A Chinese friend complained to me about how difficult learning English can be. For example, he lamented that the English word for “trunk” could reference the back of a car, a box, a part of an elephant, or men’s swim shorts. Same word. Different meanings. I thought of this when listening to Brooke Ligertwood’s song, “Fear Of God.” In Scripture, the word for “fear” may mean something completely different depending on the context.
Let’s explore what it means to fear God, the results of fearing God, and how the fear of God can be expressed in our own lives.
In this episode, I discuss the following:
- Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week’s Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:
- Read in context
- Consult an overview
- Complete a word study
- Make a list
- Episode Guide Download
- The story behind the song by Kevin Davis – New Release Today Article
- Inspired by the lyrics to meditate on 1 Peter
- Scripture overview of 1 Peter – BibleProject.com Video
- How the real enemy is the devil – 1 Peter 5:8, Ephesians 6:12
- Word study for “sober-minded” – BibleHub.com
- Verses that talk about fear as bad – 2 Timothy 1:7, 1 John 4:18
- Where Moses uses fear in two ways in one verse – Exodus 20:20
- The fear of God can keep us – Proverbs 16:6
- To fear God is to be in awe and reverence of Him (as opposed to afraid of Him)
- Psalm 33:8 (see Episode 398)
- Malachi 2:5
- The fear of God is also closely related to trusting Him
- Psalm 40:3
- Psalm 115:11
- See Episode 397
- The fear of God means hating and avoiding evil
- Proverbs 8:13
- Proverbs 16:6
- Attributes of the Fear of God
- Can be taught – Psalm 34:11
- Can be chosen – Proverbs 1:29
- Is reflected in obedience – Ecclesiastes 12:13
- Equated with hating evil – Proverbs 8:13
- Leads to trusting God – Psalm 40:3
- Leads to friendship with God – Psalm 25:14
- Offers deliverance and other benefits – Psalm 33:18, Psalm 34:7, Psalm 145:19, Proverbs 10:27, Proverbs 22:4
- Leads to life and rest – Proverbs 19:23
- A summary verse of what it looks like to fear God – Deuteronomy 10:12-13
There are two kinds of fear in Scripture. There is terror and there is reverence.
Enjoy the official lyric video of the song below.
More Than a Song Playlist
Additional Resources
- Lyrics for “Fear of God” by Brooke Ligertwood – NewReleaseToday.com
- The story behind the song “Fear Of God” by Brooke Ligertwood – New Release Today Article
- My favorite written resource for overviews – “How to Read the Bible Book by Book” by Fee and Stuart – Amazon Paid Link
- My favorite resource for video overviews – BibleProject.com
- My favorite Bible Study Software – Logos Bible Software Affiliate Link
This Week’s Challenge
Read Peter’s first letter to the believers scattered throughout the region of Asia Minor. Consider the context of suffering and persecution as you identify who the enemy is (for them and you). Meditate on what it is to fear the Lord, the results of fearing God, and how you should change your behavior to “prove” that you fear God. May the fear of God keep you and draw you into a closer relationship with Him.
