Complete Awe of God Book Review and Summary by John Bevere

Are you looking for a book that teaches you about the holy fear of God? If yes, then the Awe of God might be the right book for you. You probably have heard about how we must not fear. We have often heard teachers and preachers talking about how we should live a life free of free. However, in this book, you’ll see a different type of fear that will surprisingly bring you closer to God.

So, if you’re thinking of reading the book, Awe of God and still not sure whether it’s the right one for you or not, then you need to read this post. In this post, you’ll read book reviews, summaries, and lessons from the book that will help you learn about the fear of God!

Table of Contents

What is the Awe of God book?

Are you yearning for a close connection with your Creator, yet find Him distant? It might be because you’re missing something crucial—the fear of the Lord. Don’t be alarmed by this. Fearing God is vastly different from being scared of Him. It’s the essential key to everything.

Holy fear is a concept rarely discussed today, but if you desire a faith that remains steadfast in challenging times, this book is indispensable.

In The Awe of God, John Bevere encourages you to rediscover the profound meaning of working out your salvation with fear and trembling. This healthy, sacred, and often overlooked virtue is the path to a richer and more productive spiritual life. Through this book, you will understand why godly fear is the cornerstone of:

Wisdom, understanding, and knowledge
Foresight, clarity, and divine guidance
Maturity and transformation into the likeness of Jesus Christ
Establishing an eternal legacy
Confidence, courage, and security
Liberation from the fear of man as all lesser fears fade away

Scripture’s heroes who lived and finished well share a common trait: they are distinguished by holy fear.

Designed for slow and thoughtful reading, The Awe of God features a devotional format with each of its 42 chapters ending in five practical tools to deepen your comprehension and apply the Spirit’s teachings. With its powerful and inspiring message, this book promises to reignite your relationship with God, whether you are new to the faith or have been on this journey for years.

Who is the author of the Awe of God book?

John Bevere is a renowned international minister and best-selling author, celebrated for his bold and unwavering dedication to God’s Word. Together with his wife, Lisa, he founded Messenger International—a ministry devoted to nurturing steadfast followers of Christ who can change the world. John’s passion for empowering the local church has resulted in over 40 million translated resources being distributed to pastors and leaders in developing countries.

When John is back home in Colorado, he enjoys playing card games with his family and often tries to persuade Lisa to join him on the golf course. His warmth and commitment to faith and family make his teachings all the more impactful and relatable.

Awe of God Book Reviews

Personally, I learned a lot from this book about fear of God. it gave me a deeper understanding of what it truly means to fear God. What’s more, the book is written in a systematic and organized manner. Thus, you can read this book one chapter at a time. It gives you enough time to digest what you learned and go through the day thinking about the lessons you learned.

At the end of each lesson, you have the Making It Personal section. In this section, John summarizes the whole lesson, gives you questions to ponder upon, and the prayer you can utter.

What other readers say

On Amazon, Awe of God received 4.9 out of 5 star ratings from more than 2,390 readers. On the other hand, it received 4.5 out of 5 star ratings on Goodreads from more than 1,130 readers. So, we can safely say that a lot of people loved this book.

“The Awe of God” by John Bevere has garnered a mix of positive and negative reviews from readers.

Positive Reviews

Many readers appreciate the book’s focus on cultivating a healthy fear of God, which Bevere argues is essential for a deeper and more fruitful spiritual life. The practical tools provided at the end of each chapter are highlighted as particularly useful, helping readers apply the book’s teachings in their daily lives. Reviewers have praised Bevere’s bold and passionate writing style, noting that his straightforward approach makes complex theological concepts more accessible. The structure of the book, designed for intentional and slow reading, has also been well-received, with readers finding it conducive to reflection and spiritual growth.

Negative Reviews

Some readers have critiqued the book for its repetitive nature, feeling that the same points are reiterated throughout without much new insight. A few reviewers have also found Bevere’s tone to be overly dogmatic, which can be off-putting for those who prefer a more nuanced discussion on spiritual topics. Additionally, while the practical tools are appreciated by many, some readers felt they were too simplistic or not as impactful as expected (Mental Branch) (Christianbook).

Overall, “The Awe of God” is praised for its earnest exploration of holy fear and its practical guidance, but it may not resonate with everyone due to its repetitive content and direct tone. For those looking to deepen their faith with actionable steps and a strong biblical foundation, this book offers valuable insights, but it may require patience for those who prefer more varied content.

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Awe of God Book Summary

The Awe of God book is designed for you to go through in six weeks. Thus, it has six parts with each part having seven lessons. This means that you’ll get through this book in 42 days if you’re going to follow it’s format. Of course, you can definitely read through the book at your own pace.

So, let’s go through each of the parts one by one:

WEEK 1: AN AWESOME GOD

1. God’s Treasure

The chapter highlights the virtue of the fear of God as the key to a fulfilling life, as seen through the life of King Solomon. Initially, Solomon embraced this virtue and achieved unparalleled success, wisdom, and prosperity. However, he eventually strayed from this path, leading to despair and cynicism. Through his journey, the importance of godly fear became evident, leading to his eventual recovery and acknowledgment of its significance.

Solomon’s story serves as a lesson in responding to failure and understanding the value of wisdom. Just as Solomon’s understanding evolved over time, the apostle Paul emphasized the need to treasure godly fear to avoid becoming unfit or rejected in one’s spiritual journey.

Despite the common perception of fear as negative, the fear of the Lord is portrayed as a beneficial and prized virtue in Scripture. Embracing it empowers individuals to stay on the path of life, leading to intimacy with God and transformative experiences, ultimately resembling Jesus Christ.

In summary, the text underscores the importance of the fear of God as the foundational virtue for a fulfilling life, drawing from the experiences of King Solomon and the teachings of Scripture.

