Lessons in Greek
By Elisabeth Duckworth
Fear/Phobia (Φοβια)
Lately, I've been reading the letters from Peter to the believers in the northern reaches of the Roman empire. These people were considered on the fringes of “civilization”. They had their own culture and traditions quite distinct from the Helenistic culture of Italy, Greece and the Near East. As such, they were a bit of a laughingstock to the sophisticated Romans. The churches there were populated by many poor and uneducated “outsiders”. Accordingly, Peter's letters to these people are filled with encouraging reminders of their true value in the eyes of God. They are a chosen people; they are “travellers and pilgrims” on this Earth; they are hallowed by God; living stones; high priests; a redeemed people who can look forward to the unspeakable joy awaiting them in glory.
In the meantime, they have to cope with the reality of their harsh lives. Many of the believers were slaves, indentured servants, and oppressed women and it is to these people in particular that Peter addresses his words of encouragement and instruction. In I Peter 2:13, Peter says, “For the Lord's sake, respect all human authority” whether that be Caesar, or governors, masters, or husbands. Peter then says in verse 17, “Respect everyone, love your [Christian] sisters and brothers. Fear God; respect the [human] king.”
The point of this long introduction of mine is to highlight the distinction between how we are to behave towards Earthly authorities and how we are to behave towards God. We are to respect (upotasso υποτασσω; timao τιμαω) human authorities through obedience, honour, and submission. But we are to fear God (phobeo φοβεω). And that, at last, is the theme of today's article: Fear.
In the Bible, “fear” can mean both a reverential awe of God and a natural dread of Earthly danger or evil. The “fear of the Lord” is a positive, foundational reverence that leads to wisdom, life, and safety. The more we meditate on the nature and glory of God, the more we develop an overwhelming assurance of Him and His love for us. In contrast, a “spirit of fear” is negative, characterized by doubt, anxiety, and a lack of trust in God.
Fear of the Lord brings with it many blessings and benefits. It is the beginning of wisdom and leads to good understanding (Psalm 111:10). Only fools despise wisdom and discipline (Proverbs 1:7). Furthermore, fear of the Lord leads to life, rest, peace, and contentment (Proverbs 19:23). It is the fountain and life (Proverbs 14:27) and provides a security and a place of safety for us (Proverbs 14:26).
Thus, one can see how this positive fear of God should be encouraged. However, the second type of fear mentioned in the Bible is not beneficial at all. This is the “spirit of fear” mentioned in II Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind”. A spirit of fearfulness and timidity does not come from God. However, sometimes we are afraid, sometimes this “spirit of fear” overcomes us, and to overcome it we need to trust in and love God completely. ”There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love” (I John 4:18). The fear we are to feel towards God is a positive one. It gives us the confidence to face whatever circumstances, misfortunes, and traumas that come our way. We may “fear” our circumstances, but a proper fear redirected towards God gives us the courage and peace to face anything.
Isaiah 41:10 encourages us, “Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
In Psalm 56:11 the psalmist writes, “In God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” This is an awesome testimony to the power of trusting in God. Regardless of what happens, the psalmist will trust in God because he knows and understands the power of God. The key to overcoming fear, then, is total and complete trust in and fear of God. Trusting God is a refusal to give in to helpless human fear. It is a turning to God even in the darkest times and trusting Him to make things right. This trust comes from knowing God and knowing that He is good.
“So, you must live in reverent fear of God during your time as ‘foreigners in the land’. For you know that God paid a ransom to save you… And the ransom He paid was…the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God.” – I Peter 1:17-19
