O Great God
by Bob Kauflin
Theology & Meaning
O Great God by Bob Kauflin is a Reformed theological meditation that holds together the greatness and transcendence of God with the ethical obligations that flow from encounter with that greatness. Isaiah 6:5's response to divine holiness — 'Woe to me! I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips' — provides the pattern: encounter with God's greatness produces humility rather than pride. The song then draws the practical ethical line from theological experience to daily living through Micah 6:8's triad: 'do justice, love kindness, walk humbly with your God.' This movement — from doxological encounter to ethical practice — is the classical Christian spiritual formation pattern: we are changed by what we see, and what we see in God's holiness produces humility, love, and justice as natural responses. Philippians 2:3-4's 'do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit; rather, in humility value others above yourselves' provides the specific interpersonal application of the God-encounter. Romans 12:10's 'be devoted to one another in love; honor one another above yourselves' extends this to the corporate community. Kauflin's Sovereign Grace aesthetic brings Reformed theological precision to accessible, singable worship music.
Worship Leadership Tips
This song works in any service context that seeks to connect encounter with God's holiness to practical transformation. Works as a response to preaching on holiness, humility, or the attributes of God. Brief teaching on the Isaiah 6 pattern — encounter produces humility — gives the song its full theological arc. Works in services focused on community formation and interpersonal love.
Arrangement Tips
Piano-led with acoustic instrumentation. The arrangement should have reverence and warmth — reflecting both the greatness of God and the warmth of the community that results from encountering Him. Build gradually from the opening to a full-voiced, humble declaration at the end. Choir harmonies suit the Sovereign Grace tradition. Keep production honest rather than polished.
Scripture References
- Micah 6:8
- Isaiah 6:5
- Psalm 99:5
- Philippians 2:3-4
- Romans 12:10