FEAR AND TREMBLING.
When approaching the topic of fearing the Lord, it is easy to have the mindset of a big angry God ready to smite you down whenever you do anything wrong. We may even view scriptures that teach on this topic through the same lens and end up avoiding them all together.
Proverbs 1:7 states “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
It may be helpful to know that when scripture uses the word ‘fear’ it is not referring to human fear as we know it or telling us to be afraid of God. Rather to have a reverence or awe for a Holy and mighty God. Honouring God and being obedient to his word.
In Philippians 2:12-13 Paul states “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”
Paul is not encouraging people to live in a constant state of fear, worry and anxiety over their salvation. That in itself would’ve contradicted his many letters encouraging peace, hope and confidence in God. Instead he is calling them to have reverence or respect for the God of their salvation. In Psalm 2:11 we see the same teaching on fear & trembling. “Serve the Lord with fear and celebrate his rule with trembling.” Fear and trembling go hand in hand with a relationship with God.
Fearing the Lord will lead you to a place of obedience to his word and a hearts posture of always doing what is pleasing to the Lord. It will allow you to rejoice in the privilege of serving him, and keep you in a place of remembrance of the Holy nature of our God.
Proverbs 15:33 “Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor.”
Throughout scripture we can see that to fear God is to know God, and there is no wisdom outside of God. With God made so accessible through the blood of Jesus, we must ensure we do not lose sight of His Holiness and perfection. That he is the Lord of the universe and reigns above all. Therefore we will not approach his throne with pride in our heart and lack of reverence in our postures.