2. Contrasting Fears

This passage contrasts two types of fear: the fear of the Lord and the spirit of fear. The author recounts an experience where his teaching on the fear of the Lord was challenged by a pastor who misunderstood it as a spirit of fear. The author clarifies that holy fear, as described in the New Testament, is distinct from being scared of God; rather, it is about drawing closer to Him.

The narrative draws upon biblical examples, such as Moses’ encounter with God at Mount Sinai, to illustrate the difference between being scared of God and having the fear of the Lord. Scared individuals tend to withdraw from God, while those who fear God draw closer to Him, desiring intimacy and closeness.

The passage emphasizes that holy fear does not hinder intimacy with God but enhances it, as God desires closeness and interaction with His people. Holy fear, therefore, is about reverent awe and drawing nearer to God rather than withdrawing in fear.

3. What Is Holy Fear?

Holy fear is a multifaceted concept that cannot be fully encapsulated in a single definition. Similar to the vastness of God’s love, holy fear requires extensive exploration to grasp its depth. While reverent worship is a component, it alone does not encompass holy fear.

The distinction between reverent worship and holy fear is crucial, as demonstrated by the example of a seemingly loving individual who later proved to be deceitful. Holy fear involves reverence, awe, and complete adoration of God, encompassing a deep respect and honoring of His commandments.

Key aspects of holy fear include hallowing God, aligning one’s heart with His, hating sin and injustice, and walking in authentic humility and obedience. It entails giving God the praise, worship, and obedience He deserves while abstaining from complaining or murmuring.

The benefits of holy fear are extensive and include fostering an intimate relationship with God, obtaining wisdom and understanding, maturing in salvation, and experiencing true holiness. It provides confidence, security, and fulfillment, while also offering tangible rewards such as longevity, success, happiness, and healing.

Ultimately, holy fear is not only a foundational aspect of faith but also a treasured gift from God that endures forever.

4. God’s Tangible Presence

The fear of God, often misunderstood, is a powerful force that brings confidence, comfort, and protection. It encompasses trembling at the presence of God and trembling at His Word. The absence of reverence and engagement can lead to a lack of God’s manifest presence, as experienced in a conference where attendees were distracted during worship and Scripture reading.

Confronting this lack of reverence, the speaker challenged the audience, highlighting the importance of honoring God. As a result, many repented and experienced the manifest presence of God, which drew them closer rather than driving them away. This illustrates the transformative power of holy fear and its ability to bring people into intimate communion with God.

5. An Unforgettable Evening

The story recounts a powerful encounter with the manifest presence of God during a conference in Brazil. After a call to repentance, the majority of attendees stood up, leading to a profound experience of God’s presence. This presence was confirmed by the sound of a powerful wind, witnessed by many inside and outside the arena, accompanied by fervent prayers and a sense of awe.

Witnesses later confirmed the impact of this event on their lives, emphasizing the transformative power of entering into God’s presence with reverence. The experience highlights the importance of reverencing God to invite His manifest presence, as seen in both biblical accounts and personal testimonies.

6. Beholding Him

The passage underscores the incomprehensible greatness and glory of God, exemplified in Isaiah’s vision of the Lord’s throne. This encounter evoked a profound response from Isaiah and other biblical figures, leading to a heightened sense of holy fear and self-awareness. The text emphasizes the importance of beholding God’s glory, which surpasses worldly distractions and transforms believers into His likeness. It warns against the allure of human achievements and urges a deliberate focus on seeking and beholding the magnificence of God.

7. The Glory of God

The text delves into the concept of the glory of God, emphasizing its incomprehensible nature and its significance in evoking holy fear. It describes God’s glory as a consuming and unapproachable light, surpassing even the brightness of the sun. The glory of the Lord is depicted as His goodness and splendor, encompassing all His attributes and characteristics. While some biblical figures encountered glimpses of God’s glory, it was often veiled, as mortal flesh cannot withstand its fullness. The text concludes with the profound love of God, who, despite His incomprehensible glory, chose to offer redemption to humanity through Jesus Christ.

WEEK 2: REVEALED AS WE ARE

8. Your Value

The chapter highlights the immense value God places on each individual, emphasizing that His love for humanity surpasses comprehension. Jesus’ words urge a balance between holy fear of God and the assurance of His profound care for His creation. This value is underscored by God’s willingness to sacrifice His Son for humanity’s redemption, demonstrating the incomparable worth He assigns to each person. Ultimately, understanding one’s worth in God’s eyes lays the foundation for comprehending the importance of holy fear in nurturing a deep relationship with Him.

9. Fatal Collision

The chapter delves into the consequences of irreverence in the presence of God, drawing examples from both the Old and New Testaments. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining a posture of holy fear in approaching God, highlighting instances where individuals faced swift judgment for their irreverent behavior. The text underscores the principle that the magnitude of God’s manifest glory correlates with the severity and immediacy of judgment, cautioning against complacency in times when His presence may not be visibly evident. Ultimately, it warns against adopting a casual or irreverent attitude toward God, emphasizing the enduring significance of maintaining reverence regardless of the circumstances.

10. God Isn’t Watching

The chapter explores the dangerous belief that God doesn’t notice or care about our actions, thoughts, or motives, which stems from a lack of holy fear. It highlights how individuals may deceive themselves into thinking that God is unaware or incapable of seeing their deeds, leading to a mindset of irreverence and self-deception. Drawing from biblical examples like Ananias and Sapphira, the text emphasizes the grave consequences of harboring such beliefs, underscoring the importance of maintaining reverence for God’s omniscience and omnipotence. Ultimately, it warns against the folly of assuming that we can hide our intentions or actions from the all-seeing gaze of God.

11. Fear and Trembling

The chapter delves into the concept of holy fear, emphasizing its significance in the life of believers. It discusses the intense fear that permeated the church following the judgment of Ananias and Sapphira, highlighting the gravity of the situation through the Greek words used to describe the fear experienced by the church. The text underscores the importance of holy fear in the Christian faith, suggesting that its absence in teachings and understanding may contribute to the lukewarmness and falling away from the faith in modern times. Additionally, it examines the foundational importance of understanding eternal judgment for believers, likening it to elementary principles that are crucial for spiritual growth. Finally, it connects the fear of the Lord with the believer’s judgment, prompting reflection on the seriousness of accountability before God.

