In what ways can we practice reverent fear of God in daily life? A Word at Sinai “Do not be afraid,” Moses said to the people. “For God has come to test you, so that the fear of Him will be with you, to keep you from sinning.” (Exodus 20:20) What Reverent Fear Is—and Isn’t • Not panic or dread, but deep awe before God’s holiness • A heart posture that keeps us from sin (Exodus 20:20) • Love and obedience held in holy tension (Deuteronomy 10:12; John 14:15) Practicing Reverent Fear in Daily Life • Submit immediate decisions to God’s commands—large or small • Begin each day with Scripture, letting His word set the agenda (Psalm 112:1; Proverbs 1:7) • Guard speech: speak truthfully, refuse coarse joking, honor His name (Ephesians 4:29; Exodus 20:7) • Choose holiness over convenience: flee what entices to sin (2 Corinthians 7:1; Proverbs 8:13) • Worship with intentional awe—prepare heart before gatherings, sing mindfully (Hebrews 12:28-29) • Steward time, money, and body as belonging to Him (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) • Practice instant obedience: prompt, joyful compliance reflects fear of God more than emotion does • Confess sin quickly; keep short accounts with God (1 John 1:9) • Serve others sacrificially, recognizing you serve the Lord Christ (Colossians 3:23-24) • Cultivate gratitude; thankfulness fuels reverence and crushes entitlement (Psalm 111:10) • Remember His presence in ordinary moments—drive, work, rest under His watchful eye (Psalm 139:1-3) Scripture That Deepens Awe • Psalm 33:8 – “Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the people of the world revere Him.” • Ecclesiastes 12:13 – “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” • 1 Peter 1:17 – Live “in reverent fear during your stay as foreigners.” • Revelation 15:4 – “Who will not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name?” Guarding Against Casualness • Resist treating holy things lightly (Leviticus 10:3) • Reject entertainment that mocks righteousness • Keep the cross before your eyes—the cost of sin magnifies His holiness (Isaiah 53:5) Living Daily Under His Majesty Reverent fear is lived moment by moment: hearing His voice in Scripture, heeding His Spirit’s nudges, and honoring Him with every choice. In so doing, we echo Moses’ hope—that “the fear of Him will be with you, to keep you from sinning.” |
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