The Awe of God week 4

 Hi everyone, here is week 4 noted for our book club. So lets just jump in...

Our Response to God's Work:

1) Trembling at God's work- trembling is giving control of your will, this leads to obedience no matter what because nothing else matters. This leads to joy.  Obedience, joy and gladness are fruits. 

2) Immediately- Obedience is instantly without delay. Delayed obedience is missed opportunities and is a lack of Holy Fear. 

3) It makes no sense- it may not make sense to me, but it always proves to be God's wisdom.  His wisdom exceeds ours and doesn't depend on our understanding and is always confirmed by results. 

4) No obvious benefit- you can't outgive God, the benefits are not all material but blessings. Fear motivates our obedience without or with a reward. It is a heart posture and should be our automatic default setting. 

5) A good pain- deep holy fear will empower us to endure.  It strengthens our deep resolve to obey no matter what suffering may happen. 

6) It is finished- Obey to completion, almost obedience isn't obedience at all. It is rebellion to God. Sin is insubordination to God's authority.

7) How to sear a conscience- Losing holy fear is subtle, our conscience is:

a gift, safeguards us, cleans and strengthens, integral to our heart. We are to guard our heart diligently. A seared conscience is on locked in sin and now longer communicates with the Holy Spirit.