Main Thought
The Bible has a lot to say about “the fear of the Lord.” But that concept can be difficult to understand. How can we fear God and love God at the same time? The fear of the Lord and God’s love can - and should - coexist. It can be said that the fear of God is reserved for those who reject the love of God. He prefers to extend His grace and love. But God is also just, so He exercises His power in opposition to sin.
God’s power can be a blessing to us. He protects us. He also warns us of sin’s consequences, and may discipline us when we disobey. In this way, being aware of God’s power can instill a healthy sense of fear in us. It’s a fear that prevents us from experiencing or causing greater pain. Ultimately, the motive behind the exercise of God’s power is God’s love. To fear God, then, is to live with an awareness of God’s power and an appreciation of God’s love. This awareness causes reverence and awe; it inspires us to be holy; to worship, and to know God more. We should fear God.
Main Passages
9 But Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” 10 Immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. When the young men came in they found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things. - Acts 5:9-11
28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. 32 So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, 33 but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.
- Matthew 10:29-33
6 The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, 7 keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children's children, to the third and the fourth generation.” - Exodus 34:6-7
Discussion Questions
What stands out to you in the Main Thought or Passages above, and why?
Do you tend to think more about God’s power or love? Do you think that reveals anything about your relationship with God, or your understanding of Him?
What’s one way fearing God (as described above) can impact your daily life?