Topical Bible: Children: should Fear God

◄ Children: should Fear God ►

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The concept of fearing God is a recurring theme throughout the Bible and is considered an essential aspect of a believer's relationship with the Lord. For children, understanding and embracing the fear of God is foundational to their spiritual growth and moral development. The fear of God is not about being afraid in a negative sense, but rather about having a deep respect, reverence, and awe for the Almighty.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible emphasizes the importance of fearing God as the beginning of wisdom. 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 fearing God is the starting point for acquiring true wisdom and understanding, which are crucial for children as they learn to navigate life.

Teaching Children to Fear God

Parents and guardians are instructed to teach their children about the fear of the Lord. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 commands, "These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." This passage underscores the responsibility of parents to instill a reverence for God in their children through consistent teaching and example.

The Benefits of Fearing God

Fearing God brings numerous benefits, as outlined in Scripture. Psalm 34:11 invites, "Come, children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD." The psalmist promises to impart wisdom about fearing God, which leads to a life of blessing and protection. Proverbs 14:26 further assures, "He who fears the LORD is secure in confidence, and his children shall have a place of refuge." This verse indicates that a healthy fear of God provides security and refuge, not only for the individual but also for their offspring.

Examples of Godly Fear in Scripture

The Bible provides examples of young individuals who demonstrated a fear of God. One notable example is the account of Samuel, who, as a child, served in the temple under Eli the priest. 1 Samuel 2:26 notes, "And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the LORD and with men." Samuel's reverence for God set the foundation for his future role as a prophet and leader in Israel.

Another example is the account of Josiah, who became king of Judah at a young age. 2 Kings 22:2 records, "And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD and walked in all the ways of his father David, not turning aside to the right or to the left." Josiah's fear of God led him to initiate significant religious reforms and restore true worship in the land.

Encouragement for Children

Children are encouraged to cultivate a fear of God as they grow in their faith. Ecclesiastes 12:1 advises, "Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of adversity come and the years approach of which you will say, 'I find no pleasure in them.'" This verse serves as a reminder for young people to develop a relationship with God early in life, rooted in reverence and awe.

In summary, the fear of God is a vital principle for children to learn and embrace. It lays the groundwork for wisdom, provides protection and security, and guides them in living a life that honors the Lord. Through biblical teaching and examples, children can grow in their understanding and practice of fearing God, leading to a blessed and fulfilling life.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 24:21
My son, fear you the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

How Divine Love Makes Use of all the Passions and Affections of ...
... It is thy will, O Lord, that I should fear, in order that I may ... If the fear be excessive:
Ah ... what is it that thy children, or the chickens which live under thy ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xx how divine love.htm

In that Flesh in which the Saints have Suffered So Many ...
... being restored to its primeval condition, should without restraint ... his seed, that
is, those who fear God and believe ... the stones to raise up children to Abraham ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxxii in that flesh in.htm

Why we Should Trust God
The Children's Bible. <. ... THE NEW TESTAMENT WHY WE SHOULD TRUST GOD. ... Then
have no fear, for you are worth far more than the sparrows. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/why we should trust god.htm

That the Foundation and Strength of Hope and Faith is Fear.
... me all their days in prosperity with their children: and I ... concerning the dead, and
the reward should be given ... the prophets, and the saints that fear Thy name ...
/.../three books of testimonies against the jews/20 that the foundation and.htm

Proving God's Faithfulness (1902-1908)
... we needed it all for ourselves and our children's education. ... that has come over her
that she should send you ... my faith was severely tested, and I fear too often ...
/.../how i know god answers prayer/vi proving gods faithfulness 1902-1908.htm

That the Church which Before had Been Barren Should have More ...
... the Church which before had been barren should have more ... not: because many more are
the children of the ... Fear not; because thou shalt overcome: nor be afraid ...
/.../three books of testimonies against the jews/20 that the church which.htm

That Christ is at once Angel and God.
... in the same place: "And the Angel of God moved forward ... which went before the army
of the children of Israel ... and I gave him fear, that he should fear me, that he ...
/.../cyprian/three books of testimonies against the jews/5 that christ is at.htm

Out of the Deep of Fear and Anxiety.
... He is a Father, who loves His children, who gives and ... of a sinner, but rather that
he should turn from his ... what He wanted was not His creature's fear, but His ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/out of the deep/iii out of the deep.htm

Letter xvi. --Fear of Singularity.
... will succeed restraint and the holy liberty of the children of God will drive away
excessive fear. ... We should run too great a risk of losing everything by ...
/.../de caussade/abandonment to divine providence/letter xvi fear of singularity.htm

Fathers and Children'
... they must obey, not from gratitude, but from fear of hell ... is no beauty in Him that
they should desire Him ... And last of all, are your children despisers of those ...
/.../kingsley/sermons for the times/sermon i fathers and children.htm