Renewing Your Mind Podcast Summary
Episode: Fearing God as Father
Host/Author: Ligonier Ministries
Release Date: February 11, 2025
Speaker: Dr. Michael Reeves
Transcript Duration: 24:40 minutes
Introduction to Filial Fear
In this insightful episode of Renewing Your Mind, Dr. Michael Reeves delves into the profound concept of fearing God as a Father, contrasting it with the traditional fear of God as a wrathful judge. The discussion emphasizes the transformation from a mere dread of punishment to a loving reverence rooted in the understanding of God's compassionate fatherhood.
Key Quote:
A: "The filial fear that the Son shares with us is quite different to the sinner's dread of God and dread of punishment. The right fear is an adoration of God that dreads sin itself, not just his punishment."
(00:00)
John Calvin's Twofold Knowledge of God
Dr. Reeves begins by exploring John Calvin's categorization of knowledge about God into two distinct levels: the Creator and the Redeemer. Calvin asserted that Christians must transcend understanding God solely as the Creator to truly know Him as the Redeemer and Father through Christ.
Key Points:
- Knowledge of God the Creator: The foundational understanding of God’s omnipotence and sovereignty.
- Knowledge of God the Redeemer: A deeper, more personal understanding of God through the redemption offered by Christ.
Key Quote:
A: "Calvin didn't think it was acceptable or possible for Christians to stop with the knowledge of God the Creator... without that knowledge, we don't really know God."
(01:12)
Martin Luther's Transformation from Fear to Love
Dr. Reeves recounts Martin Luther's early struggles with fearing God solely as a righteous judge, which led to a lack of love and a misplaced reverence. Luther's revelation through the gospel shifted his perspective, enabling him to fear God with a loving filial fear rather than a mere dread of punishment.
Key Points:
- Early Fear: Luther feared God without understanding His compassionate nature, resulting in anger and misplaced affections towards Mary and the saints.
- Gospel Revelation: Understanding God as a loving Father transformed Luther's fear into a heartfelt reverence and love.
Key Quote:
A: "Without Christ, all we see is an angry and terrible judge... But with Christ, we see a God we can actually wholeheartedly love."
(Detailed around 10:00)
The Role of Christ-Centered Gospel in Fostering Filial Fear
A central theme of the episode is the necessity of a Christ-centered gospel to cultivate a true filial fear of God. Dr. Reeves emphasizes that recognizing God's fatherhood through Christ leads to a fear that is based on love and respect rather than terror.
Key Points:
- Incomplete Gospel: Presenting God only as Creator and ruler fails to instill filial fear.
- Complete Gospel: Highlighting God as Father and Redeemer through Christ encourages a loving and adoring fear.
- Justification by Faith Alone: Ensuring that fear is rooted in Christ’s redemption rather than personal works maintains its constancy and purity.
Key Quote:
A: "Only when we're resolutely Christ centered can we tell a richer, truer gospel... Only then does the story make sense that our sin is a deeper matter than mere disobedience."
(Around 20:00)
Charles Spurgeon’s Exemplary Filial Fear
Dr. Reeves illustrates the concept of filial fear through the example of Charles Spurgeon, whose profound love and reverence for God enriched his awe of creation. Unlike young Luther, who feared God’s power with dread, Spurgeon embraced it with joyful admiration.
Key Points:
- Spurgeon's Delight: He found joy and delight in God’s actions, such as thunderstorms, viewing them as expressions of his loving Father’s presence.
- Contrast with Traditional Fear: Spurgeon's approach exemplifies how understanding God as a Father transforms fear into worshipful wonder.
Key Quote:
A: "I like to hear my heavenly Father's voice, the thunder. He could relish the transcendence and creative power of God with a trembling pleasure because he saw them as the transcendence and power not just of a righteous Creator, but of a loving father."
(23:00)
Practical Implications for Believers
The episode concludes by urging believers to maintain a balanced and Christ-centered understanding of God to nurture a true filial fear. This involves:
- Embracing Both Aspects: Recognizing God as both Creator and Redeemer to fully appreciate His holiness and love.
- Cultivating Right Knowledge: Ensuring that teachings and personal reflections include the compassionate fatherhood of God.
- Fostering Love Through Fear: Letting the fear of God motivate a desire to live in a way that honors Him, driven by love rather than fear of punishment.
Key Quote:
A: "The fear we're given is not the fear of what we might lose. It is the appreciation of God's character so that we hate sin, so that we long to be Christlike."
(Around 24:00)
Conclusion
Dr. Reeves’s message in this episode of Renewing Your Mind provides a transformative perspective on fearing God. By understanding and embracing God’s role as a loving Father through Christ, believers can develop a fear that is rooted in love, leading to a more profound and joyful relationship with God.
Closing Remark by Host Nathan W. Bingham:
"Since we are to fear the Lord, how do we grow in that fear? Well, join us tomorrow to find out here on Renewing your Mind."
(24:40)
Additional Resources:
- The episode is part of an eight-message series titled The Fear of the Lord by Dr. Michael Reeves.
- A study guide is available featuring reflection and discussion questions, review quizzes, and suggested prayers.
- To access the series on DVD and unlock lifetime digital access, donations can be made at renewingyourmind.org or by calling 800-435-4343.
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