What does it mean to fear God?
We see the verse in 2 Timothy 1:7 how God does NOT give a spirit of fear...
so why does the bible tell us to fear God?
28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. 29 For our God is a consuming fire. (Hebrews 12:28-29)
It's a reverence & respect for the Lord.
Not a fear that the world tries to instill in us, which is a tactic from the enemy.
& by truly fearing God with reverence, there are specific benefits that we get...
Benefit #1
OBTAINS MERCY -
50 And His mercy is on those who fear Him
From generation to generation. (Luke 1:50)
Benefit #2
SO WE DON'T SIN -
20 And Moses said to the people, “Do not fear; for God has come to test you, and that His fear may be before you, so that you may not sin.” 21 So the people stood afar off, but Moses drew near the thick darkness where God was. (Exodus 20:20-21)
Benefit #3
WISDOM
7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
But fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:7)
28 And to man He said,
‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom,
And to depart from evil is understanding.’ ” (Job 28:28)
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
A good understanding have all those who do His commandments.
His praise endures forever. (Psalm 111:10)
Benefit #4
STRONG CONFIDENCE & REFUGE
26 In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence,
And His children will have a place of refuge. (Proverbs 14:26)
Benefit #5
FOUNTAIN OF LIFE
27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life,
To turn one away from the snares of death. (Proverbs 14:27)
PROLONGS LIFE
27 The fear of the Lord prolongs days,
But the years of the wicked will be shortened. (Proverbs 10:27)
Also where in the bible does it say that people fear God?
& who feared God according to the bible?
SOLOMON
13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter:
Fear God and keep His commandments,
For this is man’s all. (Ecclesiastes 12:13)
Abraham
12 And He said, “Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.” (Genesis 22:12)
JOB
1 There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil. (Job 1:1)