I am not exactly sure if this is the correct place to post this. But I never really understood the term "God Fearing" it always left a bad taste in my mouth because it kind of sounds like God is being described as some harsh dictator/punisher that we have to be afraid of instead of the loving and forgiving God that I know. What do you all think of this word ? What does it even really mean ?
the term "God Fearing"
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Well you should fear your parents not because you think they are evil but because you know they can punish you if your being mean or not obeying.
i think its the same thing with God.
he's the authority. and if you dont obey Him you could be in trouple.
Remember God is our heavenly Father. we should fear his authority over us.
But remember that he also loves us as his kids.
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ok, I see what your saying 
so the term is used more of a way to describe God as an authority figure that can punish us but in a loving parental "I-love-you-&-trying-to-teach-you-a -lesson-to-keep-you-out-of-trouble" kind of way... not in an evil "you-should-be-afraid-of-me-and-I-will-do-things-to-spite-you" kind of way. I understand a bit better now thank you
so the term is used more of a way to describe God as an authority figure that can punish us but in a loving parental "I-love-you-&-trying-to-teach-you-a -lesson-to-keep-you-out-of-trouble" kind of way... not in an evil "you-should-be-afraid-of-me-and-I-will-do-things-to-spite-you" kind of way. I understand a bit better now thank you
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Dreamer
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If we walk in obedience and love, going to the Father each time we sin (sensitive to the Holy Spirit) then we have a sense of wholeness and freedom in Christ! So we do not have that fear permeating us. Fearing God simply means that because He loves us so much and because we've learned to walk closely with Him, we see boundaries that we are not to cross...boundaries that clearly lead to sin.
If a Christian falls into temptation and willfully sins, then that fear of God is what brings him back to God's grace. He knows God "saw" him sin, knows God is truly omnisicient. He "fears" God in that he knows God's power. Not a cowering fear, like we are about to be hit over the head with a club. The sort of reverence/fear that makes us humble and to bow down before our king....and repent when needed. God knows we are not perfect, that's why He provided us with the Lamb! The Comforter releases His power over us every day and teaches us.
If a Christian falls into temptation and willfully sins, then that fear of God is what brings him back to God's grace. He knows God "saw" him sin, knows God is truly omnisicient. He "fears" God in that he knows God's power. Not a cowering fear, like we are about to be hit over the head with a club. The sort of reverence/fear that makes us humble and to bow down before our king....and repent when needed. God knows we are not perfect, that's why He provided us with the Lamb! The Comforter releases His power over us every day and teaches us.
fear
i thought the word fear was respect , reverence, for God. if i am afraid of God why would i whorship him why pray to Him, but i am not afriaid of Him, He tells me to openly come to him, i try not to test God, i am respective towards God, He is God, i am not, he created me, He id the potter , i am the clay. He gave His son to die for me, i know He loves me.
i thought the word fear was respect , reverence, for God. if i am afraid of God why would i whorship him why pray to Him, but i am not afriaid of Him, He tells me to openly come to him, i try not to test God, i am respective towards God, He is God, i am not, he created me, He id the potter , i am the clay. He gave His son to die for me, i know He loves me.
Dear smitty.
God has the power of life and death. God has the power of absolute judgement. Why, would anyone fear mankind, mankind does not have control over the soul. Mankind can only destroy the body. Fear Him who has absolute control over your eternal destiny smitty.
Love drives out fear. Hence, to know Jesus is to know love. Therefore, fear is redundant because of divine love.
God has the power of life and death. God has the power of absolute judgement. Why, would anyone fear mankind, mankind does not have control over the soul. Mankind can only destroy the body. Fear Him who has absolute control over your eternal destiny smitty.
Love drives out fear. Hence, to know Jesus is to know love. Therefore, fear is redundant because of divine love.
Neuroscience101
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Right, but that doesn't answer smitty's question outright.
"if i am afraid of God why would i whorship him why pray to Him"
I agree with smitty that he is not afraid, but talking about mankind doesn't actually answer that question.
We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them and as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world. Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. 1John 4:16-18
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Right, but that still begs the question. I'm also not sure that most people live as Jesus did in this day and age, with the most flagrant being Luke 12:33.
Is it not possible to know both fear and love? I can both love my mother and fear that she'll beat me.
Well John said all fear, so I stick with what he said.
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Yes, but that again begs the question: Why can't both coexist?
I'm not trying to pester, just trying to understand.
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I understand this question is quite old. But, it is just as pertinent today as it was then. I don't FEAR God, I have a healthy respect for Him. So, fear , to me, is not being afraid of Him, it means respecting Him!
That is not the way it is a lot of the time. For many, it is a hold over from the past and a misunderstanding of Salvation by Grace. For example, in the ancient days and before the understanding of Grace , many Jews were afraid of God...this especially was from the time that God spoke to Moses in Exodus and said:" No Man can see my face and live, so the God believing Jew was terrified of being in His presences. I think God was referring to Mortal Man, not Spiritual Man!
