Tool: The Fear of God ‒ 4D Grid
A sample theological learning experience design on the fear of God, created for our Transformational Theology course.
Malcolm Webber
Whether you are in working with ministry leaders on the frontlines or in your church, or simply looking to build yourself in the fear of God, this simple, Four-Dynamic design is an invaluable tool for growth.
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Building the Fear of God |
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Meditation on fear of God passages in Scripture: Eccl. 1:13-14; Ps. 110:10; Prov. 29:25; 1 John 4:15-18. Self-evaluation on the fear of man. Prayer for deliverance from fear of man. Worshipping God using psalms about His greatness and power. Reflection on fear of God in your own life. Repentance for lack of fear of God. Meditation on passages in Scripture where people feared God (Gen. 39; Dan. 1; 3). Memorization of some fear of God passages. Ask your intercessor to pray for greater fear of God in your life. |
Experiential Dynamics Look at the stars. Consider the greatness of God. Respond with praise and worship. Go to places of poverty or disaster, or study them online. Consider the sovereignty of God. Pray for the people involved that they will turn to God in the midst of the suffering. Look at large groups of people. Realize that most of them are not saved. Pray for them and reach out to some.
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Relational Dynamics Interact with mature Christians regarding how they experience the fear of God in their everyday lives; ask them to share their stories (sufferings and victories). Collect at least one testimony from someone in the local church of the practical results of the fear of God; for example, a businessman who declined a bribe out of the fear of God, or a young person who resisted immorality out of the fear of God. Identify a specific area in your own life where you need to grow in the fear of God. Be accountable to a mentor in this area. Encourage your team members when you recognize a healthy fear of God in their lives. Hold each other accountable when you do not fear God properly. |
Instructional Dynamics Learn the doctrine of eternal judgment. Then pray for the lost. Study the lives of biblical leaders who feared God: Noah, Job, Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, David, Obadiah, Hezekiah, Nehemiah, Cornelius. List the specific beliefs, values, attitudes and actions of someone who fears God. Study Scriptures on the blessings and good results of fearing God. Study the differences between fearing God and fearing men. Wrestle with the apparent contradiction between “Fear God!” and “Do not fear God!” passages in the Bible. Team discussion:
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