Reverence & Authority

Reverence Defined:
A feeling of profound respect often mingled with awe and affection. Reverence or respect is based on acquaintance and knowledge.

Other Words for Reverence: admiration, respect, worship, esteem, veneration, honor, stand in awe, adoration.

The key component to showing reverence towards God is obeying him; this is the foundation of our worship Genesis 22:11-13

What Is Our Basis For Reverencing God?

• He is our Creator. The creator of the universe and our Judge. Psalm 33:8-9

Let's read what the first angel of Revelation 14 says. Revelation 14:6-7. On what basis is respect (fear of and glory to) God given?

• It is a commandment Ecclesiastic 12:13-14, Ephesians 5:21
• He gave his life for us
• Jesus our example feared the Lord Isaiah 11:1-3
• Basis for answered prayer Hebrews 5:7

Does our word have anything to do with showing reverence towards God? Exodus 20:7 Yes

Does our attitude have anything to do with showing reverence towards God? Yes

Does the way we treat others have anything to do with showing reverence towards God? Yes

How To Cultivate Reverence (fear of God)

• Decide: choose the fear of the Lord Proverbs 1:29-30
• Become teachable: Hebrews 13:7, 17 let the gift to the body teach you.
• Submit: Ephesians 4:11
• Let the Spirit teach you- listen Psalm 95:7-8
• Make a study of it; search it as for hidden treasure. Proverbs 2:1-4
• Continually ask and receive by faith Hebrews 11:6

Evidences Of Reverence

• Hatred /intolerance for sin Proverbs 8:13
• Unconditional, immediate and joyful obedience Genesis 22:11-13
• Consciousness of God’s pleasing 1Corinthians 5:9-11 
• Deliverance from the fear of men: Moses before Pharaoh, Proverbs 29:25 & Exodus 1:16-18
• Worship Revelation 14:7
• It endures – purity and endurance Psalm 19:9 

In Reverence Is Happiness and Strength
Worship is a central theme in the Bible. "For thou shall worship no other god: for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God" (Exodus 34:14).

• It's very important to exhibit reverence during worship; it demonstrates your concept of the level of greatness of the one being worshiped.

• The devil hates when we revere God. He wants us to boo and be sarcastic or indifferent regarding holy things. The opposite of reverence. If we do not make a conscious effort in remembering reverence, satan is going to do everything he can to chisel away at the foundation of our worship, which is a sense of awe and respect for God and His greatness.

Reverence is not something that should make you sad. Proverbs 28:14 says, "Happy is the man who is always reverent" (NKJV). Isn't that good news?

Being reverent isn't supposed to cast a cloud on your worship experience. It's supposed to enhance the true happiness of your worship experience.

Reverence is a sign of strength. Irreverence is a sure indication of weakness.

No man will rise high who jeers at sacred things.

Real strength can be verified in reverence.

This reverent strength can be demonstrated in many ways.

To be continued.