12. Contagious Hypocrisy

The chapter explores the story of Ananias and Sapphira, emphasizing that their sin was not in giving an offering but in their deceptive motives. It underscores the importance of examining our intentions and motivations, suggesting that at the judgment seat of Christ, not only our words and actions but also our thoughts and motives will be scrutinized. Jesus’s warning about the leaven of hypocrisy highlights the contagious nature of insincere motives and the necessity of holy fear. Through personal reflection and biblical examples, it illustrates how the fear of man can lead to hypocrisy, concealing selfish motivations behind seemingly godly actions. Ultimately, it emphasizes that no motive can be hidden from God and that cultivating holy fear is essential to maintaining integrity and avoiding the trap of hypocrisy.

13. Three Images

The chapter delves into the concept of three images that every person holds: the perceived image (how others see us), the projected image (how we want others to see us), and the actual image (who we truly are, visible to God). It draws parallels with Jesus’s life, emphasizing His genuine identity despite misconceptions. The narrative warns against the dangers of prioritizing projected images over actual character, highlighting the slippery slope of hypocrisy. Through the story of Ananias and Sapphira, it illustrates how the pursuit of maintaining a projected image can lead to spiritual downfall. The narrative underscores the importance of living authentically and cultivating genuine motives, as these will ultimately be revealed and examined at the judgment seat of Christ. It concludes with the hope of repentance and transformation through embracing holy fear and seeking purity of heart.

14. Eternal Decisions

The chapter emphasizes the eternal significance of our decisions in light of the brevity of earthly life compared to eternity. It dispels common misconceptions about heaven and underscores the importance of living authentically and with purpose. Using biblical references, it highlights the believer’s judgment seat where actions and motives are evaluated, emphasizing the eternal consequences of our earthly conduct. The narrative stresses the need to align our lives with God’s kingdom purposes, warning against the pursuit of temporary gains at the expense of eternal rewards. It concludes with a sobering reminder of the potential loss believers may face if their earthly endeavors fail to align with God’s will, urging readers to live with holy fear and dedicate their time to obedient service.

WEEK 3: IRRESISTIBLE HOLINESS

15. The Fear of Man

The chapter emphasizes the importance of true holiness, defined as being completely dedicated to God. Here are the key lessons:
True Holiness and Freedom: Holiness involves separation unto God and is characterized by true freedom, not bondage.
Judgment and Integrity: Believers will face judgment where their true selves, not their projected images, will be revealed.
Fear of Man vs. Fear of God: The fear of man leads to compromising behavior, while the fear of God promotes obedience and integrity.
Living in Truth: Seeking God’s approval over human approval ensures we live authentically and avoid hypocrisy.
Peter’s Example: Even devout believers like Peter can fall into the trap of seeking human approval, demonstrating the need for vigilance and integrity.
God’s Word as a Guide: God’s Word discerns true intentions and keeps us aligned with holiness, preventing self-deception.
Pursuit of Wisdom: Valuing and adhering to God’s Word leads to understanding and practicing the fear of the Lord, securing our path to holiness.

16. Entitlement

Rejection of Old Desires: Believers must not revert to old ways of living driven by selfish desires but must live in reverent fear of God.
God’s Impartial Judgment: God judges all actions without favoritism; therefore, a sense of entitlement based on past good deeds is misplaced.
Confronting Hypocrisy: Peter’s and other leaders’ past mistakes serve as reminders to maintain integrity and avoid the fear of man.
Learning from Biblical Figures: The failures of leaders like King Saul and King David illustrate the dangers of prioritizing human approval over divine commands.
Holiness as a Command: Holiness is not optional but a necessary command from God, emphasizing a lifestyle that reflects His nature.
Misconceptions of Grace: True grace does not permit lawlessness; it requires living a holy life that is distinct from the world.
Avoiding Extremes: The church must avoid the ditches of legalism and lawlessness, finding balance in true, liberating holiness.
Path After Salvation: The narrow and difficult path Jesus describes is the life of holiness that follows accepting Him, requiring continuous dedication and obedience.

17. Depart from Evil

Fear of the Lord as Protection: The fear of the Lord is essential for departing from evil and staying connected to Jesus.
Consequences of Lacking Fear: Loving Jesus without fearing God can lead to moral failures and spiritual downfall, as illustrated by the story of the fallen evangelist.
True Repentance and Transformation: Genuine transformation and repentance come from recognizing and fearing God, not just from professing love for Jesus.
Holistic Relationship with God: Knowing God intimately starts with the fear of the Lord, preventing a superficial or misguided relationship with Him.
Avoiding Apostasy: A lack of holy fear contributes to the widespread departure from faith, highlighting the need for a balanced understanding of God’s love and fear.
Practical Implications: Real-life examples of individuals justifying sinful behavior while claiming to follow Jesus underscore the dangers of lacking holy fear.
Scriptural Guidance: The Bible emphasizes working out salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12), which is crucial for maintaining a righteous and obedient life.

18. Longevity

Importance of Holy Fear: The fear of the Lord is essential for longevity in ministry and effectiveness as ambassadors of Christ. Without it, even passionate and dedicated servants can falter.
Examples of Consequences: Two contrasting examples highlight this truth—a pastor who dismissed the fear of God and fell out of ministry, and a former televangelist who, after embracing holy fear, restored his service to God.
Scriptural Insight: The longevity of effectiveness in ministry is tied to holy fear, as seen in Psalm 19:9 (“The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever”).
Historical and Biblical Examples: Lucifer, one-third of the angels, and Adam and Eve failed to endure due to a lack of fear of God. This principle applies to all who aim to remain in God’s presence eternally.
Modern-Day Relevance: Many current ministry failures stem from a lack of holy fear, leading to corruption and loss of integrity.
Holy Fear as Treasure: Embracing holy fear is crucial for avoiding moral and spiritual pitfalls and for ensuring long-lasting, impactful ministry.

