Godly fear, often understood as a reverent awe and respect for the Almighty, is a foundational aspect of the Christian faith. It is a fear that acknowledges God's supreme authority, holiness, and justice, leading believers to live in obedience and devotion. This fear of the Lord is distinct from the fear of man, which is characterized by anxiety and concern over human opinions, threats, or actions. Scripture consistently teaches that those who possess godly fear should not fear man, as their trust and confidence are rooted in God.

Biblical Foundations

The Bible provides numerous exhortations and examples that illustrate the principle that godly fear dispels the fear of man. In Proverbs 29:25, it is written, "The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high." This verse highlights the contrast between the ensnaring nature of fearing human beings and the security found in trusting God.

Isaiah 51:12-13 further reinforces this truth: "I, even I, am He who comforts you. Who are you that you fear mortal man, the sons of men who are but grass? But you have forgotten the LORD, your Maker, who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth." Here, God Himself questions why His people would fear mere mortals when He, the Creator of all, is their comforter and protector.

Examples of Godly Fear Overcoming Fear of Man

The lives of biblical figures provide powerful examples of godly fear triumphing over the fear of man. Daniel, a man of unwavering faith, exemplified this when he continued to pray to God despite the king's decree that led to his being thrown into the lions' den (Daniel 6). His fear of God and commitment to prayer outweighed any fear of human authority or consequence.

Similarly, the apostles in the New Testament demonstrated godly fear in the face of persecution. In Acts 5:29, Peter and the other apostles boldly declared, "We must obey God rather than men," when confronted by the Sanhedrin. Their reverence for God and commitment to His mission empowered them to stand firm, even under threat of punishment.

Encouragement for Believers

Believers are encouraged to cultivate godly fear, which provides strength and courage to face opposition and challenges. Jesus Himself instructed His followers in Matthew 10:28, "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell." This teaching underscores the eternal perspective that godly fear brings, prioritizing the fear of God over any temporal threats from humans.

The Apostle Paul, writing to Timothy, reminded him of the spirit given to believers: "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control" (2 Timothy 1:7). This assurance empowers Christians to live boldly, knowing that their ultimate allegiance is to God, who equips them with the strength to overcome fear.

Conclusion

The Bible consistently teaches that godly fear liberates believers from the fear of man. By placing their trust in the Lord, Christians can live with confidence and courage, knowing that their lives are in the hands of the Almighty. Through the examples of faithful men and women in Scripture, believers are encouraged to prioritize their reverence for God above all else, trusting in His protection and provision.Isaiah 8:12,13
Say you not, A confederacy, to all them to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear you their fear, nor be afraid.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Godly Fear and Its Goodly Consequence
... Godly Fear and its Goodly Consequence. A ... bosom. God takes care, you see,
of those that fear him and have confidence in him. But ...
/.../spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/godly fear and its goodly.htm

The Fear which Terminates in the Second Death.
... in a measure, common to all Christ's followers""Yea, and all who will live godly
in Christ ... Cruel mockings may severely try those who fear neither the ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xx the fear which.htm

Turning-Points
... not only against sin, but for God; of godly fear, not only fear of God's anger,
but fear of God's ... Those Jews, in the day of their visitation, were blind ...
/.../kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon viii turning-points.htm

Reverence in Prayer
... We should at once bethink ourselves of those men of our ... With how little reverence
and godly fear do we who are ... With plenty of fear, if not reverence, of man. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/whyte/lord teach us to pray/xvii reverence in prayer.htm

The Scriptures.
... the intent that the name of these godly should rot, but ... standeth should not be
high-minded, but fear." Yea, they ... savor of life unto life to those that receive ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/iii the scriptures.htm

Hebrews xii. 28, 29
... This is "with reverence and godly fear." ( c. xii.28 ... to the brethren present, but
to those absent also. ... What excuse then shall we have henceforward, when they ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxxiii hebrews xii 28.htm

Reverence in Worship.
... with reverence and godly fear," as St. ... in truth in Church; they love Him and they
fear Him ... And, besides those who profess to love without fearing, there are two ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon i reverence in worship.htm

Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity Duty to New and Old Man.
... as Christ says, willing and effective in those that believe ... on the fruits of faith,
or a godly walk"merely in ... knowledge, he has just as little fear, love and ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/nineteenth sunday after trinity duty.htm

For Godly Sorrow Worketh Repentance to Salvation, not to be ...
... through the forbiddings of conscience, or the fear you shall ... sorrow of the world
for that godly sorrow that ... 9. Those sinners who have worldly sorrow, can now ...
/.../lectures to professing christians/for godly sorrow worketh repentance.htm

Hebrews xii. 18-24
... we [3431] serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. ... received for masters
the enemies of those who labored ... is nothing of this to fear,"lest after a ...
/.../homily xxxii hebrews xii 18-24.htm

Is it true that fear is a liar? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible mean when it tells us to fear not / do not fear? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about fear? | GotQuestions.org

Fear: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus