Intro.
1. We need greater fear of God! Reverence for God has declined
greatly, not only in society, but also in the church! (Psa. 89:7; 111:9; Eccl. 12:13;
Matt. 10:28).
a. Blessings accrue for those who will - Deut. 6:1-6.
b. Dread awaits those who do not - Heb. 10:30-31.
2. Exo. 3:5-6 - Holy ground - In the presence of God!
a. Sense in which we are always in the presence of God - Psa. 139:7-8.
b. Another in which we approach God’s presence - Heb. 4:16.
3. Like Moses, we stand on holy ground.....How are we responding?!
I. WE STAND ON HOLY GROUND WHEN WE WORSHIP GOD.
A. Worship Our Holy God With Fear (Reverence) - Psa. 5:7.
B. Conduct In Worship Must Reverence (Not Irreverence) - Neh. 8:1-6.
1. v. 3 - Attentive (quiet before God).
2. v. 5 - Reverence for the word of God.
3. v. 6 -Lifted hands - Empty before God.
4. v. 6 - Bowed heads - Humble before God.
5. v. 6 - Faces to the ground - Adoration of God.
C. Remember: We Worship In The Presence Of God - 1 Cor. 14:40:
1. Prayers - Humble, respectful, meaning - 1 Tim. 2:8.
2. Lord’s Supper - 1 Cor. 11:20-22.
3. Singing - Eph. 5:19-21 (speaking to give thanks, teach, praise).
4. Giving - 2 Cor. 9:7 (w/ purpose, cheerful).
5. Preaching - 1 Thess. 2:3-5.
II. WE STAND ON HOLY GROUND IN THE CHURCH - Eph. 2:21-22; 1 Cor. 3:16-17.
A. The Church Of Christ Is The Temple Of God - Eph. 2:21-22.
1. Dwelling place of God with His people
2. In God’s house (temple, the church) we are to be offering spiritual sacrifices to God - 1 Pet. 2:4-5.
B. The Temple Of God (The Church) Is Holy - 1 Cor. 3:16-17.
1. Local church is also "holy ground"!
2. Not talking about the building -- the saints & their fellowship with God - v. 17.
3. Holy in:
a. Organization - Acts 14:23.
b. Work - 1 Ths. 1:8; Acts 4:34-35; 1 Cor. 14:26.
c. Doctrine - Gal. 1:6-9.
d. Fellowship - 2 Jno. 9-11; 1 Cor. 5:1-2, 6.
4. Human innovations in worship, work, organization, doctrine &/or fellowship shows a failure to regard the holiness of God & that we are in His presence!
III. OUR BODY SHOULD BE REGARDED AS HOLY GROUND - 1 Cor. 1:2.
A. Live In The Fear Of God (Reverence) - 1 Pet. 1:13-19 (v. 17).
1. v. 14 - Obedient children - Shows respect for God.
2. v. 15-16 - Be holy in all your conduct - God is holy!
3. v. 17 - Future judgment compels holy living (2 Pet. 3:11).
4. v. 18-19 - Price of our redemption compels us.
B. Our Bodies Are To Be Holy - 1 Ths. 4:1-8 (sanctification).
1. Shun sexual immorality! - v. 3-6
a. Unholy, irreverent use of the body (1 Cor. 6:15-20).
b. Flee youthful lusts - 2 Tim. 2:22.
2. Shun things harmful to the body - 1 Cor. 6:19-20.
-Use of tobacco, alcohol, illegal drugs - These & more harm one’s health, influence & effectiveness as holy examples to others!
Conclusion
Heb. 12:28-29 - Let us "serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear" -- Because, "our God is a consuming fire"!