The fear of God/joy paradox

The positive side of fear, part 8 of 8
Pastor Vince DiPaola

“ The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts have good understanding. To Him belongs eternal praise.” (Psalm 111:10, NIV)

I. The “fear” of God: good or bad deal?

1. To fear God is to revere and respect him.

“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13–14, NIV)

2. To fear God is not to cower and avoid him

“*Come*, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.” (Psalm 34:11, NIV)

3. To fear God involves an apparent paradox

“And he will delight in the fear of the Lord.” (Isaiah 11:3a, NIV)

II. The joy of “fearing” god: how so?

Fearing God in holy restraint always leads to experiencing a joy that is wholly rewarding.

How “fearing” God leads to ultimate joy

1. A fear of disobeying God’s commands leads us to the joy of being protected from ultimate harm.

“ Moses said to the people, ‘Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.” (Exodus 20:20, NIV)

“ All who fear the Lord will hate evil. That is why I hate pride, arrogance, corruption, and perverse speech.” (Proverbs 8:13, NLT)

“ Fear of the Lord gives life, security, and protection from harm.” (Proverbs 19:23, NLT)

2. A fear of defacing god’s character leads us to the joy of being purpose-filled for real living.

“ Fear the Lord your God, serve Him only Do not follow other gods… Do what is right and good in the Lord’s sight, so that it may go well with you.” (Deuteronomy 6:13a, 4a, 18a, NIV)

“ But I, by Your great mercy, will come into Your house; in reverence will I bow down toward Your holy temple *Lead me, O Lord, in Your righteousness*…” (Psalm 5:7–8a, NIV)

“ He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him…” (Psalm 145:19a, NIV)

3. A fear of disregarding god’s compassion leads us to the joy of being at peace with God for eternity.

“ But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear Him, on those whose hope is in His unfailing love.” (Psalm 33:18, NIV)

“ Surely His salvation is near those who fear Him…” (Psalm 85:9a, NIV)

“Oh, the joys of those who trust Him!” (Psalm 34:8b, NLT)