2. 8. Walk in Reverence Exodus 19:16-23, 20:18-20; Hebrews 12:18-29 p. 70, 1116.

3. Daily Life  Had my share of ups and downs  My changing fortunes in South Africa  Reverence: What it is and why it matters.  2 practical things that flow directly from a right attitude.

4. 1. Reverence: Love or Terror?  Worship God in “reverence and awe” (Heb 12:28)  People in Exodus “trembled with fear” (Ex 20:18)  Sheer terror: “we will die” (v 19)  Luckily, now, Jesus is our friend (John 15:15)  BUT only “... if you do what I command” (v 14)  “I chose you... to go and bear fruit” (v 16)

5. 1. Reverence: Love or Terror?...  TERROR: unhealthy dread and horror.  God does not intend this: John 3:17, Rom. 5:8, John 15:15, etc.John 3:17, Rom. 5:8, John 15:15, etc.  LOVE: Many have gone to the other extreme.  Egalitarian: deep suspicion of power & authority.  Reluctant to give real power to anyone.

6. 1. Reverence: Love or Terror?...  Hebrews – Mt. Zion, “the heavenly Jerusalem” City of the Living GodCity of the Living God thousands of angels gather in worshipthousands of angels gather in worship Church of the firstbornChurch of the firstborn Where all the spirits of the righteous are made perfectWhere all the spirits of the righteous are made perfect  Describing worship in heaven – “day & night” (Rev 4:8)  We get a “kingdom that cannot be shaken” (Heb 12:28)

7. 2. Reverence: Basis of Confidence  God is big & strong to carry us.  He cares... But also has things under control.  Jesus: the good shepherd (John 10:11 ff)  We are secure (John 10:29)

8. 2. Reverence: Basis of Confidence...  Reverence is about Tangibility.  E.g. Important events, situations, people: - weddings, graduations, parliament, the Queen.  Make them special by treating them with reverence.  Behaviour & attitude makes something big or small.  If we treat God lightly we make him less in our minds

9. A God who is not worthy of my respect can’t help me in the challenges of life.

10. 2. Reverence: Basis of Confidence...  Revelation describes worship in heaven (Rev 4 – 7)  I can trust a God worthy of this kind of reverence!

11. 3. Reverence: Motivation for Obedience  It is “to keep you from sinning” (Ex 20:20)  God worthy of such worship is truly worth following.  And think what this God of glory did (Phil 2:6-8)  Whatever he commands is definitely worth doing.  A right view of God’s glory & majesty, love & humility:  Motivates me to bring my part

12. Obedience is a privilege and a duty !

13. Living It  Face every day & situation with... “you are worthy”  Build my confidence in God:  Dress, timing, thoughtfulness.  Make prayer a priority. “pray continually” (1 Ths 5:17)  Motivation for Obedience:  A chance to partner in what God is doing around me.

14. It is for ME, not just for Him !