Why Some Believers Stay Faithful While Others Fall Away | Bobby Schuller | Podcast Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

Why Some Believers Stay Faithful While Others Fall Away

Shepherd's Grove • Feb 19, 2026 • 18 min

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Take this message with you through a journey of Scripture, reflection, and prayer.

Summary

The fear of the Lord is a profound reverence, awe, and holy terror before the immense majesty and power of God. When believers truly encounter God's holy presence, secret sin and pride are exposed, compelling us to seek His mercy and obey Him without delay. God promises in Jeremiah 32 to place His fear within us so that we will never turn away from Him, guaranteeing a life of enduring faithfulness and daily transformation through His Word.

Themes

Fear of the LordFaithfulness and PerseveranceHoliness and RepentanceIntegrity and Secret SinDaily Scripture Engagement

Key Points

1.
The fear of the Lord encompasses awe, profound reverence, and holy terror when encountering God's immense glory and majesty.
2.
Contemplating the vastness of God—who is continually worshiped by supernatural heavenly beings—reveals His supreme authority over all creation.
3.
Entering God's holy presence instantly exposes pride and hidden sin, leaving us undone like the prophet Isaiah and aware of our desperate need for mercy.
4.
God promises in Jeremiah 32:38–40 to place a holy fear within His people so they will never turn away from Him and will experience His enduring goodness.
5.
Delaying obedience when God speaks or managing a holy public reputation while practicing secret sin demonstrates a dangerous lack of fear for God.
6.
True fear of the Lord reorders our priorities, leading us to honor God above earthly distractions, idols, or human approval.
7.
A genuine awe of God transforms our worship from passive observance into wholehearted, unreserved devotion in His presence.
8.
Cultivating the fear of the Lord requires daily engagement with the Scriptures, particularly the Old Testament, allowing God's Word to reshape our lives.

Sermon Moments

“The fear of the Lord is both a dread and a euphoric sense of peace and life.”

“Imagine a massive saucer hovering in the sky blocking out the sun—that overwhelming sense of scale helps us glimpse the awesomeness of God's presence.”

“Isaiah was a devout temple-goer, yet the moment he glimpsed God's holiness, he cried out, 'I am undone,' recognizing his unclean lips.”

“Many leaders fall not for lack of charisma or Bible knowledge, but because they lacked a deep, reverent fear of the Lord.”

“Delaying obedience to God's clear voice or maintaining a pious public image while practicing secret sin reveals a lack of fear for God.”

“You can learn the fear of the Lord, and it begins by opening the Bible daily and letting the Scriptures read you.”

This Week

Begin each day by reading the Bible consistently, allowing Scripture to reveal God's true character and guide your life.

Examine your heart for any delayed obedience and respond promptly when the Holy Spirit prompts you to act.

Bring any private or hidden sins into the light through honest confession, aligning your private life with your public testimony.

Practice reverent, unreserved worship during church gatherings, focusing entirely on God's presence rather than human opinion.

Evaluate your daily schedule to ensure secondary pursuits or entertainments do not become idols taking priority over God.

Meditate on God's covenant promise in Jeremiah 32:38–40, asking Him to place His holy fear in your heart to keep you faithful.

Engage with the Scriptures daily by keeping a paper Bible near your morning routine and letting God's Word transform your mind.

Remember This

God places His holy fear within our hearts so that we will remain faithful to Him forever and experience His unfailing goodness.

A Challenge for You

Commit to reading the Scriptures daily—starting in the Old Testament—and let the Word of God transform your heart and build a holy reverence for Him.

These are personal sermon notes shared to help you remember the message — not a replacement for Scripture, your church, or your pastors.