Fear of the Lord – GROW Bible Study
ByAsh DionThe Fear of the Lord: An 8-Day Bible Study
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The Fear of the Lord
Scripture uses the word “fear” two very different ways, and most of us were never taught the difference. One kind of fear makes you want to run and hide. The other kind is what Moses calls “the fear of God” in Exodus 20:20, and it’s not the same thing at all. This whole study hangs on that one verse: don’t be afraid, and let the fear of God be with you. Both halves are true at once, and by the end of this week you’ll know exactly why.
One Verse, Two Fears
“Moses said to the people, ‘Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.'”
Exodus 20:20, NIVHe’s not asking Israel to tremble in dread of Him. He’s asking for a fear that keeps them close to Him and away from sin, the kind that grows out of knowing Him, not the kind that makes you want to run. This study is going to help you tell those two apart in your own life.
What Fear of the Lord Actually Means
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
Proverbs 9:10, NIV“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding.”
Psalm 111:10, NIV“And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him… and to observe the LORD’s commands and decrees… for your own good?”
Deuteronomy 10:12–13, NIVNotice that Deuteronomy puts “fear” and “love” in the same sentence, for your own good. This fear isn’t the opposite of love, it’s love that takes Him seriously. It’s the beginning of wisdom, not the beginning of anxiety.
The Scene at Sinai: Why They Were Terrified
“When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear. They stayed at a distance and said to Moses, ‘Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die.'”
Exodus 20:18–19, NIV“You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm… But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem… to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant.”
Hebrews 12:18–24, NIVIsrael’s terror came from being unprepared to stand that close to holiness they didn’t yet know. Because of Jesus, you don’t approach God the way they did at Sinai. You come to Him the way you’d come to a mediator who already stands between you and made the way safe.
“Do Not Be Afraid,” Spoken to the Faithful
None of these people were strangers to Him. Abram walked with God. Israel had just watched Him part a sea. Joshua was about to lead His people into the promise. Fearing God rightly and being told “do not be afraid” were never in competition. He says it to the ones already close to Him.
“Do Not Be Afraid,” in the New Testament
John fell down as though dead in front of the risen Christ, and the very first thing Jesus said was “do not be afraid.” Even standing in the full weight of His glory, His first word to someone who loved Him was comfort, not condemnation.
What Proper Fear of the Lord Produces
“As high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him… As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him.”
Psalm 103:11,13, NIV“The LORD confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them.”
Psalm 25:14, NIV“Fear the LORD, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing.”
Psalm 34:9, NIVReal fear of the Lord doesn’t push you away from Him, it draws you into a Father’s compassion, His confidence, and His provision. That’s the opposite of what dread produces. Dread makes you hide. This fear makes you want to stay close.
Perfect Love Casts Out Fear
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”
1 John 4:18, NIVHe is not trying to be feared like a threat. As you know His love more, the fear that has to do with punishment loosens its grip, while the fear that keeps you from sin and draws you closer only deepens. Both are happening at once, and that’s exactly right.
Return to Exodus 20:20
“Moses said to the people, ‘Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.'”
Exodus 20:20, NIVDo not be afraid, and let the fear of the Lord be with you. Those two instructions were never in tension. One clears out the dread that was never from Him. The other keeps you close to the God who has always been for you.
You spent eight days learning to tell the difference between fearing God and being afraid of Him. Carry that with you.
Ash
