Aligning Worship with God's Eternal Kingdom
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound themes found in Daniel chapter seven, a passage that transitions from historical narratives to apocalyptic visions. This chapter challenges us to understand the nature of God's kingdom amidst the temporary power structures of the world. Daniel's vision of the four beasts and the Ancient of Days seated on His throne serves as a reminder that earthly kingdoms are fleeting, but God's dominion is everlasting. This revelation calls us to examine where our worship is directed and to realign our lives with the eternal kingdom of God.
The core of our existence is to worship God, reflecting His image in our lives. However, like the Israelites who were exiled to Babylon due to misplaced worship, we too can find ourselves spiritually exiled when we prioritize other things over God. The narrative of Daniel and his friends demonstrates that steadfast worship amidst adversity leads to divine preservation and protection. Conversely, the kings of Babylon, who worshiped their own power, faced downfall and destruction. This dichotomy illustrates the consequences of misplaced worship and the importance of aligning our lives with God's eternal kingdom.
Worship begins with a revelation—a divine perspective on our earthly circumstances. This revelation is not merely informational but transformational, leading us to reposition our lives towards God in humility and repentance. It requires a redirection of our actions, ensuring that our daily lives reflect our worship. True worship is not confined to Sunday services but is a lifestyle that permeates every aspect of our existence. As we live out this worship, we participate in God's restorative work, bringing healing and hope to our world.
Key Takeaways:
- Revelation as the Foundation of Worship: Worship begins with a revelation of God's eternal kingdom, contrasting the temporary nature of earthly powers. This divine perspective helps us understand our purpose and align our lives with God's will. A revelation is initiated by God and is essential for true worship. [14:47]
- Repositioning through Humility and Repentance: A revelation of God leads to a repositioning of our lives. Like Daniel, we must turn our faces towards God, acknowledging our brokenness and need for His grace. This humility and repentance are crucial for genuine worship. [19:33]
- Redirection of Life's Patterns: Worship requires a redirection of our actions, moving beyond mere acknowledgment to living a lifestyle that reflects God's kingdom. Our daily choices and behaviors should be acts of worship, demonstrating our commitment to God. [21:44]
- Restoration through Worship: Worship is a conduit for restoration, reconnecting us with God and bringing healing to our lives and communities. As we worship, we participate in God's plan to restore all things, both now and in the future. [26:38]
- Eternal Perspective in Worship: Our worship is anchored in the hope of God's eternal kingdom, transcending our current circumstances. This perspective empowers us to face trials with confidence, knowing that God's kingdom will ultimately prevail. [27:11]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:15] - Introduction to Daniel's Visions
[02:16] - The Four Beasts and the Ancient of Days
[03:53] - The Everlasting Kingdom
[05:38] - Understanding Apocalyptic Visions
[06:08] - The Big Picture: The Gospel
[07:24] - The Purpose of Worship
[09:48] - Israel's Exile and Misplaced Worship
[11:32] - Worship in Adversity
[13:20] - Misplaced Worship in Culture
[15:23] - Revelation of Jesus
[17:09] - The Role of Scripture in Revelation
[19:01] - Repositioning Towards God
[21:07] - Indicators of Worship
[23:06] - Standing Firm in Worship
[25:34] - Worship as Lifestyle
[27:11] - Restoration and Eternal Hope
[29:14] - Exiles on Earth
[30:10] - The New Jerusalem
[31:38] - Choosing Worship in Trials
[33:16] - Encouragement to Continue Worshiping
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Daniel 7:11-18
- John 4:23
- Revelation 21:1-4
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Observation Questions:
1. In Daniel 7:11-18, what is the significance of the vision of the four beasts and the Ancient of Days? How does this vision contrast the temporary nature of earthly kingdoms with God's eternal dominion? [03:53]
2. According to the sermon, what role does revelation play in the act of worship? How is this illustrated in Daniel's experience? [14:47]
3. How does the sermon describe the consequences faced by the kings of Babylon due to their misplaced worship? What does this reveal about the importance of where we direct our worship? [12:39]
4. What does John 4:23 say about the nature of true worship, and how does this align with the sermon's message about worship as a lifestyle? [21:44]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the vision in Daniel 7 serve as a reminder of the temporary nature of earthly power structures? What implications does this have for how believers should view current worldly systems? [15:23]
2. The sermon emphasizes the need for humility and repentance in worship. How does Daniel's response to his vision demonstrate this principle, and what can we learn from his example? [19:33]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that worship can lead to restoration, both personally and within communities? How does this connect to the broader biblical narrative of redemption? [26:38]
