By Steve A. Hamilton

Hebrews 12:28-29

Introduction: Some people believe that those who fear God are not saved.  After all, love casts out fear and if we love God we’ll keep his commandments.  Therefore, the fear of God is a tell tale sign of a lack of obedience.  However, the scriptures are full of passages that teach the need for a fear of God. So which way is it?  Are we to fear God or not?

I. There are at least 6 different Greek words that have been translated into English as “fear.”  The most prominent of these words is the Greek word “phobos.”  It means “fear, dread, [or] terror” (Vines).  However, it is also understood to mean “reverential fear” depending on its use in context.  All of the passages we will read in this lesson are from this Greek word.        

II. Fear, dread, and terror are certainly appropriate words for anyone to use to describe their relationship with God before their conversion to Christ.

          A. The thief on the cross rebuked the other thief while recognizing his own sinful condition (Luke 23:39-40). 

          B. If we are lost we better fear God (Matt. 10:28)!

III. Once our relationship changes through baptism in obedience to His word, the dread or terror we once felt is no longer needed (Matt. 10:29-33).

          A. If we love God, that love will remove our fear (1 John 4:18).  Of course, if we love Him we’ll keep his commands (John 14:15).

          B. We don’t need to fear because of our saved relationship with God (Luke 12:32; Rom. 8:15).

          C. That is not to say we should never fear God again.

IV. There remains good reasons to continue to fear God even after our salvation.

          A. If we fall (Rom. 11:20-22).

                   1. It is the same reason we should fear civil authority (Rom. 13:3-4).

                   2. Who can say they have never sinned after baptism (2 Cor. 7:1)?

                   3. We are told to work out our salvation with fear (Phil 2:12).

          B. If we mishandle God’s word (1 Pet. 3:15).

          C. Of the judgment to come (Rev. 14:7; Rev. 15:4).

          D. Out of respect or reverence (Acts 9:31).  Also the scripture reading in Heb. 12:28-29 relates the same idea though the word for fear comes from a different Greek word which means devoutness.

V. What about the passages that command us not to fear?

          A. The fear in those passages are from a different Greek word (“deilia”) that means cowardice (2 Tim. 1:7; Rev. 21:8).

          B. The cowardice that will cause the loss of one’s salvation is the type that would denounce Christ for fear of death like many Christians in the first century.  Of course, many Christians won’t even talk to others about Christ for fear of embarrassment.  That’s the kind of fear we are commanded not to have.

Conclusion: The fear of God is a healthy thing.  It motivates us toward obedience.  Without a fear of God we might not have become Christians.  Without a fear of our Lord we are unlikely to do anything about our sins.  Our fear of the consequences should restrain us just like we wouldn't jump in front of a speeding car.

          So unless you don’t mind jumping in an open fire, why not do something right now about your sins?  It makes no sense to fear fire but not the Lord.  Our Lord in Heaven will put anyone who is not obedient to Him in Hell’s fire that will never end.  Fear the Lord and save your soul!

Last modified: 05/02/08