Topical Bible: The Blessed: Who Fear God

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The concept of fearing God is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, and it is often associated with wisdom, righteousness, and divine blessing. The fear of the Lord is not merely an emotion but a profound reverence and awe for the Almighty, which leads to obedience and worship. This fear is foundational to a life that is pleasing to God and is richly rewarded with His blessings.

Old Testament Foundations

The fear of God is introduced early in the Scriptures. In the book of Proverbs, the fear of the Lord is described as the beginning of knowledge and wisdom: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline" (Proverbs 1:7). This fear is not terror but a deep respect and acknowledgment of God's holiness and authority.

The Psalms frequently highlight the blessings that come to those who fear the Lord. Psalm 112:1 states, "Hallelujah! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in His commandments" . This verse underscores the connection between fearing God and delighting in His commandments, suggesting that true reverence for God results in a life aligned with His will.

In the narrative of the Old Testament, figures such as Abraham, Joseph, and Job exemplify the fear of God. Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22) demonstrates his reverence and trust in God's promises. Joseph's refusal to sin with Potiphar's wife is attributed to his fear of God (Genesis 39:9). Job is described as "a man who was blameless and upright, who feared God and shunned evil" (Job 1:1), and his account illustrates the testing and ultimate blessing of those who fear the Lord.

New Testament Continuation

The New Testament continues to affirm the importance of fearing God. In Acts 9:31, the early church is described as "walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied" . This passage highlights the balance between reverence for God and the comfort provided by the Holy Spirit, resulting in the growth and strengthening of the church.

The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often speaks of the fear of God as a motivator for holy living. In 2 Corinthians 7:1, he writes, "Therefore, beloved, since we have these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that defiles body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God" . Here, the fear of God is linked to the pursuit of holiness and purity.

The book of Revelation also emphasizes the fear of God as a response to His majesty and judgment. Revelation 14:7 calls out, "Fear God and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come. Worship Him who made the heavens and the earth and the sea and the springs of waters" . This call to fear God is a call to worship and acknowledge His sovereignty over all creation.

Blessings of Fearing God

The blessings associated with fearing God are manifold. Those who fear the Lord are promised wisdom, protection, and provision. Psalm 34:9-10 declares, "Fear the LORD, you His saints, for those who fear Him lack nothing. The young lions may lack and go hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing" . This assurance of provision is a recurring promise to those who live in reverence to God.

Moreover, the fear of the Lord brings about a life of stability and security. Proverbs 14:26 states, "He who fears the LORD is secure in confidence, and his children shall have a place of refuge" . This verse highlights the generational impact of fearing God, suggesting that the blessings extend beyond the individual to their descendants.

In summary, the fear of God is a central theme in the Bible that denotes a deep respect and reverence for the Creator. It is the foundation of wisdom and the pathway to divine blessing, encompassing both spiritual and material prosperity. Those who fear the Lord are assured of His guidance, protection, and provision, living lives that reflect His holiness and glory.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 112:1
Praise you the LORD. Blessed is the man that fears the LORD, that delights greatly in his commandments.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 128:1,4
Blessed is every one that fears the LORD; that walks in his ways.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Jod.
... Thou hast promised, that they may be the sons of promise, the seed of Abraham, in
whom all nations are blessed. [5234] Who are they who fear God, and whom will ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/jod.htm

Blessed Adversity.
... Every believer may be as safely kept and as fully blessed, though, perhaps, not
in the same way, as Job"may be delivered from the ... Doth Job fear GOD for nought ...
//christianbookshelf.org/taylor/a ribband of blue/blessed adversity.htm

That the Foundation and Strength of Hope and Faith is Fear.
... wisdom." [4321] Of the same thing in the Wisdom of Solomon: "The beginning of wisdom
is to fear God." [4322] Also in the Proverbs of the same: "Blessed is the ...
/.../three books of testimonies against the jews/20 that the foundation and.htm

In that Flesh in which the Saints have Suffered So Many ...
... with his seed, that is, those who fear God and believe in ... But the Scripture, foreseeing
that God would justify the ... That in thee shall all nations be blessed. ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxxii in that flesh in.htm

Still Continues the Praise of "Wisdom. ...
... But do not these blessed words give us a hint, at least ... were multiplied; and when
Annanias and Sapphira fell under God's judgment, great fear came on ...
/.../jennings/old groans and new songs/chapter viii still continues the.htm

The Liturgy of the Blessed Apostles.
... Thy name, great and holy, illustrious and blessed, the blessed and incomprehensible ...
of living in tranquillity and peace, in all temperance and fear of God. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/various/early liturgies/the liturgy of the blessed.htm

Passages from Clement's Epistle to the Corinthians on Martyrdom.
... the young, and let us teach the discipline of God." For blessed is he who ... not according
to their inclinations, but equal love in sanctity to all that fear God. ...
/.../the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xvii passages from clements epistle.htm

Treatise on the Love of God
... DIFFERENT DEGREES OF THE UNION OF THE BLESSED WITH GOD ... THE VIRTUES IMMEASURABLY MORE
AGREEABLE TO GOD THAN THEY ... OF THE LOVING FEAR OF SPOUSES; A CONTINUATION OF ...
//christianbookshelf.org/francis/treatise on the love of god/

The Knowledge of God Can be Attained Only through Faith.
... The sequel especially teaches clearly, that "the fear of God ... receives in the voice
of God, who bestowed ... "Blessed therefore those who, not having seen, yet have ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter ii the knowledge of god.htm

The Absolute Godhood of God is Seen in Salvation
... "I bow me to Thy will, O God,. And all Thy ways adore! ... Did set His pilgrim feet:
Nor can I fear that blessed path,. Whose traces are so sweet. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the godhood of god/4 the absolute godhood of.htm