The Awe of God by John Bevere
Week 11: The Fear of the Lord and Intimacy with God
Read Chapters 29–32 of The Awe of God. Key passages: Psalm 25:14; Psalm 103:13–17; Revelation 1:17.
Previewing Week 11 of The Awe of God
Read 3 of 7 discussion questions below. Unlock the complete 14-week guide when you’re ready.
Bevere arrives at what might be the most paradoxical and beautiful truth in the book — that holy fear does not push you away from God but is the very pathway into the most profound intimacy with Him.
Discussion Questions
7 questions1.Psalm 25:14 says, 'The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him.' The Hebrew word translated 'friendship' (*sod*) means intimate counsel or confidential closeness. What does it mean to you that God offers this kind of friendship specifically to those who fear Him?
2.Bevere likely uses the moment in Revelation 1 when the apostle John — who had reclined at Jesus's breast at the Last Supper — falls as though dead at the feet of the glorified Christ. What does this moment reveal about how our experience of God deepens and changes, even for those who knew Jesus intimately?
3.Bevere argues that much of what passes for intimacy with God today is actually familiarity — a casual, comfortable approach that lacks genuine awe. What is the difference between intimacy and familiarity, and how do you tell which one you have?