The Fear of the Lord week 2

The fear of the Lord is essential for a strong, holy walk with God. But the enemy works tirelessly to distort this truth and rob believers of its power. Understanding the enemy’s tactics helps us stay rooted in truth and walk in godly reverence.

Five Ways the Enemy Distorts the Fear of the Lord

1. He Creates Confusion Between Fear and Terror

Lie: The fear of the Lord is the same as being scared of God.

Truth: Godly fear is not terror; it’s reverence, awe, and love-filled respect.

Result of the distortion: Believers distance themselves from God out of misunderstanding.

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.” — 1 John 4:18

2. He Dismisses the Fear of the Lord Altogether

Lie: Grace means we don’t need to fear God anymore.

Truth: Grace and godly fear go hand in hand—fear guards our heart, grace empowers our walk.

Result of the distortion: Casual attitudes toward sin and compromise in holiness.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” — Proverbs 9:10

3. He Minimizes God’s Holiness

Lie: God is so loving and accepting that holiness doesn’t matter.

Truth: God is love, but He is also just and holy. His holiness demands our reverence and response. God literally hates sin!

Result of the distortion: Believers become lukewarm and lose their sense of awe and repentance. People live godlessly, believing God will ignore their sin due to grace.

“Be holy, because I am holy.” — 1 Peter 1:16

4. He Distorts the Fear of the Lord as Legalism

Lie: Living in reverence and obedience to God is just religious legalism.

Truth: Obedience is not legalism—it’s love in action, rooted in a heart that honors God.

Result of the distortion: People reject biblical standards and call it “freedom.”

“If you love me, keep my commands.” — John 14:15

5. He Replaces the Fear of the Lord with the Fear of Man

Lie: It’s more important to please people than to please God.

Truth: Fear of man is a trap. Only the fear of the Lord brings freedom, life and stability.

Result of the distortion: Compromise, silence, and approval-seeking behavior.

“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” — Proverbs 29:25

How to Restore the Right Fear of the Lord

1. Read the Word Regularly

The Bible reveals the character of God. If we want to know and fear Him rightly, we must know His Word.

We need to read our Bible if we want to advance in our relationship with the Lord.

2. Repent Quickly and Turn from Sin

Godly fear leads to quick repentance. We don’t delay—we respond to conviction with humility and obedience.

“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out.” — Acts 3:19

Conclusion:

The fear of the Lord is not a burden—it is a blessing. It leads to wisdom, purity, protection, and intimacy with God. Let’s reject the enemy’s distortions and return to a holy, humble reverence for the Lord that transforms how we live.