Topical Bible: Character of the Renewed Heart: Filled With the Fear of God

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of the "fear of God" is a profound and multifaceted theme within the Christian faith, particularly as it pertains to the character of the renewed heart. This fear is not a paralyzing dread but a reverent awe and respect for the Almighty, which is foundational to a believer's relationship with God. The renewed heart, transformed by the Holy Spirit, is marked by this holy fear, which influences thoughts, actions, and attitudes.

Biblical Foundation

The fear of God is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing its importance in the life of a believer. Proverbs 9:10 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding" . This verse highlights that true wisdom and understanding are rooted in a reverent fear of God, which is the starting point for a life aligned with His will.

In the New Testament, the fear of God continues to be a vital aspect of the Christian life. Acts 9:31 describes the early church: "Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers" . Here, the fear of the Lord is linked with spiritual growth and the expansion of the church, indicating its role in fostering a vibrant faith community.

Characteristics of a Heart Filled with the Fear of God

1. Reverence and Awe: A renewed heart approaches God with deep reverence, acknowledging His majesty and holiness. Hebrews 12:28-29 exhorts believers, "Therefore, since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us be filled with gratitude, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. For our God is a consuming fire" . This reverence shapes worship and daily living, recognizing God's supreme authority.

2. Obedience and Submission: The fear of God compels believers to obey His commandments and submit to His will. Ecclesiastes 12:13 summarizes this duty: "When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: Fear God and keep His commandments, because this is the whole duty of man" . Obedience is not burdensome but a joyful response to God's love and sovereignty.

3. Hatred of Evil: A heart filled with the fear of God naturally rejects sin and evil. Proverbs 8:13 declares, "To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct, and perverse speech" . This hatred for sin stems from a desire to honor God and live in purity, reflecting His holiness.

4. Trust and Confidence: The fear of God fosters trust and confidence in His promises and protection. Psalm 115:11 encourages, "You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD! He is their help and shield" . This trust is rooted in the understanding that God is faithful and just, providing security and peace.

5. Humility and Teachability: A renewed heart is humble and open to instruction, recognizing its dependence on God. Psalm 25:9 states, "He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way" . This humility allows believers to grow in wisdom and understanding, continually seeking God's guidance.

Impact on Community and Witness

The fear of God not only transforms individual hearts but also impacts the broader Christian community. A congregation that collectively fears the Lord is marked by unity, love, and a powerful witness to the world. Acts 2:42-43 describes the early believers: "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. A sense of awe came over everyone, and the apostles performed many wonders and signs" . This sense of awe, rooted in the fear of God, contributed to the church's dynamic growth and testimony.

In summary, the fear of God is an essential characteristic of the renewed heart, shaping a believer's relationship with God and others. It is a source of wisdom, obedience, and trust, fostering a life that honors God and reflects His glory.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 32:40
And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Modern Revivals.
... His heart must be renewed by divine grace; he must ... the purity and holiness of His
character, will be ... the head bowed down and the heart filled with thoughts of ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /27 modern revivals.htm

Modern Revivals
... His heart must be renewed by divine grace; he must ... the purity and holiness of His
character, will be ... the head bowed down and the heart filled with thoughts of ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 27 modern revivals.htm

Sin in the Heart the Source of Error in the Head
... source of all human error is in the character of the ... from God that he needs to be
renewed in the ... brought his head into harmony with his heart; having adjusted ...
/.../shedd/sermons to the natural man/sin in the heart the.htm

The Backslider in Heart.
... It is a spirit of distrust of Christian character and professions ... down, and see that
your love and zeal are renewed. ... He has no heart to consult the interests of ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture xxi the backslider in.htm

The Doctrine Adorned
... can be made pure, and his nature renewed by the ... Years after, my own heart was awakened,
and desires arose ... the beauties of a happy, consistent character and life ...
/.../howard/standards of life and service/v the doctrine adorned.htm

A Knowledge of God
... Fill the whole heart with the words of God ... We should dwell upon the character of
our dear Redeemer and ... shall desire to be wholly transformed and renewed in the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/steps to christ/chapter 10 a knowledge of.htm

Knowledge. Worship. Gratitude.
... the Holy Ghost communicates to the renewed heart, for the ... a trumpet in their streets,
where the character of God ... A heart that cannot feed at God's table will ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 30 1884/knowledge worship gratitude.htm

"Thou Canst Make Me Clean"
... Its incurable and contagious character, and its horrible effect upon its victims,
filled ... the same power that gave life to the body had renewed the heart. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 27 thou canst make.htm

Growing up into Christ
... The regenerating influence of the Holy Spirit renewed his heart. The power
of the love of Christ wrought a transformation of character. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/steps to christ/chapter 8 growing up into.htm

What are Evidences of Backsliding in Heart.
... It is a spirit of distrust of Christian character and profession ... God, and to see
that your love and zeal are renewed. ... While the heart is full of the love of God ...
/.../finney/the backslider in heart/iii what are evidences of.htm