Why Should People Fear God?

The concept of fearing God is often misunderstood in our contemporary world. It is not primarily about being terrified of a wrathful deity, but rather encompasses a profound reverence, respect, awe, and a deep understanding of His power, holiness, and justice. The scriptures repeatedly emphasize the importance of this godly fear in our relationship with Him. Let us explore the multifaceted reasons why we should fear God.

His mercy is upon those who fear Him. Psalm 103:11, 13.
Whoever fears God and does righteousness is accepted by God. Acts 10:35.
The fear of God is a source of life. Proverbs 14:27.
God is pleased with those who fear Him. Psalm 147:11.
Blessed is the man who fears God. Psalm 112:1; 128:1.
For the Lord favors those who fear Him. Psalm 147:11.

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A. The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 1:7; 9:10)

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction." (Proverbs 1:7)

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight." (Proverbs 9:10)

Proverbs establishes that the fear of the Lord is the foundational principle of true knowledge and wisdom. It is the starting point for understanding God's ways and living a life that is pleasing to Him. This fear is not one of dread but of recognizing His supreme authority and acting accordingly.

B. Fear God and give him glory (Revelation 14:7)

"He said in a loud voice, 'Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.'" In the midst of prophetic revelation, the call rings out to fear God and give Him glory. This fear is linked to acknowledging His power as the Creator and the reality of His coming judgment, urging us to honor Him with our lives and worship.

C. The fear of the Lord is to hate evil (Proverbs 8:13)

"The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate." True fear of God manifests as a deep aversion to all that is contrary to His holy nature. It involves actively hating evil in its various forms, aligning our hearts with God's righteousness and separating ourselves from sin.

D. We are to serve God with fear and reverence (Hebrews 12:28)

"Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,"

Having received an unshakable kingdom, we are called to worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. This speaks to a deep respect and a recognition of His holiness and power, influencing how we approach and serve Him.

E. The wicked do not fear God (Psalm 36:1; Proverbs 1:29; Romans 3:18)

"Transgression speaks to the wicked deep in their hearts; there is no fear of God before their eyes." (Psalm 36:1)

"Since they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord..." (Proverbs 1:29)

"There is no fear of God before their eyes." (Romans 3:18)

Scripture consistently points out that a defining characteristic of the wicked is their lack of the fear of God. This absence leads to disobedience and disregard for His commands, highlighting the importance of godly fear in guiding righteous living.

F. Christians are to act with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12)

"Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling," Paul exhorts believers to "work out your salvation with fear and trembling." This implies a serious and earnest approach to our faith, recognizing the gravity of our relationship with God and the need for humility and dependence on His grace.

G. We are to conduct ourselves in fear throughout our time on earth (1 Peter 1:17)

"Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear." As those who call God "Father" yet acknowledge Him as an impartial judge, we are to live our earthly lives in reverent fear. This encourages a lifestyle of careful obedience and awareness of God's judgment.

H. Submit yourselves to one another in the fear of God (Ephesians 5:21)

"Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ."

Our relationships within the body of Christ are to be characterized by mutual submission, motivated by our reverence for Christ, which stems from a fear of God. This fosters humility and a willingness to serve one another.

I. Man's whole duty is to fear God and keep his commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13)

"Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of mankind." Ecclesiastes concludes that the ultimate duty of humanity is to fear God and obey His commands. This encapsulates the essence of a life rightly lived in relationship with our Creator.

Conclusion:

We must fear God because He is indeed almighty, holy, and just. This fear is not a cowering terror but a profound reverence that acknowledges His supreme power and perfect character. Furthermore, this same God is full of mercy toward all who turn to Him in faith and repentance. Our fear should therefore inspire us to seek wisdom, hate evil, serve Him with awe, work out our salvation diligently, live with reverence, submit to one another in love, and ultimately fulfill our whole duty by fearing Him and keeping His commandments. Amen.

Why Should People Fear God?