>

Sermons

FILTER BY:

← back to list

Jun 09, 2024

Worship in the Wilderness: How Am I Supposed to Fear God?

Worship in the Wilderness: How Am I Supposed to Fear God?

Passage: Exodus 19:1

Speaker: Chip Dean

Series: Why We Worship

 

Watch Choir & Orchestra Led Service

Watch Worship Band Led Service

How Am I Supposed to Fear God?

by Pastor Chip Dean

 

10 Biblical Blessings for Fearing God 

Proverbs 1:7

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.

Psalm 34:11

Come, you children, listen to me; 
I will teach you the fear of the LORD.

Ecclesiastes 12:13

Fear God and keep His commandments, 
For this is man's all.

Proverbs 9:10

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.

Psalm 34:9

There is no want to those who fear Him. 

Psalm 25:14

The secret of the LORD is with those who fear Him.

Psalm 31:19

Oh, how great is Your goodness, 
Which You have laid up for those who fear You.

Psalm 33:8

Let all the earth fear the LORD;
Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.

Psalm 147:11

The LORD takes pleasure in those who fear Him.

Proverbs 14:26-27

In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence,
The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life. 

 

3 WAYS TO FEAR GOD

1. The Voice of God

Exodus 19:1-4

On the third new moon after the people of Israel had gone out of the land of Egypt, on that day they came into the wilderness of Sinai. 2 They set out from Rephidim and came into the wilderness of Sinai, and they encamped in the wilderness. There Israel encamped before the mountain, 3 while Moses went up to God. The Lord called to him out of the mountain, saying, “Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the people of Israel: 4 You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. 5Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; 6and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel.”

2 Peter 1:18-19

We ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain. 19 And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention.

2. The Holiness of God

Exodus 19:10-11,15

the Lord said to Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their garments 11 and be ready for the third day. For on the third day the Lord will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. 15 And he said to the people, “Be ready for the third day; do not go near a woman.”

Exodus 19:12-13

And you shall set limits for the people all around, saying, ‘Take care not to go up into the mountain or touch the edge of it. Whoever touches the mountain shall be put to death. 13 No hand shall touch him, but he shall be stoned or shot; whether beast or man, he shall not live.’

Hebrews 4:16

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. 

3. The Presence of God

Exodus 19:16-20

On the morning of the third day there were thunders and lightnings and a thick cloud on the mountain and a very loud trumpet blast, so that all the people in the camp trembled. 17 Then Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet God, and they took their stand at the foot of the mountain.18 Now Mount Sinai was wrapped in smoke because the Lord had descended on it in fire. The smoke of it went up like the smoke of a kiln, and the whole mountain trembled greatly. 19 And as the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God answered him in thunder. 20 The Lord came down on Mount Sinai, to the top of the mountain. And the Lord called Moses to the top of the mountain, and Moses went up.

Hebrews 12:18, 22, 28

For you have not come to what may be touched, a blazing fire and darkness and gloom and a tempest… 22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering… 28 Let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe. 

 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we gather to reflect on Your word and the message we've heard, we ask for open hearts and minds. Help us to truly grasp the depth of Your love and the awe-inspiring nature of Your presence. May our discussion be guided by Your Spirit, and may we be receptive to the lessons You have for us today. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Ice Breaker

What's one thing you're looking forward to this week? It could be something small or significant, but share something that brings a sense of anticipation or joy to your life right now.

Questions

1. How does the concept of fearing God with reverence and awe differ from being afraid of Him?
2. What does it mean to you to be a "treasured possession" of God?
3. How can we listen to the voice of God in our daily lives?
4. What are some practical ways we can grow in our understanding of God's holiness?
5. How does the fear of God influence our behavior and decisions?
6. In what ways can we, as a kingdom of priests, intercede for others and share the gospel?
7. How does the community of believers help us maintain a healthy fear of God?
8. Share a time when you felt God's presence powerfully. How did it impact your view of God?

Life Application

This week, let's challenge ourselves to spend time each day in God's Word, listening for His voice. As we do, let's consciously reflect on His holiness and seek to live in a way that honors Him, remembering that we are His treasured possession and called to be a kingdom of priests.

Ending Prayer

Lord, as we close our time together, we thank You for the truths we've discussed. May the reverence and awe of Your majesty continue to resonate in our hearts throughout this week. Help us to live as Your treasured possessions, reflecting Your love and holiness to those around us. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.