The Awe of God

1. Holy Fear: The Key to a Fulfilling Life

The prized virtue is none other than the fear of God.

Life's Hidden Key. The fear of God, often misunderstood, is presented as the essential virtue for a truly fulfilling life. It's not about being scared of God, but rather about a deep reverence that unlocks purpose, attracts divine presence, and ensures a noble legacy. King Solomon's journey, from wisdom and success to despair and back, underscores the importance of this virtue.

Beyond Mere Religion. This isn't just a religious concept; it's a practical principle for living well. It's the foundation for noble character, happiness, and success. It's the adjustment to all inharmonious circumstances. It's the path to a life of purpose and meaning.

God's Delight and Treasure. The fear of the Lord is not just beneficial for us; it's also God's delight and treasure. This perspective shift highlights its immense value and encourages us to embrace it as our own most prized possession.

2. Distinguishing Constructive from Destructive Fears

The real question we should be asking is, What do we fear most?

Not All Fear is Bad. The book challenges the common notion that all fear is harmful. It distinguishes between destructive fears, which lead to obsession and control, and constructive fears, which provide wisdom and protection. The key is to understand the difference and to aim our fear rightly.

Constructive vs. Destructive. Constructive fear, like the fear of falling, keeps us safe. Destructive fear, like the fear of losing money, can lead to unhealthy behaviors. The real question is not how to eliminate fear, but what we fear most.

The Fear of the Lord. The fear of the Lord is presented as the ultimate constructive fear, one that puts all other fears into perspective and enhances our lives both now and eternally. It's the beginning of wisdom and the path to a fulfilling life.

3. Holy Fear: Reverence, Awe, and More

To fear God is to love what He loves and to hate what He hates.

Beyond Reverent Worship. Holy fear is more than just reverent worship; it encompasses a profound awe, a deep respect, and a complete devotion to God. It's about hallowing His name, honoring Him above all else, and taking on His heart.

Hating Sin and Injustice. To fear God is to hate sin and injustice, to depart from evil in every sense, and to walk in authentic humility. It's about aligning our intentions, thoughts, words, and actions with His will.

Obedience and Submission. Holy fear is also about obeying God, respecting His authority, and abstaining from complaining. It's a comprehensive approach to life that shapes our entire being.

4. God's Tangible Presence: Where Reverence Manifests

We will only find God’s manifest presence in an atmosphere where He’s held with the utmost respect.

Two Types of Presence. The book distinguishes between God's omnipresence and His manifest presence. The latter is a tangible experience of His glory that occurs when He is honored and revered.

Reverence and Manifestation. God's manifest presence is not automatic; it's contingent on an atmosphere of reverence and awe. When we treat God casually, we limit His ability to reveal Himself to us.

The Power of Awe. The story of the author's experience in Brazil illustrates the power of holy fear to change atmospheres and invite God's manifest presence. It's a reminder that God is not just our Father, but also our holy and awesome King.

5. Beholding God's Glory: The Path to Transformation

When we see Him face-to-face in all His awesome holiness and blazing glory, it will seem incredible to us that we ever had a casual thought in relation to Him.

Glory Beyond Understanding. God's glory is beyond human comprehension, yet we are called to seek a deeper understanding of it. The prophet Isaiah's vision of God's throne room and the seraphim's cries of "Holy, holy, holy" highlight the magnitude of His greatness.

Responses to God's Glory. Those who behold God's glory are often overwhelmed, falling to the ground in awe and humility. This response is not one of fear that drives us away, but rather a holy fear that draws us closer.

Transformation Through Beholding. By beholding God's glory, we are transformed into His image. This is not a passive process; it requires us to turn inward, gaze at His magnificence, and allow His light to shine in our hearts.

6. Your Value: Treasured by the Creator

The price God paid for you was the life of His only begotten Son, which means He values you as much as He values Jesus.

Known and Cherished. God knows the number of hairs on our heads, and His thoughts about us outnumber every grain of sand on the planet. This illustrates our immense value to Him.

