Charles Spurgeon stood virtually alone against the tide of liberalism.

The Liberalization of Christianity A typical sermon outline from the time: Is there a hell? No! God is too loving for divine judgment. God is the Father of all mankind; all men are His children; all men are brothers. If there is a heaven, we are all going there. Hell cannot exist with a loving God. God is all love; there is nothing to fear.

The Liberalization of Christianity The God of liberalism was pictured as being so loving that “He would never hurt a fly.” Because He would never damn anyone, hell was an empty threat. The denial of eternal punishment became the theological fad of the day. Because God was viewed as sensitive, compassionate, tender, loving and kind, there was nothing left in God to fear.

The Liberalization of Christianity The “hard” attributes of God were rejected. Gone was His power. Gone was His holiness. Gone was His righteousness. Gone was His judgment. Gone were any other threatening attributes. Only the “soft” attributes of God’s love and mercy remained.

The Liberalization of Christianity The Feminization of God The feminization of God began in the 19th century when God was reduced to a sentimental blob of love. People began praying to the “Mother God” instead of God the Father. Mary Baker Eddy and “Mother-God.” Feminist Mary Daly called for the castration of the Father and the Son!

The Liberalization of Christianity From New Thought to New Age The feminization of God became part of the 19th century New Thought movement. New Thought became the New Age by the end of the 20th century The teachings of both were embraced by liberal theologians who now control most seminaries and colleges in mainline Protestant denominations.

The Liberalization of Christianity A Word of Clarification We believe in all of God’s attributes, whether “hard” or “soft”. We object to the assumption that His “hard” attributes should be ignored or rejected. We object to reshaping God, the Bible, Jesus, the clergy, preaching or the Church to reflect only “soft” attributes.

The Liberalization of Christianity We reject references to God’s “hard” attributes as “male” qualities which are to be rooted out of our understanding of God. We reject references to God’s “soft” attributes as “feminine” qualities which need to be emphasized in order for us to feel good about God.

The Liberalization of Christianity Mother or Father Feminist theologians claim that referring to God as “Father” hurts the self-image of women. If true, then would not referring to God as “Mother” hurt the self-image of men? If true, men and women would have to worship different deities.

The Liberalization of Christianity God cannot be reduced to what makes us feel warm and fuzzy. The attempt to create a goddess or god in our image is futile and blasphemous. We must accept God as He has chosen to reveal Himself to us or we are guilty of gross idolatry.

The Liberalization of Christianity The Feminization of Jesus The feminization of Jesus began in the 19th century. Famous painting depicted Him as a weak, effeminate, white European male with long hair set in a womanly manner. None of these portrayals looked like someone who could survive 40 days in a wilderness without food.

The Liberalization of Christianity Jesus was no longer viewed as someone who was so strong and virile that He commanded the allegiance of other men. He did not look like someone who had been a carpenter from the days of his youth. He did not look like someone who was strong enough to knock over the tables of the money changers and drive them out of the Temple.

The Liberalization of Christianity He was not the kind of man who was likely to throw anyone into hell. He was depicted as an effeminate while male whose appearance was not threatening. One liberal California church proudly displays a portrait of Jesus as a white, long-haired, blond, blue-eyed California surfer; hardly the God of Isaiah 9:6.

The Liberalization of Christianity The Feminization of Hymns The hymns of the Christian Church were strong in doctrine and majestic in style. They emphasized God’s: Sovereignty Power Judgment Love and Mercy

The Liberalization of Christianity Beginning in the 19th century, hymns were marked by: Romantic terminology Gushy sentimentality Erotic expressions Many were written by single Christian women who were fantasizing a romantic love to Jesus which was clearly sexual in nature.

The Liberalization of Christianity Deep doctrinal content Majestic in style Terms of praise Gratitude for salvation Expressions of worship What God has done, He has done out of grace for His glory Shallow in content Sloppy in style Terms of romance Gushy sentimentality Expressions of eroticism What God has done, He has done for me because He values me Hymns Before 1900 Hymns After 1900

The Liberalization of Christianity The Greek word agape (and sometimes phileo ) is used for our love for God and Christ. The Greek word eros is NEVER used of our love for God and Christ. Jesus in NOT our male lover. Any hymn which expresses a romantic love to Him borders on blasphemy.

The Liberalization of Christianity The Feminization of Christianity As a liberal view of God swept through Protestant churches, the men stopped going to church because “religion was for men and women.” To be “like Jesus” was to not fight for what was right. Careers in police work or the military were abandoned to unbelievers.

The Liberalization of Christianity Novels of the period such as Mark Twain’s Tom Sawyer pictured religion as something fit only for the “Aunt Polly’s” of the world. Real men could safely ignore going to church.