19. Cleanse Ourselves

Holy Fear and Holiness: Holiness matures through the fear of the Lord, not merely through the love of God. This fear leads to cleansing oneself from impurities and strengthens one’s relationship with Jesus.
Justification vs. Sanctification: Justification is the complete, once-and-for-all forgiveness and cleansing from sin through Jesus’ sacrifice. Sanctification, however, is the ongoing process of becoming more holy in behavior, aligning one’s actions with their holy position in Christ.
Behavioral Holiness: Positional holiness is a gift received through Christ, but behavioral holiness involves active effort to live according to God’s standards. This includes cleansing oneself from all filthiness of flesh and spirit.
Scriptural Support: The New Testament emphasizes the need for believers to live in holiness and purity, such as avoiding sexual immorality and controlling one’s body in a way that honors God.
Misunderstanding Grace: Many people misunderstand grace, thinking they can continue living in sin without consequences. True grace empowers believers to live in holiness, not to justify ongoing sin.
The Irresistible Nature of True Holiness: Holiness is not dull or burdensome. When understood and pursued correctly, it is irresistible and brings a profound sense of cleanliness and purity.

20. Our Pursuit

Holiness is not merely an end but a means to the most important pursuit: seeing the Lord. The Greek word for “pursue,” diṓkō, emphasizes intense effort and purpose, indicating the necessity of passionately chasing after behavioral holiness. This is akin to how one should strive to exhibit the behaviors of a role they already possess, such as a wife acting in a way that honors her marriage.

Ignoring the pursuit of holiness results in not seeing the Lord, which affects both our current relationship with Him and our eternal state. Many believers have a relationship with Jesus akin to knowing a distant leader; they follow His rulership but do not experience His intimate presence. True intimacy with God requires behavioral holiness, which involves more than outward actions—it demands pure motives and thoughts.

Jesus stressed that purity must stem from the heart, contrasting authentic holiness with the Pharisees’ superficial righteousness. Inner transformation leads to outward behavior that truly reflects God’s nature. Therefore, the pursuit of holiness is cyclical: inner purity begets God’s presence, which further transforms us.

James warns against aligning with worldly desires, equating it to spiritual adultery. Genuine holiness involves wholehearted dedication to God, driven by the fear of the Lord. This results in a deep, intimate relationship with Him, much like a faithful marriage, where the ultimate goal is not just purity but complete consecration to God.

21. Desire and Power

God’s Desire for Us: God longs for us more than we long for Him, and He is for us, alleviating any tension we might feel about our struggles with obedience and holiness.
Divine Help Needed: The law of Moses highlighted our inability to keep God’s commands without divine help. God’s grace not only frees us from the law’s requirements but also empowers us to live free from sin, giving us a new nature (Romans 6:6-7).
Grace’s Empowerment: Grace is often misunderstood as merely forgiveness and salvation, but it is also the divine empowerment to live a holy life. Paul emphasizes not receiving God’s grace in vain, implying that we must utilize its full potential for living a godly life (2 Corinthians 6:1-2, 2 Peter 1:2-3).
Faith and Knowledge: Christianity is a life of faith, and we must believe in grace’s empowerment to receive its benefits. Many Christians fail to live holy lives because they do not fully believe in or utilize this empowerment.
Behavior and Separation: Paul admonishes believers to separate themselves from worldly influences that lead to sin, emphasizing that we are God’s dwelling place and should strive for purity (2 Corinthians 6:14-17).
Purity and Consecration: Holiness involves both purity and consecration to God. It’s not just about avoiding sin but being fully devoted to Him. This consecration leads to deep intimacy with God and is essential for experiencing His presence and transformation.
Fear of the Lord: The fear of the Lord motivates us to desire holiness, and God’s grace empowers us to live it out. Without this fear, we may not prioritize or utilize the empowerment, receiving it in vain (Philippians 2:12-13).
Obedience as Key: True holiness is a consecrated purity that leads to deep intimacy with God. The practical expression of living a consecrated life is obedience to God’s commands.

WEEK 4: OUR RESPONSE TO GOD’S WORD

22. Trembling at God’s Word

Authentic Relationship with God: God criticizes people who maintain a superficial relationship with Him, adhering to rituals while lacking true devotion. He emphasizes that He blesses those with humility, contrite hearts, and who tremble at His Word (Isaiah 66:2).
Unconditional Obedience: Genuine holy fear involves always obeying God’s Word, regardless of circumstances. This obedience should not be dependent on external conditions or feelings of God’s presence (Philippians 2:12).
Practical Examples: The text illustrates scenarios where God’s presence seems absent, like facing false accusations, temptations, or moral challenges, emphasizing that true believers will adhere to God’s commandments in all situations (Proverbs 16:6).
Joyful Obedience: True godly fear involves delighting in obeying God’s commands, recognizing that God, as our Creator, knows what is best for us and that His instructions are always for our benefit (Psalm 112:1).
Complaining as a Serious Sin: Complaining is seen as a significant sin, equated with rebellion against God’s will and character. It’s a sign of lacking holy fear and gratitude, leading to negative consequences (Deuteronomy 28:47-48, 1 Corinthians 10:6-10).
Heartfelt Obedience: True obedience comes from the heart, serving God with joy and gladness. Any form of discontent or complaint is dishonoring to God and contrary to the holy fear of trembling at His Word (Philippians 2:12-14).

In summary, trembling at God’s Word means prioritizing and delighting in obedience to His commands above all else, viewing it as the ultimate path to a blessed and authentic relationship with Him.

