Reverence Bible Lesson by Institute in Basic Life Principles

Reverence INTRODUCTION

The Search for the King

hen you look at freshly fallen snow or the underwater world, do you get a sense of awe? Only Almighty God could create tiny insects and towering

mountains! As you consider the intricacies of His creation and vastness of the universe, be amazed! “Who is like unto the Lord our God . . . Who humbleth himself

to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth!” (Psalm 113:5–6). Throughout history, God has worked miracles, intervened in wars, and given incredible endurance to suffering Christians. You can also stand in awe of God’s forgiveness and the great price He paid to cover your sin with His blood. Meditate on the greatness of God and proclaim with the psalmist: “Let all the earth fear the Lord: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him” (Psalm 33:8).

REVERENCE Awareness of how God is working through the people and events in my life to produce the character of Christ in me

Reverence Overview What Is Reverence? Read aloud and discuss what reverence means and how it applies to life.

The opposite of reverence is disrespect. Disrespect is rooted in pride and exposes a disregard for A reverent person lives in humble God’s authority. When and grateful awareness of God’s a person rejects God presence and power, trusting Him even through difficult situations. and His commands, he will fail to honor others. Talking back or misbehaving to get one’s own way are expressions of disrespect. The disrespectful person may foolishly think that he is powerful by belittling others or undermining authority. He may complain,

roll his eyes, or challenge authorities by saying, “You can’t make me do that” or “I hate your rules!” Disrespect exposes a heart that is fearful and seeking control, lacking the proper fear of the Lord. Because an irreverent person is unwilling to humbly trust God, he fails to see how God is at work. He will not know peace until he submits to God and trusts Him with the people and situations in his life. Did you know that every person will stand When God’s Word is disrespected before the Creator? God in a society, the basis for honoring knows everything we God, people, and property is lost. do and why we do it. One day, each of us will give an account for how we lived the life He gave us. (See II Corinthians 5:10.) God will justly reward good and punish evil. He will even test each Christian’s work. Therefore, it is vital that we obey His voice and not resist Him. (See Hebrews 4:7.) When you receive God’s forgiveness and Lordship, you are acknowledging His right to rule your life as your Savior, King, and Judge. You now belong to the Heavenly Father, Who deeply loves you. Knowing that we must answer to our Creator and Redeemer leads us to revere Him. “Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear” (Hebrews 12:28).

he operational definition of reverence is “awareness of how God is working through the people and events in my life to produce the character of Christ in me.” In Scripture, reverence for God is often described as the “fear of the Lord” and humble worship. Knowing God inspires a sense of awe in us as we become more aware of His authority, power, and presence. To trust Him, we do not need to understand every situation. We only need to know that God works all things together for His glory. As we lovingly obey Him, He changes us to be like Jesus. A Christian demonstrates reverence as he acts wisely and is careful not to dishonor the Lord’s name. He submits to authority, receives correction, graciously forgives others, and experiences peace because he knows that God is trustworthy and rules over all.

Reverence in Scripture

Who He is, and allow Him to work

in you, your life will become a radiant expression of Him. God will be glorified as

REVERENCE KEY VERSE “Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the Lord all the day long. For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off.” PROVERBS 23:17–18

His character is seen in you.

The Character of God

Reverence in My Life

We see examples of the Trinity showing mutual reverence in the following ways:

Now let’s examine some ways God wants us to live out reverence daily.

•

God the Father exalted His humble, obedient Son.

•

(See I Samuel 12:24, Hebrews 12:28–29.)

(See John 8:54, Philippians 2:9–11.) •

God honored Jesus and gave Him authority over the Church.

•

Jesus, in His agony prior to His crucifixion, prayed reverently to His Father and submitted to His will.

•

Jesus revered His Father by doing what He saw the Father doing.

•

(See John 5:19.) •

Jesus honored His Father’s authority by speaking only what His Father directed Him to say. Jesus rejected the temptation to worship anyone but His Father.

•

The Holy Spirit glorifies Christ by revealing truth to believers. (See John 16:13–14.)

What specific people groups does God say to respect? (See Leviticus 19:3, 14, 32; Proverbs 24:21; Ephesians 5:33.)

•

Is it sufficient to honor God only with my words? (See Matthew 15:8.)

(See Matthew 4:8–10.) •

How should I treat my body since it is the temple of the Holy Spirit? (See I Corinthians 6:18–20, II Corinthians 6:16–7:1.)

(See John 12:49.) •

Why does God allow me to go through trials? (See Exodus 20:20, Romans 8:28–29.)

(See Luke 22:41–44, Hebrews 5:7–8.) •

How does the Lord reward those who fear Him? (See Psalm 25:12, 14; Proverbs 14:26.)

(See Ephesians 1:20–21.) •

Why should I serve God with reverence and awe?

