Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.” —Hebrews 12:28-29.
Every earth-made empire will eventually topple, and every man-made structure will decay and fall. God, however, has given us a kingdom that can’t rust, spoil, or fade, kept in heaven for us. What will we do in response to this great gift? Worship with reverence and awe! The Holy Spirit isn’t talking about worship in a church building. Our worship in reverence and awe is what we do in our daily lives. We worship by…
- Keeping on loving each other as brothers and sisters (Hebrews 13:1).
- Offering hospitality to strangers (Hebrews 13:2).
- Remembering and caring for those in prison and those who are mistreated (Hebrews 13:3).
- Honoring marriage among us and keeping our marriage beds pure by keeping ourselves free from sexual immorality (Hebrews 13:4).
- Learning to be content with what we have and keeping our lives free from the love of money (Hebrews 13:5).
- Honoring godly leaders as we imitate the holy things we see in their lives (Hebrews 13:7).
- Keeping ourselves away from novel and strange teachings (Hebrews 13:8).
- Following Jesus despite opposition, willing to bear disgrace for him (Hebrews 13:13).
- Offering God the sacrifice of our praise through Jesus as we profess our allegiance to God (Hebrews 13:15).
- Remembering to do good and sharing with others (Hebrews 13:16).
Is this really the worship we are to offer with reverence and awe? Yes, because God is pleased with this worship in our daily lives (Hebrews 13:16).