Review
“The Joy of Fearing God, like its author, is a timeless classic. Years ago I led a group study of this unique book, and we all found it deeply refreshing and rewarding in our walks with Christ. I have the highest regard for Jerry Bridges, and I’m delighted to see one of his greatest books available for a new generation of readers!”
—Randy Alcorn, author of HeavenandHappiness
“Reading Jerry Bridges is like eavesdropping on an angel enraptured by adoration. He understands the fear of God as an awe-filled reverence before the divine majesty. This book will expand the mind and loose the soul to soar on high.”
—R. C. Sproul
“Only the fear of God has the power to disarm any other fear that would capture our hearts and control our lives. I am thankful that Jerry Bridges has written a book that defines and practically explains what the fear of God is all about and the beautiful effects it will have on our lives.”
—Paul David Tripp, pastor, author, and conference speaker
“Jerry Bridges has deeply plumbed and warmly written about the gospel for decades. This work, The Joy of Fearing God, is no different. The fear of God he writes of in his classic work is one of intense, joyous, intimate relationship with a sovereign God who, though He demands perfect obedience, has nevertheless opened wide his arms of welcome to sinners. It is because we are conscious of both our own sinfulness and His indescribable condescension and love that we run into His presence with worship and awe. I’m thankful for Bridges and his commitment to live ‘under the gospel’ every day. You will be too.”
—Elyse Fitzpatrick, author of Good News for Weary Women
“Joy and fear are not two words that usually go together. Jerry Bridges shows why they do—indeed, must—go together when it comes to our relationship with God. Drawing from deep wells of scriptural and historical reflection, Bridges introduces us to a God who amazes us with His power and woos us with His grace.”
—Trevin Wax, managing editor of The Gospel Project, author of Clear Winter Nights and Holy Subversion
“This classic from Jerry Bridges is the epitome of a journey book—the kind of book that isn’t content to skim the surface of truth, but one that takes us by the hand and leads us into the depths of the knowledge of God. It’s not merely about fearing God. It’s about who God is, about what he’s done in the gospel, and how we should live in the light of his reality.”
—Jonathan Parnell, lead pastor, Cities Church, Minneapolis–St. Paul
From the Back Cover
What Kind of Relationship Can You Have with Someone You Fear?
For most of us, fear is something we try to avoid. And fearing God hardly sounds like an occasion for joy. But Jerry Bridges shows how the fear of the Lord is actually the key that opens the door to a life of true knowledge, wisdom, blessing, and joy.
We all want a deeper, more intimate relationship with God-one that's characterized by joy. But how does fearing God lead to joy? After all, aren't we supposed to love Him and live in intimate relationship with Him? Jerry Bridges explores this paradox as he unpacks the biblical promise that God delights in those who fear Him. Join him as he unveils the awesome greatness of God-His incredible holiness, deep wisdom, and especially His inspiring love. You'll gain a deeper understanding of who God is that will draw you into a truly biblical, and surprisingly delightful, fear of God-a fear that includes your own genuine, heartfelt delight in God.
You'll make the startling discovery that the fear of the Lord, far from being something to avoid, is the key to joyful, fulfilling, and genuine intimacy with God. It can change your relationship with God and change your life! Discover the surprising "Joy of Fearing God!
About the Author
Jerry Bridges, former vice president for corporate affairs of the Navigators, is currently a sought-after conference speaker in a national Bible-teaching ministry. He is the author of six books, including I Exalt You, O God and The Pursuit of Holiness which has sold over one million copies.
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
Glorious Truth
Joy, Wisdom, and the Fear of God
The joy of fearing God? It sounds like a contradiction in terms. One of the first times I used the expression, my listener (a Christian leader) gave a puzzled look and responded, “That’s an interesting combination of words.” I suspect he was being polite as he really thought, “How can anyone enjoy fear? And more to the point, how can you enjoy fearing God? Christianity means a relationship with God—but how can you have a relationship with someone you fear?”
The fact that a Christian leader would respond to this concept with a puzzled look tells us something about the current state of Christianity. There was a time when committed Christians were known as God-fearing people. This was a badge of honor. But somewhere along the way we lost it. Now the idea of fearing God, if thought of at all, seems like a relic from the past. That’s to our detriment. The fear of God is actually as relevant today as it was in bygone generations.
And strange as it may seem, there is joy in fearing God. The Bible says God delights in those who fear Him and holds out to them the promise of blessing. Surely then, this is a subject that deserves our attention.
But what is the fear of God?
When we mention this concept, one proverb from the Bible seems particularly to come to mind: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” I’m not sure why that one sticks in our memory, but it seems to be almost as universally recognized as “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Unfortunately, while both statements are widely recognized, few people seek to apply them in their daily lives.
So let’s begin our study by looking at this verse, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10). As we do, let’s first consider its corollary, “The fear of the L ORD is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7). Knowledge and wisdom are not the same, though they’re closely related. We might describe wisdom as the best application and use of the knowledge we have. So we need to consider the beginning of knowledge before we look at the beginning of wisdom.
