Third of four Word Studies of 1 Peter 2:17
“Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king” (1 Peter 2:17).
Unfortunately, we live in a world that pictures fear as a really bad thing when we are discussing our relationship with God. That’s an interesting idea in view of the fact that the Bible teaches repeatedly that we are to fear God.
“Fear,” as used here as well as in many other passages, refers to a reverential fear of God. It is a fear that “banishes the terror that shrinks from His presence.” And it replaces it with love, respect, and reverence for Him and with “a wholesome dread of displeasing Him.”
So, the kind of fear Peter teaches here is a positive stimulant for us as we navigate the Christian life, doing our best to maintain a healthy relationship with God as we look forward to eternal life with Him some day.