A Reverential Fear Of God - Zac Poonen
The Foundation and the Building: 4) A Reverential Fear Of God by Zac Poonen Visit our website for more information: www.cfcindia.com
Summary
The speaker emphasizes that true Christian life requires a reverential fear of God, which is distinct from the fear of man or fear of death. Living according to one's former lusts indicates ignorance of God, whereas the believer must strive for holiness because God is holy. This reverence is presented as the foundation for freedom, contrasting with the danger of falling into a 'no covenant' state where fear of God is absent.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Conduct yourself in reverent fearBelievers are called to live their entire lifetime on earth in reverent fear, just as God who called us is holy.
Distinguishing between two types of fearJust as Jesus told us not to judge by appearance but to judge righteously, we are told not to fear man while still being commanded to fear God.
From legalism to no covenantIn breaking free from the legalism of the old covenant, many believers have entered a state of no covenant where they do not even fear God, leading to secret sin.
God is not a grandfatherGod is not a grandfather who simply ignores wrongdoing; New Testament believers are explicitly commanded to spend their time on earth in fear.
Serving God with reverence and aweBecause everything created will be shaken, we show our gratitude to God by offering acceptable service with reverence and awe.Hebrews 12:25
The danger of abusing justificationSinners cannot treat justification as a license to sin and expect the same reward as those who have lived faithfully.
Worshiping in the beauty of holinessMusic and singing are not enough; the only acceptable worship to God is offered in the beauty of holiness.Psalm 96:9
The true mark of New Covenant blessingUnlike the old covenant where material wealth marked blessing, the only mark of New Covenant blessing is becoming like Jesus Christ in purity and character.
You cannot love God and moneyJust as you cannot serve God and money, drawing closer to God inherently moves a person further away from the love of money and the world.
The right type of fearWhile perfect love casts out the tormenting fear of being hurt by God, it preserves the tender fear of hurting our loving Father.
Knowing the fear of the LordAwareness of the judgment seat of Christ instills a solemn fear of the Lord and a burning ambition to please Him.
Cleansing ourselves in the fear of GodThe New Covenant way to perfect holiness is found exclusively in working out our salvation and cleansing ourselves in the fear of God.
The true grace of God includes reverenceA grace of God that does not include a reverential fear of God is a false grace, as evidenced throughout the letter of 1 Peter.
The corrupting influence of unchecked sinTolerating sin under the guise of Christian freedom corrupts the entire church, just as a little leven leavens the whole lump.
Working out salvation with fear and tremblingBelievers are instructed to work out what God works within them not casually, but with fear and trembling.Philippians 2:12
