Ascending to Higher Spiritual Ground: A Call to Holiness

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound truth that God is calling each of us to ascend to a higher spiritual place. This call is not just about witnessing miracles or experiencing signs and wonders, but about developing a deep, personal relationship with God. We are reminded that God is in control, and when we align ourselves with His plans, He protects, provides, and aligns our paths for His purposes. This alignment requires us to trust Him completely, even when circumstances are challenging or when His presence seems daunting.

Reflecting on the journey of the Israelites in Exodus, we see that God led them to the base of Mount Sinai to reveal Himself. However, the revelation required them to sanctify themselves, to wash their garments, symbolizing a purification process. This process is essential for us as well, as it represents shedding our old identities and embracing the new life God offers. It is a call to holiness, to be a peculiar people, a royal priesthood, set apart for His glory.

The journey to the mountain's summit is not easy. It requires perseverance, trust, and a willingness to wait on God, even in silence. Like Moses and Joshua, we must be willing to ascend, to step into the unknown, trusting that God will guide us. This journey is about dying to ourselves, allowing God to live through us, and becoming conduits of His love and power to the world.

As we enter into a time of fasting and prayer, we are encouraged to lay down anything that hinders our ascent. Whether we find ourselves at the base of the mountain or further along the path, the goal is to reach the presence of God. It is a call to sanctification, to be vessels of honor, ready to step into the next dimension of our spiritual journey.

Key Takeaways:

- God's Sovereignty and Alignment: Trusting in God's sovereignty means recognizing that He is in control of all things. When we align ourselves with His plans, He protects, provides, and aligns our paths for His purposes. This requires us to surrender control and trust that He will work everything out for our good. [55:17]

- The Call to Higher Ground: God is calling us to ascend to a higher spiritual place, much like He called Moses to the mountain. This ascent requires us to leave behind our old identities and embrace the new life God offers. It is a journey of sanctification and holiness, where we become a royal priesthood set apart for His glory. [59:46]

- The Process of Purification: Just as the Israelites were instructed to wash their garments, we too must undergo a purification process. This involves allowing God's word to cleanse us, removing the filth and sin from our lives. It is a call to holiness, where we shed our old identities and embrace the new life God offers. [01:12:53]

- Trusting in Silence: The journey to the mountain's summit requires perseverance and trust, even in silence. Like Joshua, we must be willing to wait on God, trusting that He will guide us. This waiting period is a test of our faith, where we learn to rely on God's word and His promises. [01:30:10]

- Becoming Vessels of Honor: As we ascend, we are called to become vessels of honor, ready to be used by God. This requires us to die to ourselves, allowing God to live through us. It is a call to be conduits of His love and power, impacting the world for His glory. [01:36:34]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [55:17] - God's Sovereignty and Alignment
- [56:13] - Entering the Fast
- [58:09] - Called to a Higher Place
- [59:46] - The Call to Higher Ground
- [01:01:02] - Moses' Ascent
- [01:01:51] - The Glory of the Lord
- [01:02:29] - Sensitivity to the Spirit
- [01:03:28] - God's Search for the Available
- [01:09:09] - The Word Written in Hearts
- [01:10:29] - Entry Point to the Kingdom
- [01:12:00] - Responsibility in the Ascent
- [01:12:53] - The Process of Purification
- [01:19:03] - Transparency Before God
- [01:30:10] - Trusting in Silence
- [01:36:34] - Becoming Vessels of Honor

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Exodus 24:12-18 - This passage describes Moses' ascent to Mount Sinai, where God calls him to receive the tablets of stone with the law and commandments.
2. Exodus 19:10-11 - This passage highlights the sanctification process the Israelites underwent before God revealed Himself on Mount Sinai.
3. 1 Peter 2:9 - This verse speaks about believers being a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation, which aligns with the sermon’s call to holiness and being set apart for God's glory.

#### Observation Questions
1. What specific instructions did God give to Moses in Exodus 24:12-18 regarding his ascent to Mount Sinai?
2. How did the Israelites prepare themselves for God's revelation at Mount Sinai according to Exodus 19:10-11?
3. In the sermon, what was emphasized as the purpose of God leading the Israelites to the base of Mount Sinai? [01:03:28]
4. How does 1 Peter 2:9 relate to the sermon’s message about being a royal priesthood and a holy nation?

#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the process of sanctification in Exodus 19:10-11 symbolize in the context of the sermon’s message about spiritual ascent? [01:12:53]
2. How does the sermon interpret the significance of Moses' and Joshua's willingness to ascend the mountain despite the unknown? [01:30:10]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that waiting in silence, like Joshua, is a test of faith and trust in God? [01:30:41]
4. How does the sermon connect the concept of being a "peculiar people" in 1 Peter 2:9 to the call for believers to be set apart for God's purposes? [01:17:42]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God calling you to a higher spiritual place. How did you respond, and what challenges did you face in that journey? [58:09]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of aligning with God's plans. What areas of your life do you find difficult to surrender to God's control, and how can you work on trusting Him more? [55:17]
3. Consider the purification process described in the sermon. What "old identities" or habits do you need to shed to embrace the new life God offers? [01:12:53]
4. How can you practice waiting on God in silence, especially during challenging times when His presence seems distant? What practical steps can you take to strengthen your faith during these periods? [01:30:10]
5. The sermon calls believers to be vessels of honor. What specific actions can you take this week to allow God to live through you and impact others with His love and power? [01:36:34]
6. Reflect on the idea of being a "royal priesthood" as mentioned in 1 Peter 2:9. How can you live out this identity in your daily interactions and responsibilities?
7. As you enter a time of fasting and prayer, what are some things you need to lay down that might be hindering your spiritual ascent? How can your small group support you in this journey? [56:13]

