Climbing Mountains: Seeking God's Presence in Daily Life

 

Summary

Today, I began by reflecting on the significance of Moses' life, particularly his willingness to climb mountains to be with God. This act was not just about physical ascent but a spiritual journey towards intimacy with God. Moses' repeated climbs up Mount Sinai symbolize his dedication and desire to be close to God, which is a powerful lesson for us. His actions teach us that being with God, seeking His presence, and receiving His laws are pivotal for our spiritual growth and leadership.

I emphasized the importance of the Ten Commandments, given to Moses on Mount Sinai, as God's instructions for living a life that is distinct and holy. These commandments are not just historical edicts but relevant guidelines that help us navigate the complexities of modern life while maintaining our distinctiveness as God's people.

In the sermon, I shared the transformative weekend we had at Genesis Church, celebrating the baptism of several members, including a whole family. This event was a vivid demonstration of our mission to help people find their way back to God. It was a reminder of the impact of personal transformation and communal support in our spiritual journeys.

I also discussed the practical aspects of spiritual growth, stressing the importance of making time for God in our busy schedules. I suggested practical steps like scheduling time for God, finding a specific place for meeting with Him, and the indispensable role of the Bible in hearing God's voice. These practices are not just routine; they are about creating space in our lives to connect with God deeply and consistently.

Lastly, I concluded with a call to approach God's throne of grace with confidence, emphasizing that our relationship with God should be marked by open communication, much like Jesus modeled through His life. Prayer is not just about presenting our needs but also about listening and aligning our lives with God's will.

### Key Takeaways

1. Moses' Mountain Climbs as Spiritual Journeys - Moses' repeated ascents up Mount Sinai are a metaphor for our spiritual journey. Each climb was an act of obedience and a step closer to God. This teaches us the importance of persistently seeking God's presence, regardless of the effort it requires. Just as Moses climbed the mountain multiple times, we too must continuously seek moments of close communion with God in our daily lives. [44:47]

2. The Relevance of the Ten Commandments - The Ten Commandments are not outdated rules but foundational truths that guide how we live as God's distinct people. They teach us about God's expectations and help us navigate our moral and ethical decisions. By adhering to these commandments, we uphold our identity as a holy nation and a kingdom of priests, set apart to reflect God's glory in the world. [37:12]

3. The Impact of Personal and Communal Transformation - The baptism event at our church underscores the transformative power of community and personal faith. As individuals publicly declared their faith, it served as a testament to the ongoing work of God in transforming lives. This communal celebration is a powerful reminder of our role in supporting each other's spiritual journeys and the impact of collective witness. [29:38]

4. Practical Steps for Spiritual Growth - Spiritual growth requires intentional practices. Scheduling time for God, finding a specific place for prayer and reflection, and engaging with Scripture are practical steps that facilitate deeper communion with God. These habits help us to remain focused and connected to God amidst the distractions of daily life. [51:10]

5. The Power of Prayer and Open Communication with God - Approaching God's throne with confidence and maintaining open communication through prayer are essential for a healthy spiritual life. Prayer strengthens our relationship with God, provides reassurance, and aligns our hearts with His will. It is through prayer that we find the grace and mercy to navigate life's challenges. [59:35]

### Chapters
0:00 - Welcome
31:00 - Introduction to Moses and Mount Sinai
33:35 - The Significance of Moses' Mountain Climbs
37:12 - The Relevance of the Ten Commandments Today
44:47 - Moses' Desire for God's Presence
51:10 - Practical Steps for Daily Spiritual Growth
59:35 - The Role of Prayer in Spiritual Transformation

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Exodus 24:12-18 - "The Lord said to Moses, 'Come up to me on the mountain and stay here, and I will give you the tablets of stone with the law and commandments I have written for their instruction.' Then Moses set out with Joshua his aide, and Moses went up on the mountain of God. He said to the elders, 'Wait here for us until we come back to you. Aaron and Hur are with you, and anyone involved in a dispute can go to them.' When Moses went up on the mountain, the cloud covered it, and the glory of the Lord settled on Mount Sinai. For six days the cloud covered the mountain, and on the seventh day the Lord called to Moses from within the cloud. To the Israelites, the glory of the Lord looked like a consuming fire on top of the mountain. Then Moses entered the cloud as he went up on the mountain. And he stayed on the mountain forty days and forty nights."

