Cultivating Reverence and Awe Through Biblical Examples Study
Reverence and awe, often expressed as the "fear of the Lord," are central themes in biblical wisdom literature and are cultivated through understanding God's character and actions [10]. This fear is not a cowering terror but a profound respect and submission to God's sovereignty, leading to wisdom and humility [1, 11].
Biblical examples demonstrate various facets of reverence and awe:
Christ's Example: Jesus Christ himself exemplified many virtues that foster reverence. He showed diligence in his ministry, rising early for devotion and fulfilling his duties [2, 6]. He also demonstrated self-denial, prioritizing God's will over personal comfort and worldly desires [3]. His prudence was evident in his interactions and teachings, showcasing wisdom and foresight [4]. Furthermore, Christ displayed holy boldness, speaking truth and acting according to God's will without fear [5]. The author of Hebrews points to Jesus as the "supreme example of faithful endurance," urging believers to fix their eyes on him, who "disregarded its shame" for the joy set before him [9, 13].
Old Testament Figures: The Old Testament provides numerous instances of individuals demonstrating reverence. Abraham, for example, is noted for his early rising in obedience to God's commands [6]. Josephus, in Antiquities of the Jews, emphasizes the importance of children learning God's laws as the "first thing they are taught," and for everyone to commemorate God's benefits daily, fostering a continuous sense of awe for His deliverance [7].
The Nature of God: Reverence for God stems from acknowledging His power and governance over the world. When people fail to recognize God's control over good and evil, they effectively "rob God of his holiness" [15]. The prophet Jeremiah warns against pride, which leads to disobedience, suggesting that humility is the initial step toward obedience and reverence [16].
Practical Application: Cultivating reverence involves actively seeking God, obeying His commands, and diligently pursuing Christian graces [2]. It also means guarding against defilement and striving for perfection [2]. Nehemiah's exhortation to "walk in the fear of our God" highlights the practical outworking of reverence in daily life, which also helps avoid mockery from others [14]. Conversely, those who despise God's word face severe consequences, as their false confidence is difficult to eradicate [12]. Josephus also notes that those who gain power often lose their piety, acting as if they are "actors upon a theater," disregarding divine laws [8].
Sources
- Proverbs “The fear of Yahweh teaches wisdom. Before honor is humility. -- Proverbs 15:33”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Diligence — Christ, an example -- Mr 1:35; Lu 2:49. Required by God in Seeking him. -- 1Ch 22:19; Heb 11:6. Obeying him. -- De 6:17; 11:13. Hearkening to him. -- Isa 55:2. Striving after perfection. -- Php 3:13,14. Cultivating Christian graces. -- 2Pe 1:5. Keeping the souls. -- De 4:9. Keeping the heart. -- Pr 4:23. Labours of love. -- Heb 6:10-12. Following every good work. -- 1Ti 5:10. Guarding against defilement. -- Heb 12:15. Seeking to be found spotless. -- 2Pe 3:14. Making our call, &c, sure. -- 2Pe 1:10. Self-examination. -- Ps 77:6. Lawful business. -- Pr 27:”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Self-Denial — Christ set an example of -- Mt 4:8-10; 8:20; Joh 6:38; Ro 15:3; Php 2:6-8. A test of devotedness to Christ -- Mt 10:37,38; Lu 9:23,24. Necessary In following Christ. -- Lu 14:27-33. In the warfare of saints. -- 2Ti 2:4. To the triumph of saints. -- 1Co 9:25-27. Ministers especially called to exercise -- 2Co 6:4,5. Should be exercised in Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts. -- Ro 6:12; Tit 2:12. Controlling the appetite. -- Pr 23:2. Abstaining from fleshly lusts. -- 1Pe 2:11. No longer living to lusts of men. -- 1Pe 4:2. Mortifying sinful lusts. -- Mr ”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Prudence — Exhibited in the manifestation of God's grace -- Eph 1:8. Exemplified by Christ -- Isa 52:13; Mt 21:24-27; 22:15-21. Intimately connected with wisdom -- Pr 8:12. The wise celebrated for -- Pr 16:21. They who have Get knowledge. -- Pr 18:15. Deal with knowledge. -- Pr 13:16. Look well to their goings. -- Pr 14:15. Understand the ways of God. -- Ho 14:9. Understand their own ways. -- Pr 14:8. Crowned with knowledge. -- Pr 14:18. Not ostentatious of knowledge. -- Pr 12:23. Foresee and avoid evil. -- Pr 22:3. Are preserved by it. -- Pr 2:11. Suppress angry fee”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Boldness, Holy — Christ set an example of -- Joh 7:26. Is through faith in Christ -- Eph 3:12; Heb 10:19. A characteristic of saints -- Pr 28:1. Produced by Trust in God. -- Isa 50:7. The fear of God. -- Ac 4:19; 5:29. Faithfulness to God. -- 1Ti 3:13. Express your trust in God with -- Heb 13:6. Have, in prayer -- Eph 3:12; Heb 4:16. Saints shall have, in judgment -- 1Jo 4:17. Exhortations to -- Jos 1:7; 2Ch 19:11; Jer 1:8; Eze 3:9. Pray for -- Ac 4:29; Eph 6:19,20. Ministers should exhibit, in Faithfulness to their people. -- 2Co 7:4; 10:1. Preaching. -- Ac 4:31; Ph”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Early Rising — Christ set an example of -- Mr 1:35; Lu 21:38; Joh 8:2. Requisite for Devotion. -- Ps 5:3; 59:16; 63:1; 88:13; Isa 26:9. Executing God's commands. -- Ge 22:3. Discharge of daily duties. -- Pr 31:15. Neglect of, leads to poverty -- Pr 6:9-11. Practised by the wicked, for Deceit. -- Pr 27:14. Executing plans of evil. -- Mic 2:1. Illustrates spiritual diligence -- Ro 13:11,12. Exemplified Abraham. -- Ge 19:27. Isaac, &c. -- Ge 26:31. Jacob. -- Ge 28:18. Joshua &c. -- Jos 3:1. Gideon. -- Jdj 6:38. Samuel. -- 1Sa 15:12. David. -- 1Sa 17:20. Mary, &c. -- Mr ”
