Advantages of Fearing God

11Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience.  (2 Corinthians 5:11)

Thoughts: Paul had just talked about standing before the judgment seat of Christ, and he indicates he understands what it is to fear God.  To respect the judgment seat meas that we are held accountable for what we do, what we believe, and who we are.  To fear God is not such a terrible thing.  In fact, it means that there is ultimate meaning to what we do.  It is not that whatever you do doesn't really matter.  God holds us accountable.  It also means when others hurt us, we can leave revenge in God's hands.  Because Paul know this, he tries to persuade others.  He wants them to have meaning and hope.  

Prayer: Lord, let me grow in fear and respect for you. Let this motivate me to persuade others to listen to you and follow you. 

Judgement seat- or Bema in Corinth.
Paul stood before this.
The judgement seat in the synagogue was where the Torah was read.