•

What character qualities does God build in my life through trials?

s you read and study God’s Word, see

(See Romans 5:3–4, James 1:3–4.)

Bible Story The Search for the King

inquired about the newborn king. When this news

and calls each by name? Astronomy is “the scientific

reached Herod, the Roman ruler of Judea and “king

study of the universe beyond earth,” including the

of the Jews,” he and the townspeople were greatly

stars God made. Groups of stars are called constel-

disturbed. King Herod feared being overthrown

lations. Interestingly, the constellations’ Hebrew

and had built massive fortresses to secure his reign.

names point to the story of redemption. While we

Imagine his surprise when these foreigners arrived,

can study God’s magnificent creation, God wants us

searching for a new king! What did this mean? Whom

to never worship anything He has made but rather to worship only Him. One night, some ancient astrono-

would King Herod summon to help him locate the child? What would the wise men find that would

mers saw a special star! These “wise men” understood

cause them to be in awe of God?

that this star was a sign that a king had been born

Let’s read the Bible story in Matthew 2:1–13 and then discuss the following questions.

among the Jews. Eagerly, the wise men set out on the

1. Whom did Herod consult about Christ’s birthplace? What did they tell him? (See Matthew 2:4–6.) What prophecy did they quote? (See Micah 5:2.) What Bible promise or prophecy has God fulfilled that moves you to stand in awe of Him? 2. Who else claimed to want to worship the newborn king? (See Matthew 2:7–8.) What does God say about people who pretend to honor Him? (See Matthew 15:8–9, 14.) 3. When leaving Jerusalem, how did the wise men know which way to go? (See Matthew 2:9.) What did they feel as the star led them to the new king? (See Matthew 2:10.)

long journey to the capital city of Judea, where they

Worship means “to bow down or kneel.” In what other ways can you show reverence? (See Psalm 46:10, 100:4.) How do you express reverence when talking to God? 5. What gifts did the wise men present to Jesus? (See Matthew 2:11b.) Which gift symbolized His royalty? (See I Kings 10:1–2.) His priesthood? (See Leviticus 16:11–12.) His death? (See John 19:39–40.) What can you give out of reverence to the Lord? (See Psalm 29:2, 51:17; Romans 12:1.) How can you honor the Lord on the first day of the week? (See Isaiah 58:13–14, Acts 20:7, I Corinthians 16:2.)

What splendors of nature inspire you to stand in awe of God? (See Psalm 148:3–5.) What about God fills your heart with joy and worship?

6. What warning from God did the wise men heed, although it changed their plans? (See Matthew 2:12.) What did God know that the wise men did not know? (See Matthew 2:13, 16.)

4. What did the wise men do when they saw Jesus? (See Matthew 2:11a.)

Do you respect your parents’ warnings, even if it means changing your plans?

id you know that God not only created the stars, but He also knows how many there are

Memory Verse Proverbs 23:17–18

“Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the Lord all the day long. For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off.”

Memory Verse Game: Hot or Cold!

Doers of the Word: Proverbs 23:17–18

Choose a child to be “It.” Have the child close his eyes while

In the blank below, write how these verses could be

the rest of the children agree on a spot to hide an object,

applied in your life, e.g., “meditate on Who You are,” “be

such as an eraser or a water bottle. Tell him now to open

aware of Your presence,” or “trust in Your goodness.”

his eyes and begin to search for the hidden object. The other children are to give him hints by saying the verse softly or loudly, depending on where he is in relation to the hidden object. As he looks for the hidden object, have the other children guide him to the object by saying the verse softly when he is far away from the object (cold) and loudly when he is closer to the object (hot). Give different children the opportunity to be It until the children have quoted the verse often enough to memorize it.

“Dear Lord, I yield to You and am willing to apply this verse. Help me to ________________________________ _______________________________________________ �� . I ask that You would develop reverence in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.” When the Lord gives you an opportunity to apply these verses, write it in your journal to later recall

PROVERBS 23:17–18

God’s working in your life.

Word Puzzle Crossword Puzzle

Instructions Enjoy meditating on and thinking about the words of the reverence key verse and definition as you fill in the crossword puzzle below. Italicized words fit horizontally and underlined words fit vertically. One word is already done for you. (Answers can be found on page 12.)

Proverbs 23:17–18

Reverence

“Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou

Awareness of how God is working

in the fear of the Lord all the day long. For

through the people and events in

surely there is an end; and thine expectation

my life to produce the character of

shall not be cut off.”

Christ in me

Permission granted to reproduce this page for educational use.

W O R K I N G

Activity Mosaic Suncatcher Hearts

During this character study, we are asking the Lord to develop reverence in our lives. What a privilege to respond to the work He is doing to change us into the image of His Son! Today we are going to create mosaic suncatcher hearts to remind us to treat others with dignity, no matter who they are, because God loves them.