The Liberalization of Christianity A Mega-shift God’s holiness and wrath became eclipsed by His love and mercy. The same changes in mainline Protestant churches is happening today in evangelical seminaries, colleges and churches. Are we to worship the God of Scripture or the goddess of modern liberalism?

The Liberalization of Christianity Conclusion: What is your view of Jesus? Is He “sweet” or “strong”? Is He “commanding” or “meek and mild”? Is He “Judge of all the earth” or “my friend”? Would He take a whip and throw the moneychangers out of the temple or would He say, “Can’t we just all get along?” Would He throw unrepentant sinners into hell or forgive their sin without repentance?

The Feminization of the Clergy Masculine Pastors Before the feminization of Christianity, pastors were: Soldiers Judges Mayors Hunters Pioneers

The Feminization of the Clergy Throughout church history, many pastors died in battle defending their home, their church and their nation. Swiss Reformer Swingli Oliver Cromwell John Owen Washington’s Generals The Puritan pastor shared a common life with the men of his congregation.

The Feminization of the Clergy Feminized Pastors With the rise of religious liberalism, the role of pastors was feminized. It became unseemly for a clergyman to hunt or fish, fight in a war, or hold public office. He was restricted to the parlor to read poetry with the Ladies’ Literary Society. He was “sweet” and no longer respected.

The Feminization of the Clergy Pastors were held up to ridicule. They were depicted as wearing fancy clothes and spending their time going to teas for bored women. During the Civil War, for the first time in American history, clergymen were forbidden by law from fighting on the front lines with their men. They were sent to the rear with the women.

The Feminization of the Clergy A number of states even passed laws forbidding clergymen from holding public office. This was in stark contrast to Colonial America: Cotton Mather—Mayor and Judge Pastors were Generals and Officers Separation of Church and State was redefined to mean “Clergy Stay Out”.

The Feminization of the Clergy Sissy Sermons As the role of clergy became more effeminate in character, sermons began to change. Bold, strong, virile doctrinal preaching gave way to soothing sermons and “quite talks” on love. People didn’t want sermons to make them think; they wanted to feel warm and happy.

The Feminization of the Clergy To raise your voice or pound on the pulpit became no longer acceptable. The use of logic and argumentation in sermons was frowned upon. Seminary students were told not to be bold, authoritative or doctrinal in their preaching. Today, a strong pastor will be accused of being prideful, unloving, or insensitive.

The Feminization of the Clergy The glory of God and biblical truth have been eclipsed by “church growth” techniques that focus on the “felt needs” of the people in the community. Giving people what they want has become more important than obeying God and preaching the truth.

The Feminization of the Clergy Lesbian Pastors Feminist and lesbian pastors have been ordained in liberal denominations. “ Lead On, O Queen Eternal” “ Our Mother, which art in heaven…” Masculinity is under attack, so men leave. “ Neuter gender” hymnals and prayer books have replaced traditional works.

The Feminization of the Clergy The Return of the Goddess At one Boston church, over 400 women met to worship Diana of Ephesus. They proclaimed that the biblical view of God as “Father” is now dead. They proclaimed that the time had come to worship the ancient pagan goddesses, such as Diana. There is no fear of God before their eyes.

The Feminization of the Clergy Conclusion The fear of God vanished as God, Jesus, the clergy, hymns, the church and preaching were liberalized and feminized. The liberals have already emptied their churches. Should we allow them to empty ours as well? We must stand up to the “PC” crowd and proclaim the fear of the Lord once again.

The World Molding the Church The Apostle Paul has warned us: Stop being conformed to this world, but continue to be transformed by the renewing of your minds so that you may be able to determine what is God’s will — what is proper, pleasing, and perfect. —Romans 12:2 (ISV)

The World Molding the Church Hell Fire Sermons Most evangelicals believe in the conscious torment in hell of unrepentant believers, but it is rarely preached. Liberal theologians view hell as “unkind,” “insensitive” and “morally repugnant.” The liberal media portray clergy who preach “hell” as backwoods nut cases.

The World Molding the Church The Raw Truth We do not preach the doctrine of hell because we are afraid of the mockers and scoffers of this world. We have allowed the world to squeeze us into its mold. The Apostle Peter warned us about this!

The World Molding the Church First of all you must understand this: In the last days mockers will come and, indulging in their own lusts, will ridicule us by saying, “What happened to his promise to return? Ever since our ancestors died, everything continues as it did from the beginning of creation.” — 2 Peter 3:3-4 (ISV)

The World Molding the Church Did Peter or Paul stop preaching because some people mocked? No! God is true, even if everyone else is a liar. — Romans 3:4 (ISV) When the frown of the world is more influential than the frown of God, the fear of the Lord needs to be revived.

