Awe Matters to Our Value System

How do you find yourself looking at life? Each person has influences that impact how they view life. Every person has different values they place on what is important in life. Every person has a value system by which they live. The question before us this morning is what is the basis for your value system. Often, many Christians it seems develop a dichotomy in how they live. Many seem to live with two different calendars…one that tracks their spiritual life and another that tracks their daily life. Rarely do they intertwine and it too often enough the daily life calendar trumps the spiritual calendar. As Christians we are too often mentally separating our walk with God and our “necessary” daily routine and tasks list.

We today sit back and wonder why churches are struggling. In large part it is because many have as one commentator put it “compartmentalized” their lives. They believe in the truths the Bible teaches. They do not deny the commands of God. They do not doubt God’s forgiveness. They do not doubt God’s character. However, these truths do not mesh with their daily calendar of events. They have tried to live with splitting their values into two different parts of their lives. Sadly, this impacts their own relationship with God. It impacts their relationship with others. It impacts their commitment to the church. It impacts their commitment to their relationship with God.

The issue is that this type of Christian has a wrong view of God himself. He has an “awe problem” as Paul Tripp states in his book entitled “Awe.” The question to ask yourself this morning is “Where do I have an awe problem?” As we look to answer this question, how would you define the word awe? Here are a few definitions:

The term refers to an emotion combining honor, fear, and respect before someone of superior office or actions (Pss. 4:4; 33:8; 119:161 KJV) (Gen. 28:17; 1 Sam. 12:18; Matt. 9:8; Heb. 12:28 NIV). It most appropriately applies to God. Chad Brand et al., eds., “Awe, Awesome,” Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2003), 147.

The International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia, Volumes 1–5 (Awe)

Fear mingled with reverence and wonder, a state of mind inspired by something terrible or sublime.

The International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia, Volumes 1–5 (Awe)

the word stands for man’s attitude of reverential fear toward God. This is the characteristic attitude of the pious soul toward God in the Scriptures, esp. in the OT. It arises from a consciousness of the infinite power, sublimity and holiness of God, which fills the mind with the “fear of the Lord,” and a dread of violating His law.

Based on scripture, an awe problem in relation to how we view the world comes down to not fearing God. It is a failure to live in wonder and amazement at his character and works. It is a failure to have a proper attitude toward God’s sovereign control over the earth. It is this idea that Isaiah speaks to in Isaiah 40.

As we ask ourselves this question we are going to look at Isaiah 40. This chapter shows the majesty and wonder of God our Creator. This passage will help you and I assess our lives as to where we may have a awe problem. Multiple areas of life can manifest an awe problem but nothing is more foundational then how we view our lives at large. It is vital that you and I have a proper worldview if we are going to live as God has designed for each of us to live as his children. Taking a look into Isaiah 40 will help us uncover areas where we may be having an awe problem.

Our Key Application this morning is: Daily live in awe of God!

We are going to take a look at Isaiah 40 and see four biblical truths followed by 2 simple truths that echo our key application.

Our first truth regarding having a proper awe of God is found in Isaiah 40:1-11

Isaiah 40:1–11 (NASB95)

1 “Comfort, O comfort My people,” says your God. 2 “Speak kindly to Jerusalem; And call out to her, that her warfare has ended, That her iniquity has been removed, That she has received of the Lord’s hand Double for all her sins.” 3 A voice is calling, “Clear the way for the Lord in the wilderness; Make smooth in the desert a highway for our God. 4 “Let every valley be lifted up, And every mountain and hill be made low; And let the rough ground become a plain, And the rugged terrain a broad valley; 5 Then the glory of the Lord will be revealed, And all flesh will see it together; For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” 6 A voice says, “Call out.” Then he answered, “What shall I call out?” All flesh is grass, and all its loveliness is like the flower of the field. 7 The grass withers, the flower fades, When the breath of the Lord blows upon it; Surely the people are grass. 8 The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever. 9 Get yourself up on a high mountain, O Zion, bearer of good news, Lift up your voice mightily, O Jerusalem, bearer of good news; Lift it up, do not fear. Say to the cities of Judah, “Here is your God!” 10 Behold, the Lord God will come with might, With His arm ruling for Him. Behold, His reward is with Him And His recompense before Him. 11 Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, In His arm He will gather the lambs And carry them in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes.

