Embracing the Awe: The Transformative Power of Holy Fear
Summary
Ecclesiastes 12:13 reminds us of our duty to fear God and obey His commands, a message that resonates deeply with our commitment to be ambassadors for Christ. As we embark on a journey to explore the awe of God, we are reminded of the transformative power of a healthy fear of God. This journey began with an experience my wife and I had at a pastors' gathering, where we were profoundly impacted by the teachings of John Bevere on the awe of God. Although he couldn't join us, his insights have inspired us to delve into this topic over the coming weeks.
The fear of God is not about being afraid of Him but about having a deep reverence and awe for His presence and commands. This reverence leads us to a life of obedience and intimacy with God. It's about recognizing that our faith journey should not be driven by fear of punishment but by a desire to be close to God. The fear of God is a holy fear, one that draws us nearer to Him rather than pushing us away.
We explored the different types of fear: unhealthy, healthy, and holy. Unhealthy fear paralyzes us, while healthy fear keeps us safe, like a child's fear of water that leads them to learn how to swim. Holy fear, however, is about being terrified of being away from God. It's about valuing our relationship with Him above all else and recognizing that our lives are enriched by His presence.
King Solomon, in his wisdom, understood that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. Despite his wealth and success, he realized that true fulfillment comes from a life centered on God. This realization is a call for us to stop treating God casually and to embrace a life of reverence and obedience.
As we continue this series, let us strive to move from being functional Christians to being truly alive in Christ. Let us treasure the presence of God and allow His holy fear to guide us into a deeper relationship with Him.
Key Takeaways:
- The Awe of God: Embracing the awe of God transforms our lives by deepening our relationship with Him. It's not about fear of punishment but about reverence and intimacy. This awe leads us to live a life of obedience and closeness to God. [03:54]
- Types of Fear: Understanding the difference between unhealthy, healthy, and holy fear is crucial. Holy fear draws us closer to God, making us terrified of being away from Him rather than afraid of Him. This fear enriches our relationship with God. [11:28]
- Solomon's Wisdom: King Solomon's life teaches us that true wisdom and fulfillment come from fearing God and obeying His commands. Despite his success, he realized that a life centered on God is the only path to true satisfaction. [16:59]
- Reverence and Obedience: Our faith journey should be marked by reverence and obedience to God. This means valuing our relationship with Him above all else and recognizing the significance of His presence in our lives. [21:32]
- Living in Holy Fear: Holy fear is about loving what God loves and hating what He hates. It requires us to make room for God in our lives and to prioritize our relationship with Him above all else. This fear leads us to a life of stability, wisdom, and intimacy with God. [45:20]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [03:54] - Introduction to the Fear of God
- [07:21] - The Role of Kindness in Repentance
- [11:28] - Understanding Different Types of Fear
- [16:59] - Solomon's Wisdom and the Fear of God
- [21:32] - Reverence and Obedience
- [26:26] - Casual Treatment of God
- [31:07] - Functioning in Dysfunction
- [34:13] - Moses and the Fear of God
- [36:24] - Intimacy with God
- [39:09] - Generosity as Worship
- [42:45] - Receiving an Unshakeable Kingdom
- [45:20] - Holy Fear and Relationship with God
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Ecclesiastes 12:13
2. 2 Corinthians 5:20
3. Romans 2:4
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Ecclesiastes 12:13 say about our duty as believers, and how does it relate to our role as ambassadors for Christ? [03:54]
2. How does the sermon describe the difference between unhealthy, healthy, and holy fear? [11:28]
3. What was King Solomon's realization about true fulfillment, and how did it affect his understanding of wisdom? [16:59]
4. How does the sermon illustrate the concept of treating God casually, and what are the consequences of this behavior? [26:26]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the fear of God lead to a deeper relationship with Him, according to the sermon? [03:54]
2. How does the sermon suggest that holy fear can transform our lives and lead us to live in obedience and intimacy with God? [11:28]
3. What lessons can be drawn from King Solomon's life about the importance of centering our lives on God? [16:59]
4. How does the sermon challenge us to move from being functional Christians to being truly alive in Christ? [31:07]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current relationship with God. Are there areas where you might be treating Him casually? How can you begin to change this perspective? [26:26]
2. Consider the different types of fear discussed in the sermon. How can you cultivate a holy fear that draws you closer to God rather than pushing you away? [11:28]
3. King Solomon realized that true wisdom comes from fearing God. How can you apply this understanding to your daily decision-making and priorities? [16:59]
4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of reverence and obedience. What practical steps can you take to ensure that your faith journey is marked by these qualities? [21:32]
5. How can you make room for God in your life and prioritize your relationship with Him above all else? What specific changes can you implement this week? [45:20]
6. Reflect on the idea of being an ambassador for Christ. How can you use your influence in your community to encourage others to come back to God? [03:54]
7. The sermon mentions the transformative power of a healthy fear of God. What specific areas of your life could benefit from this transformation, and how can you invite God into those areas? [11:28]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Awe for Deeper Intimacy
The awe of God is not about fear of punishment but about reverence and intimacy. This awe leads us to live a life of obedience and closeness to God. When we truly embrace the awe of God, it transforms our lives by deepening our relationship with Him. It is a call to move beyond a superficial understanding of faith and to engage in a profound journey of spiritual growth. This awe is not a distant fear but a compelling force that draws us nearer to God, encouraging us to live in a way that honors His presence in our lives. [03:54]
"For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: 'I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.'" (Isaiah 57:15, ESV)
Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper sense of awe and reverence for God in your daily life, and what changes might this bring to your relationship with Him?
