EXPOSE | Fear That Pleases
What kind of heart and faith pleases God? John Piper looks at several texts to try and understand what it means for us to fear God.
EXPLORE | Fear Motivates
John Piper describes God as being our dread. At first glance, you’re sure he has this wrong. How in the world can that be?!
“Fear of God will drive us to hope in God’s steadfast love, and not ourselves.” – John Piper
If we want to please God, Psalm 147:11 reveals what is required: “…the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him”. That “dread” as Piper puts it, drives us toward Him; He becomes our sanctuary. This “respectful fright” can be a very good thing. Let’s look as some of the benefits and even how to pursue it.
EXECUTE | Fear Him and Have Nothing To Fear
We now know where it starts, if we truly want to please God. But what does it mean to fear God–biblically?
I really like John MacArthur’s description of what that looks like:
“To fear God is to live in the reality of His holiness, His sovereignty, and His judgment of sin. It is to love God, respect Him, reverence Him, adore Him, hold Him in awe, and worship Him.” – John MacArthur (How Do We Both Love and Fear God?)
Piper points to three passages in particular that will help encourage us toward “biblical dread”:
Psalm 25:14- The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them. If we truly want to know the heart of God, here is our opportunity.
Psalm 34:7 – The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he rescues them. When I read this, I think of a military response. While in the course of serving Him, should the need arise, He is there to ‘pull us out’ as He deems necessary.
Psalm 103:11 – For as high as the heavens are above the earth, So great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him. What greater reward could we ask for but that we receive His lovingkindness. Again from MacArthur, a little insight into God’s lovingkindness:
“God is possessed by an innate good will toward sinners, an innate kindness. God is by nature merciful, tender-hearted, compassionate. God withholds judgment. God grants benevolent favors because it is His nature. It is a reason to praise Him. It is a reason to honor Him. It is a reason to worship Him.” – John MacArthur (Abusing the Goodness of God)
By fearing Him, we are in His confidence, we are safe, and we are greatly loved.
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Further reading:
Look at the Book from Piper would make for a great morning boost over a couple of days.
