Cultivating Reverence and Awe for God's Character Through Non-Biblical Examples
Reverence and awe for God's character are central to Christian faith, often expressed through the "fear of the Lord" [5, 7]. This fear is not terror, but a profound respect and submission that acknowledges God's supreme authority and holiness [6]. The Bible consistently calls believers to cultivate this reverence, emphasizing its role in wisdom and acceptable service to God [4, 5, 7].
While the Bible provides numerous direct commands and examples for cultivating reverence, non-biblical examples can also illustrate the qualities that inspire such awe. For instance, the concept of humility is repeatedly presented in scripture as essential for serving God and receiving His favor [2]. Christ himself exemplified humility, as seen in passages like Matthew 11:29 and Philippians 2:5-8 [2]. This biblical emphasis on humility can be understood through the lens of human experience: when individuals recognize their limitations and dependence, they are more likely to acknowledge a greater power. Proverbs 15:33 states that "a low opinion of oneself goes before honour," and this self-assessment, or humility, is fostered by a proper regard for God, which counteracts "delusions of self-sufficiency" [5, 6].
Diligence is another characteristic that, while commanded in scripture, can be observed and appreciated in non-biblical contexts, leading to a greater appreciation for the divine expectation of effort and purpose [3]. Christ's own diligence, as seen in Mark 1:35 and Luke 2:49, serves as an example for believers [3]. When individuals demonstrate diligence in their callings or responsibilities, it reflects a commitment to purpose that mirrors God's own purposeful creation and governance. Similarly, self-denial, exemplified by Christ in Matthew 4:8-10 and Philippians 2:6-8, highlights a willingness to prioritize higher callings over personal comfort [1]. Observing such dedication in others, even outside of explicitly religious contexts, can prompt reflection on the ultimate source of such strength and commitment, thereby fostering awe for the God who inspires such virtues.
The "fear of the Lord" is not merely an emotional response but a foundational principle that shapes one's entire life, leading to wisdom and guiding actions [5, 7]. It is a recognition of God's goodness and grace, which influences believers to fear Him [9]. This reverence is intrinsically linked to how believers "walk" and conduct themselves, as seen in Nehemiah 5:9, where "walking in the fear of our God" is presented as a way to avoid reproach [8].
Sources
- 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: Humility — Necessary to the service of God -- Mic 6:8. Christ an example of -- Mt 11:29; Joh 13:14,15; Php 2:5-8. A characteristic of saints -- Ps 34:2. The who have Regarded by God. -- Ps 138:6; Isa 66:2. Heard by God. -- Ps 9:12; Isa 10:17. Enjoy the presence of God. -- Isa 57:15. Delivered by God. -- Job 22:29. Lifted up by God. -- Jas 4:10. Exalted by God. -- Lu 14:11; 18:14. Are greatest in Christ's kingdom. -- Mt 18:4; 20:26-28. Receive more grace. -- Pr 3:34; Jas 4:6. Upheld by honour. -- Pr 18:12; 29:23. Is before honour -- Pr 15:33. Leads to riches, honour, ”
- 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:”
- Hebrews “Therefore, receiving a Kingdom that can’t be shaken, let us have grace, through which we serve God acceptably, with reverence and awe, -- Hebrews 12:28”
- Proverbs “Proverbs 15:33 (BBE) — The fear of the Lord is the teaching of wisdom; and a low opinion of oneself goes before honour.”
- 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.”
- 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).”
- 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.”
- Proverbs (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Proverbs 2:5: Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord,.... The grace of fear, and the exercise of it: which is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge, and is a treasure itself, Pro 1:7. By means of the Gospel the Lord works it in the hearts of his people by his Spirit; and by the same leads them into the riches of his special grace and "goodness", which they are influenced by to "fear", and the Lord for the sake of it: and particularly they are led hereby to the pardoning grace and mercy of God, which is with him, that he may "be feared"; and it is the Gospel which induces ”