23. Immediately

Priority of Obedience: Godly fear prioritizes obeying God’s Word above personal interests or agendas, recognizing its supreme importance.
Immediate Response: Immediate obedience is emphasized in Scripture, where believers are instructed to act promptly upon God’s commands without delay or hesitation.
Consequences of Delayed Obedience: Delayed obedience is equated with dishonoring God and prioritizing personal interests over His will, leading to missed blessings and opportunities.
Examples in Scripture: Various biblical narratives illustrate the importance of immediate obedience, showcasing the dire consequences of delaying or neglecting God’s instructions.
Sobering Lessons: The stories of delayed obedience serve as sobering reminders of the necessity of promptly following God’s Word, even when it seems inconvenient or when personal priorities compete.

In summary, trembling at God’s Word entails obeying it immediately, without hesitation or delay, recognizing its paramount importance and prioritizing it above all else.

24. It Makes No Sense

Uncommon Instructions: Sometimes, the Holy Spirit prompts believers to act in ways that defy human logic or understanding.
Trust in God’s Wisdom: True fear of the Lord involves obeying even when His instructions seem illogical or counterintuitive.
Biblical Examples: Numerous instances in Scripture demonstrate obedience to God’s seemingly nonsensical commands resulting in miraculous outcomes.
Lessons from Scripture: Commands such as forgiveness, love for enemies, and honoring authority figures might not align with human reasoning but are essential aspects of obedience.
Dependence on Divine Wisdom: Trusting in God’s wisdom above our own understanding ensures that we don’t miss out on His blessings or guidance.
Modern-Day Testimonies: Contemporary examples illustrate the transformative power of obedience to God’s unconventional instructions, leading to remarkable outcomes.
Peter’s Response: Peter’s obedience to Jesus’ seemingly impractical command to cast his nets again resulted in a miraculous catch, demonstrating the fruit of obedience beyond human comprehension.

In essence, obedience to God’s Word, even when it appears irrational, is the hallmark of true godly fear and leads to divine wisdom and blessings.

25. No Obvious Benefit

True Obedience: The fear of the Lord compels believers to obey God’s Word even when there’s no obvious personal benefit.
Modern Trend: In contemporary Christianity, there’s often a focus on emphasizing benefits to motivate obedience rather than pure devotion to God.
Scriptural Example: Esther’s obedience to approach the king, risking her life to save her people, illustrates obedience without immediate personal gain.
Contemporary Testimony: Encounter with two Iranian leaders highlights their dedication to spreading the Gospel in the face of danger, demonstrating obedience despite the lack of personal benefit.
Heart Posture: Obedience isn’t just a single act but a continual choice to prioritize God’s commands over personal interests, even in seemingly insignificant decisions.
Examples of Obedience: Forgiving those who wrong us, blessing those who hate us, and praying for persecutors are actions that may not yield immediate benefits but demonstrate obedience to God’s Word.
Endurance in Obedience: Believers are challenged to consistently obey God out of reverence for Him, regardless of whether personal benefits are evident.

26. A Good Pain

Analogy of Childbirth: Just as childbirth involves pain but results in the birth of a new life, obedience to God may entail suffering but brings about spiritual growth and blessings.
Foundational Scriptures: Philippians 2:12–13 points to Jesus’ obedience even unto death as the model for believers to follow, emphasizing the necessity of obedience even in the face of suffering.
Jesus’ Example: Jesus’ agony in the garden of Gethsemane showcases the intensity of obedience despite personal anguish, demonstrating submission to God’s will over self-preservation.
Motivation for Obedience: Deep reverence for God empowers believers to endure suffering for the sake of obedience, following Jesus’ example of enduring suffering without sin.
Preparedness for Suffering: Believers are urged to arm themselves with the mindset of enduring suffering for the sake of obedience, recognizing the inevitability of facing resistance in a fallen world.
Real-Life Example: Anecdote of ministry trip reveals the decision to continue despite threats of violence, illustrating the resolve to obey God’s call even in the midst of danger and rejection.
Scriptural Affirmation: Biblical figures faced suffering for their obedience, yet remained steadfast, entrusting their cause to God’s justice and ultimately reaping the reward of their faithfulness.
Christian Perspective on Suffering: Rather than seeking suffering for its own sake, true obedience involves enduring suffering that arises from living out God’s will in a hostile world, with the assurance of God’s eventual vindication and reward.

27. It Is Finished

Project of God’s Kingdom: Just as any project requires completion for its full potential, believers are entrusted with subprojects in God’s kingdom, which must be finished through obedience.
Final Aspect of Trembling at God’s Word: The importance of obeying God to completion is highlighted alongside the previous aspects: immediate obedience, obedience despite lack of understanding or personal benefit, and obedience even in pain.
Example of Saul: King Saul’s disobedience due to a lack of holy fear is illustrated through his failure to fully carry out God’s commands, despite appearing to fulfill most of them.
Nature of Sin: Sin is defined as insubordination to God’s authority, exemplified by Saul’s partial obedience, which ultimately led to his downfall.
Motivation Behind Saul’s Actions: Saul’s insecurity and desire for approval led him to compromise obedience, sparing the best animals to maintain his reputation.
Jesus’ Example: Jesus’ obedience to completion, even unto death on the cross, serves as the ultimate model for believers to follow.
Call to Finish Well: Believers are urged to follow Jesus’ example by obeying God to completion, recognizing that true obedience involves fulfilling every aspect of God’s commands without compromise.
Lesson from High School Poster: The contrast between a defeated athlete and Jesus’ perseverance on the cross emphasizes the importance of finishing well in obedience to God.
Understanding Jesus’ Instructions: Jesus’ command to consider ourselves as unprofitable servants after completing all God’s commands underscores the necessity of obedience to completion in the Christian life.

