FEAR (REVERENCE, RESPECT AND AWE)MOTIVATES PROPER ETHICAL CONDUCT [Fourth in a Series of Four]

While the terror of God is the beginning point and foundation of the reverential fear of God, the terror of God is to quickly yield to the reverential fear of God. This is observed in Exodus 20:18-20 when God manifested His immeasurable might which caused the people to tremble. Yet, God was using this manifestation of His nature to get them to have reverential fear from their hearts. In 2 Samuel 12, the Israelites had sinned in asking for a king. God sent thunder and rain which caused them to have terror (12:18). When the people repented (12:19) Samuel told them to fear not (12:20), “only fear Jehovah, and serve him in truth with all your hearts; for consider how great things he hath done for you” (12:24). Yet, the fear of terror still lingered as a deterrent from wickedness (12:25; cf. Heb. 12:28-29). 1 John 4:18 aptly applies to this transition of fear: “There is no fear in love: but perfect love casteth out fear, because fear hath punishment; and he that feareth is not made perfect in love.” When a person understands the infinite God and His nature, his terror is to quickly change to reverence.
Furthermore, the kind of fear by which a person is motivated to obey God is a clear indication of the condition of his maturity and his heart. Those who serve due to the fear of the terror of God are those who still love self. They would not be keeping God’s laws nor would they be withholding themselves from sin if it were not for the fact that God was “holding back their hands” with the threat of hell. Such are the children whose hearts’ desire is to cross the street, but grudgingly refrain for fear of a spanking. However, they who serve God willingly and desirously out of respect due to the nature of God are they who love God. They keep the commandments out of love, not terror (John 14:23). Such are the children who do not cross the street because they hold their father in high esteem and do what he says for they wish to please him. Each must ask himself, “Why do I attend worship, attend Gospel Meetings, give in the contribution, teach Bible class, visit the sick, help in evangelism, fulfill my obligation as a preacher, elder or deacon, etc.?” If one is still obeying God out of fear of His terror, then no matter how much time has elapsed since his baptism, he is still severely immature and his heart is not right.
May we live a life of obedience out of a reverential fear of God. Consider His nature, His authority, His power and His wisdom. Take in account His love, His kindness and His rewards. Serve God lovingly (Gal. 5:6) and delight in His law (Psa. 1:2).
Gary Henson