Devotional

Day 1: Trusting in God's Sovereignty
God's sovereignty means He is in control of all things, and aligning with His plans brings protection and purpose. Trusting in God's sovereignty requires a deep surrender of our own control and a firm belief that He orchestrates everything for our good. This alignment with His divine will is not passive but an active choice to trust Him, especially when circumstances seem challenging or His presence feels overwhelming. As we align ourselves with God's plans, we find that He not only protects and provides for us but also guides our paths to fulfill His purposes. This trust is a journey of faith, where we learn to let go of our fears and anxieties, knowing that God is working behind the scenes for our ultimate good. [55:17]

"For the Lord of hosts has purposed, and who will annul it? His hand is stretched out, and who will turn it back?" (Isaiah 14:27, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to trust God's control? How can you begin to surrender this area to Him today?


Day 2: Ascending to Higher Ground
God calls us to ascend to a higher spiritual place, leaving behind our old identities and embracing the new life He offers. This call to higher ground is a journey of sanctification and holiness, where we are set apart as a royal priesthood for His glory. Much like Moses was called to the mountain, we too are invited to step into a deeper relationship with God, one that requires us to shed our past and embrace the transformation He offers. This ascent is not just about witnessing miracles but about developing a profound, personal relationship with God, where we become more like Him in our thoughts, actions, and character. [59:46]

"Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully." (Psalm 24:3-4, ESV)

Reflection: What old identity or habit is God calling you to leave behind as you ascend to higher ground? How can you take a step towards this transformation today?


Day 3: The Process of Purification
The purification process is essential for spiritual growth, symbolized by the Israelites washing their garments before encountering God. This process involves allowing God's word to cleanse us, removing the filth and sin from our lives. It is a call to holiness, where we shed our old identities and embrace the new life God offers. This purification is not a one-time event but a continual journey of sanctification, where we are constantly being refined and transformed into the image of Christ. As we undergo this process, we become more sensitive to the Spirit's leading and more aligned with God's purposes for our lives. [01:12:53]

"Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work." (2 Timothy 2:21, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life that needs purification? How can you invite God's word to cleanse and transform you in this area today?


Day 4: Trusting in Silence
The journey to the mountain's summit requires perseverance and trust, even in silence. Like Joshua, we must be willing to wait on God, trusting that He will guide us. This waiting period is a test of our faith, where we learn to rely on God's word and His promises, even when we don't see immediate results. Trusting in silence means believing that God is at work, even when we cannot perceive His presence or understand His plans. It is a time of deepening our faith, where we learn to listen for His still, small voice and trust that He is leading us on the right path. [01:30:10]

"For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken." (Psalm 62:5-6, ESV)

Reflection: How do you respond when God seems silent in your life? What can you do to cultivate trust and patience during these times of waiting?


Day 5: Becoming Vessels of Honor
As we ascend, we are called to become vessels of honor, ready to be used by God. This requires us to die to ourselves, allowing God to live through us. It is a call to be conduits of His love and power, impacting the world for His glory. Becoming a vessel of honor means being willing to lay down our own desires and ambitions, allowing God to shape and mold us for His purposes. It is a journey of humility and surrender, where we recognize that our lives are not our own but are meant to be used for God's glory and the advancement of His kingdom. [01:36:34]

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us." (2 Corinthians 4:7, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you become a vessel of honor for God today? How can you allow His love and power to flow through you to impact those around you?

Quotes



Lift your hands right now. Open your spirits. Open your hearts. Open your mind. Because the Lord is taking this church and individuals to a higher place. You did not just enter this fast to enter this fast, but God is going to carry you into a higher place. [00:56:33] (30 seconds)


And because you have waited, I am calling you up higher. And I am bringing you to a place in my spirit many of you have never been before. Because you waited. But you held on to me. And because you have held on to me, by holding on to me, I will ascend you into the heights of my spirit. [00:58:09] (34 seconds)


God is searching for men and women who will make themselves available to him. It doesn't matter what nation you're from, what ethnicity you are. God is saying, if you will come, I will use you. If you will make yourself available, I will use you. [01:03:28] (21 seconds)


You see, before God ever wrote the word on stone, he spoke it into their hearts. God has always wanted relationship. He's always wanted to talk to you. He's always wanted to write his word in your hearts. He's always wanted you to follow him. [01:09:09] (18 seconds)


Because when you're dead he can live through you i am crucified with christ nevertheless i live but not i but christ that lives within me and the life i live in the flesh i live by the faith of the son of god who loved me and gave himself for me i am dead and my life is hid with christ in god [01:16:49] (25 seconds)


You see, even when God takes you to another level. Where you may be someone who's reaching out and helping others and strengthening others. He still requires sanctification at another level from you and I. I want you to understand this because it's the basis of many of the things we're going to have to understand going forward. [01:18:24] (22 seconds)


Joshua was in a place where many of us find ourselves. But don't know what to do. It's a place of trust in silence and waiting. And this is the place where God is trying to build us. And say I have called you to come up to a greater place. [01:30:10] (21 seconds)


And you see many of us do not like waiting. But waiting is what causes you to trust God on a whole different level. May that wait upon the Lord shall renew them their strength. They shall mount up with wings as eagles. They shall run and not be weary. They shall walk and not faint. [01:31:08] (18 seconds)


It doesn't matter how long you've been living this thing how much you pray how much you fast what matters is your sensitivity of staying in his presence and hearing his voice and saying whatever you want me to do wherever you want me to go whatever you want me to give up I'll give it up. [01:36:34] (23 seconds)


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Transcript
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