28. How to Sear a Conscience

Importance of Conscience: The conscience is a gift from God, integral to the heart, and must be guarded as our most prized possession.
Role of Conscience in Decision Making: Conscience serves as a moral compass, warning against actions that violate integrity, compromise, or may harm others.
Scriptural Emphasis on Conscience: Scripture frequently emphasizes the importance of keeping a clear conscience, as violating it can lead to shipwrecked faith.
Corruption of Conscience: Conscience can be gradually defiled through disobedience, starting with smaller matters and eventually leading to moral compromise.
Process of Conscience Desensitization: Disobedience dulls the sensitivity of the conscience, progressing from immediate conviction to gradual desensitization, ultimately resulting in a seared conscience.
Importance of Repentance: Repentance is key to restoring sensitivity to conscience and avoiding spiritual shipwreck, emphasizing the need for humility and acknowledgement of wrongdoing.
Warning Against Delay: Delay in repentance further desensitizes the conscience, increasing the risk of spiritual blindness and departure from faith.
Consequences of a Seared Conscience: A seared conscience loses all feeling and locks in sinful patterns, hindering communication with the Holy Spirit and leading to destruction.
Exhortation to Maintain a Clear Conscience: Believers are urged to diligently guard their hearts and strive to maintain a clear conscience before God and others.

WEEK 5: INTIMACY WITH GOD

29. Where Intimacy Begins

Holy Fear and Obedience: Holy fear leads to immediate and complete obedience to God, which is essential for true holiness and intimacy with Him.
Definition of Intimacy: Intimacy involves knowing and sharing innermost secrets, requiring time, effort, and mutual understanding.
God’s Knowledge of Us: God deeply knows us, examining our hearts and thoughts, akin to how intimate partners come to know each other’s innermost desires and ways.
Our Pursuit of Knowing God: Just as God knows us intimately, we are called to seek to know Him deeply. True intimacy with God involves both parties knowing each other well.
Scriptural Examples: David and Moses exemplify the pursuit of intimacy with God, with Moses desiring to understand God’s ways to know Him more fully.
Invitation to Intimacy: God invites us to come close to Him, and our level of intimacy with Him is determined by our willingness to seek Him.
Role of Fear of the Lord: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowing God intimately. It is the starting point for a deep, experiential knowledge of Him.
Consequences of Lack of Holy Fear: Without holy fear, it is impossible to know God intimately. Jesus warns that those who practice lawlessness and lack holy fear will be rejected, highlighting the importance of fearing the Lord to truly know Him.

30. A Different Jesus

False Perception of Jesus: It’s possible to believe in a version of Jesus that contradicts the Biblical Jesus, resulting in a false sense of knowing Him.
Biblical Example: The Israelites, led by Aaron, worshipped a golden calf yet referred to it as Yahweh, showcasing how they created a false image of God despite witnessing His miracles.
Intimacy with God: True intimacy with God requires knowing Him as He is, not as we imagine Him to be. This necessitates holy fear and obedience to His Word.
Holy Fear’s Role: God lamented the Israelites’ lack of holy fear, which prevented them from experiencing His presence intimately. Holy fear is essential for a true relationship with God.
Contemporary Parallel: Many today may claim to follow Jesus but do not know Him intimately due to altering His nature to suit personal preferences, similar to the Corinthians and the woman at the pool.
Judgment Day Warning: Jesus warned that many who believe they know Him will be rejected for practicing lawlessness, highlighting the importance of holy fear and true knowledge of Him for genuine intimacy.

31. I Don’t Know You

Counterfeit Salvation: In the latter days, a false gospel will offer salvation without the commitment to obey Jesus’ Word, leading to a fictional understanding of Jesus.
State of the Heart: Many profess Jesus as Lord but live contrary to His teachings, reflecting a lack of repentance and continued sin.
Emphasis on Obedience: Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:21-23 emphasize that not everyone who calls Him “Lord” will enter the kingdom, but only those who do God’s will.
Emotional Investment and Service: Many are emotionally invested and actively serve in the church, but this alone does not guarantee true intimacy with Jesus.
Lawlessness: Jesus rebukes those who practice lawlessness, indicating a habitual neglect of God’s Word, which prevents true intimacy with Him.
True Knowledge of Jesus: Knowing Jesus intimately (ginṓskō) is demonstrated through obedience to His commandments, as highlighted in 1 John 2:3-4.
Foundation of Obedience: The parable of the wise and foolish builders (Matthew 7:24-27) illustrates that both groups hear Jesus’ words, but only those who act on them have a solid foundation.
Holy Fear: True intimacy with God is promised to those who walk in holy fear, distinguishing between merely hearing His words and actively living by them.

32. The Secret of the Lord

False Security: Many people mistakenly believe they have a relationship with God, only to face the devastating truth of their error. Jesus warns against using God for personal gain instead of truly uniting with Him.
Intimacy with God: Understanding the lack of intimacy helps appreciate the genuine relationship with God. Psalm 25:14 highlights that God shares His secrets with those who fear Him.
Friendship with God: Intimate friendship with God is reserved for those who walk in holy fear. Examples include Abraham and Moses, whose lives demonstrate the path to such a relationship.
Abraham’s Test: Abraham is called God’s friend because he obeyed God without hesitation, even when asked to sacrifice his son Isaac. His obedience was immediate and complete, showing his profound holy fear.
Revelation of God’s Character: Through Abraham’s obedience, God revealed Himself as “Jehovah-Jireh,” showcasing a deeper facet of His character known only to close friends.
Personal Relationship: Just as few people know the intimate details of one’s personality, only those close to God, like Abraham, can truly understand the depths of His nature. The next chapter will explore how to achieve such a relationship with God.

