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In this audio talk, Bill Smith examines the role of fear in the Christian’s life. We are told that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” But later, we are told that “perfect love casts out fear.” How do we understand the seeming contradiction between these realities? We often make two mistakes: 1.) When we hear the word ‘fear,’ we think from a ready-made definition we’ve constructed from past experience and impose it on Scripture; and 2.) We assume that all of our emotional responses are similar. What does good fear look like?
Smith covers several points related to fear in Scripture: 1.) Terror never produces godliness or holiness in people; and 2.) Fear is not a formula for prosperity. “Fear of God” passages in Scripture help us to see: 1.) God is active in his world and 2.) God longs to do good to you. Smith concludes with a discussion of the characteristics of a godly fear.
Key Scriptures: Psalm 10:18; 33:18; 40:3; 55:19; 111:10; 115:11; 118:4; 147:11; 1 John 4:18; Hebrews 12:21; Deuteronomy 6:24; 31:12-13; 1 Samuel 12:14; Job 1:9-11; Joshua 4:25; Exodus 3:6; 14:31; Isaiah 35:4; Malachi 3:16-18; Jeremiah 32:37-41; 2 Corinthians 5:9-11; Leviticus 19:14; 25:17, 36, 43