1) We stand in awe of God for keeping his promises. 40:1-11

Deliverance from sin (1-2)

When God comes to set up his kingdom and to shepherd his sheep, his powerful arm will rule all people and there will be no warfare anymore (cf. 2:4). Indeed, this is comforting news.

Forgiveness of Sin - God’s compassionate forgiveness of Jerusalem will be an act of divine grace that will bring comfort to his people.[i]Gary Smith, Isaiah 40-66, vol. 15B, The New American Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2009), 94–95.

Our Response found in Romans 12:1-2

Romans 12:1–2 (NASB95)

1 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

God’s Word stands forever = Our Response should echo Proverbs 3:5-6

Proverbs 3:5–6 NASB95

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.

God’s sovereign shepherding = Our response found in Psalm 56:3

Psalm 56:3 NASB95

3 When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You.

God had told Judah to trust him and no one else. They refused and suffered for it. But God does not forsake people who forsake him. His promise, his initiative, his imagination, his grace and glory are our comfort in our failure. You can trust this God even more than you trust yourself. You can trust this God absolutely. - Hughes

2) We stand in awe of God for being all-powerful. 40:12-20

When you think of power, you may think of construction vehicles or possibly you think of a train or the ocean. Maybe you are into fitness and when you think of power you think of weightlifting. This last week I was watching Thursday night football and they showed a video clip of a star player for one of the teams during his workout. He squatted 675 lbs. It was a display of power.

Christian, our God is a God of power! He has not lifted hundreds of lbs of weight. He has not driven a train. He spoke the world into existence. He paid for the sins of the whole world. He arose from the dead. He will conquered sin. He controls creation with his words. He is all-powerful! He is the True God!

This entire section builds the reader to understand without doubt who the creator of the earth is and also Lord of the nations. The God we serve is sovereign, authoritative, all-powerful, and all-knowing! The previous passage discusses God’s glory through the comfort of a Savior who will display God’s glory at a level we can see. He will come to fulfill the promise of salvation and redemption.

Verses 12-20 provide multiple anthropomorphisms of God’s power. It is done to give clarity to us who are finite the ability to understand God’s working. It is done to show how big God is like a magnifying glass over an object. He is not like the false gods of man. He takes no advice from anyone. He is sovereign and supreme. God not only controls creation but the history of the world. That is power!

Verse 18, Isaiah asks the question of who will you liken to God or who can you even compare him too. God is so great that no one or thing can be likened to him. This is the God we must be at the center of our worldview! We must stop being enamored by the “gods” and “idols” of this world. In these verses it is God’s omnipotence that drives you and I to stand in awe of him and properly act on it.

3) We stand in awe of God’s sovereign control over all creation. 40:21-26

Let’s specifically look at creation. I believe it was about a month ago now roughly that we had the mass power outage do to the strong storms. As the storms were coming in, Chloe, Ella, and I were just coming home from eating dinner over on Hall Rd. As we were driving home we saw the winds pick up and the lightning flashing across the sky. The girls were not afraid but rather amazed at the cool lightning. They kept looking so they could see the next bolt of lightning. Just recently I was playing in a golf tournament to support Camp CoBeAc and we all had to stop for 30 minutes because the winds picked up to 40mph with driving rain. It was crazy. I remember thinking to myself…wow…God is in control and knew that this would take place. This is power.

When God called on the storm to calm from the boat—that was power! When he caused the Red Sea and Jordan River to split that was power. When he called on Lazarus to rise from the dead or the demons to leave the man of the Gaderenes—that was power!

Does the creation around you give you pause to celebrate and just be in awe of God?!

He has power over governments and rulers! Rather than worrying and fretting over all of the injustices, stand in awe that God is in control! As we will see in a few minutes, standing in awe produces a proper response and worldview!

4) We stand in awe of God’s care for those who are weary. 40:27-31

Have you ever gotten tired? I am sure you have had those weeks or days where the end of the week comes and you finally have that moment to sit and rest and before you know it, you have fallen asleep!

