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)