Note 2 at Lk. 12:5: Second Timothy 1:7 says, "God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." First John 4:18 says, "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love." These scriptures may look like they are contradictions to Jesus' statement here; however, they are not.

There are two kinds of fear. The American Heritage Dictionary defines fear as "a feeling of alarm or disquiet caused by the expectation of danger, pain, disaster, or the like; terror; dread; apprehension." It also defines fear as "extreme reverence or awe, as toward a supreme power."

It is this reverence (Ps. 89:7) or awe (Ps. 33:8) that God's Word teaches saints are supposed to have towards God (Dt. 10:12,20; Josh. 4:24; 24:14; 1 Sam. 12:14,24; 2 Ki. 17:36; Ps. 2:11; 19:9; 22:23; 25:12; 31:19; 34:7,9; 2 Cor. 7:1; Eph. 5:21; Heb. 5:7). Hebrews 12:28 says that there is a godly fear with which we are supposed to serve God and thereby implies that there is an ungodly fear that is not acceptable in serving God.

Satan has always used this ungodly dread or terror to torment godly people (Heb. 2:14-15 with 1 Jn. 4:18). Those who have been born again should have no dread or terror of God unless they are planning to renounce their faith in Jesus as their Savior. We have a covenant that guarantees us acceptance with God (Eph. 1:6) as long as we hold fast to our profession of faith in the atoning blood of our Savior, Jesus Christ (Heb. 4:14; 10:23).

This is not the case with those who do not accept salvation through Jesus. They have every reason to be terrified. There are many examples of where the Bible uses the word "fear" or "terror" in reference to those who reject God (Gen. 35:5; Ps. 76:7; 90:11; Isa. 2:10,19,21; Jer. 5:22; 10:7; Mt. 10:28; Heb. 10:28-31).

The fear of the Lord is a qualification for leadership (Ex. 18:21; 2 Sam. 23:3). God commands us to fear him (Dt. 10:12,20; Ps. 33:8; Eccl. 12:13). The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge (Prov. 1:7) and is wisdom (Job 28:28). The fear of the Lord is to hate evil (Prov. 8:13). Seeking the Lord (Ps. 34:9-10) and honoring the Lord (Mal. 1:6) are used interchangeably with fearing the Lord. The fear of the Lord produces riches, honor, and life (Prov. 22:4). Our life can be lengthened through fearing the Lord (Dt. 6:2). The fear of the Lord is also something that can be taught (Dt. 4:10; Ps. 34:11).

In an unbeliever, the fear of the Lord is a great deterrent from sin (Ex. 20:20; Dt. 5:29; 6:2; Prov. 16:6). However, with those who receive the grace of God, it is His goodness that causes us to fear him (Josh. 24:2-14; 1 Sam. 12:24; Ps. 130:4; 147:11; Jer. 33:9; Hos. 3:5) and depart from sin (Ti. 2:11-12).