Awakening to God's Holiness and Redemption
Summary
In reflecting on my journey of faith, I shared a pivotal moment from my college years that profoundly shaped my spiritual path. Initially, my conversion to Christianity left me so enamored with Jesus that I became almost oblivious to my academic responsibilities. My sole focus was on reading the Bible and learning about Jesus, which led to academic probation. However, a second transformative experience occurred during a philosophy class on St. Augustine, where I was captivated by the concept of a God so powerful that He could create the universe with a mere command. This awakening led me to change my major to philosophy, not out of a desire to study philosophy per se, but to learn more about this majestic God.
This journey taught me that conversion is just the beginning of a lifelong pursuit of knowing God and deepening our relationship with Him. I posed a question to the congregation: Have you ever felt an intense, vivid sense of God's presence? Many have, yet this experience is rare and often fleeting. It is crucial to remain vigilant and awake to God's holiness, as it is His holiness that defines His greatness and goodness. The holiness of God is not a concept to be taken lightly; it is divisive and demands a response. It challenges us to confront our sinfulness and our need for redemption.
The holiness of God is both awe-inspiring and terrifying because it highlights our own unworthiness. Yet, it is also the reason we can find hope and delight in God, for His holiness ensures that He is always good and just. This understanding leads us to the cross, where we find the provision for our sin and the means to be reconciled with a holy God. Through faith in Christ, we are clothed in His righteousness and welcomed into the Father's house. My prayer is that each person will come to the cross, embrace Christ, and experience the redemption and forgiveness He offers.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Awakening to God's Majesty: My journey began with a profound awakening to the majesty of God, which shifted my focus from academic pursuits to a deeper understanding of His power and holiness. This awakening is a reminder that our spiritual journey is a continuous pursuit of knowing God more intimately. [07:08]
2. The Rarity of God's Presence: Experiencing God's presence is a rare and powerful moment that leaves a lasting impact. It challenges us to remain spiritually awake and aware of His holiness, which is fundamentally different from our daily experiences. [09:33]
3. The Holiness of God: God's holiness is the most fundamental attribute that defines who He is. It encompasses both His greatness and goodness, and it demands our reverence and worship. Understanding His holiness is crucial for a genuine relationship with Him. [15:26]
4. Confronting Our Sinfulness: The holiness of God highlights our sinfulness and our need for redemption. It is a call to confront our indifference and hostility towards God, and to seek reconciliation through Christ. [25:15]
5. The Cross as Our Provision: The cross is the provision for our sin, offering us the means to be reconciled with a holy God. Through faith in Christ, we are clothed in His righteousness and welcomed into the Father's house, experiencing true redemption and forgiveness. [31:38]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:38] - A Catalytic Moment
- [01:21] - Falling in Love with Jesus
- [02:38] - Academic Struggles
- [03:20] - Introduction to Philosophy
- [04:42] - Reading Billy Graham
- [05:20] - Encountering St. Augustine
- [06:08] - The Majesty of God
- [07:08] - Changing My Major
- [08:38] - Experiencing God's Presence
- [10:33] - The Holiness of God
- [13:10] - God is Great and Good
- [15:26] - Understanding Holiness
- [17:08] - Humanity's Indifference
- [19:19] - Delighting in Holiness
- [21:09] - The Need for a Holy God
- [23:41] - Confronting Hostility
- [25:15] - Reshaping God
- [27:40] - The Enemy of Sin
- [29:25] - The Prodigal Son
- [31:38] - The Cross and Redemption
- [33:18] - Embracing Christ
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 6:33 - "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