Now, especially after Salvation by Grace, there is nothing to be afraid about.
That is not the way it is a lot of the time. For many, it is a hold over from the past and a misunderstanding of Salvation by Grace. For example, in the ancient days and before the understanding of Grace , many Jews were afraid of God...this especially was from the time that God spoke to Moses in Exodus and said:" No Man can see my face and live, so the God believing Jew was terrified of being in His presences. I think God was referring to Mortal Man, not Spiritual Man!
Now, especially after Salvation by Grace, there is nothing to be afraid about.
Jesus_is_LORD
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I fear God at times and I respect God also.
And I would say I have a reverence for God.
Because we are quite sinless, I think in this fleshly body of sin, some level of fear is healthy for us.
Yes 1st John tells us that perfect Love cast out all fear. And God's love is perfect, however I don't
think many Christians, if any, are able to fully receive or understand God's perfect love in this state.
I think when we get to heaven there will be no fear at all, because we will truly experience God's perfect love (which cast out all fear).
However because of our sinful nature and process of sanctification by which we grow in Grace, it is hard for us to fully , 100%
receive God's perfect love. Which is why I think a little fear is healthy because of who we are.
In a jail, some prisoners by respect the guards, however, most all fear them, and that fear is healthy because of the sinful
nature of the prisoners. And in the prison you have workers who are not prisoners, who have no criminal records,
however it is still healthy for those workers to be aware that there is a penalty for stealing or helping an inmate escape,
because people are flawed and prone to sin and (I may be wrong, maybe I am) but I think a little bit of fear is healthy
because of our sinful nature.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not going to quote
Niccolò Machiavelli >
“it is much safer to be feared than loved because ...love is preserved by the link of obligation which, owing to the baseness of men, is broken at every opportunity for their advantage; but fear preserves you by a dread of punishment which never fails.”
I'm not saying that is how we should be as Christians fully. I think our motivation should ultimately be love. However I believe that
until we can receive that perfect love which cast out all fear, a little bit of fear is helpful to keep our sinful flesh in line. I know it has
benefited me many times.
And I would say I have a reverence for God.
Because we are quite sinless, I think in this fleshly body of sin, some level of fear is healthy for us.
Yes 1st John tells us that perfect Love cast out all fear. And God's love is perfect, however I don't
think many Christians, if any, are able to fully receive or understand God's perfect love in this state.
I think when we get to heaven there will be no fear at all, because we will truly experience God's perfect love (which cast out all fear).
However because of our sinful nature and process of sanctification by which we grow in Grace, it is hard for us to fully , 100%
receive God's perfect love. Which is why I think a little fear is healthy because of who we are.
In a jail, some prisoners by respect the guards, however, most all fear them, and that fear is healthy because of the sinful
nature of the prisoners. And in the prison you have workers who are not prisoners, who have no criminal records,
however it is still healthy for those workers to be aware that there is a penalty for stealing or helping an inmate escape,
because people are flawed and prone to sin and (I may be wrong, maybe I am) but I think a little bit of fear is healthy
because of our sinful nature.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not going to quote
Niccolò Machiavelli >
“it is much safer to be feared than loved because ...love is preserved by the link of obligation which, owing to the baseness of men, is broken at every opportunity for their advantage; but fear preserves you by a dread of punishment which never fails.”
I'm not saying that is how we should be as Christians fully. I think our motivation should ultimately be love. However I believe that
until we can receive that perfect love which cast out all fear, a little bit of fear is helpful to keep our sinful flesh in line. I know it has
benefited me many times.
PloughBoy
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Sounds like to me, many have look at the "Agape" and replace it with the definition with what the world calls "love". Or the worlds view of "Love"! For GOD"S "Agape" his "agape" is nothing like the world's view of "Love". It is like comparing the day with the night.
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Neither are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD.
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts."
‘Do you not fear Me?’ declares the LORD.
‘Do you not tremble in My presence?'
A FEW SNAPSHOTS:
“IF EVEN A BEAST TOUCHES THE MOUNTAIN, IT WILL BE STONED.” And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, “I AM FULL OF FEAR and trembling."
"See to it that you do not refuse Him who is speaking. For if those did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less shall we escape who turn away from Him who warns from heaven. And His voice shook the earth then, but now He has promised, saying, “YET ONCE MORE I WILL SHAKE NOT ONLY THE EARTH, BUT ALSO THE HEAVEN.” And this expression, “Yet once more,” denotes the removing of those things which can be shaken, as of created things, in order that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire."
When He comes back! Knees are going to be knocking! and weak, and hearts are going to FEAR and melt. This is not a man! who most christian fears! and carry guns to protect themselves and afraid to go out at night because of fearing. This "GOD" you have not ever met before, True Holiness is going to reveal itself! We are going to find out what "Fear" is. and "reverence" is going to be the last thing to enter our finite mind!
The Bible said: When GOD appeared "Earth and Heaven" will try to run away and Hide, and found no place to go! The "Day of The LORD" will not be pretty! we have been warn! Both Saved and Unsaved! When the "Thunder-claps" claps and He crack that sky! We are going to Know it is GOD! And we are going to Shake! It is going to be so powerful, "It is going to wake up the DEAD!
