What role does "fear of Him" play in preventing sin according to Exodus 20:20? Context at Sinai - Israel stands before God’s thunder, lightning, trumpet blast, and smoking mountain (Exodus 20:18-19). - The people recoil in dread, begging Moses to speak in God’s place. Into that moment Moses delivers God’s purpose statement for the spectacle. What Exodus 20:20 Says “Do not be afraid,” Moses replied. “For God has come to test you, so that the fear of Him may be before you, to keep you from sinning.” Two Different Fears in One Verse - “Do not be afraid” – The paralyzing terror that makes people run from God. - “Fear of Him” – A settled, reverent awe that keeps people near God in obedient humility. God removes the first so He can plant the second. How “Fear of Him” Prevents Sin • Convinces hearts of God’s nearness – Sin thrives when God seems distant; a vivid sense of His presence restrains it (Psalm 139:7-12). • Magnifies God’s holiness – When His purity is clear, impurity appears repulsive (Isaiah 6:1-5). • Establishes accountability – “The eyes of the LORD are in every place, observing the evil and the good” (Proverbs 15:3). • Cultivates hatred of evil – “To fear the LORD is to hate evil” (Proverbs 8:13). Reverence produces moral disgust toward sin. • Motivates obedience out of love and honor – Fear and love are not opposites; love delights to honor the One it reveres (John 14:15). • Anchors wisdom for daily choices – “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10). Wisdom steers away from sin before it starts. • Provides a testing ground – God “tests” (Exodus 20:20) by revealing His majesty, then watching whether awe blossoms into obedience. Supporting Passages - Proverbs 16:6: “Through loving devotion and faithfulness sin is atoned for, and through the fear of the LORD a man turns aside from evil.” - Deuteronomy 5:29: “Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear Me and keep all My commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever!” - Ecclesiastes 12:13: “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” - Psalm 128:1: “Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in His ways.” Practical Takeaways - Nurture awe: Regularly meditate on God’s majesty in creation and Scripture. - Stay close: Frequent worship keeps His presence vivid and sin less attractive. - Remember accountability: Every action unfolds before His watching eyes. - Link fear and love: Let reverence deepen gratitude for the cross, which secures forgiveness when we fail yet compels holy living going forward. |
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