Supplies: •

White paper (or clear plastic, such as a page protector)

•

Multicolored tissue paper

•

Scissors

•

A Sharpie pen

•

A glue stick

•

A hole punch

•

String

•

Clear contact paper (if you want to laminate your finished work)

Instructions Let’s cut a large heart out of the white paper. With the Sharpie pen, write across the middle of the heart: “God is working in me.” Next, punch a hole in the top of the heart and attach the string. Now, let’s cut small squares from the colored tissue paper to make a mosaic. Glue a single layer of paper squares onto the heart to cover the words. Laminate the heart if desired. These multicolored squares represent the different people God brings into our lives. Not everyone is easy to like or respect. When others test our patience, we may not want to be kind, respectful, or forgiving. We

may not want to treat them with dignity. We need to remember that God made them and died for their sin as well as ours. Therefore, we are to treat others respectfully and love them unconditionally! As we do, we can trust that God is working both in their lives and in our hearts, even though we may not see it. (See Proverbs 27:17.) Let’s read Colossians 3:12–15. This passage teaches us how God wants us to interact with others. Now, hold the heart up to a sunny window or light. Through all the different colored pieces of paper, you can read the message: “God is working in me.” This mosaic suncatcher is a reminder that through all the different people and situations you encounter, God is building Christ’s character in you as you love and obey Him. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren” (Romans 8:28–29).

Introduction

Explaining Salvation to a Child Christ Our Righteousness You will need the following items: sticky notes, pen, and a white bed sheet. through Christ. (See John 17:3.) If we accept God’s gift of

Select a volunteer who would not mind standing to represent the sin of all people. Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Sin is anything we think, say, or do that breaks God’s Law. Can you name some examples of sin? As the children answer, write their examples on sticky notes and place them onto the volunteer’s clothing (e.g., speaking unkind words, stealing, disobeying, doing good with wrong motives).

Remove the sticky notes and wrap the white sheet around

Because we have all sinned, and God is holy, we are eternally separated from Him. However, because God loves us so much, He sent His Son, Jesus, Who died on the cross to pay for our sin and Who rose again to conquer death! Now we can have fellowship with God forever

salvation, Christ’s blood cleanses us from sin, and His righteousness is put upon us! (See II Corinthians 5:21.) the volunteer to represent Jesus’ robe of righteousness. Isaiah 31:10 describes what has happened this way: “My soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness. . . .” In Romans 10:9–10, we are told how we can accept this gift: “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Are you trusting in Jesus Christ for your salvation? If so, your sins are forgiven and Christ is living in you!

In a Nutshell 1. God created all things (Colossians 1:16). God is holy (Leviticus 19:2). God loves us (John 3:16). 2. Our sin separates us from God (Romans 3:23). 3. God sent His Son, Jesus, to provide the way for our sins to be forgiven and for

crucifixion on the cross, His burial, and His glorious resurrection (I Corinthians 15:3–4). 4. We can do nothing to earn salvation. It is a free gift from God that we receive by faith (Ephesians 2:8–9). 5. We receive that gift of salvation by confessing with our mouth that Jesus

Your new, inward identity is one of righteousness in God’s eyes. The more you realize that you are a new creature in Christ and walk in the Spirit, the more your outward actions will demonstrate Christ living in you. Just as the Apostle Paul wrote in Galatians 2:20, you can also say, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” God gives

fellowship with Him to be

is Lord and believing in

us eternal life—sweet constant fellowship in the

restored (Ephesians 1:6–7).

our heart that God has

Spirit with our Savior—and then His righteous-

Jesus accomplished our

raised Him from the dead

ness is seen in us for His glory. (See John 15:4–10.)

salvation through His

(Romans 10:9–10).

he Bible tells us about God. He is the Creator of the universe and He is holy. God loves us and created us to have fellowship with Him. (See Revelation 4:11.)

Hymn History “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” Sing “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” and read about the reverence proclaimed by the hymn writer, Joachim Neander.

churchgoers!” With a fiendish chuckle, twenty-

year-old Joachim [wa-KEEM] Neander sauntered through the twisting streets of Bremen, Germany. Several rowdy and rebellious fellow students accompanied him, eager to provoke a preacher. Yet Joachim’s family line included faithful preachers of the Gospel! For four generations, the name “Joachim” had been bestowed upon the family’s baby boys. Joachim’s father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather were all named “Joachim.” But this young Joachim disdained his ancestors’ callings. Now in college, he whole Joachim Neander (1650–1680)

heartedly joined others in riotous living.