Day 2: Understanding Holy Fear
Understanding the difference between unhealthy, healthy, and holy fear is crucial. Holy fear draws us closer to God, making us terrified of being away from Him rather than afraid of Him. This fear enriches our relationship with God by fostering a deep respect and love for His presence. Unlike unhealthy fear, which paralyzes, or healthy fear, which protects, holy fear is about valuing our relationship with God above all else. It is a fear that compels us to seek His presence continually, recognizing that our lives are truly enriched by His nearness. [11:28]
"The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor." (Proverbs 15:33, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you differentiate between unhealthy fear and holy fear in your life, and how can you nurture a holy fear that draws you closer to God?
Day 3: Solomon's Wisdom on Fulfillment
King Solomon's life teaches us that true wisdom and fulfillment come from fearing God and obeying His commands. Despite his success, he realized that a life centered on God is the only path to true satisfaction. Solomon's wisdom is a reminder that material wealth and achievements cannot replace the fulfillment that comes from a relationship with God. His understanding of the fear of God as the beginning of wisdom calls us to prioritize our spiritual journey and to seek fulfillment in God's presence rather than in worldly pursuits. [16:59]
"Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble with it." (Proverbs 15:16, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on areas in your life where you seek fulfillment outside of God. How can you realign your priorities to find true satisfaction in Him?
Day 4: Reverence and Obedience
Our faith journey should be marked by reverence and obedience to God. This means valuing our relationship with Him above all else and recognizing the significance of His presence in our lives. Reverence is not just about respect; it is about a deep, abiding love that compels us to obey God's commands. Obedience, in turn, is a natural response to this reverence, leading us to live in a way that honors God and reflects His love to the world. It is a call to move beyond mere functionality in our faith and to embrace a vibrant, living relationship with God. [21:32]
"And Samuel said, 'Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.'" (1 Samuel 15:22, ESV)
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to demonstrate reverence and obedience to God in your daily actions and decisions?
Day 5: Living in Holy Fear
Holy fear is about loving what God loves and hating what He hates. It requires us to make room for God in our lives and to prioritize our relationship with Him above all else. This fear leads us to a life of stability, wisdom, and intimacy with God. It is a transformative force that shapes our values and actions, guiding us to live in alignment with God's will. By embracing holy fear, we open ourselves to the fullness of life that God intends for us, marked by peace, purpose, and a deep connection with Him. [45:20]
"The fear of the Lord leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm." (Proverbs 19:23, ESV)
Reflection: Consider one area of your life where you need to align more closely with God's values. How can you invite holy fear to guide your actions and decisions in this area?
Quotes
"Fear God and obey his commands for this is everyone's duty. And I think this verse is really appropriate for our church because it kind of echoes what we said our commitment was and our responsibility was in the beginning of this year, which is to be ambassadors for Christ." [00:00:09]
"And I could honestly set for another two hours because it was so convicting and so challenging, but it was all based around this, this thought of the awe of God, the awe of God and the astounding way a healthy fear of God transforms your life." [00:01:50]
"Well, because as we'll go through the scripture, there's, there's three different types of fears. There's, there's unhealthy fears. Healthy fears. And then there's holy fears. Unhealthy fear." [00:09:37]
"God's not saying that you should operate from that mentality. Matter of fact, this is a better mentality. Breakdown of 2 Timothy chapter 1 verse 7. It says this, For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but he has given us a spirit of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline, abilities that result in a calm, well -balanced mind and self -control." [00:14:14]
"Fear is natural, but he has called you to live a supernatural life, meaning he has called you to have faith in the midst of fear. He's called you to walk on the waters that other people are scared to get out of the boat in. He's called you to walk through situations that other people will drown through because his presence is not with him." [00:15:23]
"This is what Ecclesiastes 12 .13 would say, or says in an amplified version. It says, When all has been heard, the end of the matter is, fear God, worship him with awe -filled reverence, knowing that he is almighty God, and keep his commandments, for this applies to every person." [00:16:39]
"He recognized, oh, I need to spend my entire life fearing God and obeying his commands. This is everyone's duty. Now, here's what I want to make practical for us. Give us some handles for this. It's not soft working. It's not straight forward driving. You've got things to think about. It's not scared driving. It's not like above the fence." [00:20:58]
"Holy fear is not to be scared of God and withdraw from Him. It's to be terrified of being away from Him. Take a picture, write it down, send it to your ex. Doesn't matter. Holy fear is not to be scared of God and withdraw from him. It's to be terrified of being away from him." [00:21:21]
"Isaiah 33 .6 says this, and there shall be stability in your times. Who would appreciate a stable life? Just a little stability. Mentally, emotionally, relationally, financially, just stability. Stability. When I was a kid, I was like, no, I want to run from cops and, you know, play with them. Now I'm like, I want stability. Just give me stability. No surprises, Jesus." [00:37:14]
"The reverent fear and worship of the Lord is your treasure and his. Wisdom, stability, salvation, knowledge, all is tied to the reverent fear of the Lord. It's not just coming to church and filling up a seat. It's having a posture that allows. The Holy Spirit to fill the person who's in the seat." [00:38:06]
"If holy fear is God's treasure, then it should be yours. It should be ours. If God himself is saying the one thing I want for you is to treasure me the way I treasure you. That should matter to us." [00:38:32]
"Here's my heart and my desire for us as followers of Jesus. I want us to truly allow him to consume us with what consumes him. I want us to care about what he cares about. But here's the thing we have to do. We have to make room. We have to make room to allow God to be God in our lives." [00:46:22]
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