The World Molding the Church Whatever Happened to Sin? The same liberalization of the church made it unpopular to preach about sin. The media portrays adulterers, rapists, and child molesters not as sinners who needs to repent, but as addicts who need therapy. We are told not to condemn them as sinners but to “feel their pain.”

The World Molding the Church Doctrinal Preaching Today Doctrinal sermons have given way to relational sermons which focus on the feelings of man. Any doctrine that might hurt someone’s feelings is either denied or ignored.

The World Molding the Church The man is the head of his household. His wife should submit to his leadership. Children should obey their parents. Criminals should be punished. The death penalty should be used more frequently. We are not part of God. We cannot be all that we want to be. We do not have infinite potential. How to Alienate a Congregation in 14 Easy Steps Just Preach These Time-Honored Topics

The World Molding the Church All things are not possible with us. Being positive will not do much for you. We are not all created equal because some people are smarter or stronger than others. Adultery and divorce disqualify you for the ministry. The heathen are lost. Young people need to be fully accountable for their actions by the age of 12 or 13. How to Alienate a Congregation in 14 Easy Steps Just Preach These Time-Honored Topics

The World Molding the Church The Price of Discernment When you point out all the false teachings on popular “Christian” radio and TV programs, you are: told to be quiet for the sake of unity called a trouble-maker labeled “insensitive” to feelings accused of pride and conceit

The World Molding the Church The Church Growth Movement Numbers, money, and buildings are the only goals that count. The New Testament is irrelevant when it comes to the nature, structure and programs of the local church. We should take surveys in the community and ask the heathen what they want to hear and what sermon topics to preach.

The World Molding the Church The result: We build a church that reflects the counsel of the ungodly. We ignore what the Bible says about how a church is to be structured and governed. We place sociologists and surveys above the word of the Apostles.

The World Molding the Church I Will Build My Church Jesus will build His Church His way. Did the Apostles in the Book of Acts take surveys of the heathen to see what they wanted? No! The New Testament tells us the nature and structure of a local church. The Bible is our rule of faith and practice, not pragmatism.

The World Molding the Church The Whole Counsel of God Acts 20:27 tells us that the “whole counsel” of God must be preached. If the church growth movement is of God, then why is the doctrine of hell never preached? The heathen do not want to hear that they are sinners under God’s wrath. They hate the very idea of repentance.

The World Molding the Church The Cult of Happiness When the fear of God is not preached, Christians will not understand that their purpose in life is to glorify God. Happiness becomes the idol before which all must bow. It is time to tell people the truth: God is more concerned with our holiness than with our happiness.

The World Molding the Church Come close to God, and he will come close to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be miserable, mourn, and cry. Let your laughter be turned into mourning, and your joy into gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. — James 4:8-10 (ISV)

The World Molding the Church Instead of preaching that we exist for God’s glory and that we are His servants, we are told: God exists for our happiness. He is our servant. He is supposed to “fetch and carry” wealth and health for us whenever we “name it and claim it.”

The World Molding the Church Dedicated to Jesus? The “Me First” generation is not interested in the personal sacrifice required to serve Christ. Have you ever heard a sermon calling upon you to be totally surrendered to Christ? We are told the Christian life is easy and fun. Morality and truth do not matter anymore.

The World Molding the Church Let Us Entertain You Because people no longer fear God, many worship services are not centered on the preaching of the Word. As more entertainment is included in a church service, the sermons get shorter and more shallow. Crowds come when the service is long on entertainment and short on preaching.

The World Molding the Church The End Result Most evangelical Christians have never heard a single sermon on fearing God. “ Fear” does not fit into the “positive thinking” movement. “ Fear” is not politically correct. How can you tell people to fear God when we are trying to convince people that Jesus will “make them happy.”

The World Molding the Church If we told people the truth that they should fear the just judgment of Almighty Jesus, we won’t be able to con them into joining our “warm” and “fuzzy” church where everything is “nice” and “sweet.” Like Esau, we have sold our birthright for a bowl of mush.

The World Molding the Church Conclusion The Church at the beginning of the 21st century, despite its wealth and power, is desperately sick and weak. Some men in the pulpits are more carnal and immoral than the people in the pews. Why? There is no fear of God before their eyes.

The World Molding the Church If the Church is to regain its spiritual strength and power, it must begin with the fear of God. Those who fear the Lord will depart from evil.

