Michael Reeves, president and professor of theology at Union School of Theology, explores the life-changing benefits of fearing God. He discusses how this reverential fear leads to authentic wisdom and transformation, contrasting it with worldly values. Reeves illustrates the uplifting qualities of godly fear, such as fostering humility and compassion, and promotes unity within the church. He emphasizes the importance of relying on divine support in overcoming anxiety, ultimately highlighting that true beauty and strength come from a deep awe of God.
The fear of God serves as the foundation for wisdom, enabling us to recognize our need for redemption and understand our place in relation to Him.
A right fear of God fosters genuine transformation, instilling joy and strength in believers while nurturing their identity rooted in divine approval.
Deep dives
Understanding the Fear of God
The fear of God serves as the foundational principle for achieving wisdom and understanding in life. This perspective emphasizes that true wisdom does not stem from intelligence or worldly success, but from a reverent acknowledgment of God's greatness and holiness. Proverbs highlights that this fear is the beginning of knowledge, enabling individuals to comprehend themselves and their place in relation to God. The notion challenges conventional thinking by asserting that recognizing God’s majesty leads to a more profound and truthful understanding of ourselves as creations and sinners in need of redemption.
Transformation through Fear
A right fear of God leads to genuine transformation in a believer’s life, fostering both knowledge and holy desires. It is not a rigid or paralyzing fear, but rather an awe that ultimately makes individuals more like God, stirring a desire for holiness and compassion. This fear instills joy, as it invites believers into a deeper communion with God, contrasting with the notion that fearing God leads to gloominess. Examples from biblical figures, such as Obadiah, illustrate how revering God enables acts of generosity and compassion, reinforcing the idea that true fear of God is characterized by love and humility.
Courage in the Face of Fear
The fear of God provides believers with strength, particularly amidst societal pressures and personal anxieties. Unlike self-centered solutions to self-esteem issues, cultivating a fear of God helps individuals transcend their fears of others' opinions and nurtures a true sense of identity rooted in divine approval. This humility and gentle strength are key qualities developed through fearing God, allowing believers to face challenges with courage. As believers grow in their reverence for God, their anxieties diminish, revealing that a right fear truly liberates and enables them to reflect God's love and holiness to the world.
As we come to see how glorious and majestic God is, we are compelled to praise Him and bow down before the Lord in dependent prayer. Today, Michael Reeves describes the vibrant life that a right fear of God produces in us.
Request Michael Reeves’ teaching series The Fear of the Lord on DVD, plus lifetime digital access to the messages and study guide, with your donation of any amount: https://gift.renewingyourmind.org/3910/donate
Meet Today’s Teacher: Michael Reeves is president and professor of theology at Union School of Theology in the United Kingdom. He is the featured teacher for the Ligonier teaching series The English Reformation and the Puritans. He is author of many books, including The Unquenchable Flame, Delighting in the Trinity, and Rejoice and Tremble. Meet the Host: Nathan W. Bingham is vice president of ministry engagement for Ligonier Ministries, executive producer and host of Renewing Your Mind, host of the Ask Ligonier podcast, and a graduate of Presbyterian Theological College in Melbourne, Australia. Nathan joined Ligonier in 2012 and lives in Central Florida with his wife and four children.
Renewing Your Mind is a donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
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