REVERENCE FOR GOD

Intro.

1.  We live in a godless age (Past - Rom. 1:21-32; 2 Tim. 3:1-5).

2.  We have been affected - 1 Jno. 2:15-17 (2 Tim. 4:10).

3.  We have lost our reverence for God & His word.

4.  "Fear, awe, dread of displeasing Him;" a "falling down" before one who is superior (honor & homage, respect & deference).  Profound respect mingled w/awe; honor & adoration; godly fear, awe.

  a.  (aidos) - Heb. 12:28: Idea related to modesty (1 Tim. 2:9). It is "the fear of doing a shameful thing" which will "always restrain a good man from an unworthy act." (Trench) [Caution before God]

  b.  (entrepo) - Heb. 12:9: Idea of "self-valuation of inferiority" or shame, & sets forth an attitude of giving honor to, subjection.

5.  Given to God & all that attends Him. (Psa. 111:9; Lev. 26:1-2)

 

I.  WHY SHOULD WE REVERENCE GOD?

  A.  Because He Is Our Creator - Psa. 8:3-4.

    1.  He is our superior, we are His offspring - Acts 17:28-29.

    2.  That God would sacrifice for man is incredible! - Jno. 3:16

  B.  Because, Being Christians, He Is Our Spiritual Father. (sons)

    1.  Born into the kingdom of God by faith - Jno. 3:3; Gal. 3:26-27.

    2.  Heb. 12:9 - Revere Him as children should…and "live"!

  C.  Because He Is Our Lawgiver, Master & Judge - Matt. 4:10.

    1.  Heb. 10:30-31 - He is judge - Fearful thing!

    2.  So, serve Him with reverence! - 12:28-29

 

II.  WHERE SHOULD GOD BE REVERENCED?

  A.  The Presence Of God Makes Any Place Holy Ground.

    1.  Exo. 3:5-6 - God's presence made Sinai holy ground.

    2.  Lev. 26:1-2 - God's presence in sanctuary - Reverenced.

  B.  God Must Be Reverenced In His Temple - 2 Cor. 6:16-7:1.

    1.  God is to be reverenced in us & by us, His church!

    2.  1 Cor. 3:16-17 - In the local church by our doctrine, demeanor & conduct.

    3.  1 Cor. 6:19-20 - In our bodies by moral purity.

    4.  Wherever the Christian is Ù holy ground…we are in the presence of God!

    5.  This shapes our thinking, decisions, conduct! - Heb. 12:28

  C.  Example: Our Assembled Worship: Holy Ground - Psa. 89:7.

    1.  We are in the presence of God - Matt. 18:20 (Jno. 4:24).

    2.  Demeanor in worship:

      a.  cf. Funeral vs. worship service. (Respectful of the dead)

      b.  cf. At a movie (quiet, limited distractions).

    3.  How are we acting as we worship God? - Neh. 8:3, 5-6

      a.  8:3 - Listen quietly. (Avoid distractions that hinder reverence - habitually late, loud disturbances, kids to rest rooms, etc.).

      b.  8:5 - Respect & honor.

      c.  8:6 - Participate appropriately.

 

III.  HOW DO WE SHOW REVERENCE FOR GOD?

  A.  Live With A Humble Spirit - cf. Titus 2:3; Jas. 4:10.

  B.  Keep A Modest Approach To Life - Heb. 12:28 (grace); Phil. 4:8.

      -(honest/honorable - "reverend"). Using caution - Eph. 5:15-16.

  C.  Submit To God In All Things - Heb. 12:9 (Col. 3:17, 23); Psa. 111:10.

  D.  Obey His Word - Psa. 119:161; Eccl. 12:13.

 

Conclusion

1.  1 Cor. 15:34 - We should "wake up" & avoid sin! Many do not know God & do not reverence Him. We must be different!

2.  We walk on holy ground - Our lives must reflect reverence for God! Or, we will be consumed by God's wrath against sin - Heb. 12:29.

-(Adapted from article by Terry Kee, FIRST CENTURY CHRISTIAN, 1/89:4)