How can we cultivate a reverent fear of God in our communities?

◄ Fostering reverent fear of God? ►

Understanding the Moment in 2 Chronicles 17:10

“Then the dread of the LORD fell on all the kingdoms of the lands surrounding Judah, and they did not make war against Jehoshaphat.”

• Jehoshaphat has just sent Levites and officials to teach “the Book of the Law of the LORD” throughout Judah (17:7-9).

• God responds by spreading His own dread—holy fear—far beyond Judah’s borders.

• The text shows a direct link: when God’s Word is honored and obeyed, the surrounding culture feels the weight of His majesty.

Key Observations from the Passage

• Holy fear is God-given, not man-manufactured.

• It extends outward: communities, even unbelieving nations, can sense it.

• Its fruit is peace; threats retreat when God is revered.

Principles for Today

1. Saturate the community with clear teaching of Scripture.

– “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17)

2. Model personal obedience.

– Jehoshaphat “walked in the earlier ways of his father David” (17:3). Integrity invites awe.

3. Remove rival altars.

– Anything that competes with wholehearted worship must go (cf. 17:6).

4. Depend on God’s Spirit to awaken fear.

– “The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life.” (Proverbs 14:27)

Practices That Spread Reverence

• Regular public reading of Scripture (1 Timothy 4:13).

• Testimonies of answered prayer and repentance (Psalm 66:16).

• Singing Psalms and doctrine-rich hymns that exalt God’s holiness (Colossians 3:16).

• Visible acts of justice and mercy motivated by God’s character (Micah 6:8).

• Intentional discipleship—older believers walking with younger (Titus 2:1-8).

• Corporate confession of sin, keeping the conscience tender (1 John 1:9).

• Observing the Lord’s Supper in a worthy manner (1 Corinthians 11:27-32).

Encouraging Outcomes Scripture Promises

• Protection and peace: Isaiah 54:14.

• Unity and awe: Acts 2:42-43—“Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.”

• Courage for the righteous: Proverbs 14:26—“In the fear of the LORD one has strong confidence.”

• Generational blessing: Psalm 103:17.

Moving Forward Together

• Start with personal reverence; it radiates outward.

• Teach the whole counsel of God, trusting Him to stir holy fear.

• Expect tangible change—conflict reduced, hearts softened—because Scripture is living and active, and its Author still rules.