Part Two The Importance of Fearing God

How Important Is It? Training Children The frequency of its mention in Scripture, as compared to other aspects of piety, reveals the importance of the fear of God. We have to repeat things to our children over and over in order for them to learn. Why? This is human nature. To fear God is the most repeated admonition in Scripture.

How Important Is It? Loving God 88 References 45 in OT; 43 in NT Some Common Admonitions in Scripture 91 References 82 in OT; 9 in NT Trusting God Fearing God 278 References 235 in OT; 43 in NT

How Important Is It? A Logical Conclusion The fear of God is the predominant response and fundamental attitude that God desires toward: Himself His Word His Law His Name

How Important Is It? What We Are Not Saying The Fear of God is NOT the ONLY way to relate to God. Loving God is not at issue. We must relate to God in more than one way. Loving God is not enough, according to the Bible. We must fear Him, too. Fearing God must be fundamental to our relationship to God.

How Important Is It? The Psalms on Fearing God There are 62 references to fearing God in the Psalms alone. Entire psalms are dedicated to the blessings which come from fearing the Lord.

How Important Is It? The Proverbs on Fearing God In the Proverbs, the fear of God is referred to 15 times as being the source of wisdom, knowledge, discretion, truthfulness and morality. Thus the fear of the Lord should not be limited to “inner” piety. The fear of the Lord is practical and helps us live a godly life in a sinful world.

How Important Is It? The fear of God leads to wisdom. The ability to see things from God’s viewpoint. The fear of God leads to understanding. The ability to respond to what you have seen according to God’s Word.

How Important Is It? The fear of God is a fountain of life. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death. — Proverbs 14:27 Practical Stuff, Too The fear of God leads to good sleep. The fear of the Lord leads to life. The one who fears God can sleep satisfied, untouched by evil. — Proverbs 19:23

How Important Is It? The fear of God is the key to the treasure house of heaven. And He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation, wisdom and knowledge. The fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure. — Isaiah 33:6

How Important Is It? A Defective Covenant The Old Covenant could not provide a redeemed heart to fear God. It dealt with external things. Oh, that they had such a heart in them, that they should fear Me, and keep all my commandments always, that it may be well with them and with their sons forever!” — Deut. 5:29

How Important Is It? A Superior Covenant The New Covenant provides a redeemed heart to fear God. It deals with internal things. I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel… I will put my law within them, and on their heart I will write it. They shall all know me. — Jer. 31:31-33; 32:38

How Important Is It? The New Testament The New Testament is the record of the establishment of the New Covenant through the person and work of Christ. This New Covenant is a covenant of grace through which God provides man with a new heart to fulfill God’s OT promise. Thus, the goal of the New Covenant is to fear God.

How Important Is It? Liberals claim that: The Old Testament God was a savage and primitive god you had to fear. The New Testament did away with the fear of God and substituted the love of God in its place. But the NT goal is to bring sinners into a permanent relationship with God to fear Him and keep His commandments.

How Important Is It? Loving God Trusting God Fearing God 88 References 45 in OT; 43 in NT 91 References 82 in OT; 9 in NT 278 References 235 in OT; 43 in NT Some Common Admonitions in Scripture The same number of references!

How Important Is It? The Frequency of Mention There are as many references to the fear of God as there are to the love of God. “ So the church… continued to be built up and to live in the fear of the Lord, it kept increasing in numbers through the encouragement of the Holy Spirit.” —Acts 9:31 (ISV)

How Important Is It? The Frequency of Mention The fear of the Lord was the divinely appointed means by which the early church experienced peace and growth. As they feared the Lord, the Spirit comforted them. Thus the fruit of the Spirit is rooted in the fear of God.

How Important Is It? No Fear of God The unsaved are described in Romans 3:10-18 as “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” When men no longer fear God, there is no restraint upon their lusts.

How Important Is It? Conclusion The fear of the Lord is the recognition that God is holy as well as loving. God is to be feared as well as trusted. If we neglect the fear of God, we will suffer in our spiritual life. God has revealed Himself in Scripture and to worship any other God than the One revealed in Scripture is idolatry.

The Importance of Wisdom The Beginning of Wisdom A Popular Memory Verse “ The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” — Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 9:10 The word translated “beginning” in these two verses are actually different words.

The Importance of Wisdom The “beginning of wisdom” in Ps 111:10 “ Re-sheet ” means the best or highest quality. Exodus 23:19 Amos 6:1 1 Samuel 15:21 Ezekiel 48:14 Proverbs 4:7

The Importance of Wisdom The “beginning of wisdom” in Prov. 9:10 “ Te-chil-lah ” means the first in a succession of things. Conclusion Fearing God is the first step to wisdom and the chief aspect of wisdom. It is the “soul and substance” of our relationship to God.

