What other Scriptures emphasize the importance of fearing God in our conduct? Nehemiah’s Challenge to Fear God Nehemiah 5:9 anchors the study: “So I continued, ‘What you are doing is not right. Should you not walk in the fear of our God to avoid the reproach of our enemies?’ ”. The rest of Scripture echoes this call to reverent conduct. Roots in the Law • Deuteronomy 10:12-13 — “And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God by walking in all His ways… and to keep the commandments… for your own good?” • Exodus 20:20 — “God has come to test you, so that the fear of Him may be before you, to keep you from sinning.” • Leviticus 25:17 — “Do not take advantage of one another, but fear your God. For I am the LORD your God.” Wisdom Literature: Fear That Shapes Character • Proverbs 1:7 — “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.” • Proverbs 8:13 — “To fear the LORD is to hate evil.” • Psalm 111:10 — “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” • Job 28:28 — “The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom.” • Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 — “Fear God and keep His commandments… For God will bring every deed into judgment.” Historical Narratives: Fear Guiding Leadership • Joshua 24:14 — “Now, therefore, fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and truth.” • 2 Samuel 23:3 — “He who rules… in the fear of God.” • 2 Chronicles 19:7, 9 — “May the fear of the LORD be upon you… serve faithfully and wholeheartedly in the fear of the LORD.” • 1 Samuel 12:24 — “Above all, fear the LORD and serve Him faithfully with all your heart.” Prophets: Fear Fueling Justice and Humility • Isaiah 33:6 — “The fear of the LORD is Zion’s treasure.” • Isaiah 66:2 — “…who trembles at My word.” • Malachi 3:16-18 — God records the names of those who feared Him and promises to distinguish them from the wicked. Jesus and the Early Church • Luke 12:4-5 — “Fear the One who… has authority to throw you into hell.” • Luke 1:50 — “His mercy extends to those who fear Him.” • Acts 9:31 — The church “grew… walking in the fear of the Lord.” • Acts 10:35 — God “welcomes those from every nation who fear Him and do what is right.” Letters to the Churches • 2 Corinthians 7:1 — “Perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” • Philippians 2:12 — “Work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” • Colossians 3:22-24 — Serve “with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord.” • 1 Peter 1:17 — “Conduct yourselves in reverent fear during your stay as foreigners.” • Hebrews 12:28-29 — “Worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” • Revelation 14:7 — “Fear God and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come.” Living It Out Scripture consistently ties fearing God to righteous actions: justice toward others (Nehemiah 5:9; Leviticus 25:17), holy living (2 Corinthians 7:1), humble worship (Isaiah 66:2), and enduring faithfulness (Acts 9:31). Walking in the fear of the Lord keeps our conduct aligned with His character, guarding us from sin and drawing the watching world to honor Him. |
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