2. Isaiah 6:3 - "And they were calling to one another: 'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.'"
3. Luke 15:11-32 - The Parable of the Prodigal Son
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Observation Questions:
1. What was the initial impact of the pastor's conversion to Christianity on his academic life? How did it affect his priorities? [01:21]
2. During the philosophy class, what specific concept about God captivated the pastor and led to a change in his academic focus? [06:08]
3. How does the pastor describe the experience of God's presence, and what are some common reactions people have to it? [09:33]
4. What does the pastor identify as the most fundamental attribute of God, and how is it expressed in the Bible? [15:26]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the pastor's story illustrate the idea that conversion is just the beginning of a lifelong pursuit of knowing God? [07:59]
2. In what ways does the pastor suggest that God's holiness is both awe-inspiring and terrifying? How does this understanding affect our relationship with God? [10:33]
3. How does the pastor explain the significance of the cross in reconciling us with a holy God? What role does faith in Christ play in this process? [31:38]
4. What does the pastor mean when he says that people often reshape God to fit their own preferences? How does this relate to our understanding of God's holiness? [26:09]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt an intense sense of God's presence. How did it impact your faith journey, and what steps can you take to remain spiritually awake to His holiness? [09:33]
2. The pastor changed his major to philosophy to learn more about God. Is there an area in your life where you feel called to shift your focus to deepen your understanding of God? What steps can you take to pursue this? [07:08]
3. How do you currently perceive God's holiness, and how does it challenge your view of your own sinfulness? What practical steps can you take to confront and address your sin? [25:15]
4. The pastor emphasizes the importance of coming to the cross for redemption. How can you make this a more personal and regular part of your spiritual life? [31:38]
5. Consider the ways you might have reshaped your understanding of God to make Him more comfortable or convenient. How can you realign your view of God with the biblical portrayal of His holiness? [26:09]
6. How can you actively seek God's kingdom and righteousness in your daily life, as encouraged in Matthew 6:33? What specific changes can you make to prioritize this pursuit?
7. The parable of the prodigal son illustrates God's readiness to forgive and welcome us back. How can you embrace this truth in your life, especially when you feel distant from God? [29:25]
Devotional
Day 1: Awakening to God's Majesty
In the journey of faith, there are moments that profoundly shift our understanding of God. One such moment is the awakening to His majesty, where the realization of His power and holiness becomes undeniable. This awakening often redirects our focus from worldly pursuits to a deeper exploration of who God is. It is a reminder that our spiritual journey is not static but a continuous pursuit of knowing God more intimately. This pursuit is not just about acquiring knowledge but about experiencing the transformative power of God's presence in our lives. [07:08]
"For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: 'I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.'" (Isaiah 57:15, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a time when you felt a profound sense of God's majesty. How did it change your perspective on your daily priorities, and what steps can you take today to keep that sense of awe alive in your life?
Day 2: The Rarity of God's Presence
Experiencing God's presence is a rare and powerful moment that leaves a lasting impact on our spiritual journey. These moments challenge us to remain spiritually awake and aware of His holiness, which is fundamentally different from our daily experiences. The rarity of these encounters with God serves as a reminder of the divine nature of His presence and the importance of seeking Him earnestly. It is in these moments that we are called to be vigilant, to recognize the sacredness of His presence, and to respond with reverence and worship. [09:33]
"And he said, 'My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.' And he said to him, 'If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here.'" (Exodus 33:14-15, ESV)
Reflection: Recall a moment when you felt God's presence in a powerful way. What practices can you incorporate into your daily routine to cultivate an awareness of His presence, even in the mundane moments of life?
Day 3: The Holiness of God
God's holiness is the most fundamental attribute that defines who He is. It encompasses both His greatness and goodness, demanding our reverence and worship. Understanding His holiness is crucial for a genuine relationship with Him, as it reveals the depth of His character and the standard of purity He embodies. This understanding challenges us to confront our own sinfulness and recognize our need for redemption. It is through the lens of His holiness that we begin to grasp the magnitude of His love and justice. [15:26]
"Who is like you, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders?" (Exodus 15:11, ESV)
Reflection: How does the holiness of God challenge your current understanding of His character? What changes can you make in your life to align more closely with His holiness?
Day 4: Confronting Our Sinfulness
The holiness of God highlights our sinfulness and our need for redemption. It is a call to confront our indifference and hostility towards God, urging us to seek reconciliation through Christ. This confrontation is not meant to condemn but to lead us to a place of humility and repentance. By acknowledging our shortcomings, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God's grace, allowing Him to reshape our hearts and minds. It is through this process that we experience true freedom and restoration. [25:15]
"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me." (Psalm 51:10-11, ESV)
Reflection: What specific areas of sin in your life need to be confronted and surrendered to God? How can you invite His grace to bring healing and transformation in these areas today?
