Post 2 – The Fear of the Lord Series
🌊 Introduction: Not All Fear Is the Same
When we hear the word “fear,” we often think of something that makes us run, hide, or panic. But the Bible speaks of fear in a richer, deeper way. There is fear that drives us away from God—and fear that draws us toward Him. One is destructive; the other is holy.
In Scripture, these distinctions matter. To fear the Lord rightly is not to cower in dread, but to kneel in awe. It is a fear that invites intimacy, not distance.
🔥 Case Study: Moses – Fear that Draws Near
Exodus 3:4–6 (ESV):
“When the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, ‘Moses, Moses!’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’ Then he said, ‘Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.’ And he said, ‘I am the God of your father…’ And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.”
Moses trembled, yes—but he stayed. His fear was holy fear. Not panic, but profound reverence. This fear led to calling, obedience, and closeness with God.
Exodus 33:11 (ESV):
“Thus the Lord used to speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend.”
📜 Hebrew Word Study – יָרֵא (Yare’)
Word: יָרֵא (yare’)
Meaning: Can denote both dread and awe. Its exact tone depends on the context—whether it’s fear of judgment (e.g., enemies) or reverence (toward God).
Exodus 20:20: “Do not fear, for God has come to test you, that the fear of him may be before you, that you may not sin.”
Moses uses the same root word for two different kinds of fear in one verse!
🇬🇷 Greek Word Study – Φόβος (Phobos)
In the New Testament, phobos carries similar dual meanings. It can refer to terror (Luke 21:26) or deep reverence and awe (Acts 9:31).
Hebrews 12:28–29 (ESV):
“Let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.”
The fear that leads to worship is the one that keeps us in awe, not anxiety.
📖 Two Types of Fear Compared
| Unholy Fear | Holy Fear |
|---|---|
| Drives us away from God | Draws us toward God |
| Rooted in guilt, shame, or rebellion | Rooted in awe, wonder, and reverence |
| Paralyzes or hides | Moves us to worship and obey |
| Fueled by terror | Fueled by truth and holiness |
✝️ New Testament Reflection – Fear and Friendship
In the New Testament, we see that the disciples feared Jesus after He calmed the storm (Mark 4:41), yet they followed Him more closely than ever. Peter fell at Jesus’ feet in awe (Luke 5:8), but Jesus responded by lifting him up—not pushing him away.
Luke 5:8–10 (ESV):
“But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, ‘Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.’ And Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.’”
Jesus transforms unholy fear into holy purpose.
👑 Eternal Reverence – Fear That Lasts
Revelation 15:4 (ESV):
“Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify your name? For you alone are holy.”
Even in Heaven, the fear of the Lord endures—not as terror, but as overwhelming adoration. It is the atmosphere of worship, forever.
🧠 Memory Aid: Fear that Frees vs. Fear that Freezes
Fear that Freezes: keeps us distant from God out of guilt or pride.
Fear that Frees: leads to worship, closeness, and holy living.
🛠 Life Application
- When God reveals Himself, respond with awe, not avoidance.
- Let your fear of the Lord increase your intimacy with Him—not your distance.
- Distinguish the voice of guilt from the voice of reverence.
- Welcome the fear that leads to worship—it’s the fear Jesus modeled.
💬 Reflection Question
Do I fear God in a way that leads me toward Him or away from Him?
📣 Shareable Quote
“True fear of God doesn’t make you run from Him—it makes you bow before Him.” — Barry Coker
Next in the Series: The Fruits of Fear – What True Reverence Produces – Featuring Job, the man who feared God and turned away from evil.