- Project Gutenberg “Flavius Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews, CHAPTER 8, section 7: so there may always be within their minds that intention of the laws which they have despised and broken, and have thereby been the causes of their own mischief. Let the children also learn the laws, as the first thing they are taught, which will be the best thing they can be taught, and will be the cause of their future felicity. 13. Let every one commemorate before God the benefits which he bestowed upon them at their deliverance out of the land of Egypt, and this twice every day, both when the day begins and when the hour of s”
- Project Gutenberg “Flavius Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews, CHAPTER 12, section 5: the actions of their lives, and that he does not only see the actions that are done, but clearly knows those their thoughts also, whence those actions do arise. But when once they are advanced into power and authority, then they put off all such notions, and, as if they were no other than actors upon a theater, they lay aside their disguised parts and manners, and take up boldness, insolence, and a contempt of both human and Divine laws, and this at a time when they especially stand in need of piety and righteousness, because th”
- Hebrews (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Hebrews 12:2: 12:2 Jesus is the supreme example of faithful endurance (3:1). Our endurance in the Christian life will depend on our keeping our eyes on Jesus—staying focused on him and his work on our behalf. • Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith: Jesus has accomplished everything necessary for faith under the new covenant to be a reality. • disregarding its shame: Crucifixion was the most shameful form of execution, meant to humiliate and torture the person crucified. It was used only for slaves and criminals who were not Roman citizens. Christ treated th”
- Ecclesiastes (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ecclesiastes 5:7: 5:7 Fear God: Reverence for God is the foundation for worthwhile words and useful activities (see 12:1; Prov 1:7).”
- Proverbs (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Proverbs 15:33: 15:33 Fear of the Lord fosters humility because proper regard for God counteracts our delusions of self-sufficiency.”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Isaiah, Vol. 2, section 18.25: embrace with reverence the word of God, when we learn that punishments so severe are prepared for those who despise it; for the Prophet threatens that they shall be utterly destroyed and ruined, and takes away all hope of their being restored. Nor is the threatening groundless; for we see how they that despise God, when they have been twice and three times cast down, still do not cease to raise their crests; for nothing is more difficult than to root out the false confidence from their hearts. 294 294 {Bogus footnote} 15. For thus saith the ”
- Hebrews (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Hebrews 12:1: 12:1-17 The author challenges his hearers to endure in following Jesus, the supreme example of faithfulness, by imitating him in his suffering (12:1-4), by enduring under God’s discipline (12:5-13), and by living in peace with others (12:14-17). 12:1 huge crowd of witnesses: The host of faithful followers of God (ch 11) bear witness to the truth that God blesses the life of faith. • let us strip off every weight: In Greco-Roman literature, a race is a metaphor for the need for endurance in life. Just as extra weight hinders a runner, sin . . . trips us up. It ent”
- Nehemiah (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Nehemiah 5:9: 5:9 walk in the fear of our God: See Lev 25:35-43. • avoid being mocked: See also Neh 1:3; 2:19; 4:1-3.”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Isaiah, Vol. 1, section 14.21: immoderate alarm is, that wretched men do not raise their eyes and minds to heaven. The Prophet now, therefore, proposes a suitable remedy for allaying terrors, that they who dread the evils which threaten them may learn to give to God the honor due to him. To sanctify the God of armies means to exalt his power highly; so as to remember that he holds the government of the world, and that the beginning and the end of good and evil actions are at his disposal. Hence it follows that, in some respects, God is robbed of his holiness, when we do n”
- Jeremiah (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Jeremiah 13:15: be not proud--Pride was the cause of their contumacy, as humility is the first step to obedience (Jer 13:17; Psa 10:4).”