33. The Inside Scoop

Abraham’s Friendship with God: Abraham’s holy fear and complete obedience, even when it was difficult, fostered his intimate friendship with God. This relationship was evident when God discussed His plans with Abraham before acting on them (Genesis 18:17).
God’s Confidence: Abraham’s actions, such as his willingness to sacrifice Isaac, demonstrated his righteousness and God’s trust in him. This obedience marked him as a friend of God (James 2:21, 23).
Intercession for Sodom and Gomorrah: Abraham’s dialogue with God about the fate of Sodom and Gomorrah illustrates the close relationship they shared. Abraham’s intercession highlights the importance of godly fear in understanding and participating in God’s plans.
Holy Fear and Intimacy: Holy fear enables deeper intimacy with God. Those who fear God and care about what He cares about, like Abraham, are privy to His plans and secrets (Psalm 25:14).
Lot’s Worldliness: In contrast, Lot, though righteous, lacked holy fear and was worldly. He was unaware of impending judgment and was only saved because of Abraham’s intercession. Lot’s story serves as a warning against compromising with the world.
Consequences of Compromise: Lot’s choices led to negative consequences for him and his family, demonstrating that seeking to enjoy the benefits of the world while trying to remain righteous is a dangerous path.
Believers’ Friendship with God: The difference between Abraham and Lot illustrates that while both were righteous, only Abraham’s godly fear and obedience led to a close, intimate friendship with God. This condition applies to believers today, urging them to seek deeper intimacy with God through holy fear and obedience.

34. Face to Face

Intimate Friendship with God: Scripture describes Moses as having a unique relationship with God, characterized by intimacy and trust. God spoke to Moses “face to face” as a friend (Exodus 33:11; Numbers 12:7–8).
Foundation of Trust: Trust is foundational to friendship with God. It is built on unconditional obedience, absolute integrity, unwavering priority for God’s desires, and knowing and choosing God’s heart in decision-making.
Moses’ Choice: Moses’s life exemplifies choosing God’s presence over worldly blessings. Despite hardships, he prioritized God’s presence, illustrating holy fear and deep intimacy.
Knowing God’s Heart: Moses knew God’s heart and character, understanding His plans and secrets. Unlike Israel, who knew God by His deeds, Moses knew God intimately.
Transactional vs. Intimate Relationship: Many believers today know God transactionally, seeking Him for answered prayers rather than pursuing intimacy and knowing His heart.
Moses’ Boldness: Moses boldly challenged God, advocating for His reputation and the best outcome according to God’s heart. This boldness stemmed from holy fear and deep intimacy.
Condition of Friendship: God trusted Moses because he consistently chose God’s heart over personal gain. This condition of friendship applies to believers today, emphasizing holy fear and intimacy with God.

35. You Are My Friends

Friendship with God: Abraham and Moses exemplify the criteria for a relationship of friendship with God. God trusted Moses deeply, declaring him the most trustworthy among His people.
Jesus’ Relationship with Believers: Despite many believing in Jesus during His ministry, He did not reciprocate their trust. He knew the unreliability of many people and did not extend friendship to all believers.
Last Supper Insights: At the Last Supper, Jesus acknowledged the reliability of His disciples who had stayed with Him through trials. He elevated them from the status of servants to friends.
Purpose of Servanthood: God keeps believers at the level of servants to protect them from judgment. Until they are established in the fear of the Lord, they remain servants rather than friends.
Conditions of Friendship: Jesus sets a condition for friendship: obedience to His commands. Those who obey His commands out of reverence and awe for God are welcomed into a relationship of friendship with Him.
Commands of Jesus: Jesus gives commands in the New Testament, not for salvation, but to glorify God. Holy fear empowers believers to obey these commands, leading to a deeper relationship with Christ.
Benefits of Holy Fear: The greatest benefit of holy fear is being welcomed into friendship with Jesus. It opens the door to a profound relationship with the Creator of the universe.
Holy fear, characterized by obedience and reverence, is the pathway to intimate friendship with Jesus and the fulfillment of His commands.

WEEK 6: THE TREASURE’S BENEFITS

36. Establishing His Promises

Benefits of Holy Fear: Holy fear leads to intimacy with God and unlocks the understanding of His stored goodness for those who fear Him.
Clarifying Misunderstandings: Misinterpretations of Scripture through personal experiences can lead to misconceptions about God’s promises. Believers may wrongly assume that God’s promises are either automatic or subject to His sovereignty alone.
Contending for Promises: Examining the story of Isaac and Rebekah reveals that some of God’s promises require human action and fervent prayer for fulfillment.
The Power of Prayer: Isaac’s fervent prayer for Rebekah’s barrenness to be lifted demonstrates the effectiveness of passionate, persistent prayer in aligning with God’s promises.
Establishing God’s Word on Earth: God’s promises, spoken from heaven, are established on earth through the mouths of believers. By speaking God’s promises in faith, believers invite God’s assistance in fulfilling His will on earth.
Jesus as the Ultimate Example: Jesus’ prayers, marked by deep reverence for God, exemplify the combination of relentless faith and holy fear required to establish God’s promises on earth.
The Fight of Faith: Believers are encouraged to fight the good fight of faith, laying hold of the promises of eternal life through unwavering faith and holy fear.

37. The Fear That Eliminates Fears

Current State of the World: Jesus predicts increasing fear and anxiety in the world, emphasizing the need for an antidote to combat these negative emotions.
The Power of Holy Fear: Holy fear, directed towards God, eliminates all other fears and anxieties, offering believers safety and protection.
God’s Promise of Protection: Those who fear God are promised lavished goodness, protection, and shelter in His presence, shielding them from harm and conspiracy.
Personal Testimonies: Personal anecdotes illustrate how holy fear empowers believers to face life-threatening situations with confidence, peace, and unwavering faith in God’s protection.
Biblical Examples: Scriptural accounts, such as Elisha’s servant seeing angelic reinforcements and the fearless response of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego before Nebuchadnezzar, demonstrate the power of holy fear in facing adversity.
The Apostolic Perspective: Apostolic figures like Paul exemplify the fear of God, prioritizing the glorification of Christ over personal safety and viewing death as a transition to something even better.
Surrender and Freedom from Fear: Surrendering all fears to Jesus, guided by the fear of the Lord, leads to peace, confidence, and freedom from anxieties, as believers trust in God’s sovereignty and protection.

