Reverence in the Worship of God
Base Text: Hebrews 12:28
"Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear."
INTRODUCTION
Reverence is Indispensable We cannot claim to please God if we approach Him with a casual or indifferent attitude. Worship is not a social club or a secular performance; it is a spiritual meeting with the Creator of the universe. According to John 4:24, true worship honors the holiness of God. This requires deep respect, holy fear, and profound reverence.
Acceptable Service is Orderly Our God is not a God of confusion, but of peace and order (1 Corinthians 14:40). When we are disorganized, habitually late, or distracted, we demonstrate a low appreciation for the One we claim to adore. Reverence is the outward expression of an inward recognition of God’s majesty.
A Holy Privilege Worshiping God is a sacred privilege that must be approached with seriousness and respect. Today, we will examine why our conduct in the assembly matters so much to the Lord.
I. THE VALUE OF THE CHURCH AND ITS ASSEMBLY
The gathering of the saints is not a common event; it is a divine appointment.
• A Divine Institution: Christ Himself built the church (Matthew 16:18). We entered it through obedience to the Gospel, being set free from sin (Romans 6:17–18).
• A Change of Kingdom: We have been delivered from the power of darkness and translated into the kingdom of the Son of His love (Colossians 1:13). Such a rescue demands a life of gratitude and respect.
• The Seat of Spiritual Blessings: It is in Christ (and His body, the church) that we receive every spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:3). We were chosen to be "holy and without blame" before Him (Ephesians 1:4).
• A Manifestation of Wisdom: Through the church, the "manifold wisdom of God" is made known (Ephesians 3:10).
Conclusion of this point: If we value the church, we will show it through our conduct. When we cause disorder, arrive with no intention to participate, or treat the assembly as optional, we show that we do not value what God has highly exalted.
II. SPIRITUAL ADORATION DEMANDS PARTICIPATION
True worship is not a spectator sport; it is an active engagement of the soul.
• Participation vs. Observation: To worship in "spirit and truth" (John 4:23–24) means to involve our entire being. Many come to "watch" the worship, but God calls us to be the worshipers.
• Congregational Singing: Colossians 3:16 is a command for the whole church. Singing is not just for a director or a talented few; it is a spiritual sacrifice from every believer.
• The Pattern of the Early Church: They "continued steadfastly" in doctrine, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayers (Acts 2:42). They were united in action.
• The Result: Correct, reverent worship produces strength and joy (Acts 13:52). The observer leaves empty, but the participant leaves filled with the Holy Spirit.
III. THE STANDARD OF REVERENCE
God has always demanded that His people respect the sacredness of worship.
• The Old Testament Standard: God explicitly commanded, "You shall... reverence My sanctuary: I am the Lord" (Leviticus 19:30).
• The Example of Nehemiah: In Nehemiah 8:3–6, the people stood and listened to the Word of God from dawn until noon. They responded with "Amen!" and bowed their heads. They showed a level of attention that is often missing in our modern age.
• The Danger of Irreverence: When we lose reverence for the Word, we fall into ignorance and spiritual destruction (Hosea 4:6). If we treat the truth lightly, we eventually lose the truth (Jeremiah 7:28).
• Modern Distractions: Today, reverence is often stolen by technology. Using cell phones for messages, social media, or answering calls during worship is a sign of profound disrespect toward God.
• Whole-Hearted Devotion: Jesus said the greatest commandment is to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37). If our minds are on our phones or our errands, we are not worshiping.
- What is the Responsibility of Church Leaders?
- The Consequences of Tardiness in the Life of a Christian
- Is Judging by Appearance a Sin?
CONCLUSION
Worship is the oxygen of our spiritual life. Without reverence, the "fire" of our sacrifice goes out, and our service becomes an empty ritual that God does not accept.
Let us return to a spirit of holy fear. Let us honor the kingdom we have received by serving God with the reverence He deserves. When we give Him our focus, He gives us His fullness.
