Knowing the Fear of God

The passage emphasizes the importance of fearing God, which is characterized by awe and reverence rather than terror. This fear leads to wisdom, obedience, and purity in worship. The text calls for the Church to restore this fear to foster holiness and revival, highlighting its transformative impact on believers and the community.

“Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others. But what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience.” 2 Corinthians 5:11 (ESV)

INTRODUCTION

We live in an age that often misunderstands or minimizes the idea of “fearing God.” To many, it sounds outdated, opinionated, oppressive, or unnecessary. But Scripture speaks otherwise. The fear of the Lord is not a prison; it’s the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10)

The biblical fear of God is not terror that drives us away; it’s holy reverence that draws us closer. It’s an awe-filled response to God’s majesty, justice, and holiness.

Paul says, “Knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men.” (2 Corinthians 5:11). This means the fear of God is something we can know, understand, walk in, and live by. Such fear doesn’t paralyze; it empowers. It shapes how we live, speak, worship, and serve.

And in this generation, there is a clear call from the Holy Spirit to restore the fear of God in the Church.

I. WHAT IS THE FEAR OF GOD?

A. A Biblical Definition

The fear of God is not a phobia, but a posture of awe, reverence, and deep respect toward God’s majesty, holiness, justice, and mercy

“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire.” Hebrews 12:28–29

Prophet Isaiah speaking of Jesus said “The Spirit of the fear of Lord rested upon Him, and He delighted in it

“2 The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. 3 His delight is in the fear of the Lord, And He shall not judge by the sight of His eyes, nor decide by the hearing of His ears;” Isaiah 11:2-3

B. A Response to His Character

We fear God because of who He is: holy, just, eternal, all-powerful.

  • Moses at the burning bush “Take off your sandals…” (Exodus 3:5)
  • John on Patmos Island fell as though dead before the glorified Christ “And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last.” Revelation 1:17
  • Isaiah’s vision – “Woe is me… for my eyes have seen the King” (Isaiah 6:1–5)

II. WHY SHOULD WE FEAR GOD?

A. Because He is Holy and Just

“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all. 14 For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil.” Ecclesiastes 12:13–14

God sees all. Nothing is hidden. He cannot be mocked (Galatians 6:7)

B. Because It Produces Obedience

“In mercy and truth Atonement is provided for iniquity; And by the fear of the Lord one departs from evil.” Proverbs 16:6

“Praise the Lord! Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who delights greatly in His commandments.” Psalm 112:1

C. Because It Guards Us from Sin

“The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverse mouth I hate.” Proverbs 8:13

Joseph’s purity in Egypt stemmed from his fear of God. “ There is no one greater in this house than I, nor has he kept back anything from me but you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” Genesis 39:9

III. WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE TO WALK IN THE FEAR OF GOD?

A. A Changed Life

We live to please God, not people. Paul said, “Knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men…” It brings urgency to evangelism, purity in our conduct, and clarity in purpose

B. Transformed Worship

Worship becomes less about us and more about Him. The fear of the Lord transforms worship from a performance to holy surrender

““A son honors his father, And a servant his master. If then I am the Father, Where is My honor? And if I am a Master, Where is My reverence? Says the Lord of hosts to you priests who despise My name. Yet you say, ‘In what way have we despised Your name?’” Malachi 1:6

C. Humility and Wisdom

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10

When we fear God, we don’t fear man, circumstances, or the future. It teaches us to trust God’s perspective above our own

D. Life, Security, and Reward

“The fear of the Lord adds length to life, but the years of the wicked are cut short.” Proverbs 10:27

“The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.” Proverbs 14:27

“Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life.” Proverbs 22:4

“The fear of the Lord leads to life, And he who has it will abide in satisfaction; He will not be visited with evil.” Proverbs 19:23

“In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, And His children will have a place of refuge.” Proverbs 14:26

IV. EXAMPLES OF GODLY FEAR

Noah “Moved with godly fear, prepared an ark…” (Hebrews 11:7)

Daniel Prayed even when threatened with death (Daniel 6)

The Early Church “Walking in the fear of the Lord… they were multiplied.” (Acts 9:31)

These were not perfect people, but they feared God more than people, culture, or death.

V. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE LOSE THE FEAR OF GOD?

When the fear of God disappears:

  • Sin becomes casual
  • Worship becomes entertainment
  • Man’s approval matters more than God’s
  • Romans 3:18 “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” This described a corrupt generation and can describe ours too

When fear of God is lost, everything else unravels

VI. BLESSINGS THAT COME FROM FEARING GOD

  1. Wisdom – Proverbs 9:10
  2. Protection – Psalm 34:7
  3. Provision – Psalm 111:5
  4. Friendship with God – Psalm 25:14
  5. Long Life – Proverbs 10:27

CONCLUSION: RESTORING THE FEAR OF GOD IN THE CHURCH

The call to restore the fear of God in the Church is not about legalism—it’s about returning to holy ground. When the Church walks in godly fear, revival follows. Power flows. Worship is pure. Holiness returns.

“Let us cleanse ourselves… perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” 2 Corinthians 7:1
“Walk in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 9:31

Let the cry of our generation be:
“Lord, restore the fear of Your name in our lives and in Your Church.”

RESPONSE

To the believer:
Where have you become casual with God’s holiness? Ask the Lord to restore the fear of God in your life

To the unbeliever:
The beginning of salvation is the fear of the Lord: recognizing His holiness and your need for mercy.

“Work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” Philippians 2:12

PRAYER

Lord, teach me to fear You, not in terror, but in awe and love
Restore the fear of Your name in my heart
Cleanse me from casualness, complacency, familiarity, and compromise
Help me live every day with the awareness that You see, You know, and You deserve my full devotion. Let Your Church arise again in reverence, awe, and power. In Jesus’ name, amen

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