I'm just wondering what it means to fear the Lord because the Bible says we should have that, but I'm not even sure what it is.
What does "The fear of the Lord"mean?
- Thread starter Supremocombo
- Start date
- Aug 18, 2015
- 23,353
- 35,628
- Country
- United States
- Faith
- Eastern Orthodox
- Marital Status
- Private
We don't need to be afraid of God, although I'm sure some will disagree with me. Did you ever get that feeling where your jaw drops and you think, "wow that's amazing!" This is how I interpret it. It can also mean to be respectfully poised to hear and answer God.
Upvote
0
So I just physically asked someone and how they interpret it is like this: if Jesus was in front of me right now, would he approve of what I'm doing?
Upvote
0
I studied this once (keep in mind I study for my own satisfaction rather than be able to tell others anything so I don't memorise fine details sorry). In short tho I found that the Greek and Hebrew words for fear were also used as; revere, respect or to avoid displeasing. So I think from that you can gather that this 'fear' is not the negative 'be scared of me' type of fear that first comes mind. Your friend explained it in a very productive manner which is spot on, keep him in mind and you can't go wrong really. Blessed is the man who fears the lord = well obviously if you revere him / have him on your mind you are blessed.
It's like 'I am a jealous God' the Greek and Hebrew words for jealous also mean zealous, zeal or fervent, it's more so a communication of his deep love for us/zeal. I love it.
It's like 'I am a jealous God' the Greek and Hebrew words for jealous also mean zealous, zeal or fervent, it's more so a communication of his deep love for us/zeal. I love it.
Upvote
0
Poor Beggar
Everything is everywhere.
OSAS makes it hard to understand. Suspend belief in OSAS for just a few minutes and you'll realize why we need to fear God. It suddenly becomes crystal clear to work out our salvation with fear and trembling and "endure to the end". Phil 2:12, Matt. 24:13
In the beginning God told two people they would maintain eternal life as long as they obeyed him. Then along came a serpent. He told them their immortality was eternally secure. (Gen 3:4) Turns out, only one of those ideas was correct. You see, we've entered into a covenant with God. Entering in was easy for us, but the ultimate sacrifice for Him. We were broken and had no way to salvage ourselves. But now we are partakers in a new life and have a different responsibility. So it isn't salvation by works, but it is a faith leading to faithfulness. You can indeed be in the vine (in Him) and then be cut off. (James 2, John 15:1-8)
Upvote
0
To fear God means to know there is a God who is present everywhere at all times, it means to have a Conscience to have morals because you one day will be judged.
“But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?”
Luke 23:40 ESV
“But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?”
Luke 23:40 ESV
Upvote
0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums
Another Lazarus
Old Newbie
I tell u what is the real fear of the Lord
"Whoever is without sin among you, let him be the first to cast a stone"
Never judge people for you may be worst than them in God's eyes.
May Jesus bless u all HalleluYAH
"Whoever is without sin among you, let him be the first to cast a stone"
Never judge people for you may be worst than them in God's eyes.
Upvote
0
When fear is referred to in Scripture, there are times when they were terrified of The Lord. While at other Scriptures, the fear of The Lord is having reverence and respect for The Lord to the extent that we chose what Yahweh wants in spite of what others may think including ourselves. Thus "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom:..." Psa 111:10.
The fear of The Lord contrast with the fear of man. "The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe." Prov 29:35. Saul is an example of having "the fear of man" (I Sam 13:11). Also, I Sam 15, Samuel told him to destroy the Amalektes but he didn’t. But Saul saved the best of the sheep and the oxen to be sacrificed. Then in v15 – 30 – he still wanted to be seen by the people.
David had the fear of The Lord. Sure he made mistakes but Yahweh's view of him - David was a man after God's own heart (Acts 13:22).
The fear of The Lord contrast with the fear of man. "The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe." Prov 29:35. Saul is an example of having "the fear of man" (I Sam 13:11). Also, I Sam 15, Samuel told him to destroy the Amalektes but he didn’t. But Saul saved the best of the sheep and the oxen to be sacrificed. Then in v15 – 30 – he still wanted to be seen by the people.