38. Legacy

Understanding Legacy: Every individual leaves a legacy, shaping how they are remembered both in this world and in eternity.
Abraham’s Blessing: Through Abraham, God promises blessings on his descendants, ensuring that they will possess the gates of their enemies, signifying success and influence.
Eternal Impact: Holy fear blesses not only in this life but also in eternity, enhancing one’s influence and honor through descendants who continue to build God’s kingdom.
Generational Blessing: The fear of the Lord extends to future generations, ensuring success and prosperity for posterity who walk in obedience and reverence.
Comparative Legacies: Contrasting examples like Max Jukes and Jonathan Edwards highlight the profound impact of holy fear on generational outcomes, with obedience leading to blessings and success.
Personal Experience: Personal testimonies, like the author’s journey with his sons, demonstrate the transformative power of holy fear in parenting and securing God’s promises for future generations.
Fulfillment of Promises: Trusting in God’s promises and living in holy fear ensures that children will fulfill their potential and be mighty on earth, reflecting the legacy of those who fear the Lord.

39. The Most Important Thing

Value of Wisdom: Godly wisdom surpasses all worldly treasures, guiding individuals along satisfying paths and leading to enduring significance.
Origin of Wisdom: Holy fear of the Lord is the starting point for acquiring wisdom, unlocking access to a storehouse of divine counsel and understanding.
Fountain of Life: Holy fear continuously provides instruction and guidance, protecting individuals from the hidden traps and snares of death.
Personal Example: King Abimelech’s reverence for God prevented him from sinning unknowingly, demonstrating how holy fear acts as a safeguard against destructive decisions.
Universal Knowledge of God’s Law: Even those without explicit knowledge of God’s law demonstrate an innate understanding of right and wrong, guided by their conscience.
Dangers of Rejecting Holy Fear: Professing believers who lack holy fear are susceptible to falling into sin and deception, jeopardizing their spiritual well-being.
Authentic Grace and Holy Fear: True grace leads believers to live godly lives, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, in alignment with the counsel of holy fear.
Current Challenges: In a society marked by lawlessness and deception, a revival of holy fear is essential to safeguard believers from spiritual deception and destruction.
Guarding the Heart: Holy fear should be treasured and protected above all worldly possessions, as it determines the course of one’s life and protects against spiritual pitfalls.

40. Successful Living

Power Twins: True humility and holy fear are closely intertwined virtues, essential for a fulfilling life.
Promises of Holy Fear: The benefits of holy fear include riches, honor, and long life, as emphasized in Proverbs and other biblical passages.
Proper Perspective on Wealth: Holy fear enables individuals to handle wealth responsibly, using it as a means to bless others and further God’s kingdom.
True Wealth Defined: Material possessions are not the measure of true wealth; impacting others for the kingdom is the ultimate goal.
Benefits of Holy Fear on a National Scale: The fear of the Lord brings wisdom that benefits entire nations, fostering peace, prosperity, and contentment.
Nobility and Dignity: Holy fear bestows nobility and dignity upon individuals, transforming them into people of influence and honor.
Longevity: Holy fear contributes to longevity, as it is associated with true humility and righteous living.

41. Finishing Well

Importance of Finishing Well: To truly live well, one must also focus on finishing well, which involves maintaining humility and holy fear throughout life.
Promises of Longevity: Holy fear is linked to prolonged life and productivity, as indicated in Proverbs and Ephesians, promising blessings for honoring parents.
Quality of Life: Longevity is meaningful only when accompanied by quality of life, which is ensured by true humility and the fear of the Lord.
The Example of Uzziah: Uzziah’s life illustrates the dangers of pride replacing holy fear and humility, leading to downfall despite initial success.
Pride and Religion: Pride and religious behavior often go hand in hand, masking each other’s presence and leading individuals further from God.
Lessons for Today: Contemporary leaders’ falls are often attributed to a loss of humility and holy fear, emphasizing the need for constant dependence on Jesus.
Transformation through Humility: True transformation and a fresh vision of Jesus occur when pride dies, underscoring the importance of humility in finishing well.

42. Finding the Treasure

Joy and Prosperity: Those who fear the Lord experience abundant joy and prosperity in their labor and family life, contrasting with the dissatisfaction often found in society.
Divine Blessings: The blessings of fearing God extend to one’s spouse, children, and descendants, ensuring familial flourishing and divine favor.
Success and Security: Holy fear leads to success, enduring good deeds, and protection from evil, instilling confidence and fearlessness in facing life’s challenges.
Eternal Rewards: Those who fear the Lord are promised enduring rewards, including fulfilled desires, faithful companionship, bodily healing, identity, and divine guidance.
The Final Move of God: The last awakening in this age emphasizes holy fear, aligning believers with the description of the bride Jesus returns for—a holy and faultless church.
Manifestation of the Holy Spirit: Holy fear is a manifestation of the Holy Spirit, crucial for believers seeking deeper intimacy with God and spiritual maturity.
Receiving Holy Fear: Believers can ask the Father for the Holy Spirit of fear persistently, seeking it as one would search for hidden treasures, with diligence and determination.
Embracing Holy Fear: Holy fear transforms hearts, aligning believers with God’s priorities, deepening love for people, and fostering spiritual influence and impact.
Finishing Well: Finishing well in life is paramount, and holy fear equips believers to accomplish this, ensuring blamelessness and joyful entrance into God’s presence.
In essence, holy fear is a divine gift that brings abundant blessings, spiritual maturity, and eternal rewards, enabling believers to live well and finish well in their journey of faith.

Final Words

Awe of God is a great book if you want to learn more about the holy fear of God. It helps you discover the role of fearing God in your close relationship with our Heavenly Father.

So, give it a try, get your copy, and let me know as well what you think about the book.