God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. 17 In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the

The Fear of God

God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. 17 In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. 18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:16-18

oGod is our creator.oGod is our judge.

Why fear God?

Far be it from you! Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?”

Genesis 18:25

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

2 Corinthians 5:10

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.”

Revelation 14:7

What are the benefits of fearing God?

oIt prevents moral chaos.


11 Abraham replied, “I said to myself, ‘There is surely no fear of God in this place, and they will kill me because of my wife.

Genesis 20:11

18 When you were weary and worn out, they met you on your journey and cut off all who were lagging behind; they had no fear of God.

Deuteronomy 25:18

The God of Israel spoke,

the Rock of Israel said to me:

‘When one rules over men in righteousness,

when he rules in the fear of God, 4 he is like the light of morning at

sunrise

on a cloudless morning,

like the brightness after rain

that brings the grass from the earth.’

2 Samuel 23:3-4


oIt keeps us from sinning.


20 Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.”

Exodus 20:20

He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father Amaziah had done. 5 He sought God during the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God. As long as he sought the LORD, God gave him success.

2 Chronicles 26:4-5



oIt motivates us to do right.


7 Now let the fear of the LORD be upon you. Judge carefully, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.” …

“You must serve faithfully and wholeheartedly in the fear of the LORD…

Do this, and you will not sin.

2 Chronicles 19:7…9…10

Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.

Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days,

keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies.

Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.

The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry;

the face of the LORD is against those who do evil,

to cut off the memory of them from the earth.

Psalm 34:11-16




oIt promotes long and successful living.


The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.

Psalm 111:10

The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.

Proverbs 14:27

Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD. There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.

Proverbs 23:17-18

When the sentence for a crime is not quickly carried out, the hearts of the people are filled with schemes to do wrong. 12

Although a wicked man commits a hundred crimes and still lives a long time, I know that it will go better with God-fearing men, who are reverent before God. 13 Yet because the wicked do not fear God, it will not go well with them, and their days will not lengthen like a shadow.

Ecclesiastes 8:11-13

12 “Do not lay a hand on the boy,” he said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.”

Genesis 22:12




oIt promotes long and successful living.

oIt overrides other fears.


17 The midwives, however, feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them to do; they let the boys live.

And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families of their own.

Exodus 1:17, 21

Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

Matthew 10:28

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 man. 14 For God will bring every deed

into judgment,

including every hidden thing,

whether it is good or evil.

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

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God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. 17 In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the