Awakening Awe: Embracing God's Majesty and Will
Summary
Waking up each morning in awe of God can transform our spiritual lives. Imagine starting the day by contemplating His throne, surrounded by unapproachable light, with lightning and thunder emanating from it. The Bible describes even the highest angels covering themselves in reverence, proclaiming His holiness. This image invites us to rekindle a profound fear and reverence for God, akin to those rare biblical moments when individuals glimpsed His presence and were left speechless. Job, for instance, was humbled and silenced upon truly seeing God, realizing the arrogance of his previous words.
If we could return to such a state of silent reverence, we would recognize the vast chasm between God and ourselves. This realization shifts our focus from our desires to His will. It’s not about what we want, but about aligning ourselves with His purpose. Believing that God sent His Son to die for our sins, we understand that His death was meant to reconcile us with God. This understanding should lead us to a place of submission, where we are willing to do whatever He desires.
Key Takeaways
- Awe and Reverence for God: Starting each day in silent awe of God can deepen our spiritual connection. By contemplating His majesty and holiness, we are reminded of the vastness of His power and the reverence He deserves. This practice can transform our perspective, helping us to focus on His greatness rather than our own desires. [03:55]
- The Fear of God: Rediscovering a healthy fear of God can lead to profound humility. Like Job, who was silenced upon truly seeing God, we too can be humbled by His presence. This fear is not about being afraid, but about recognizing His authority and our place before Him. [04:29]
- Silence and Reflection: Embracing silence allows us to reflect on the gap between God and ourselves. In this quietness, we can better understand His will and our role in His plan. Silence becomes a space where we can listen to God and align our hearts with His desires. [05:24]
- Submission to God’s Will: Recognizing that life is not about our wants but about God’s will is crucial. When we understand that God’s purpose is greater than our own, we can submit to His plans with a willing heart. This submission is an act of trust and faith in His divine wisdom. [05:56]
- Reconciliation through Christ: Believing in the sacrifice of Jesus is central to our relationship with God. His death was meant to bridge the gap between us and God, offering forgiveness and reconciliation. This belief calls us to live in a way that honors this sacrifice, seeking to fulfill God’s desires. [06:20]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[03:55] - Awe of God's Throne
[04:10] - Holiness and Reverence
[04:29] - Rediscovering Fear of God
[04:54] - Job's Humility
[05:24] - Silence and Reflection
[05:56] - Aligning with God's Will
[06:20] - Reconciliation through Christ
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Job 42:5-6 - "My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes."
2. Isaiah 6:1-5 - Isaiah's vision of the Lord, where he sees the seraphim proclaiming God's holiness.
3. Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's humility and obedience, even to death on a cross.
#### Observation Questions
1. What imagery is used in the sermon to describe God's throne and presence? ([03:55])
2. How did Job's encounter with God change his perspective and attitude? ([04:54])
3. What role does silence play in understanding our relationship with God according to the sermon? ([05:24])
4. How is the concept of submission to God's will presented in the sermon? ([05:56])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the imagery of God's throne in Isaiah 6:1-5 help us understand the concept of reverence and awe?
2. In what ways does Job's response to seeing God (Job 42:5-6) illustrate a healthy fear of God? ([04:54])
3. How does Philippians 2:5-8 challenge our understanding of submission and humility in our daily lives?
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between silence and recognizing God's authority? ([05:24])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your morning routine. How can you incorporate a moment of awe and reverence for God into it? ([03:55])
2. Think of a time when you felt humbled by God's presence. How did that experience change your perspective or actions? ([04:54])
3. What are some practical ways you can create space for silence and reflection in your life to better understand God's will? ([05:24])
4. How can you actively submit to God's will in a specific area of your life where you have been resistant? ([05:56])
5. Consider the sacrifice of Jesus as described in Philippians 2:5-8. How does this understanding of Christ's humility influence your interactions with others?