4. How does the concept of an eternal perspective in worship, as discussed in the sermon, empower believers to face trials and challenges in their lives? [27:11]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current life circumstances. Have you had a personal revelation of Jesus that influences your daily worship? If not, what steps can you take to seek this revelation? [16:33]
2. Consider the areas in your life where you might be prioritizing other things over God. How can you realign your worship to focus on God's eternal kingdom this week? [10:52]
3. The sermon highlights the importance of humility and repentance in worship. Is there an area in your life where you need to turn back to God in humility? How can you practically do this? [19:33]
4. Worship is described as a lifestyle that permeates every aspect of our existence. What specific changes can you make in your daily routines to ensure your actions reflect your worship of God? [21:44]
5. The sermon mentions that worship can bring restoration to our lives and communities. How can you actively participate in God's restorative work in your community this week? [26:38]
6. Think about a recent trial or challenge you faced. How did your perspective on God's eternal kingdom influence your response? How can you strengthen this perspective for future challenges? [27:11]
7. Identify one area in your life where you feel spiritually exiled or distant from God. What practical steps can you take to return to a place of worship and alignment with God's purpose for you? [10:52]
Devotional
Day 1: Revelation as the Foundation of Worship
Worship begins with a revelation of God's eternal kingdom, contrasting the temporary nature of earthly powers. This divine perspective helps us understand our purpose and align our lives with God's will. A revelation is initiated by God and is essential for true worship. In Daniel chapter seven, the vision of the four beasts and the Ancient of Days provides a stark contrast between the transient nature of earthly kingdoms and the everlasting dominion of God. This revelation is not just about gaining knowledge but about transforming our understanding of reality. It calls us to see beyond the immediate and the visible, to grasp the eternal truths that God reveals to us. As we receive this revelation, we are invited to align our lives with the eternal kingdom, allowing it to shape our worship and our daily living. [14:47]
Daniel 7:13-14 (ESV): "I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed."
Reflection: How can you seek a fresh revelation of God's eternal kingdom in your current circumstances, and how might this change your perspective on the challenges you face today?
Day 2: Repositioning through Humility and Repentance
A revelation of God leads to a repositioning of our lives. Like Daniel, we must turn our faces towards God, acknowledging our brokenness and need for His grace. This humility and repentance are crucial for genuine worship. The story of Daniel and his friends in Babylon illustrates the power of steadfast worship amidst adversity. Despite being in a foreign land, they remained faithful to God, demonstrating humility and repentance in their actions. This repositioning is not just about turning away from sin but about turning towards God, seeking His presence and guidance in every aspect of life. It requires a heart that is willing to be transformed and a life that is open to God's leading. [19:33]
2 Chronicles 7:14 (ESV): "If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to humble yourself and seek God's grace today? How can you actively turn towards Him in repentance?
Day 3: Redirection of Life's Patterns
Worship requires a redirection of our actions, moving beyond mere acknowledgment to living a lifestyle that reflects God's kingdom. Our daily choices and behaviors should be acts of worship, demonstrating our commitment to God. This redirection involves a conscious effort to align our lives with the values and principles of God's kingdom. It means allowing our worship to permeate every aspect of our existence, from our relationships to our work, and even in our leisure activities. By doing so, we become living testimonies of God's love and grace, showing the world what it means to live under His rule. [21:44]
Colossians 3:17 (ESV): "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Reflection: What specific changes can you make in your daily routines to ensure that your actions reflect your worship and commitment to God's kingdom?
Day 4: Restoration through Worship
Worship is a conduit for restoration, reconnecting us with God and bringing healing to our lives and communities. As we worship, we participate in God's plan to restore all things, both now and in the future. This restoration is not just personal but communal, as our worship impacts those around us. It brings hope and healing to broken relationships, communities, and even nations. By engaging in true worship, we become agents of God's restorative work, participating in His mission to renew and restore all creation. [26:38]
Isaiah 61:1-3 (ESV): "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion—to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified."
Reflection: How can your worship today contribute to the restoration and healing of your community? What practical steps can you take to be an agent of God's restorative work?
