Dictionary of Bible Themes: 5896 irreverence

5896 irreverence

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes » 5000 Humanity » 5760 Human attitudes and behaviour » 5896 irreverence

A complete absence of the proper sense of awe, respect and wonder that is inspired and demanded by the character and activity of the living God. Irreverence involves disrespect for the character, deeds, words, law and ministers of God. As such, it brings judgment upon those who behave in this way.

Irreverence as the root of sin

Romans 3:10,18 See also Psalm 36:1; Psalm 10:4-5; Psalm 55:19; Romans 1:21

Rebellion leads to irreverence

Jeremiah 5:23-24 See also Isaiah 29:13; Matthew 15:3-9

Causes of irreverence

Arrogance

Psalm 10:4-5 See also Deuteronomy 17:19-20

Self-deception

Psalm 36:1-2

Prosperity

Proverbs 30:9 See also Psalm 10:4-5

Kinds of irreverence

Insulting God

Misusing God's name

Exodus 20:7 See also Leviticus 19:12; Leviticus 24:10-16

Insulting God's representatives

1 Kings 21:10-13 See also Deuteronomy 17:12; Acts 6:11

Ignoring God's law

Numbers 15:30 See also Isaiah 63:17; Jeremiah 44:10; Amos 2:7; 1 Thessalonians 5:20

Worshipping idols

Ezekiel 20:39 See also Leviticus 18:21; Leviticus 20:1-3

Sacrificial worship

Leviticus 22:2 See also Leviticus 21:6; 1 Samuel 2:17; Malachi 1:6-8

Towards holy objects and places

2 Samuel 6:6-7 See also Psalm 74:7-8; Psalm 79:1; Jeremiah 7:30

Attacking God's people

Psalm 22:7-8 See also 2 Kings 19:9-12,16; Psalm 31:18; Psalm 35:15-16; Psalm 74:10,18; Psalm 89:50-51; Ezekiel 35:12; Daniel 7:8,21-22; Zephaniah 2:10-11

The insults of unbelievers are sometimes prompted by the sins of God's people:

Ezekiel 36:20-23; Romans 2:24

Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit

Matthew 12:31-32 pp Mark 3:29 pp Luke 12:10 Jesus Christ's opponents were beyond hope, so long as they continued to say that the work of the Holy Spirit was the work of Satan (Mt 12:24) See also 1 Corinthians 12:3

Jesus Christ was accused of blasphemy:

John 10:33; Matthew 26:63-65 pp Mark 14:63-64

Social consequences of irreverence

In family relationships

Matthew 15:4 See also Exodus 21:17 pp Leviticus 20:9; Proverbs 20:20; Proverbs 30:11

Oppression and cruelty

Psalm 10:9-11 See also Psalm 73:2-11; Psalm 94:4-7; Proverbs 8:13

Social irresponsibility

Proverbs 17:5 See also Proverbs 14:31; Jeremiah 34:16; Ezekiel 22:11-12; Luke 18:2; Romans 1:28-32; 1 Corinthians 11:20-22

Irreverence brings condemnation and judgment

Deuteronomy 17:12-13; Psalm 55:19 See also Numbers 14:23; 2 Chronicles 26:5,16; 2 C 15-16; Proverbs 1:29-31; Proverbs 3:34; Proverbs 28:14; Hosea 10:3; Hosea 12:14; Hebrews 10:29; Jude 15

Particular warnings about the consequences of irreverence

1 Samuel 12:14-15 See also Deuteronomy 28:58-59; Malachi 2:1-2