Topical Bible: Power of God: Feared

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The concept of the power of God being feared is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, reflecting the awe and reverence that His might inspires among believers and non-believers alike. This fear is not merely terror but a profound respect and acknowledgment of God's supreme authority and capability to execute His will.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the power of God is often demonstrated through acts that instill fear among the people. One of the most notable examples is the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt. The plagues that God unleashed upon Egypt, culminating in the parting of the Red Sea, are vivid demonstrations of His power. In Exodus 14:31 , it is written, "When Israel saw the great power that the LORD had exercised over the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD and believed in Him and in His servant Moses."

The fear of God's power is also evident in the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. The Israelites trembled at the thunder, lightning, and the sound of the trumpet, as described in Exodus 20:18-19 : "When all the people witnessed the thunder and lightning, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain in smoke, they trembled and stood at a distance. 'Speak to us yourself, and we will listen,' they said to Moses. 'But do not let God speak to us, or we will die.'"

Prophetic Literature

The prophets frequently spoke of the fear of God's power as a call to repentance and obedience. In Isaiah 8:13 , the prophet declares, "The LORD of Hosts is the One you shall regard as holy. Only He should be feared; only He should be dreaded." This fear is not only a response to God's might but also a recognition of His holiness and justice.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the fear of God's power continues to be a significant theme. The early church experienced this fear in the account of Ananias and Sapphira, whose deceit led to their sudden deaths. Acts 5:11 states, "And great fear came over the whole church and all who heard about these events." This incident underscores the seriousness with which God views sin and the respect due to His authority.

The Book of Revelation vividly portrays the fear of God's power in the context of the end times. Revelation 14:7 calls for reverence: "He said in a loud voice, 'Fear God and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come. Worship the One who made the heavens and the earth and the sea and the springs of waters.'"

Theological Implications

The fear of God's power is not intended to paralyze believers but to lead them to a deeper understanding of His nature and a more profound commitment to His commandments. Proverbs 9:10 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." This fear is foundational to a life of faith, guiding believers to live in a manner that honors God and acknowledges His rightful place as the sovereign ruler of the universe.

In summary, the fear of God's power is a multifaceted concept that encompasses awe, reverence, and a recognition of His ultimate authority. It serves as a catalyst for worship, obedience, and a deeper relationship with the Creator.

Nave's Topical Index

Jeremiah 5:22
Fear you not me? said the LORD: will you not tremble at my presence, which have placed the sand for the bound of the sea by a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass it: and though the waves thereof toss themselves, yet can they not prevail; though they roar, yet can they not pass over it?
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Matthew 10:28
And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
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Library

That it was not Only the Spirit, but Christ Himself Also who Made ...
... How then did the Spirit make Him to be feared, who made others to be feared? ... Finally
those men who received power from God, never used that power as if it ...
/.../cassian/the seven books of john cassian /chapter xix that it was.htm

"It is I, be not Afraid. " Extracted from Knox's Admonition to ...
... willing to teach us the dignity and effectual power of his ... lineage, no doubt, he,
being a stranger, greatly feared, but only this promise of God made to ...
/.../knox/the pulpit of the reformation nos 1 2 and 3 /it is i be not.htm

Dangerous Effects to Religion and Morality of the Doctrine of So ...
... give him indicates a power which must itself be feared? ... Surely (such a god) is neither
your Father, towards ... consistent with fear because of His power; nor your ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xxvii dangerous effects to religion.htm

On the Diversity of Spiritual Gifts.
... Yet neither did Elijah despise Obadiah the steward, who feared God, but wrought
no signs ... these terrible miseries by their own might; but by the power of God did ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec i on the diversity of.htm

Heathen Plots
... the friends of God's work, that is most to be feared. ... of those who, while professing
to serve God, are at ... These have it in their power to place every advantage ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 55 heathen plots.htm

The Wisdom of God's Counsels
... riches and honour poured in upon them that feared and loved God, their hearts ... and
the poor, despised, persecuted Christians invested with power, and placed ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 68 the wisdom of.htm

The Fiery Furnace
... being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power,
nor was an ... In the presence of the living God, men feared and trembled. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 41 the fiery furnace.htm

Jacob, a Prince of God.
... Still he feared Esau, and sent some of his men to tell his brother that he ... his name
Israel; "for as a prince," he said, "hast thou power with God and with ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter v jacob a prince.htm

Twelfth Day. The Thrice Holy One.
... Moses saw the Holy One in the fire, and hid his face and feared to look upon God,
and so was prepared for being ... The Spirit is the Power of God, working in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/holy in christ/twelfth day the thrice holy.htm

My God Will Hear Me
... In speaking of lack of the Spirit's power, and the condition ... It is to be feared that
it is on both. ... the deep dependence, and the strong crying to God, and the ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/chapter xii my god will.htm