May 3, 2015 - A. V. Rauf
Where is the Fear of the LORD? (Part 1)
II Timothy 3:16—–All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
AMPLIFIED: Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God’s will in thought, purpose, and action)
Let’s stop for a moment and reflect upon the following questions:
- Does it please God when one sins………….. continuously?
- Will God judge people who sin?
- Does the idea of having a reverential fear of God ever enter your mind?
There was a time when Christians were called “God-fearing” people.
Romans 12:2— And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God
1 John 5:4— For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
Why do the same problems of the world (i.e. divorce, immoral behavior, carnality, people in bondage, etc); why do they seem to exist in the Church also??
Could it be that modern Christians are shallow in their lives and sloppy in their beliefs because they do not fear God?
IF YOU TAKE THE BIBLE SERIOUSLY, THE REASON MANY CHRISTIANS TODAY ARE WEAK, CARNAL, INEFFECTIVE AND MINDLESS MAY BE ROOTED IN THE FACT THAT THEY DO NOT FEAR GOD.
Why is the Fear of the LORD seldom preached today??
The entire Bible from Genesis to Revelation is filled with commands to fear and reverence God.
Proverbs 1:7— The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
In the Old Testament, the fear of the LORD was viewed as the fundamental attitude of the believer of God. The fear of God was honored and practiced by prophets, priests and kings throughout the entire Old Testament.
In the New Testament, the fear of God played a significant role in the life of and teachings of Jesus Christ.
If we fear anything other than God, we are deceived. God is the only thing in the universe worthy of fear. Satan, of course, would disagree and has made an industry out generating a fabricated fear. 
His weapons are horror movies, anxieties, worries, nightmares, phobias, panic attacks, demons, etc. Satan wants the fear due God.
To be sure, Satan is truly a terrifying master to those under his care, but those “in Christ” have been purchased from his mastery and need not fear him any longer. Whenever it is in our power, we should cut off any access Satan has to our minds or hearts to plant fabricated fear.
Isa 8:12-13 (NIV) …Do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it. The Lord Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, He is the one you are to fear, He is the one you are to dread.
Matt. 10:27-28 (KJV)— What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
Acts 9:31 (KJV): Then had the churches rest throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.
II Cor. 6:14-7:1 (KJV): Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. 18And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Throughout the history of the Church, the fear of God has always been a vital part of the historic Christian understanding of God. From the first Apostles to the Pilgrims, the fear of God was a fundamental part of Christian belief and practice.
The God of the Pilgrims was a mighty God, righteous and Holy, aggressive in rewarding saints and punishing sinners. He was not a wimp or a pushover. He was holy yet loving, mighty to save and mighty to judge, yet compassionate and merciful.
This God held ALL men accountable for the way they lived and would one day judge all men for their sins.
So to them, there was a Hell to shun and a Heaven to gain.
THIS WAS THE SOUL AND SUBSTANCE OF THE GOSPEL. SALVATION ONLY MADE SENSE UPON UNDERSTANDING THE FEAR OF GOD.
(To Be Continued….)