(Hebrews 10)NASB
"For we know Him who said, “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY.” And again, “THE LORD WILL JUDGE HIS PEOPLE.” 31It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God."
I do know how to read I think i will take the road least traveled. and "Come out from among them", they try to lure us off the path with the "Delicacies' of Rome, Egypt and Babylon, and the Vanity Cities of Westernization, top off with hedonism as a "christian" principle and sprinkle with all forms self preservation and gratification. Fearing Man, And have No fear of the Creator that made them.
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Neither are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD.
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts."
‘Do you not fear Me?’ declares the LORD.
‘Do you not tremble in My presence?'
A FEW SNAPSHOTS:
“IF EVEN A BEAST TOUCHES THE MOUNTAIN, IT WILL BE STONED.” And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, “I AM FULL OF FEAR and trembling."
"See to it that you do not refuse Him who is speaking. For if those did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less shall we escape who turn away from Him who warns from heaven. And His voice shook the earth then, but now He has promised, saying, “YET ONCE MORE I WILL SHAKE NOT ONLY THE EARTH, BUT ALSO THE HEAVEN.” And this expression, “Yet once more,” denotes the removing of those things which can be shaken, as of created things, in order that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire."
When He comes back! Knees are going to be knocking! and weak, and hearts are going to FEAR and melt. This is not a man! who most christian fears! and carry guns to protect themselves and afraid to go out at night because of fearing. This "GOD" you have not ever met before, True Holiness is going to reveal itself! We are going to find out what "Fear" is. and "reverence" is going to be the last thing to enter our finite mind!
The Bible said: When GOD appeared "Earth and Heaven" will try to run away and Hide, and found no place to go! The "Day of The LORD" will not be pretty! we have been warn! Both Saved and Unsaved! When the "Thunder-claps" claps and He crack that sky! We are going to Know it is GOD! And we are going to Shake! It is going to be so powerful, "It is going to wake up the DEAD!
(Hebrews 10)NASB
"For we know Him who said, “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY.” And again, “THE LORD WILL JUDGE HIS PEOPLE.” 31It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God."
I do know how to read
I think i will take the road least traveled. and "Come out from among them", they try to lure us off the path with the "Delicacies' of Rome, Egypt and Babylon, and the Vanity Cities of Westernization, top off with hedonism as a "christian" principle and sprinkle with all forms self preservation and gratification. Fearing Man, And have No fear of the Creator that made them.
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I don't fear God , I respect and worship Him and thank Him for saving me with His "Amazing Grace" what I fear are those who don't believe and are going to Hell!
Jesus_is_LORD
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Great to see you have a healthy relationship with God. That is wonderful.
I wouldn't say I fear those who are going to hell but I have great sorrow for them.
PloughBoy
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Well I am opposite of you: I don't fear any man, I have feared GOD. for over 43 years now since I met Jesus. before that, I did feared men. and didn't fear GOD, ! Now I Fear GOD and not a man.
NASB 1995
"Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
NASB 1977
“And do not fear those who kill the body, but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
Now that is me. "Perfect Love cast out fear"! I fear no man.
For Jesus said:
“And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. “But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who after He has killed has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him! (Luke 5).
Context, Context. English Syntax, English syntax. This is a warning, in context , a frightening warning!
Jesus_is_LORD
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Currently a little dose of fear keeps this flesh of mine in check. Seems healthy for me based on my walk with God at the moment.
Jesus_is_LORD
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I love it.Well I am opposite of you: I don't fear any man, I have feared GOD. for over 43 years now since I met Jesus. before that, I did feared men. and didn't fear GOD, ! Now I Fear GOD and not a man.
NASB 1995
"Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
NASB 1977
“And do not fear those who kill the body, but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
Now that is me. "Perfect Love cast out fear"! I fear no man.
For Jesus said:
“And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. “But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who after He has killed has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him! (Luke 5).
Context, Context. English Syntax, English syntax. This is a warning, in context , a frightening warning!
Isn't that the problem with the world. Wow you summed it up soooooooooooooooooooooooo beautifully.
They walk around with no fear of God, yet they fear what man can do, so they cheat, and lie, and steal.
Jesus_is_LORD
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Man fears being man will judge them, so they buy things they don't need to impress people they dont' like and go in debt.
Yet they don't fear God so they don't tithe.
Man fears not fitting in, so they smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol.
Yet they don't fear God so they don't keep their temple clean.
Man fears going to jail so they keep the laws of man that they know they will get caught if they do,
Yet they don't fear God, so they live however they want with no fear of hell.
Yet they don't fear God so they don't tithe.
Man fears not fitting in, so they smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol.
Yet they don't fear God so they don't keep their temple clean.
Man fears going to jail so they keep the laws of man that they know they will get caught if they do,
Yet they don't fear God, so they live however they want with no fear of hell.