Day 5: The Cross as Our Provision
The cross is the provision for our sin, offering us the means to be reconciled with a holy God. Through faith in Christ, we are clothed in His righteousness and welcomed into the Father's house, experiencing true redemption and forgiveness. This profound truth is the cornerstone of our faith, reminding us of the depth of God's love and the sacrifice He made for our salvation. It is through the cross that we find hope, healing, and the assurance of eternal life with God. [31:38]
"For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." (2 Corinthians 5:21, ESV)
Reflection: How does the reality of the cross impact your understanding of God's love and forgiveness? What steps can you take to live out this truth in your daily interactions with others?
Quotes
Thank you very much. In our first session that we had if you remember I made reference to an experience that I had as a college student, which I called a catalytic moment, a moment of powerful effect on my life that changed the whole future course of my existence. It’s defined my life, tells me who I am and what I’m about and all of that. [00:00:13]
But I have to confess to you that one of the immediate results of my conversion to Christianity was that for the first year of my Christian life I was almost, not totally, but almost totally brain dead, because I fell in love with Jesus. And the only thing that I wanted to know anything about was Jesus. [00:00:54]
And then one afternoon, and this professor, I have to tell the truth, was very soft spoken, very boring; there wasn’t a lot of passion in his teaching style to get anybody excited about what he was talking about. But this one afternoon he began to lecture on the philosophy of Aurelius Augustine, St. Augustine. [00:05:17]
And I heard the professor in his soft-spoken voice begin to tell about how Augustine conceived of the majesty of power that was exhibited and manifested in a being who could bring a universe into existence by the sheer force of His command. He was talking about a God so transcendently powerful that he could simply say, “Let there be light.” [00:06:15]
And as he went through the aspects of this sermon my soul was kindled anew, and my mind came awake. And I said I must learn more about this God who is so powerful, so great, so majestic. And I’m an impulsive person. After that class I went right downstairs, went directly to the Registrar’s office and changed my major from bible to philosophy. [00:06:51]
Have you ever, ever, ever in your life had an intense vivid powerful sense of the presence of God? Have you ever had that? You know the funny thing is the vast majority of people whom I ask that question don’t even hesitate to say to me yes, I’ve had it. It’s rare, infrequent, but yes, I’ve tasted it. [00:08:47]
The one thing about that experience is it is different. It is different from our normal, daily, common sensibilities, isn’t it? Why is it different? The chief answer to that question is because God is different. That’s why we have so much trouble with God. He’s different. He’s not like me. Oh, He’s some way in which we’re alike, but the contrasts are unbelievable. [00:12:51]
And I discovered that this one word that the bible uses all the time points both to God’s greatness and to His goodness. And that word is holy. And I’ve come to discover that the most basic, most fundamental characteristic of God, the most basic attribute that defines who He is is His holiness. [00:15:38]
The angels sing in His presence every day, “Holy, holy, holy.” When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, the first thing He taught them to pray about was what? He said, “When you pray, I want you to say -- I want you to say, ‘Our Father who art in heaven.’ That’s the address and then I want you to ask Him this, ‘Hallowed by Thy name.’” [00:16:26]
The reason why we can delight in God at all is because He’s holy. Think about it. Think if the highest being in the universe were all powerful, omnipotent, powerful enough to put galaxies in their places. Omniscient, able to know everything, to read your mind, to know everything that you’ve ever done, every thought that you’ve ever thought, every word that you’ve ever uttered, He knows it all. [00:20:43]
How would you like to have to live in a universe ruled by an all powerful all evil God? It would be unbearable. Our only hope is that this universe is governed by an all-powerful, all-holy God, who will never, ever, ever, ever, ever use His power in an unholy way, in a bad way, who knows everything that you’ve ever done and everything you’ve ever done. [00:21:56]
And the provision that God has made for that is the cross. We’ve all heard about the cross in the abstract. And we can be spectators of the cross in the abstract, but for us to understand what it means to be in the father’s house, something personal had to take place. We talk nebulously about faith, but what I mean by faith is this, that we put our personal trust in Christ. [00:31:38]
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