Similarly, maybe that has happened to you spiritually also. You have gotten so tired from the onslaught of temptation and the business of serving that you fall asleep spiritually giving into your flesh and its desires.

What encouraging verses 40:27-31 are for us as they were for Israel who had gone through physical and spiritual trial. One commentator described Israel as despondent. This whole chapter was written to encourage and comfort Israel of what they could look forward to from God and who to place their confidence in each day knowing that God is true and trustworthy. He is their shepherd just as we see in the NT that Christ is our shepherd.

The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Volume 6: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel (B. God the Incomparable (40:12–31))

The language used here suggests that the people were bringing God down to their own level, thinking him either forgetful (v.27) or tired—perhaps because their long history of folly seemed to be never-ending.The closing verses assert that the God who upholds the stars (v.26) also supports his weary people (vv.29–30).

So as we have looked at these four truths on why we need to stand in awe of God, I like how one commentator put it--

Isaiah reminded them of the greatness of Jehovah. When you behold the greatness of God, then you will see everything else in life in its proper perspective. (Warren W. Wiersbe, Be Comforted, “Be” Commentary Series (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 110.)

So, what then is our application? I see why we should be standing in awe of God. The principles I see but what does it look like in my daily life?

Application #1: God and his greatness must be central to our daily living.

You may be sitting here this morning and saying, God is central to my life. I believe that God is great. Let me ask you. When you accomplish a task, is it self-gratification that first runs through you or God-magnification? Do you brag on yourself or do you brag on God?

Jeremiah 9:23–24 (NASB95)

23 Thus says the Lord, “Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; 24 but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things,” declares the Lord.

Our lives are not about us! Unfortunately we often live our lives as functional atheists. We do not include God in our day but maybe for a few minutes here and there throughout the day. We worry when we should be trusting. We are self-confident when we need to be humble. We are self-promoting when we need to be God-glorifying. We are controlling when we need to be trusting. We are all too often operating with replacements for God.

We need to stop operating in life without God being the central controls to everything. We need to follow as God leads and not try to lead. Our path and direction will only lead to disaster. Every time Christian wanders off the path hurts take place through consequences of sin or trials that were self-inflicted. Selfishness is never going to get you anywhere. Self grandeur will only result in self-faceplanting. Stop reciting your day or a great accomplishment and leaving God out of the story.

This type of worldview will only bring discomfort and failure into your life. It is not living with a daily awe of who God is and it is only a constant awe of who God is and does that will propel you to righteous living. Focus on the greatness of God in every situation that God allows in your life. Look for God’s working in each day of your life. Pray and ask God to help you see him and his greatness during your day.

Take time to reflect on God’s greatness!

Husbands and wives, before you go to bed each night take time to list 3 things or ways you saw God’s greatness that day.

Parents, start your children thinking the same way by teaching them about God during family devotions.

Each person individually write down three ways/things that you saw God’s greatness that day. Share these with another Christian.

As you begin to share and write down God’s greatness, it will excite you to look for it more and more to where your list is no longer three but an entire page! We must be focusing on God’s greatness and not our own abilities. It is his power and presence that must be what we fear—for this is the whole duty of man (Ecclesiastes 12:13)

Ecclesiastes 12:13 NASB95

13 The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person.

The second application is similar. Not only are we not to forget to look at God’s greatness rather than idolizing what is outside of God, we need to see God as BIG and not just another part of our life.

Application #2: God must be BIG and not small in our life.

Maybe this is you. Maybe you are not operating as a functional atheist but you are raising yourself to the same level as God. You are diminishing God in your life rather than giving him the preeminence (Colossians 1:15-23 )

Colossians 1:15–23 (NASB95)

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. 17 He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. 18 He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. 19 For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, 20 and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven. 21 And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds, 22 yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach— 23 if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, was made a minister.

Often Christians rather than placing God first will begin to treat God as uncaring or distant when a loved one passes away or some highly difficult trial arrives in their life. They may be trusting in God but the God they are trusting in is not BIG but rather small. God is big enough in their life to take care of the bare essentials but in this situation they live as God needs help and can only do so much. Yet, if you ask them, they will tell you they are trusting in God.

