Reverence
Reverence in the Bible signifies a profound respect, awe, and honor given to God and His commandments. The term is closely associated with the idea of fearing God, which embodies both a sense of worship and an acknowledgment of His majesty and holiness. In Proverbs 1:7, it is stated that "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge," indicating that true wisdom starts with a reverent acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty. This reverence is not merely a feeling but is expressed in obedience and devotion, as seen in Psalm 111:10, which states that "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding."Moreover, reverence is also reflected in the attitudes and behaviors of believers towards one another and the community of faith. In Hebrews 12:28-29, it emphasizes that we are to serve God acceptably with reverence and awe, highlighting that our worship should be characterized by a deep respect for His power and holiness. This reverent attitude fosters humility and encourages a lifestyle that reflects God’s righteousness, promoting both individual and communal integrity in the faith community. Thus, biblical reverence encapsulates a holistic view of respect that not only honors God but also shapes the believer's interactions within the body of Christ and the world.
Reverence5
The Need for Reverence
By A.W. Tozer0HEB 12:28A.W. Tozer emphasizes the critical need for reverence in worship, lamenting that many in the church have lost the sense of God's presence due to the allure of secularism. He argues that this secular mindset leads to a dilution of the gospel and worship, hindering the emergence of spiritually minded individuals and movements. Tozer calls for a return to true worship, asserting that if God is to be honored, we must recognize His holiness and our need for genuine reverence. He warns that without this awareness, the church risks losing its spiritual vitality and connection to God. Ultimately, Tozer urges believers to confess their need for authentic worship and to seek a deeper relationship with the divine.
A Concern for God's Name
By Zac Poonen1.5K49:24MAT 5:32CO 2:14PHP 4:4PHP 4:6In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the challenging nature of the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5, 6, and 7. He acknowledges that these chapters do not provide explicit instructions on how to attain the qualities mentioned, such as being poor in spirit or pure in heart. The speaker highlights the importance of looking upward to God, inward to examine oneself, and outward to serve others. He also discusses the significance of thirst and the need for the Holy Spirit in one's life.
Reverencing God
By Chuck Smith1.0K25:04DEU 11:17JDG 2:12In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of obeying God's commandments in order to possess the promised land. He contrasts the land of Egypt, where the people had to work hard to irrigate their gardens, with the land they were about to enter, which was flowing with milk and honey. Pastor Chuck warns of the consequences of turning away from God and worshiping other gods, as it would result in the Lord's anger and a lack of rain and produce. He encourages the people to keep God's words in their hearts, teach them to their children, and display them on their homes, in order to ensure blessings and longevity in the land.
Fear and Awe
By David Wilkerson0PSA 119:120ISA 8:13ISA 51:12EZK 22:14HAB 3:16HEB 11:7David Wilkerson emphasizes the distinction between fleshly fear and reverential awe of God, urging believers to recognize the power of God's judgments rather than succumbing to anxiety about worldly troubles. He cites examples from the Bible, such as Noah, David, and Habakkuk, who experienced a holy fear that stemmed from their understanding of God's holiness and righteousness. Wilkerson warns against the sinful fear of losing material possessions and encourages believers to place their trust in God, who should be their ultimate source of fear and awe. He reminds us that true fear of the Lord leads to life, not death, and calls for a shift in focus from worldly fears to a deep reverence for God.
Sincere Reverence, Joyful Informality and Genuine Humility
By A.W. Tozer0PHP 2:3HEB 12:28A.W. Tozer emphasizes the need for sincere reverence, joyful informality, and genuine humility within the church community. He expresses disappointment that many come to church without a true sense of God's presence, advocating for a humble reverence that acknowledges Christ among them. Tozer also highlights the importance of joyous informality, urging congregants to embody the joy seen in revival movements, and to esteem others above themselves, fostering a spirit of service rather than ambition. He warns against the absurdity of ambition within the church, likening it to competing for leadership in a lifeboat during a crisis.