6. Identify one area in your life where you need to shift your focus from your desires to God's purpose. What steps can you take to make this shift? ([05:56])
7. How can the concept of reconciliation through Christ shape the way you approach relationships that need healing or forgiveness? ([06:20])
Devotional
Day 1: Awakening to God's Majesty
Contemplating the majesty of God each morning can profoundly transform our spiritual lives. By envisioning His throne, surrounded by unapproachable light, and the awe-inspiring presence of angels, we are reminded of His infinite power and holiness. This practice invites us to shift our focus from our own desires to the greatness of God, fostering a deeper connection with Him. As we start our day in silent awe, we are encouraged to recognize the vastness of His authority and the reverence He deserves. [03:55]
Isaiah 6:1-3 (ESV): "In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called to another and said: 'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!'"
Reflection: How can you incorporate a moment of awe and reverence for God into your morning routine to start your day with a focus on His greatness?
Day 2: Embracing Humility through Fear of God
Rediscovering a healthy fear of God can lead to profound humility. This fear is not about being afraid but about recognizing His authority and our place before Him. Like Job, who was silenced upon truly seeing God, we too can be humbled by His presence. This humility allows us to acknowledge the vast chasm between God and ourselves, shifting our focus from our desires to His will. By embracing this fear, we open ourselves to a deeper understanding of His divine wisdom. [04:29]
Job 42:5-6 (ESV): "I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to embrace humility and acknowledge God's authority? How can this change your perspective today?
Day 3: The Power of Silence and Reflection
Embracing silence allows us to reflect on the gap between God and ourselves. In this quietness, we can better understand His will and our role in His plan. Silence becomes a space where we can listen to God and align our hearts with His desires. By setting aside time for reflection, we create an opportunity to deepen our spiritual connection and gain clarity on how to live according to His purpose. [05:24]
Habakkuk 2:20 (ESV): "But the Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him."
Reflection: Can you set aside a specific time today to sit in silence and reflect on God's presence in your life? What might He be trying to communicate to you in this quietness?
Day 4: Aligning with God's Will
Recognizing that life is not about our wants but about God’s will is crucial. When we understand that God’s purpose is greater than our own, we can submit to His plans with a willing heart. This submission is an act of trust and faith in His divine wisdom. By aligning ourselves with His will, we open ourselves to the transformative power of His guidance and direction in our lives. [05:56]
Proverbs 19:21 (ESV): "Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself resisting God's will? How can you take a step towards aligning with His purpose today?
Day 5: Living in Reconciliation through Christ
Believing in the sacrifice of Jesus is central to our relationship with God. His death was meant to bridge the gap between us and God, offering forgiveness and reconciliation. This belief calls us to live in a way that honors this sacrifice, seeking to fulfill God’s desires. By embracing the reconciliation offered through Christ, we are invited to live a life that reflects His love and grace to others. [06:20]
Colossians 1:19-20 (ESV): "For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross."
Reflection: How can you actively live out the reconciliation you have received through Christ in your relationships with others today?
Quotes
what if we could just silently every morning wake up in awe of who god is if we just imagine seeing his throne this being who sits in unapproachable light the bible says there's lightning and thunder coming from his throne and even the high angels are covering themselves up head to toe with their wings and just screaming out how holy he is [00:03:30]
what if we got back to actually having a fear of god again you know like those few times in the bible when someone got the opportunity to get like a glimpse of god it's like they fell speechless it's like job when he said i had always heard of you but now my eyes have seen you [00:04:17]
and he says i'll just stop talking suddenly he was humbled and embarrassed of all the things he said that were so arrogant what if we got back to silence as individuals and we knew how to just wake up if we could become like that again just in silence stare at him [00:04:54]
recognize the enormous gap between god and us then we'd realize and it's it's it's not about me it's not about what i want it's it's about whatever you want me recognize if i believe that you sent your son to die for me so that i could be forgiven of my sin [00:05:40]
and that his death was supposed to bring us together and that's what you want thank god i want whatever you want i'll do whatever you want me to do [00:06:16]
Chatbot
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