Dictionary of Bible Themes: 8336 reverence, and obedience

8336 reverence, and obedience

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes » 8000 The life of the believer » 8200 The character of the believer » 8333 reverence » 8336 reverence, and obedience

Reverence towards God expresses itself in the actions, as well as the words and worship of believers. True reverence for God leads to obedience towards him.

Reverent fear is expressed in worship

Jonah 1:16

Reverence in worship is expressed in bodily attitudes

Bowing:

Exodus 12:27; Psalm 95:6

Prostration:

Genesis 17:3; Numbers 14:5; Daniel 10:15; Revelation 5:14 Exodus 3:5 removing shoes; Exodus 3:6 covering the face

Kneeling:

Ezra 9:5; Daniel 6:10; Ephesians 3:14

Reverence can be learnt through religious observances

A shared meal in God's presence

Deuteronomy 14:23

Hearing God's word

Deuteronomy 4:9-14; Deuteronomy 31:12-13

Reading God's word

Deuteronomy 17:18-19

Reverence motivates people to avoid doing wrong

Proverbs 16:6 See also Exodus 20:20; 2 Chronicles 19:9-10; Job 1:1; Job 28:28; Proverbs 3:7; Proverbs 8:13; Proverbs 14:16; 2 Corinthians 7:1

Reverence leads people to obey God's law

Ecclesiastes 12:13 See also Deuteronomy 10:12-13; Deuteronomy 13:4; Nehemiah 5:14-18 generous treatment of dependants; 2 Corinthians 5:11 evangelism; Ephesians 5:21 mutual submission; Colossians 3:22 obedience to masters

Reverence is characterised by fearing God

Ecclesiastes 8:12; Acts 2:5

Gentile believers were called “God-fearing”

Acts 10:2; Acts 13:26,50; Acts 17:4,17