That particular morning, Joachim had no idea how his life would change. Entering a church with the intent to disrupt the sermon, the situation quickly changed from being disrespectful to being reverent as the Holy Spirit opened the young man’s eyes and heart to the Gospel message. Convicted, the rebellious young man repented and gave his life to Jesus Christ. For several years afterward, Mr. Neander served as an assistant to the preacher who had led him to the Lord. Next, Mr. Neander began tutoring other young men while holding a position at a school in Dusseldorf.

Photo courtesy of www.hymntime.com/tch

A vibrant believer, he encouraged prayer and preaching at the school. Not far from Dusseldorf, the Dussel River ran through a beautiful gorge where Mr. Neander loved to walk. He went there so often that people eventually began calling it “Neander Valley.” At the age of thirty, Mr. Neander was diagnosed with tuberculosis. After only ten years of loving and serving his Savior, the young pastor and teacher passed from this life to Heaven. During his illness, he wrote the hymn “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty.” Reverence is “awareness of how God is working through the people and events in my life to produce the character of Christ in me.” As we recognize God’s loving work in our lives, our hearts will be turned to exalt Him. Mr. Neander’s hymn testifies of his reverence for God: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty the King of creation! O my soul, praise Him, for He is thy health and salvation! All ye who hear, Now to His temple draw near; Join me in glad adoration! Praise to the Lord, O let all that is in me adore Him! All that hath life and breath, come now with praises before Him! Let the Amen Sound from His people again: Gladly for aye we adore Him. No matter who or what God allows in our lives, whether pleasant or unpleasant, we can trust and praise Him. As we trust God and His goodness in all things, we will develop reverence for Him. We can joyfully worship God, Who is worthy of all our praise!

“L

et’s go have some fun and heckle those stuffy

Hymn Sheet Music

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty Joachim Neander (1650–1680) Translated by Catherine Winkworth (1827–1878)

             

          

               

           



Praise Praise Praise Praise

Lord, the Al - might - y the King of cre - a Lord, Who o'er all things so won - drous - ly reign Lord, Who with mar - vel - ous wis - dom hath made Lord, O let all that is in me a - dore

to the to the to the to the

tion! eth, thee! Him!

 



       

              

  

         

             



O my soul, praise Him, for He Shel - ters thee un - der His wings, Decked thee with health, and with lov All that hath life and breath, come

       

 

All ye who Hast thou not How oft in Let the A -

     









 

Join me Grant - ed Spread - ing Glad - ly

Now to How thy Hath not Sound from

 

 

in in His for

 

 



hear, seen grief men



is thy health and sal - va yea, so gent - ly sus - tain ing hand guid - ed and stayed now with prais - es be - fore

  



 

    



 

glad ad - o - ra what He or - dain wings for to shade aye we a - dore

 

   

 

His tem - ple draw near; de - sires e'er have been He brought thee re - lief, His peo - ple a - gain:

   

 

tion! eth! thee; Him!

   

   

tion! eth? thee! Him.

 

1. 2. 3. 4.

Stralsund Gesangbuch 1665

The Search for the King

“And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him:

and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh” (Matthew 2:11).

C H R I S T H A P R E V E R E N A O C G O D F T U E E X P E C T A R E E R O P S I N L H E A R T L

Recommended Resources W L O R D R K L I F E N O U G H

A C E W A T H R E T I O N E N V Y S N E R S V E O N G T S

•

2021 Biblical Character Illustrated Calendar

•

Hymns for the Family CDs (“Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” is sung to piano accompaniment on Volume 2.)

•

The Power for True Success

•

Understanding Spiritual Gifts

•

Character Cards

•

Character Cards Memory Game

•

Character Sketches, Volumes I–III

•

Achieving True Success

•

“Understanding the True Heart of Worship” (message by Dan Lucarini, available at embassymedia.com)

•

“God Will Make a Way” (message by David Gibbs, available at embassymedia.com)

•

“Carnal Husbands, Cranky Wives, and Cantankerous Kids” (message by Gary Fraley, available at embassymedia.com)

•

“Protocol for Working with Political Leaders” (message by Bernadine Cantrell, available at embassymedia.com)

Hymn History Bibliography Hustad, Donald P., Dictionary-Handbook to Hymns for the Living Church, Hope Publishing Company, Carol Stream, IL, 1978, p. 293. Johnson, Guye, Treasury of Great Hymns and Their Stories, Bob Jones University Press, Greenville, SC, 1986, pp. 51–52. Morgan, Robert J., Then Sings My Soul, Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, 2003, p. 27. Osbeck, Kenneth W., 101 Hymn Stories, Kregel Publications, Grand Rapids, 1982, p. 209. Peterson, Randy, Be Still My Soul, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, IL, 2014, p. 265. Reynolds, William J., Hymns of Our Faith, Broadman Press, Nashville, 1964, p. 370.

To view these resources and many more, visit us at:

store.iblp.org

Crossword Puzzle Answer Key