Questions

Copy these questions into an email, provide brief answers, and send to Fr Charles who will comment on them. After you have received you comments, then you can go onto the next lesson.

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Questions for Lesson 4: Fear of God

Awakening and the Fear of God

1. What is the meaning of “awakening grace” according to Saint Theophan the Recluse?

2. How does awakening help us understand the importance of salvation?

3. Why is fear of God necessary for spiritual growth?

The Impact of Sin and Purification

4. How do sin and attachment to earthly things hinder us from living the Orthodox way of life?

5. What role does fear play in motivating us to undergo purification?

6. What does Saint Theophan recommend for maintaining spiritual zeal?

Vision of the Spiritual World

7. What is the role of the Church and the Holy Spirit in our spiritual journey?

8. How does the Church mirror Paradise on earth, according to Saint Porphyrios?

9. How can cultivating a vision of the spiritual world help us in our daily life?

Particular Judgment and Salvation

10. What is the "Particular Judgment," and why is it significant for our salvation?

11. What lesson does the Parable of the Talents teach us about preparing for the final judgment?

12. How does the story of Lazarus and the Rich Man illustrate the finality of judgment?

Overcoming Fear and Developing Love for God

13. How does fear of God transition into love for God as we grow spiritually?

14. What kind of fear does the Orthodox Church encourage? How is it different from being afraid of God?

15. Why does Saint Isaac of Syria compare repentance to a ship, fear to a rudder, and love to a harbor?

Repentance and Spiritual Transformation

16. What is the Orthodox understanding of repentance (metanoia)?

17. How does repentance help us overcome egotism and develop humility?

18. Why is self-criticism necessary for true repentance?

Preparation for Death and the Judgment

19. How does the Orthodox Church view death, and what happens at the moment of death?

20. What does Saint Theophan say about contemplating death to motivate spiritual growth?

21. How does the Universal Resurrection at the Second Coming relate to our current spiritual efforts?

Living with the Fear of God Daily

22. What practical steps does Saint Theophan recommend to keep the fear of God before us daily?

23. How does fear of God sustain a life of repentance and transformation?

24. How can maintaining the remembrance of God help us overcome worldly fears?