Topical Bible: The Power of God: should be Feared

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The concept of fearing the power of God is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, where God's might and authority are depicted as both awe-inspiring and fearsome. This fear is not merely a terror of punishment but a profound reverence and recognition of God's supreme power and holiness.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible frequently emphasizes the fear of 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 fear is not a paralyzing dread but a respectful acknowledgment of God's omnipotence and righteousness.

God's Omnipotence

God's power is evident from the very act of creation. Genesis 1:1 declares, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." This creative power is unparalleled and serves as a foundation for understanding why God's power should be feared. The ability to create ex nihilo (out of nothing) underscores His absolute authority over all things.

Judgment and Justice

The fear of God's power is also linked to His role as the ultimate judge. Ecclesiastes 12:14 warns, "For God will bring every deed into judgment, along with every hidden thing, whether good or evil." The certainty of divine judgment instills a reverent fear, reminding believers of the moral and spiritual accountability they hold before an all-powerful God.

Historical Manifestations

Throughout biblical history, God's power is demonstrated in events that evoke fear and reverence. The plagues of Egypt (Exodus 7-12) and the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14) are vivid examples of God's might in delivering His people and executing judgment. These acts serve as reminders of His ability to intervene powerfully in human affairs.

The Fear of the Lord in Worship

The fear of God is integral to worship, as seen in Psalm 96:4 : "For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods." Worship involves recognizing God's majesty and power, leading to a posture of humility and submission. This fear fosters a deeper relationship with God, characterized by trust and obedience.

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, the fear of God continues to be a vital theme. Jesus Himself taught about the fear of God 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 significance of fearing God over any earthly power.

The Apostolic Teaching

The apostles also emphasized the fear of God in their teachings. 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." This dual experience of fear and comfort highlights the balance of reverence and relational intimacy with God.

Conclusion

The power of God, as revealed in Scripture, is a compelling reason for believers to fear Him. This fear is not merely an emotional response but a foundational aspect of faith that shapes one's understanding of God's nature and one's relationship with Him. Through the fear of the Lord, believers are drawn into a deeper awareness of His holiness, justice, and love.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 5:22
Fear you not me? said the LORD: will you not tremble at my presence, which have placed the sand for the bound of the sea by a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass it: and though the waves thereof toss themselves, yet can they not prevail; though they roar, yet can they not pass over it?
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

Library

Matt. xxii. 15
... asked also in the presence of the multitude, so that the testimony should be the ...
"Ye do err, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God." [2620] For ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxx matt xxii 15.htm

Moses in Midian.
... that he had been brought up as an Egyptian, and he feared that his ... his people, and
should speak for him, but that the wisdom and power of God should be with ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter x moses in midian.htm

The Wisdom of God in the Means Used to Propagating the Gospel.
... to prove that it is not from God, who always ... It is not strange that this should have
been objected ... deny that Christianity triumphed over the power and learning ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon ii the wisdom of.htm

Heathen Plots
... These have it in their power to place every ... suggest will be employed to induce God's
servants to ... from duty; but, like Nehemiah, they should steadfastly reply ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 55 heathen plots.htm

The Church as She Should Be
... It is high time that each church should feel that if it ... be active in the energy of
the Spirit of God. ... the fullness of our manhood, by the eternal power of the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the church as she should.htm

Dangerous Effects to Religion and Morality of the Doctrine of So ...
... Surely (such a god) is neither your Father, towards whom your love for duty's sake
should be consistent with fear because of His power; nor your ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xxvii dangerous effects to religion.htm

Further Description of the Divine Justice; Since the Fall of Man ...
... suppose Him to be a good God, who should be able ... the very fulness of the Deity Himself,
manifesting God as both ... a father in the mildness of His power, a master ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xiii further description of the.htm

God Willing that all Men Should be Saved.
... and we pine away in them, how should we then ... That God can confidently do other than
leave them to ... to renew them by repentance"beyond the power of Omnipotence ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xvii god willing that.htm

Priestly Plottings
... The fact that they might lose the power they then ... the words of Caiaphas as the words
of God. ... rash measures against Jesus, lest the people should become incensed ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 59 priestly plottings.htm

Of God's Privy Doom: and that they that Fall Again be not Deemed ...
... if they should restore all, full few should be left ... this world oppress the small
by the power of their ... to others but rather joy; for lest God's chosen should ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter xxx of gods privy.htm