FEAR OF GOD: GENESIS 22:11-13

(Message by Tanny Keng)

1. Fear

a) In the Old Testament of the Bible fear is translated from ten Hebrew nouns and eight verbs.  The New Testament uses four Greek words. Generally when we think of fear we might equate it to anxiety, dismay, despair, horror, and worry. Fear is that feeling in the pit of our stomach which can be little, such as “butterflies” or it could be great terror, such that prevents us from interacting with others and sometimes even keeps us shut up inside of our house. The Bible calls this kind of fear “the spirit of fear”.

b) Did you know that the Bible actually talks of two different kinds of fear? While “the spirit of fear” may be harmful to us; “the fear of God” is nothing but beneficial.  This type of fear is best explained by the word reverence. Next time you are fearful, remember that it could be a good thing! Choose the fear of the Lord. 

Psalms 111:10
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!

2. Fear Of God

Genesis 22:11-13 
But the angel of the LORD called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” He said, “Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.”  And Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him was a ram, caught in a thicket by his horns. And Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son. 


The End ...

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