Ex 20:18–26

Being in His presence

The awe of God

Consider Isaiah’s vision in Isaiah 6, where he sees the Lord seated on a throne, high and lifted up, and the seraphim proclaiming God’s holiness. Isaiah’s reaction was one of utter awe and humility, as he exclaimed, 'Woe is me! I am undone!' This biblical account illustrates how being in the presence of God reveals not only His greatness but also our need for His mercy. In that face of divine holiness, we cannot help but be in awe.

The response to God

Our response to God

The story of the Transfiguration in Matthew 17 shows Peter, James, and John caught in a moment of awe as they see Jesus transformed and hear the voice of God. Overwhelmed, Peter says, 'Lord, it is good for us to be here!' Like them, we often have moments that take our breath away—whether it’s through nature, worship, or a quiet encounter with God. These moments remind us of His holiness and our need to respond in reverence and joy.

Responding with our lives

Reverence

יָרֵא (yārēʾ). vb. to fear, be afraid. Refers commonly to experiencing an emotional reaction of fear, terror, or apprehension.

יִרְאָה (yirʾâ). n. fem. fear, terror. Refers to the emotion or feeling or state of being afraid, terrified, or in awe.

The second is driven towards God, not a futile fear but a reverence

We must understand what it means to “fear God.” It does not mean to be scared of him. It means being so gripped by his greatness that we hold him in the highest esteem. To fear God is to respect him and take him seriously. The concept, in fact, is similar to how we ought to think of electricity. We’re not to be so scared of electricity that we’re unwilling to plug anything in. But neither should we go around sticking screwdrivers into outlets. Electricity is awesome and beneficial, but it must be treated with respect. The Tony Evans Bible Commentary

Do not sin

The story of David’s temptation with Bathsheba serves as a profound warning to us all. In a moment of weakness, David's gaze led to sin, resulting in devastating consequences. Psalm 51 reveals David's heartfelt repentance and understanding that sin begins in the heart. Similarly, we must recognize the importance of guarding our hearts and thoughts to prevent sin from taking root in our lives. This biblical story teaches us that vigilance and accountability are necessary in our pursuit of holiness.

Psalm 119:9–11 “How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”

Do not retreat!

Embracing the reality

No other Gods

Offering to God

Romans 12:1 ESV

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

1 Peter 2:5–6 ESV

you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it stands in Scripture:

θυσία (thysia). n. fem. sacrifice, offering. Refers to something sacrificed or slaughtered as an offering to God or a god. - Lexham Theological Wordbook

Lives centred around God