Day 5: Eternal Perspective in Worship
Our worship is anchored in the hope of God's eternal kingdom, transcending our current circumstances. This perspective empowers us to face trials with confidence, knowing that God's kingdom will ultimately prevail. By focusing on the eternal, we are reminded that our present struggles are temporary and that God's promises are sure. This eternal perspective gives us strength and courage to persevere, trusting that God is at work even when we cannot see it. It encourages us to live with hope and joy, knowing that we are part of a greater story that God is unfolding. [27:11]
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (ESV): "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Reflection: How can you cultivate an eternal perspective in your worship today, especially in the face of trials or challenges? What specific promises of God can you hold onto as you navigate your current circumstances?
Quotes
1) "It's this, it's the gospel. It's the fact that there is a God who created everything, including us. And he created us for a purpose. What is that purpose to reflect his image? What is reflecting his image? It is worship. So we were created to worship God, but we chose to worship something other than God. And because we chose to worship something other than God, it brought sin. And brokenness and destruction and evil into the world. But more than that, it separated us from God who wants to be in relationship with us. And God loving us so much was not okay with this. So even though we worship something other than him, rebelled against him, went our own ways, did what we thought was right. God actively sought out to restore us back to relationship with him. How did he do this? Through his son, Jesus Christ." [07:24] (58 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "Whenever, hear me, whenever our worship is misplaced, it will lead us to either living subhuman or lead to death itself. We wonder why our culture is in such a spiral and such a mess. A devaluing of life. Maybe it's because we've given away our worship. Instead of worshiping God, we worship sex. We worship money. We worship power. We worship comfort and comfortability. We worship political parties and people thinking that they're the answer. And we wonder why it seems like culture is falling apart. There's division, there's hurt, there's pain and there's chaos because we're not doing what we were created to do. Worship God." [12:39] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "Wherever your worship is, that's where you will go. Your worship is leading you. And so they were taken from their homeland and sent to Babylon. Notice this. Babylon didn't just show up and take them. God sent them. God sent them to exile into Babylon. Why? Because sometimes God has to send you out so he can get your worship back. So he can take you back to your purpose. He has to remove the things that are distracting you and take you to a place where you remember your dependence on God. And that's why the children of Israel found themselves in Babylon." [10:52] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "What is a revelation? A revelation is a heavenly perspective of your earthly situation. It's God revealing himself in his point of view to his people. You have to understand this about a revelation. A revelation always is initiated by God. God wants to reveal himself to you. So Daniel has this revelation. A revelation of God in God's heavenly perspective. This is what he sees. He sees first off this. That kingdoms come and kingdoms go. But the kingdoms and power structures of this earth, the things we value, the things a lot of us build our life on, are temporary. In the end, all the beasts die. It's over." [14:14] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "You can be living in Babylon, but still choose to face God. Set your attention, set your gaze, set your focus on him. I turned to face the Lord God, seeking him by prayer and by pleas for mercy with fasting and sackcloth and ashes. What is this? What is he talking about? Guys, this is his response to a revelation. He sees how big and grand God is, that he is the king. He is the king on the throne. Then all of a sudden, Daniel has a revelation of himself that I am nothing without that king. In fact, I'm the scum of the earth. I'm broken. I'm sinful. I'm the one who rebelled. And he has a realization of himself, so he turns to God. How? In humility and brokenness." [19:01] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "Everything you do is worship. The words you speak, the thoughts you think, the way you vote, the way you post, the conversations you have, all of it is worship. And either it's worshiping God as king or it's worshiping Babylon. Everything we do is worship. So what does the worship of your life point to? Does it point to Jesus? Does it point to him as king? Our life is worship. So let that action, let the way that you live be worship unto God." [25:34] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7) "Our worship is not determined by our current circumstances. I wanna say that again. Our worship is not determined by the here and now and how we feel. Our worship is anchored to our future hope. Our worship is anchored to a greater reality. I hope this doesn't offend you, but a few weeks ago, I was watching the movie Back to the Future. Anyone seen it? No? Few of you? Okay. Watching Back to the Future and I'd seen it a bunch of times before, but I was watching like kind of the end of the movie when Doc is trying to connect that power cord so the lightning can strike and Marty can go back to the future. I'm watching this and the cord gets disconnected and remember it's hanging on his pants if you've ever seen it and he's like trying to get it." [27:11] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8) "We could experience brokenness and we see it in our country right now where it seems like it's more divisive than ever. People are pointing fingers at each other. It seems like, man, is everything like falling apart? And we're living in the here and now. But I wanna let you know that God's plan and purpose is always to restore. And the beautiful thing about what God reveals to us in scripture is that in the end, no matter what, sickness, pain, death, hurt, brokenness, in the end, we win." [26:38] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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