Topical Bible: Godly Fear: should Accompany the Joy of Saints

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Godly fear, often understood as a reverent awe and respect for the Almighty, is a foundational aspect of the Christian faith. It is a profound recognition of God's holiness, majesty, and authority, which should coexist with the joy experienced by believers. This duality of fear and joy is not contradictory but complementary, enriching the spiritual life of the saints.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible frequently emphasizes the importance of godly fear. In Proverbs 9:10, it is written, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." This verse underscores that a proper reverence for God is the starting point for true wisdom and understanding. Such fear is not about terror but about acknowledging God's rightful place in the universe and in our lives.

Fear and Joy in Worship

The Psalms often illustrate the balance between fear and joy. Psalm 2:11 instructs, "Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling." Here, the psalmist calls believers to serve God with a reverent fear while simultaneously rejoicing. This combination suggests that true joy in the Lord is deepened and made more profound when accompanied by a respectful fear of His greatness.

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, the concept of godly fear continues to be significant. The Apostle Paul, in Philippians 2:12, exhorts believers to "work out your salvation with fear and trembling." This passage highlights the seriousness with which Christians should approach their faith journey, recognizing the gravity of their relationship with God while also experiencing the joy of salvation.

The Example of Early Christians

The early church provides a model of this balance. Acts 9:31 describes the church as "walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers." The early Christians lived in a state of reverent fear, which did not diminish their joy but rather contributed to the growth and vitality of the church.

Fear as a Guard Against Sin

Godly fear serves as a safeguard against sin. In Hebrews 12:28-29, believers are reminded, "Therefore, since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us be filled with gratitude, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. For our God is a consuming fire." This passage warns of the seriousness of God's holiness and the need for reverence, which in turn fosters a joyful gratitude for the grace received through Christ.

Joyful Fear in the Life of Jesus

Jesus Himself exemplified the perfect balance of fear and joy. In His earthly ministry, He demonstrated a profound reverence for the Father, as seen in His prayer life and obedience, while also embodying the joy of the Spirit. Hebrews 5:7 notes, "During the days of Jesus’ earthly life, He offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the One who could save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverence."

Conclusion

The joy of the saints is not diminished by godly fear; rather, it is enhanced. This reverent fear leads to a deeper appreciation of God's grace, a more profound worship experience, and a more vigilant walk in holiness. The saints are called to live in this dynamic tension, where fear and joy coexist, each enriching the other in the life of faith.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 2:11
Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Saints' Rest is not to be Expected on Earth.
... Perhaps thou wilt say, "The godly are my afflicters; if it ... and complain of sin and
suffering, and yet fear no day more than that we expect should bring our ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter x the saints rest.htm

The Excellencies of the Saints' Rest.
... If perfect love casteth out fear, then perfect joy must cast out ... Now, "all that will
live godly in Christ Jesus shall ... to remind us of what we should else forget ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter iii the excellencies of.htm

What Use Heavenly Contemplation Makes of Consideration, the ...
... friends who would draw me to damnation, should I not ... thy soul of these immortal joys;
godly fear, lest thou shouldst abuse thy mercy; godly shame and grief ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter xiv what use heavenly.htm

One Thing is Needful;
... and that holiness Thou dost with so much godly zeal express ... By what I say, that
Christian men should drink In ... In watching, self-denial, and with fear To serve ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/one thing is needful.htm

The Misery of those Who, Besides Losing the Saints' Rest, Lose the ...
... deal of sorrow." But surely a little godly sorrow, which ... Why should we sell such
lasting incomprehensible joys for a ... he will mock when their fear cometh; when ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter vi the misery of.htm

Perseverance
... to keep up the spirits of the godly from fainting. ... be plucked up by the roots.' Fear
not falling ... If anything should hinder the saints, perseverance, it must be ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/10 perseverance.htm

Covenanting According to the Purposes of God.
... we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear."[527]. ... is given to me
of God, that I should be the ... secret of the Lord is with them that fear him; and ...
/.../the ordinance of covenanting/chapter viii covenanting according to.htm

Manner of Covenanting.
... with the afflicted character whom they had so much misrepresented, and also to
accompany it with ... It should be performed with godly fear and reverence ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter ii manner of covenanting.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... For then you have solid and godly joy; a joyful heart ... to speak of it with reverence
and godly fear, but I ... it to put Christians in mind that they should not in ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

An Exhortation to the People of God not to be Discouraged in their ...
... are exposed to, who live righteously and godly in this ... but the time was hastening
when they should have a ... go through evil report, and good report; fear not the ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/an exhortation to the people.htm