Walking in the fear of God
The term “fear of God” originates from Old Testament writings and is used sparingly in the New Testament. It refers to the reverence for God and all that represents Him.
In practice, this term has often been misused by religion and the traditions of men. People sometimes equate the fear of God with outward displays, such as bodily postures or ritualistic deeds. For instance, bowing down to greet someone may be a cultural sign of respect, but it does not equate to fearing God.
The fear of God is not about fulfilling cultural or traditional obligations. Bowing to greet your spouse is respectful, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you fear God.
Some people have been deceived by outward displays of reverence. The most unfortunate are those women who entrust their hearts to wicked men for marriage. When asked about the man’s spiritual status, they will respond, “He fears God.” Where is his church? Who is his pastor? They will simply say, “He fears God.” I can’t help but laugh at such foolish assumptions. Time always proves them wrong.
What is the Fear of God?
The fear of God is total submission to the written Word of God. The person who truly fears God is one who reveres what God has said, endorsing and yielding to it as it is written. Obedience is the proof of the fear of God.
In Christ, the Fear of God is Highly Beneficial
The fear of God plays a crucial role in perfecting the gift of holiness. It makes the practical application of holiness in our deeds easier. The fear of God causes us to revere our position and place in Christ.
2 Corinthians 7:1 (NKJV):
“Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”
2 Corinthians 7:1 (AMP):
“Therefore, since these [great] promises are ours, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that contaminates and defiles body and spirit, and bring [our] consecration to completeness in the [reverential] fear of God.”
Cleansing the body (flesh) and spirit (mind) brings our holiness to completion in the fear of God. This is not about ritualistic works but refers to the renewing of your mind to see yourself as you are in Christ. That is obedience, and that is the fear of God. It means not relying on your own wisdom but submitting to what is written about you in Christ.
Ephesians 4:20-24 (NKJV):
“But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.”
The proof of a renewed mind is in your reverence for the written Word in all your deeds. Without this, you are not bringing holiness to completion. It will not be seen, known, or acknowledged by others, and this is a wrong representation of what God has done for you in Christ.
The Fear of God Makes Submission Easy and Joyful
Submission to one another is a New Testament proof of love and service. The grace of God upon you is evident in your submission to others, whether to your spouse, your pastor, or a higher authority.
Ephesians 5:21-22 (NKJV): “submitting to one another in the fear of God. Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.”
1 Peter 5:5-6 (NKJV): “Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’ Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.”
Colossians 3:22 (NKJV): “Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God.“
Notice that submission is in the fear of God. You submit to your spouse, husband, pastor, brethren, and masters because you fear God. Without the fear of God, you will struggle with pride.
Romans 3:12-18 (NKJV):
“They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one. ‘Their throat is an open tomb; With their tongues they have practiced deceit’; ‘The poison of asps is under their lips’; ‘Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.’ ‘Their feet are swift to shed blood; Destruction and misery are in their ways; And the way of peace they have not known.’ ‘There is no fear of God before their eyes.'”
This passage refers to those who have not accepted the gift of God’s love, those who disregard the Word of salvation and the gift of eternal life. However, it also applies to the carnal believer who lacks the fear of God, one who mocks the things of the Spirit, derides the way of faith, and scorns the workings of ministry and the manifestations of the supernatural.
The fear of God is a proven commitment and submission to the Word of God. Just as Abraham received the voice of God and obeyed, he was acknowledged as one who feared God. So it is today. Your actions concerning the Word validate your status.
Genesis 22:10-12 (NKJV):
“And Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the Angel of the LORD called to him from heaven and said, ‘Abraham, Abraham!’ So he said, ‘Here I am.’ And He said, ‘Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.'”
The fear of God is visible and proven in your total submission to the Word of God, to do as He wills, regardless of your own will.
I call you blessed.