Topical Bible: Godly Fear: A Fountain of Life

◄ Godly Fear: A Fountain of Life ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Godly fear, often synonymous with the "fear of the Lord," is a profound reverence and awe for God, recognizing His holiness, majesty, and authority. This concept is deeply rooted in Scripture and is considered a foundational aspect of a believer's relationship with God. It is not a fear that leads to terror or dread but rather a respectful acknowledgment of God's power and righteousness, leading to wisdom, obedience, and life.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible frequently emphasizes the importance of fearing the Lord as a source of wisdom and life. 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 begins with a proper understanding and reverence for God. Similarly, Proverbs 14:27 declares, "The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death." Here, godly fear is depicted as a life-giving source, protecting believers from spiritual and moral pitfalls.

Characteristics of Godly Fear

1. Reverence and Awe: Godly fear involves a deep respect for God's holiness and majesty. Hebrews 12:28-29 encourages believers to "worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire." This reverence acknowledges God's supreme authority and leads to worship that honors Him.

2. Obedience and Righteous Living: Fear of the Lord motivates believers to live in accordance with His commandments. Ecclesiastes 12:13 summarizes this by stating, "Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man." Godly fear compels individuals to pursue righteousness and align their lives with God's will.

3. Wisdom and Understanding: As noted in Proverbs 9:10, godly fear is the foundation of wisdom. It provides insight into God's character and His purposes, guiding believers in making decisions that reflect His truth and love.

4. Protection and Security: Godly fear acts as a safeguard against sin and its consequences. Proverbs 19:23 affirms, "The fear of the LORD leads to life, that one may rest content, untouched by trouble." This protective aspect of godly fear offers peace and security, knowing that God is a refuge for those who honor Him.

Examples in Scripture

· Abraham: In Genesis 22, Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac demonstrates his fear of the Lord. God acknowledges this in Genesis 22:12, saying, "Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from Me your son, your only son." Abraham's reverence and obedience exemplify godly fear.

· Joseph: Joseph's refusal to sin with Potiphar's wife in Genesis 39:9 is rooted in his fear of God. He declares, "How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?" His respect for God's holiness guides his actions and decisions.

· The Early Church: Acts 9:31 describes the early church as "walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit." This fear of the Lord contributed to the church's growth and spiritual vitality.

Theological Significance

Godly fear is integral to a believer's spiritual life, fostering a relationship with God that is marked by respect, obedience, and love. It is a recognition of God's rightful place as Creator and Judge, prompting believers to live in a manner that honors Him. This fear is not burdensome but liberating, as it aligns the believer's heart with God's purposes and leads to a life of fulfillment and peace.

In summary, godly fear is a fountain of life, offering wisdom, protection, and a deeper understanding of God's character. It is a vital aspect of the Christian faith, encouraging believers to live in reverence and awe of the Almighty God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 14:27
The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Human Nature (Septuagesima Sunday. )
... comings, is the stream always fed from the heavenly Fountain. ... the river of the water
of life, which St. ... and trembling, and the spirit of godly fear, lest, when ...
/.../kingsley/the good news of god/sermon xxiii human nature septuagesima.htm

"This Then is the Message which we have Heard of Him, and Declare ...
... What reverence and godly fear ought this to be declared withal, when mortal man
speaks ... upon the world, and so is the very spring and fountain of life to all ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon x this then is.htm

The Heath in the Desert and the Tree by the River
... it is unworthy of it and of us to fear, for all ... roots into the fountain of life"it
is the fountain of beauty ... godless men, and by the bad works of godly ones. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the heath in the desert.htm

"And if Christ be in You, the Body is Dead Because of Sin, but the ...
... The soul is now in part united to the Fountain of life ... A godly man used to calculate
the years of his nativity ... you, reckon your years thus, and I fear that you ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxix and if christ.htm

Things that Cannot be Shaken
... we be forced to drink from the fountain of living ... and fear of the little things of
life, nor its ... serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear; for our ...
/.../smith/the god of all comfort/chapter 11 things that cannot.htm

Letter v. Prayer and Fasting.
... With what holy reverence and godly fear should we approach this consecrated place ...
to refresh our bodies, to renew our visit to the fountain of life, that our ...
/.../letter v prayer and fasting.htm

"Thou Shall Keep Him in Perfect Peace, Whose Mind is Stayed on ...
... once, when it is now in vain to fear, because it ... in riches, and honour, and pleasure,
if a godly man have ... life eternal, to be united unto the fountain of life ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xii thou shall keep.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... God, as the Father of mercies, and fountain of blessedness ... is an undoubted token
of election to life eternal; for ... of God, if it be not seasoned with godly fear. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

The Best Things Work for Good to the Godly
... we receive, are the silver streams which flow from the fountain of God's ... and sometimes
is done to the souls of the godly in the ... Faith and fear go hand in hand. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/the best things work for.htm

For Godly Sorrow Worketh Repentance to Salvation, not to be ...
... of conduct, an actual reformation, it is not godly repentance, or ... The fountain of
sin was not broken up. ... it is a legal repentance, the result of fear and not ...
/.../lectures to professing christians/for godly sorrow worketh repentance.htm