We cannot base God’s nearness to us or his love for us or his control in our lives based on our circumstances. Isaiah 55:8-12 explains clearly that we will never understand God’s thoughts and actions but what we can do is trust every thought he has given to us in his word and every action he takes in our lives.

Isaiah 55:8–12 (NASB95)

8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. 9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts. 10 “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, And do not return there without watering the earth And making it bear and sprout, And furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater; 11 So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it. 12 “For you will go out with joy And be led forth with peace; The mountains and the hills will break forth into shouts of joy before you, And all the trees of the field will clap their hands.

Stop trying to figure God’s plans out and thinking he needs your help. He does not need it. No matter how many times your circumstances confuse you. No matter how many times God seems distant. God is BIG!

Ultimately, Job chose throughout his life of trial to not turn against God. He asked God why and God responded with a response of declaration about who He was and never answered Job’s question. We do not need to know the why to our daily lives but who! We need to know God personally! We need to be still and know God! We need to stand in awe of God and stop trying to assist God.

Think of Daniel and his three friends. They purposed in their hearts that they would not defile themselves by going against the law of God. They could have reasoned it out that God would be understanding of the circumstances. They certainly could have felt that God was distant when thrown into the fiery furnace or Daniel when he was thrown into the lion’s den. Joseph could have thought of God as distant when sold by his brothers into slavery. Yet in each of these instances they saw God as big. They saw God as God. They lived with an awe of who God was and what he had done and could do.

Isaiah 40 and many passages throughout scripture informs us of a proper view of life—God at the very center. If God is not the center, if God is not BIG then you have an awe problem and you need to change your worldview. The view by which you are living.

Conclusion

We need to stop living with two lives, spiritual and daily. One commentator lists as a way of helping to identify struggles of living without an awe of God a few symptoms.

Anxiety - Matthew 6:33 “33 “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

Control - Rich Young Ruler did not want to give up what he had and control of his life

Addiction - asking creation to do what the Creator can only do

Depression - lack of an awesome God; “living where the sun does not shine long enough to believe it is not shining.”

Debt - discontentment of heart; forgetting the awesome glories of God

Fear of man - getting your identity from people rather than God

Workaholism - personal success drives contentment and rest rather than true connection to glorious and awesom God.

Dissatisfaction - life just is not what I want it to be

When God is the center, when God is big in your life, so much of the world’s pleasures and comforts no longer carry the same value. It is easy to get distracted by so much around us. It is easy to forget why you have what you have. It is sadly too often practically forgotten what God did for us on the cross. It is forgotten how God has provided for you. It is easily forgotten the commitment God calls on us to His church. In many respects we have forgotten the definition of the word commitment or at least have tried to redefine it. What we call commitment to God more times than not is not what God calls commitment.

I would challenge you to ask yourself is yourself why are you not more committed to God’s church? Why are you not more committed to God’ word? Why are you not committed to gospel living and proclamation? Why are you not more committed to strengthening one another spiritually in the church?

Where you are not committed you have an awe problem! You are not viewing your “world” through God’s view. You have blinders on and have allowed idols and hindrances to steal your awe!

Your daily life must be filled with an awe of God! Look at Isaiah 40 and all God has revealed to us in just this portion of scripture. If you re not humbled and brought low through this text this morning as even a simple reading of it should cause you and I to pause and evaluate—where have I failed to just live in awe of the grandest and truest and greatest God—the one true God who has forgiven our sins, bought us from slavery to sin, reconciled us to God, adopted us into his family, justified us and declared us not guilty, filled us with the Holy Spirit, enabled us to not sin, won the victory over sin and eternal separation from God, preparing a room for us in heaven, given us an inheritance in Christ, provides comfort when we are hurting, protects us when in danger, blesses us in our obedience, disciplines us in our sinfulness, provides for our physical nutrition and daily needs, and the list could go on!

This is the God we fail to live in awe of—why? May you and I today make things right with God and ask him to brake us. Ask God to show us where we are struggling to live with a proper awe of Him! God is great and greatly to be praised!!!