The Awe of God

Dive into 'The Awe of God' by John Bevere, a transformative exploration of holy fear that reshapes our understanding of reverence and obedience towards God. Bevere, a seasoned pastor and author, masterfully intertwines biblical teachings with personal anecdotes to illuminate the path to a deeper, more intimate relationship with the Divine. This book stands as a beacon for those seeking to navigate the complexities of faith with grace and wisdom. Reading 'The Awe of God' offers a unique opportunity to rediscover the power of holy fear, guiding readers towards a life of fulfillment, wisdom, and divine intimacy.

Key Ideas:

1. The Role of Holy Fear in Obedience and Intimacy: Holy fear is the foundation for living a life of integrity and holiness, empowering believers to resist the temptation to project false images or seek approval from others. Bevere contrasts the ditches of legalism and lawlessness, warning against both extremes. Holy fear keeps believers on the 'Highway of Holiness,' enabling them to live in obedience to God’s commands. 'You must be holy because I am holy.' (1 Peter 1:16)

2. The Danger of a Seared Conscience: Ignoring our conscience leads to self-deception and spiritual shipwreck. Bevere warns, 'Finally, we don’t feel anything at all. Our conscience has been seared. We are past feeling, blinded, and have forfeited all sense of discernment.' This underscores the importance of repentance and guarding our moral sensitivity.

3. The Generational Impact of Holy Fear: Holy fear not only transforms individual lives but also creates a ripple effect across generations. Bevere explains, 'Holy fear continues to bless us through our descendants, and this is true not only in this life, but eternally.' He contrasts the legacies of Max Jukes, whose descendants were marked by dysfunction, and Jonathan Edwards, whose lineage was filled with leaders, scholars, and influencers.

4. The Misunderstood Virtue of Holy Fear: In a world that often seeks to eliminate all forms of fear, Bevere challenges the notion that fear is inherently harmful. He distinguishes between destructive fears, which paralyze and harm, and constructive fears, which guide and protect. Holy fear, however, stands apart as a unique and life-giving force. 'The fear of God swallows up all destructive fears.'

5. The Importance of Immediate Obedience: Immediate obedience is a hallmark of holy fear. Bevere stresses that delaying obedience communicates that God’s will is secondary to personal priorities, which dishonors Him. 'When we are slow or neglect to obey God for any person or purpose, we honor that person or purpose above honoring God.' Holy fear compels us to act promptly, trusting that God’s instructions are always for our ultimate good.

6. Holy Fear as the Foundation of Wisdom and Success: John Bevere emphasizes that holy fear is not about being afraid of God but about revering Him deeply, which unlocks wisdom, happiness, and stability. This concept is illustrated through the story of King Solomon, who thrived by embracing the fear of God but fell into despair when he abandoned it. Bevere argues that holy fear is the key to a life of fulfillment, intimacy with God, and lasting success. 'The fear of the Lord is His treasure.' – Isaiah 33:6

7. The Transformative Power of Holy Fear: Holy fear transforms individuals by aligning their hearts with God’s, making them love what He loves and hate what He hates. This transformation fosters a deeper connection with God, as seen in the contrast between being 'scared of God' and being 'terrified of being away from Him.' Bevere explains, 'The person who fears God doesn’t say within themselves, ‘How close can I get to the line of sin and not fall in?’ No, he or she says, ‘I want to be so close to God, and so far away from that line, that I can’t even see it.’'

Practical Tips:

1. Cultivate Holy Fear Through Worship and Reflection: Begin your prayer or worship time by meditating on God’s greatness and holiness. This practice invites God’s presence and makes it easier to connect with Him during prayer.

2. Guard Your Conscience with Repentance and Obedience: Regularly examine your actions and listen to your conscience’s warnings. When you sense conviction, respond immediately with repentance and correction.

3. Prioritize Immediate Obedience: When you sense God prompting you to act—whether through His Word, prayer, or godly counsel—respond without delay. Avoid overanalyzing or waiting for perfect conditions.

4. Cultivate Holy Fear to Deepen Intimacy with God: Develop a reverent awe for God by prioritizing His desires over worldly distractions. Regularly examine your heart to ensure your loyalty is undivided.

5. Seek Wisdom Through Holy Fear in Daily Decisions: Approach every decision—big or small—with a mindset of reverence for God. Before acting, pray for divine wisdom and discernment.

Key Quotes:

• The fear of the Lord is His treasure.

• The fear of God swallows up all destructive fears.

• Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole of man.

• The fear of God frees us from the fear of man, and the fear of man enslaves us by removing our ability to fear God.

• For all that is secret will eventually be brought into the open, and everything that is concealed will be brought to light and made known to all.

• If you fear God, you’ll obey God. If you fear man, you’ll ultimately obey man’s desires.

• Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before His eyes.

• You must be holy because I am holy.

• The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever.

• Holiness is brought to maturity through the fear of the Lord, not the love of God.

• People can perform actions and speak words that are godly, but without holy fear they commit sin by their intentions.

• What you couldn’t do in your own ability, you can do now by My power, which is called grace.

• The fear of the Lord motivates us to will (gives us the desire), and the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ enables us to do (empowers us).

• The one who trembles at God’s Word always exalts what He says above anything else. Nothing is more important.

• When we are slow or neglect to obey God for any person or purpose, we honor that person or purpose above honoring God.

• The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to turn one away from the snares of death.

• True humility and fear of the LORD lead to riches, honor, and long life.

• A spirit of pride and a spirit of religion go hand in hand, and they strengthen each other by hiding each other.

• To the degree pride dies is the degree you will have a fresh vision of Jesus.

• Apart from me you can do nothing.