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