Part Three The Nature of Fearing God

The Vocabulary of Fearing God The English word “fear” — does not tell us what kind of fear we are to have. does not indicate any specific attributes. is not precise enough to convey the richness of meanings of the various biblical words for fearing God. is not precise enough to tell us how to relate to God.

The Vocabulary of Fearing God Goor : Stand in Awe Stand in awe of Him, all you descendants of Israel. — Psalm 22:23 Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him. — Psalm 33:8 Old Testament Vocabulary

The Vocabulary of Fearing God Chool : Tremble Before Him When they hear the report of you, they shall be in anguish because of you. — Deut. 2:25 Tremble before Him, all the earth. — 1 Chronicles 16:30 Tremble , O earth, before the Lord. — Ps. 96:9 You don’t tremble before Me, do you? — Jeremiah 5:22 Old Testament Vocabulary

The Vocabulary of Fearing God Ah-ratz : Be in Dread of Him A God greatly feared in the council of the holy ones. — Psalm 89:7 And He shall be your fear, and He shall be your dread . — Isaiah 8:13 Indeed, they will sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and will stand in awe of the God of Israel. — Isaiah 29:23 Old Testament Vocabulary

The Vocabulary of Fearing God Pa-chad : Living in Dread And you shall be in dread night and day, and shall have no assurance of your life. — Deuteronomy 28:66 And the dread of God was on all the kingdoms of the lands when they heard that the Lord had fought against the enemies of Israel. — 2 Chronicles 20:29 Old Testament Vocabulary

The Vocabulary of Fearing God Pa-chad : Living in Dread Old Testament Vocabulary If the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the Fear of Isaac, had not been for me, surely now you would have sent me away empty-handed. — Genesis 31:42 “ The God of Abraham, the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge between us.” So Jacob swore by the Fear of his father Isaac. — Genesis 31:53

The Vocabulary of Fearing God A-mah : To be Frightened of God Terror and dread fall upon them; By the greatness of your arm, they are motionless as stone. — Exodus 15:16 I will send My terror ahead of you, and throw into confusion all the people among whom you come… — Exodus 23:27 Let Him remove His rod from me, and let not dread of Him terrify me. — Job 9:34 Old Testament Vocabulary

The Vocabulary of Fearing God Do-chal : The Terror of God … all the peoples and nations and men of every language dreaded and feared him. — Daniel 5:19 I will make a decree that in all the dominion of my kingdom, men are to fear and tremble before the God of Daniel. — Daniel 6:26 Old Testament Vocabulary

The Vocabulary of Fearing God Yah-re : The Fear of God Then Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God. — Exodus 3:6 … for God has so worked that men should fear Him. — Ecclesiastes 3:14 Yah-re : Political Respect ...and they revered [Joshua] all the days of his life, just as they had revered Moses. — Joshua 4:14 Old Testament Vocabulary

The Vocabulary of Fearing God Yah-goor : Terror and Fear I was afraid of the anger and hot displeasure with which the Lord was wrathful against you in order to destroy you. — Deuteronomy 9:19 Re-ah-dah : Worship with Trembling Worship the Lord with trembling . — Psalm 2:11 Old Testament Vocabulary

The Vocabulary of Fearing God In the New Testament, all the different Hebrew words for “fear” are translated by the Greek word phobos and the verbs, adverbs and adjectives which modify phobos . The fear of God in the New Testament embraces all the emotions of the human heart. New Testament Vocabulary

The Vocabulary of Fearing God The Christian and the Terror of God Fall on us and hide us from the presence of Him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb ; for the great day of their wrath has come; and who is able to stand? — Revelation 6:15-17 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men. — 2 Corinthians 5:11

The Vocabulary of Fearing God Solemn Warnings If you are His child, then He will punish you when you wander from the path of righteousness. Therefore, as long as the promise of entering his rest remains valid, let us be afraid lest someone among you fails to reach it. — Hebrews 4:1 (ISV)

The Vocabulary of Fearing God Solemn Warnings For if we choose to go on sinning after we have received the full knowledge of the truth, there is no more sacrifice for our sins. — Hebrews 10:26 (ISV) … We must be thankful and worship God in reverence and fear in a way that pleases him. For our God is an all-consuming fire. Hebrews 12:28-29 (ISV)

The Vocabulary of Fearing God Jesus and The Fear of God But I tell you, my friends, never be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can’t do anything more. I’ll show you the one you should be afraid of. Be afraid of the one who has the authority to throw you into hell after killing you. Yes, I tell you, be afraid of him ! — Luke 12:4-5 (ISV)

The Vocabulary of Fearing God Wonder, Awe, and Reverence Lord, who won’t fear and praise your name? For you alone are holy, and all the nations will come and worship you because your judgments have been revealed. — Revelation 15:4 (ISV) The fear of God is an essential part of living a holy life.

