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Scripture Reading:  Deuteronomy 10:12-22

How Do I Show Reverence For God?

Intro.

1.  Deut. 10:12-22 – God has continually called upon His people to fear Him because of:

  a.  Who He is – 10:14, 17.

  b.  What He has done for His people – 10:15-16.

  c.  His strength – 10:17 (“awesome” = reverend).

  d.  His acts – 10:17-19 (impartial, just, loving, benevolent).

2.  Therefore…His people are to fear Him with service, fidelity, trust & praise for His many works & blessings! – 10:20-22

3.  In an irreverent world we are called upon to “fear God” to capture the meaning of & the purpose for our lives – Eccl. 12:13.

I.  WHAT IT MEANS TO FEAR GOD – Eccl. 12:13; 1 Pet. 2:17.

  -(phobeo: “fear, be afraid…to reverence, venerate, to treat with deference or reverential obedience”)

  -Not timidity – cf. 2 Tim. 1:7.

  A.  To Give Honor to His Name (respect for His great power & holiness) – Psa. 33:8; 89:7; 111:9.

  B.  To Serve God in Sincerity & Truth – Josh. 24:14.

    1.  In sincerity – cf. 1 Sam. 12:24 (“with all your heart”); Heb. 12:28.

    2.  In truth – cf. 1 Tim. 1:5.

  C.  The Dread (Fear) of Displeasing God – Isa. 8:12-13 (Heb. 10:31; 12:29).

    1.  Heb. 12:28:  “Godly fear” (eulabeia):  “caution, circumspection, discretion… avoidance…a reasonable shunning…dread.”

    2.  Beginning of wisdom & understanding – Psa. 111:10.

    3.  Remove sin & be humble – Prov. 3:7 (2 Chrn. 19:6-7).

II.  HOW WE EXPRESS OUR REVERENCE FOR GOD.

  A.  Toward God Himself:  Worship Him – Psa. 89:5-10 (111:7-9).

    1.  Reverence God by worshipping in spirit & truth – Jno. 4:23-24.

    2.  Dishonor God by worshipping w/ hypocrisy & traditions of men – Matt. 15:7-9.

    3.  Authorized worship from the heart shows reverence for God!

  B.  Toward God’s Word:  Submit to it – Heb. 12:9 (cf. Psa. 119:161)

    1.  Humility before God – Rom. 11:20.

    2.  Be taught by God’s word – Psa. 25:12.

    3.  Obey His voice (do not rebel against it) – 1 Sam. 12:14.

    4.  This person trusts God! – Isa. 50:10  (The essence of faith)

  C.  Toward God’s Purpose for Our Life:  Mature through Obedience – Phil. 2:12-13 (cf. Israel & false prophets – Deut. 13:1-4).

    1.  God’s plan for you is to be “perfect in Christ” (Col. 1:28).

    2.  Obedience in all things – 2 Cor. 2:9; 7:15.

    3.  Picking & choosing when we will obey is not reverence for God!

  D.  Toward God’s Judgment:  Holy Living – 1 Pet. 1:15-17.

    1.  Devout living – Heb. 12:28.

    2.  Shun evil & do what is good – 1 Ths. 5:21-22.

    3.  Our language, our clothing, our attitudes, values, our treatment of others…

III.  GOD REWARDS THOSE WHO FEAR HIM – Rev. 11:17-18.

  A.  With His Pleasure – Psa. 147:11 (accepting favor).

      -Acts 10:35 – Acceptable to Him.

  B.  With Mercy & Forgiveness – Psa. 103:11-14 (Lk. 1:50).

  C.  With Goodness & Protection – Psa. 31:19-20 (Heb. 13:6; 2 Tim. 4:17-18).

  D.  With Remembrance Before Him – Mal. 3:13-16 (Rev. 21:27).

Conclusion

1.  Acts 10:34-35 – Perceive this truth:  God accepts all who fear Him & work righteousness.

2.  Will you fulfill your purpose in life or be found wanting before Almighty God? – Eccl. 12:13-14; Heb. 12:28-29