Topical Encyclopedia Unholy fear, distinct from the reverential awe and respect due to God, is a form of fear that can lead believers away from trust in the Lord. This type of fear is characterized by anxiety, doubt, and a lack of faith, often resulting in disobedience or a failure to act according to God's will. Throughout Scripture, even the most faithful saints have faced temptations to succumb to unholy fear, revealing the human tendency to struggle with trust in God's sovereignty and goodness.Biblical Instances of Unholy Fear 1. Abraham's Fear for His Life: In Genesis 12:11-13, Abraham, fearing for his life in Egypt, instructs his wife Sarah to say she is his sister. This decision, driven by fear rather than faith, leads to complications and reveals a momentary lapse in trust in God's protection. 2. Moses' Initial Reluctance: When God calls Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses expresses fear and doubt about his ability to fulfill this task. In Exodus 4:10-13, Moses pleads with God to send someone else, demonstrating a fear of inadequacy despite God's assurance of His presence and power. 3. The Israelites at the Red Sea: In Exodus 14:10-12, as Pharaoh's army approaches, the Israelites express fear and regret, questioning Moses' leadership and God's plan. Their fear leads them to momentarily forget the miracles God had performed to secure their freedom. 4. Elijah's Fear of Jezebel: After his victory over the prophets of Baal, Elijah flees in fear from Queen Jezebel's threat. In 1 Kings 19:3-4, Elijah's fear drives him into the wilderness, where he prays for death, forgetting God's recent demonstration of power and faithfulness. 5. Peter's Denial of Christ: In the New Testament, Peter, one of Jesus' closest disciples, succumbs to fear during Jesus' trial. In Matthew 26:69-75, Peter denies knowing Jesus three times, driven by fear of association and potential persecution. Theological Reflections on Unholy Fear Unholy fear often arises from a focus on circumstances rather than on God's promises. It can lead to spiritual paralysis, preventing believers from acting in faith. This fear contrasts with the "fear of the Lord," which is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10) and is rooted in a deep respect and awe for God's majesty and authority. The Bible encourages believers to combat unholy fear by remembering God's faithfulness and promises. In Isaiah 41:10, God reassures His people, saying, "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." This assurance is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are reminded that "perfect love drives out fear" (1 John 4:18). Practical Implications for Believers Believers are called to cultivate a spirit of trust and reliance on God, even in the face of daunting circumstances. Prayer, meditation on Scripture, and fellowship with other believers are vital practices that help to reinforce faith and dispel unholy fear. By focusing on God's character and past faithfulness, Christians can find the courage to overcome fear and live in obedience to God's calling. In moments of temptation to fear, believers are encouraged to remember the words of Jesus in John 14:27: "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid." This peace, rooted in the presence and promises of Christ, is the antidote to unholy fear. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 55:5Fearfulness and trembling are come on me, and horror has overwhelmed me. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Excellencies of the Saints' Rest. A Treatise of the Fear of God; The Saints' Privilege and Profit; The Worst Things Work for Good to the Godly Reform The Glorious Master and the Swooning Disciple The Attack on the Scriptures Your Own Salvation Love's Labours The Two Guards, Praying and Watching Resources What does it mean to have the fear of God? | GotQuestions.orgHow can I overcome the fear of death? How can I stop being scared of dying? | GotQuestions.org Is there any reason to fear going into a cemetery / graveyard? | GotQuestions.org Fear: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Fear of God: A Motive of Obedience Fear of God: Conspicuous Instances of Those Who Feared: David Fear of God: Conspicuous Instances of Those Who Feared: Job, According to the Testimony of Satan Fear of God: Conspicuous Instances of Those Who Feared: Jonah, During the Storm Fear of God: Conspicuous Instances of Those Who Feared: Noah, in Preparing the Ark Fear of God: Conspicuous Instances of Those Who Feared: The Jews, in Obeying the Voice of the Lord Fear of God: Conspicuous Instances of Those Who Feared: The Women at the Grave Fear of God: Guilty Fear: Adam and Eve Fear of God: Guilty Fear: Demons Fear of God: Guilty Fear: Judas Fear of God: Guilty Fear: The Guards at Jesus' Tomb Fear of God: Hezekiah, in his Treatment of the Prophet Micah, Who Prophesied Harm Against Jerusalem Fear of God: Jacob, in the Vision of the Ladder, and the Covenant of God Fear of God: Obadiah, in Sheltering One-Hundred Prophets Against the Wrath of Jezebel Fear of God: Phinehas, in Turning Away the Anger of God at the Time of the Plague Fear of God: The Egyptians, at the Time of the Plague of Thunder and Hail and Fire Fear of God: The Midwives of Egypt, in Refusing to Take the Lives of the Hebrew Children Fear of God: The Nine and One-Half Tribes of Israel West of the Jordan River Godly Fear: A Characteristic of Saints Godly Fear: A Fountain of Life Godly Fear: A Treasure to Saints Godly Fear: Filial and Reverential Godly Fear: God is the Author of Godly Fear: God is the Object of Godly Fear: Motives to Judgments of God Godly Fear: Motives to The Forgiveness of God Godly Fear: Motives to The Goodness of God Godly Fear: Motives to The Greatness of God Godly Fear: Motives to The Holiness of God Godly Fear: Motives to Wondrous Works of God Godly Fear: Necessary to Avoiding of Sin Godly Fear: Necessary to Impartial Administration of Justice Godly Fear: Necessary to Perfecting Holiness Godly Fear: Necessary to Righteous Government Godly Fear: Necessary to The Service of God Godly Fear: Necessary to The Worship of God Godly Fear: Searching the Scriptures Gives the Understanding of Godly Fear: should Accompany the Joy of Saints Godly Fear: should be Constantly Maintained Godly Fear: should be Exhibited in Giving a Reason for Our Hope Godly Fear: should be Exhibited in Our Callings Godly Fear: should be Prayed For Godly Fear: should be Taught to Others Godly Fear: The Wicked Destitute of Godly Fear: Those Who Have are Accepted of God Godly Fear: Those Who Have are Blessed Godly Fear: Those Who Have are Pitied by God Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Afford Pleasure to God Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Confide in God Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Converse Together of Holy Things Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Days of, Prolonged Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Depart from Evil Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Desires of, Fulfilled by God Godly Fear: Those Who Have: Receive Mercy from God Godly Fear: Those Who Have: should not Fear Man Unholy Fear is Described as a Fear of Future Punishment Unholy Fear is Described as a Fear of Idols Unholy Fear is Described as a Fear of Judgments Unholy Fear is Described as a Fear of Man Unholy Fear is Described as Consuming Unholy Fear is Described as Overwhelming Unholy Fear: A Characteristic of the Wicked Unholy Fear: A Guilty Conscience Leads To Unholy Fear: Adonijah's Guests Unholy Fear: Exhortations Against Unholy Fear: Saints Delivered From Unholy Fear: Saints Sometimes Tempted To Unholy Fear: Seizes the Wicked Unholy Fear: Shall be Realised Unholy Fear: Surprises the Hypocrite Unholy Fear: The Wicked Judicially Filled With Unholy Fear: Trust in God, a Preservative From Related Terms |
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