When the hero senses danger and lets fear quickly move him away from certain peril toward safety, we side with him. But, we use names like “chicken” and “scaredy cat” to taunt the fearful. The Bible offers counsel for both types of fears.
If you are not a Christian, fear of God should cause you to shutter with utter terror that God himself is against you because of your sin (Romans 1:18
But God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness.*
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). “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31
It is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
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, ESV). Like the fear felt by the hero, this fear works for your good if it moves you toward the saving God. If you do not know God, ask God to open your eyes so that you can see his awesomeness and beauty, turn to him, receive forgiveness of sins, and join with those who God makes holy through Christ (Acts 26:18
to open their eyes, so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place among God's people, who are set apart by faith in me.'
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For Christians, fear of God is commanded. Before sending out his disciples to minister to those who were certain to persecute them, Jesus Christ said, “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28
"Don't be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell.*
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, ESV).
Since fear of God is necessary for developing Christ-like attributes necessary for courageous Christian living, the commandment is not without promise.
Fear of God:
is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10
Fear of the LORD is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.
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keeps you from doing wrong (Exodus 20:20
"Don't be afraid," Moses answered them, "for God has come in this way to test you, and so that your fear of him will keep you from sinning!"
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is for your good and your survival (Deuteronomy 6:24
And the LORD our God commanded us to obey all these decrees and to fear him so he can continue to bless us and preserve our lives, as he has done to this day.
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enables you to consider and declare what God has done for you (Psalms 64:9
Then everyone will be afraid; they will proclaim the mighty acts of God and realize all the amazing things he does.
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is rewarded with mercy (Luke 1:50
He shows mercy from generation to generation to all who fear him.
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gives you courage (2 Corinthians 5:6-11
So we are always confident, even though we know that as long as we live in these bodies we are not at home with the Lord. For we live by believing and not by seeing. Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord. So whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please him. For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body. Because we understand our fearful responsibility to the Lord, we work hard to persuade others. God knows we are sincere, and I hope you know this, too.
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perfects you in holiness (2 Corinthians 7:1
Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God.
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allows you to yield to others (Ephesians 5:21
And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
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will be rewarded (Revelation 11:18
The nations were filled with wrath, but now the time of your wrath has come.It is time to judge the dead and reward your servants the prophets, as well as your holy people,and all who fear your name, from the least to the greatest.It is time to destroy all who have caused destruction on the earth."
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Fear of anything other than God, however, is forbidden by God. So, while fear of God is commanded, being a coward, a scaredy cat or a chicken, is so offensive to God that those who are spineless are promised an eternity in the lake of fire (Revelation 21:8
"But cowards, unbelievers, the corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol worshipers, and all liars—their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death."
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God commands you not to fear the future, your circumstances, people, or death.
So how do you overcome these kinds of fears? God himself gives you the truth that enables you to be a conqueror.
Do not fear because God:
fights for you (Deuteronomy 3:22
Do not be afraid of the nations there, for the LORD your God will fight for you.'
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delivers you from the hand of your enemies (2 Kings 17:39
You must worship only the LORD your God. He is the one who will rescue you from all your enemies."
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will not fail or forsake you (1 Chronicles 28:20
Then David continued, "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don't be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. He will see to it that all the work related to the Temple of the LORD is finished correctly.
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will save you (Isaiah 35:4
Say to those with fearful hearts, "Be strong, and do not fear,for your God is coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you."
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is God. He will strengthen, help, and uphold you (Isaiah 41:10
Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God.I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
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provides for you (Jeremiah 5:24
They do not say from the heart, `Let us live in awe of the LORD our God,for he gives us rain each spring and fall, assuring us of a harvest when the time is right.'
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sees you as valuable (Matthew 10:31
So don't be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.
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has adopted you (Romans 8:15
So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God's Spirit when he adopted you as his own children.* Now we call him, "Abba, Father."*
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So fear God and fear nothing else. Believe as King David did and say with him,
“The LORD is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?
Though an army encamps against me,
my heart shall not fear;
though war arise against me,
yet I will be confident.
I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living!
Wait for the LORD;
be strong, and let your heart take courage;
wait for the LORD!” (Psalms 27:1-14
The LORD is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid?The LORD is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? When evil people come to devour me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid.Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident. The one thing I ask of the LORD— the thing I seek most—is to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, delighting in the LORD's perfections and meditating in his Temple. For he will conceal me there when troubles come; he will hide me in his sanctuary. He will place me out of reach on a high rock. Then I will hold my head high above my enemies who surround me.At his sanctuary I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy, singing and praising the LORD with music. Hear me as I pray, O LORD. Be merciful and answer me! My heart has heard you say, "Come and talk with me." And my heart responds, "LORD, I am coming." Do not turn your back on me. Do not reject your servant in anger. You have always been my helper.Don't leave me now; don't abandon me, O God of my salvation! Even if my father and mother abandon me, the LORD will hold me close. Teach me how to live, O LORD. Lead me along the right path, for my enemies are waiting for me. Do not let me fall into their hands. For they accuse me of things I've never done; with every breath they threaten me with violence. Yet I am confident I will see the LORD's goodness while I am here in the land of the living. Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD.
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About The Author
Pam
Eason
Pam designs and writes instructional material for the glory of God. She has authored numerous articles and has critiqued, written, and designed instruction for a variety of Christian publishers and organizations. Most of her work shows up in small-group studies or Sunday-school material. Pam loves Jesus and is deeply grateful for God's amazing grace in her life. Pam is co-author of God, Me, & My In-Law.