Purchased at a High Price. God's bid for us was the life of His only begotten Son. This shows that He values us as much as He values Jesus. We are not just a number; we are His most prized possession.

Loved as Jesus is Loved. God loves us as much as He loves Jesus. This is a startling truth that should transform how we view ourselves and others.

7. The Fatal Collision: Irreverence and Its Consequences

By those who come near Me I must be regarded as holy; and before all the people I must be glorified.

God's Holiness Demands Reverence. The story of Aaron's sons, who died for offering profane fire, illustrates the importance of approaching God with reverence. His holiness is not to be taken lightly.

The Greater the Glory, the Greater the Judgment. The greater God's manifest glory, the greater and swifter the judgment of irreverence. This is why the early church was gripped with great fear after Ananias and Sapphira's deaths.

Delayed Judgment is Not Denied. Delayed judgment is not denied judgment. It's a reminder that we should never permit an irreverent attitude toward God, even when His glory is not visibly manifesting.

8. The Deception of "God Isn't Watching"

God knows not only what we do but the motives and intentions behind our actions.

Diminishing God's Abilities. A lack of holy fear can lead to the dangerous belief that God doesn't notice or care about our actions. This is a self-deception that can lead to disastrous consequences.

Hiding in the Dark. Those who lack holy fear often believe they can hide their motives, words, and actions from God. This is a foolish assumption that ignores His omniscience.

Ananias and Sapphira's Folly. The story of Ananias and Sapphira illustrates the danger of believing we can hide our motives from God. Their desire for recognition led to deception and ultimately, their deaths.

9. Hypocrisy: A Contagious and Deadly Trap

The fear of the Lord keeps us in touch with our heart motives, which is critically important, for the lack thereof leaves us vulnerable to the deception of hypocrisy.

Hypocrisy's Contagion. Hypocrisy is like leaven, spreading quickly and corrupting our motives. It's a dangerous trap that can lead to self-deception and spiritual ruin.

The Fear of Man vs. the Fear of God. The fear of man leads to hypocrisy, as we seek to please others for our own benefit. The fear of God, on the other hand, keeps us in touch with our heart motives and empowers us to live in truth.

Motives Matter. It's not enough to do good works; our motives must be pure. God sees not only our actions but also the intentions behind them.

10. Eternal Decisions: Living with the Judgment Seat in Mind

What we do with the cross determines where we’ll spend eternity; however, the way we live as a believer determines how we’ll live in the forever.

This Life is a Vapor. Compared to eternity, this life is a vapor. We must live with an awareness of the eternal consequences of our choices.

The Believer's Judgment. At the judgment seat of Christ, believers will be examined regarding how they lived as followers of Jesus. Both good and bad will be examined.

Building for Eternity. We are called to be builders, using our time and talents to build God's eternal kingdom. Our actions will determine our eternal rewards and positions in His kingdom.

11. The Fear of Man vs. the Fear of God

You will serve whom you fear. If you fear God, you’ll obey God. If you fear man, you’ll ultimately obey man’s desires.

Serving Whom You Fear. We will ultimately serve whom we fear. If we fear God, we will obey Him. If we fear man, we will seek to please others, often at the expense of our integrity.

Paul's Example. The apostle Paul refused to seek popularity with people, choosing instead to be a servant of Christ. He rebuked Peter for succumbing to the fear of man.

Living in Truth. The fear of God empowers us to live in truth, even when it means facing disapproval or rejection. It frees us from the slavery of seeking man's approval.

12. The Power of Grace and the Pursuit of Holiness

The love of God protects us from the ditch of legalism. Conversely, the fear of the Lord protects us from the ditch of lawlessness.

Holiness is Not Bondage. True holiness is not bondage; it's true freedom. It's about being completely God's, set apart for His purposes.

Grace and Holy Fear. God's grace empowers us to live holy lives, but it's the fear of the Lord that keeps us from falling into lawlessness. Both are essential for a balanced Christian life.

The Narrow Path. The path to life is narrow and difficult, requiring us to deny our own desires and follow Jesus wholeheartedly. Holy fear empowers us to stay on this path.

Last updated: January 29, 2025