Fear of The Lord

FEAR—As Reverence For The Lord

Because the God is a majestic, holy God, He deserves our honor and respect. This is what the Old Testament means by “the fear of the Lord.” We must stand in reverence of Him and revere Him because of who He is. Such admiration should prevent any disobedience of His loving will for us, and should excite us to serve Him in holiness.

The command to fear the Lord (Duet. 6:13; Josh. 24;14; 2 Chron. 19:7; Ps. 33:8; Prov. 3:7; Eccl. 12:13)
Examples of those who feared the Lord: Noah (Heb. 11:7), Abraham (Gen. 22:12), Joseph (Gen. 42:18), Job (Job 1:1), David (Ps. 5:7), Hezekiah (Jer. 26:19), Nehemiah (Neh. 5:15), The early church (Acts 9:31).
Reasons for fearing the Lord
1. His awesome power (Ex. 20:18-20)
2. His glory (Lk. 2:9)
3. His holiness (Rev. 15:4)
4. His majesty (Ps. 96:4-6)
5. His greatness (1 Sam. 12:24)
6. His forgiveness (Ps. 130:4)
7. His faithfulness (Ps. 119:38)
Benefits of fearing God
1. A way to praise God (Ps. 22:23)
2. A way to serve God (Ps. 2:11)
3. A way to obey God (Eccl. 12:13)
4. A way to fight evil (Prov. 8:13; 16:6)
5. A way to become wise (Ps. 111:10; Prov. 1:7)
6. A way to lengthen life (Prov. 10:27)
7. God loves those who fear him (Ps. 103:11,13,17)
8. God saves those who fear him (Ps. 85:9)
9. God protects those who fear him (Ps. 60:4; 14:26-27)
10. God blesses those who fear him (Ps. 115:12-13)
11. God provides for those who fear him (Ps. 34:9; 111:5)