David had the fear of The Lord. Sure he made mistakes but Yahweh's view of him - David was a man after God's own heart (Acts 13:22).
Last edited:
Upvote
0
faroukfarouk
Fading curmudgeon
tturt: Reverential fear is certainly vitally important. Psalm 111 is where I also would have gone.
Upvote
0
Actually I can't point to it directly in the OT.... but god said, "Foolish men teach their children to fear me." God is your father. He wants you to submit yourself to him because it is good for you. God is good. God is love. Serving him means those things. It's not like serving man. Servitude to a man basically means slavery. Because men are corrupt and evil. But to god it means righteousness, kindness, and love. If you have a fear from the lord..... it's likely that he will turn from you because of a wealth of sin and allow you to feel the real effects of it. But as god also said.... I am slow to anger... and quick to forgive. But he did reach points with the nation of Israel where he'd had more than enough. And he turned his back to their prayers. He did not hear their cries. He told them in advance this would happen. And when it did the nation suffered horribly at the hands of men.
Now.... there are many references in the bible about fearing god. I would point out two things. First.... most of these references are from men.... praying to god. When you read the bible straight through you get a different understanding. There is a huge difference when men speak and when god speaks. Clearly the men were often prophets. But its still different because men are men. Second.... the only reason to fear god is because of sin. Paul tells us the wages of sin are death. And it's true. It's not that god will smite you for sin (not under the new covenant.) But sin naturally brings death. Evil brings death. Adultery brings sadness and destruction. Lying and killing have consequences and they are felt by everyone involved. I say fear the lord not because of what he will do to you..... but because he is so pure and we are not. Fear the lord because if he does come down on you.... you deserve it. And that does not mean every bad thing in your life is a result of god punishing you. You'll know it when god is involved. Often times people lose loved ones etc and think god is punishing them. It's not. It's just life. It's the life we chose when Adam bit the apple.
I fear the lord. And I also love him. I ask for his mercy. And he's been kind enough to overlook my sins.... which are many.... and love me in return. And for that I am very grateful.
Good luck and God bless. Hope this helps.
Upvote
0
To fear the Lord means literally to fear Him, no way of interpretation here is admissible.
But there is fear and fear cause also demons fear the Lord (James 2:19).
You can have fear just because you know which God can take your soul and send it to the lake of fire when He wants and that He can hit the earth with all the calamities He desires, or you can have the fear which comes by recognizing that His plans are just and His Word is our lamp and that He is superior to everything that exist cause He created everything and everything is submitted to Him; well the second type of fear is the fear requested, cause the more you know the Word of God, the more you will learn about God's intentions, and this way you develop a fear which comes by recognizing the justice of God and His plans and by recognizing who He is and who you are.
The first example which we can compare is the position of the father in a family; his sons fear him cause they know who he is and they recognize which only him can rule over the family.
To fear the Lord is to give importance to His orders, to give importance to who He is, and He wants us to be righteous and to follow the justice which He has taught to us , cause God is against who do evil but He saves those who fear Him and operate righteousness
(Psalms 34:11-16).
Our fear must be the observation of the 10 commandments, to love God and to love our neighbours. Love, fear, and respect are often a unique link to God, and all these things are accomplished when we operate the righteousness taught to us by God through the Holy Scriptures.
Upvote
0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums
zippy2
Well-Known Member
- Jul 18, 2015
- 2,077
- 1,098
- 71
- Faith
- Christian
- Marital Status
- Married
- Politics
- US-Republican
I see it as I feared my father. He was a wonderful Dad. But I knew to fear him if I was disrespectful or worse. It was a healthy fear. Same thing with our heavenly Father. He is the One who made the Universe, brought everything into being, and can stop your heart in a nanosecond. Fear and Revere. It goes right along with Love and Respect.
Awe, Fear, Respect, Astonishment, Wonder, Reverance, Devotion. All words for our Father.
Upvote
0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums
Similar threads