The Vocabulary of Fearing God Why So Much Shallowness Today? The reason Christians are weak is rooted in the fact they do not fear God! Conclusion Presence of the fear of God is His blessing. Absence of the fear of God is His curse.

The Meanings of Fearing God The “fear” of God can mean different things to different people at different times. Most commentators have correctly distinguished reverential fear from slavish fear. Are these the only two distinctions?

The Meanings of Fearing God More Than Two Distinctions Nature: What is the nature of the fear? Origin: What motivates this fear? Subjects: Who is fearing God? Attributes: What is this fear like? Means: How is this fear manifested? Consequences: What happens to those who fear God?

The Meanings of Fearing God Objective/Subjective The fear of the Lord may refer to something objective. The fear of God may refer to something subjective. The Objective Fear of God Objective fear is external to man.

The Meanings of Fearing God God’s Name “ Fear” was one name for God. If the God of my father, the God of Abraham, the Fear of Isaac, had not been for me, surely now you would have sent me away empty-handed. —Genesis 31:42

The Meanings of Fearing God God’s Word No one can say that he is ignorant of God because He has not revealed himself. The heavens declare the glory of God and the skies proclaim the work of His hands.—Psalms 19:1 General Revelation Humanity is “without excuse.”

The Meanings of Fearing God Special Revelation Scripture is referred to as: The law of the Lord. The statutes of the Lord. The precepts of the Lord. The commands of the Lord. The fear of the Lord.

The Meanings of Fearing God God’s Attributes You shall not dread them, for the LORD your God is in your midst, a great and awesome God. —Deuteronomy 7:21 God is in His Nature “awesome.” God’s works are “awesome” and “fearful.”

The Meanings of Fearing God Revealed Religion Come you children, listen to me and I will teach you the fear of the Lord. —Psalms 34:11 The fear of the Lord is to believe all that God has revealed in His Word. No one can truly believe in God without fearing him.

The Meanings of Fearing God God-Fearers My brothers, descendants of Abraham’s family, and those among you who fear God , it is to us that the message of this salvation has been sent.” —Acts 13:26 (ISV)

The Meanings of Fearing God The Worship of God For you alone are holy, and all the nations will come and worship you because your judgments have been revealed. —Revelation 15:4 (ISV) Our worship of God should involve fearing him, in the sense of awe, reverence, wonder, and praise.

The Meanings of Fearing God Irreverent Behavior in Church The lack of godly fear is the reason for little reverence in many church services. We should be preparing our hearts for worship.

The Meanings of Fearing God Temporary/Permanent People temporarily “get religion” during a crisis. The permanent fear of God is a provision of the New Covenant. I will put the fear of Me in their hearts so they will turn away from me .—Jeremiah 32:40

The Meanings of Fearing God Positive/Negative The fear of God can focus on the positive aspects of fear such as love, reverence, and awe. The fear of God can focus on the negative aspects of fear such as terror, horror, and anxiety.

The Meanings of Fearing God Saving/Non-Saving The fear of God can motivate people to seek salvation. It is possible to fear God in a non-saving sense. People think they can earn their way to heaven by their own good works.

The Meanings of Fearing God Particular/General The Ninevites’ fear was particular and focused on the specific judgment of God. A true Christian seeks to apply the fear of the Lord to all of life.

The Meanings of Fearing God Individual/Group True revival comes when people are “walking in the fear of the Lord.” Reverence for the name of Jesus comes from a general fear of God. When there is no fear of God, lawlessness, blasphemy and wickedness will abound.

The Meanings of Fearing God Attitude/Action In the Bible, there are places where the fear of God is used in the sense of obedience. The fear of God can refer to an attitude toward God.

The Meanings of Fearing God Spiritual/Carnal Spiritual fear of God contains both positive and negative elements. We rejoice with trembling. We worship in an attitude of awe. Carnal fear of God contains only negative aspects.

The Meanings of Fearing God Sincere/Hypocritical Do you fear God enough to depart from evil and to keep His commandments? Obedience to God is where “the rubber meets the road.”

The Meanings of Fearing God Character Trait/Episode Do you fear God? Are you a “reverent” person? Attractive/Repulsive Fear can draw people to or from God. Mobilize/Paralyze Joseph remained pure because of fear. Moses was paralyzed by fear.

