Why should I fear God?
Lou Tiscione, Pastor, Weatherford Presbyterian Church (PCA)
The word fear is not a popular expression in evangelical Christianity. After all, don’t the Scriptures say that God has not given us a spirit of fear? Actually, 2 Timothy 1:7 rendered by the English Standard Version is, “for God gave us a spirit not of fear [cowardice, timidity] but of power and love and self-control.” Paul wrote to the pastor Timothy so that he would not be intimidated by some in the church who sought to undermine his authority as their Pastor. Paul sought to encourage Timothy to “fan into flame the gift of God” (2 Timothy 1:6). Paul reminded the young pastor, Timothy that God had given him gifts that enabled him to carry out what God had called him to do, namely, to be “the Apostle’s chosen representative” (William Hendriksen and Simon J. Kistemaker’s New Testament Commentary, Baker Pub).
Yet there is a truth, a reality for every human being to remember. More than remember, this truth confronts all mankind. We are creatures; created by God; male and female image bearers of God! Fear is what the creature owes to his Creator. Fear includes trembling, awe, reverence, and worship.
The Bible answers the question concerning whom to fear. Three texts of Scripture come readily to mind that concern man’s response to his Creator. Ecclesiastes 12:13, Matthew 10:28, and 1 Peter 2:17 provide a clear answer to the question of fear.
Solomon was declared by God to be the wisest man who ever lived. He expressed his deepest thoughts concerning life. He had every opportunity for greatness. He had great wealth, absolute worldly power over his kingdom. He pursued every passion and desire of his flesh. After looking at his life experience, he declared all pursuits to be like hot air, “vanity of vanities” (Ecclesiastes 1:2; 12:8). Solomon repeated the vanity of man’s pursuits in the beginning of Ecclesiastes and at the end.
Solomon’s conclusion concerning the purpose of life and all of man’s pursuits was: “The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandment, for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).
From Solomon, king of Israel to the Apostle Peter, the fear of God was known and declared to be central. Peter wrote, “Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor” (1 Peter 2:17).
Peter wrote to the church and exhorted her members to be holy people, set apart to God. He encouraged them to behave as those who have been changed by God. He called Christians to honor everyone; to sacrificially love those within the household of God and to fear God. Their fear of God was demonstrated in their worship. As stated above, this fear includes a sense of awe, trembling, and reverence.
In the case of Solomon fearing God was the only reasonable alternative to life. Peter gave the members of the church God’s guidance for life. Yet, each writer based his exhortation on an underlying assumption.
The underlying assumption was given by Jesus. In Matthew 10:28, Jesus 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.” This is the ultimate answer. Men are to fear God because of who He is and what He will do. Jesus’ words provide clarity. Jesus said that only God has absolute sovereignty over His creatures. Therefore, we must approach Him with great humility. We are finite and He is infinite. We have limited power. He has absolute power. Jesus said, “all authority in heaven and earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18).
Only fools live in denial of the absolute power and authority of God (Psalm 14:1). Only a fool would risk an eternity in hell! Why should we fear God? We fear God because He is!
How many think that their lives are hidden before God? How many are blind to the truth that they are created beings? How many give explanations for creation that fit within their limited understanding? How many think that there is no God to fear?
We fear God because, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1).
Everything you see around you is there because of our Creator God. We have been made to worship God. He is to be feared. He is the one who sent Jesus, His one and only Son. Jesus is the one who has the words of eternal life. Fear God!