The Meanings of Fearing God Joy/Sadness Psalm 97:1 Psalm 99:1 Greater/Lesser Psalm 89:7 Caught and Taught Psalm 34:11 Psalm 46:10

The Meanings of Fearing God The Work of the Holy Spirit I will make an everlasting covenant with them that I will not turn away from doing good for them. I will put the fear of me in their hearts so they will not turn away from me. —Jeremiah 32:40

The Meanings of Fearing God Conclusion The traditional two-fold division of the fear of God is not adequate. The deeper our understanding of what it means to fear God, the better able we are to fear Him as He ought to be feared.

Part Four The Origins of Fearing God

Why We Should Fear God The Sovereignty of God Rejoice Be Glad See His Glory Exalt The Lord Give Thanks Praise Worship

Why We Should Fear God The contrast in response of the wicked God is enthroned in the heavens. God is the Sovereign Ruler and Judge of all things. The Psalmist tells us how unbelievers respond. They are put to shame. They tremble in fear.

Why We Should Fear God Children and the Fear of God The Lord was pleased to save David. WHY was the Lord was pleased to deliver him? The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and rescues them. — Psalms 34:7 David gives exhortation to fear the Lord. O fear the LORD, you His saints; For to those who fear Him, there is no want. — Psalms 34:9

Why We Should Fear God A Long and Prosperous Life Who is the man who desires life, and loves length of days that he may see good? — Psalms 34:12 A long, happy life filled with goodness begins with the fear of God.

Why We Should Fear God Motives to Fear God The Nature of God The Names of God The Word of God The Works of God The Mighty Works of God

Why We Should Fear God The Nature of God The Greatness of God The Sovereignty of God The Holiness of God The Jealousy of God The Justice and Righteousness of God The Judgment of God against His enemies

Why We Should Fear God The Names of God We should fear God for His glorious names. We should delight to fear his name. We should glorify the name of God. We should praise the great name of God. Nations will fear the name of the Lord. God’s name is holy and awesome. Blasphemy will result in swift judgment.

Why We Should Fear God The Word of God The scriptures are called “the fear of the Lord.” The Bible is the written Word of God. The Bible is the source of our fear of God.

Why We Should Fear God The Works of God We should be in awe of God’s almighty acts. Many Great Wonderful Righteous Marvelous, Righteous and True

Why We Should Fear God The Mighty Works of God Creation We belong to Him and owe Him our worship and obedience. Sovereignty He is working all things of His own Will and we should be in awe.

Why We Should Fear God The Mighty Works of God Judgment We should fear the judgment of God more than the judgment of men. Forgiveness God forgives our sins that we might fear Him. The fear of God is the GOAL of God’s plan for salvation!

Why We Should Fear God Conclusion God’s wondrous nature, name, Word and works should motivate us to fear Him. Our God is an awesome God, a great and glorious God, mighty in judgment, compassionate in mercy. He is working all things according to His sovereign will.

The Terror of the Lord Fear Over 20 different meanings in Scripture. Fear is a broad subject. We have to deal with human emotions and how human beings respond to God. People respond to God depending on the situation.

The Terror of the Lord Terror I heard your voice, I was afraid, so I hid myself. — Genesis 3:10 This terror caused Adam and Eve to run from God . It caused them to hide from His presence. They experienced terror at the thought of being exposed to the all-seeing eye of God.

The Terror of the Lord Running from the Light For everyone who practices wickedness hates the light and does not come to the light, so that his actions may not be exposed. — John 3:20 (ISV) No creature can hide from him. Everything is naked and helpless before the eyes of the one to whom we must give an account. — Hebrews 4:13 (ISV)

The Terror of the Lord Man’s Fall into Sin and Guilt The eyes of Adam and Eve were “opened.” Once man sinned, they became embarrassed and felt shame. This shame was rooted not in their naked bodies but in their sinful souls. They tried to use fig leaves to hide from God.

The Terror of the Lord Before the Fall There was no terror, negative fear, anxiety or dread of judgment. There was a positive awe, respect, and love of God. After the Fall There was terror at the thought of being in the presence of God.

The Terror of the Lord We are all Hiding from God Fear gripped Adam because he knew that: God is a Holy God. He was accountable to God. God would punish sin. There was no way to escape His judgment.

The Terror of the Lord We are all Hiding from God The hiding failed! The cover-up failed. Their sin was exposed. The guilt was rightly placed. The punishment given was death.

The Terror of the Lord The Day of Doom There IS a Judgment Day and God is going to judge them. Anyone whose name was not found written in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire — Revelation 20:15 (ISV)

The Terror of the Lord Conclusion Get away from me, you who are accursed, into the eternal fire that has been prepared for the devil and his angels!’ These people will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life. — Matthew 25:41,46 (ISV)

Part Five The Results of Fearing God

The Blessings of Fearing God As Individuals Fear the LORD our God for our good always and for our survival. —Deuteronomy 6:4 For Our Own Good It is in our own best interest to fear God and keep His commandments.

The Blessings of Fearing God Divine Guidance Who is the man who fear the LORD? He will instruct him in the way that he should choose. The secret of the LORD is for those who fear HIM, and He will make them know his covenant. —Psalm 25:12, 14

The Blessings of Fearing God Divine Protection Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, on those who hope for His loving kindness, to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. —Psalm 33:18-19 God is paying special attention to those who fear Him.

The Blessings of Fearing God Our Guardian Angel The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him and rescues them. Divine Wisdom The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. —Proverbs 1:7

The Blessings of Fearing God As Families God’s Word instructs us about the origin, nature, structure, and inner workings of the family. The Brave Midwives And it came about that because the midwives feared God, that He established households for them. —Exodus 1:21

The Blessings of Fearing God Honor for the Elderly The respect we owe to our parents and the elderly is tied to the respect we have for God. As Churches When the Holy Spirit was poured out at Pentecost, great fear came upon everyone.

The Blessings of Fearing God As Nations When a nation fears the Lord, justice is established throughout the land. Justice Hangs on It When judges no longer fear God, they will abuse their position and power to oppress the people of God.

The Blessings of Fearing God Good Business Sense Honesty and hard work abound when God is feared. Sound Economic Policies The thing which you are doing is not good; should you not walk in the fear of our God because of the reproach of the nations, our enemies? —Nehemiah 5:9

The Blessings of Fearing God Conclusion The fear of God produces justice and righteousness in individuals, families, churches, and nations. Blessed is that nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance. —Psalm 33:12

Conclusion There are hundreds of references to fearing God in the Scriptures. It is the fundamental and essential attitude toward God that we must develop and maintain in the Christian life. The fear of the Lord will bring great blessings upon individuals, families, churches, and nations.

Conclusion When people do not fear God, there is crime, immorality, divorce, destruction of our churches, oppression by judges, bribery and unjust laws. What is the biblical remedy to the problems we face? We need to return to the fear of God. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and the fountain of all blessing.

How to Order Available from Faith Defenders http://faithdefenders.com ISBN #1891833529

You Have Broken God’s Law Worship only God. Don’t make an idol. Don’t take God’s name in vain. Honor the Sabbath. Honor your father and mother. Do not murder. Do not commit adultery. Do not steal. Do not lie. Do not covet. The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20)

You Were Born a Sinner All people are born sinners. We are all unrighteous people. Romans 3:10-12 As it is written, “Not even one person is righteous. No one understands. No one searches for God. All have turned away. Together they have become worthless.”

Your Best Efforts Fail All people sin. Our best efforts will never measure up. Romans 3:23 … since all have sinned and continue to fall short of God’s glory.

The Price of Sin is Death The price of sin is death. Romans 5:12 Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, so death spread to everyone, because all have sinned.

Jesus Paid Your Debt Jesus paid your debt by dying in your place. Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in union with Christ Jesus our Lord.

Christ Died for You Christ died in your place, paying your price, and suffering so that you would not have to suffer eternally. Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates his love for us by the fact that Christ died for us while we were still sinners.

His Invitation Is to You… Now His invitation is open to anyone… even you. Romans 10:13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Confess, Declare, Believe You must confess your sin, declare His Lordship, and believe in your heart that God raised Christ from the dead. Romans 10:9-10 … if you declare with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For a person believes with his heart and is justified, and a person declares with his mouth and is saved.

Your Prayer for Salvation “ Lord, Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and I need you. I know that you paid the price for my sins by dying on the cross. I ask that you forgive my sins; and I receive you as my Savior and Lord. I thank you for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of the throne of my life. Make me the kind of person you want me to be. Amen.”

Some Truths to Remember Remember these simple truths from God’s Word: 1 John 1:9 If we make it our habit to confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us those sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Romans 8:16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.

Some Truths to Remember Ephesians 2:8 For by such grace you have been saved through faith. This does not come from you; it is the gift of God and not the result of works, lest anyone boast. Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed to us.

Some Truths to Remember 1 John 5:13 I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. 2 Corinthians 5:17-18a Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. Old things have disappeared, and—look!—all things have become new! All of this comes from God, who has reconciled us to himself through Christ…

About Davidson Press Publisher of the International Standard Version New Testament with CD-ROM. Publisher of many other titles. Visit our website at http://davidsonpress.com . 24/7 SSL encrypted ordering.

Fearing God

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