2. Philippians 1:6 - "Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

3. Hebrews 4:14-16 - "Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

#### Observation Questions
1. How many times did Moses climb Mount Sinai according to the sermon, and what was the significance of these climbs? [40:26]
2. What are the practical steps for spiritual growth mentioned in the sermon? [51:10]
3. What was the significance of the Ten Commandments as described in the sermon? [37:12]
4. How did the sermon describe the impact of the baptism event at Genesis Church? [29:38]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is Moses' willingness to climb Mount Sinai repeatedly significant for our understanding of spiritual dedication and leadership? [44:47]
2. How do the Ten Commandments serve as a foundation for living a distinct and holy life in today's context? [37:12]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the role of community and personal transformation in one's spiritual journey? [29:38]
4. How does the sermon explain the importance of scheduling time for God and finding a specific place for prayer and reflection? [51:10]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on Moses' dedication to climbing Mount Sinai. What are some "mountains" in your life that you need to climb to grow closer to God? How can you start this journey? [44:47]
2. The Ten Commandments were described as foundational truths for living a holy life. How can you apply one of the Ten Commandments more intentionally in your daily life this week? [37:12]
3. The sermon highlighted the transformative power of community, as seen in the baptism event. How can you support someone in your community who is on their spiritual journey? [29:38]
4. Scheduling time for God was emphasized as crucial for spiritual growth. What specific time can you set aside daily for prayer and Bible reading? How will you ensure this time remains a priority? [51:10]
5. The sermon mentioned the importance of having a specific place for meeting with God. Where can you create a dedicated space for prayer and reflection in your home or daily routine? [52:17]
6. Prayer was described as open communication with God. How can you improve your prayer life to include more listening and aligning your will with God's? [59:35]
7. Reflect on the idea of approaching God's throne of grace with confidence. What are some areas in your life where you need to seek God's grace and mercy more boldly? [58:45]

Devotional

Day 1: Climbing Mountains for Spiritual Intimacy
Moses' repeated ascents up Mount Sinai are not just historical events but profound lessons in spiritual dedication. Each climb was a deliberate act of seeking closeness with God, illustrating that spiritual growth requires effort and persistence. Just as Moses climbed the mountain to receive God's laws and bask in His presence, we are called to make similar efforts in our spiritual lives. This might mean setting aside daily times for prayer and meditation, or seeking deeper theological understanding. The journey may be challenging, but it is essential for those who desire a closer relationship with God. [44:47]

Exodus 24:15-18 (ESV): "Then Moses went up on the mountain, and the cloud covered the mountain. The glory of the Lord dwelt on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days. And on the seventh day he called to Moses out of the midst of the cloud. Now the appearance of the glory of the Lord was like a devouring fire on the top of the mountain in the sight of the people of Israel. Moses entered the cloud and went up on the mountain. And Moses was on the mountain forty days and forty nights."

Reflection: What are some 'mountains' in your life that you need to climb to foster a closer relationship with God? How can you start that ascent today?

Day 2: Living Distinctly Through Divine Guidelines
The Ten Commandments are far from being mere ancient laws; they are timeless principles that guide us in living a life that honors God. These commandments help us navigate our moral and ethical decisions, ensuring that we live as a distinct people set apart for God's glory. By adhering to these guidelines, we reflect God's character in a world that often values relative truths over absolute divine wisdom. This adherence is not just about following rules but about embodying the holiness that comes from God. [37:12]

Deuteronomy 5:6-10 (ESV): "I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. 'You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is above in heaven or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them; for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.'"

Reflection: How can you better integrate the Ten Commandments into your daily decisions to reflect God's distinctiveness in your life?

Day 3: The Transformative Power of Faith and Community
The recent baptism at our church is a testament to the transformative power of personal faith and the support of a spiritual community. As individuals publicly declared their faith, it not only marked their personal spiritual rebirth but also strengthened the faith of the community. This collective experience serves as a powerful reminder of our role in supporting each other's spiritual journeys and the profound impact of our communal witness. Such events encourage us to continue in our mission to lead others towards transformative encounters with God. [29:38]

Acts 2:41-42 (ESV): "So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers."

Reflection: How can you contribute to the spiritual growth of someone in your community this week?

Day 4: Cultivating Daily Habits for Spiritual Growth
Spiritual growth is not accidental; it requires intentional practices and habits. Setting aside specific times and places for prayer and reflection helps us connect more deeply with God. Engaging with Scripture is not just about reading words but about allowing those words to transform us. These practices help us remain focused on God amidst the distractions of daily life and foster a deeper, more consistent communion with Him. [51:10]

Psalm 119:15-16 (ESV): "I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word."

Reflection: What specific time and place can you set aside for daily prayer and Scripture reading to deepen your relationship with God?

Day 5: Embracing Prayer as Communion with God
Approaching God's throne with confidence is about more than presenting our needs; it involves open communication and active listening. Prayer is a powerful tool that strengthens our relationship with God, providing reassurance and aligning our hearts with His will. It is through prayer that we find the grace and mercy to navigate life's challenges, making it essential for a healthy spiritual life. [59:35]

Hebrews 4:16 (ESV): "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

Reflection: What is one aspect of your life where you need to improve your communication with God through prayer? How can you start making that change today?

Quotes

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "Like, God wants us to grow, to grow into maturity like we see in Moses. And as followers of Jesus, and certainly as the people of God, so that as students, if you're a student here today, like, God's desire for you is that you'll be the very best representative of Jesus that you can be as a student in this community with his help and through his strength." [49:16]( | | )

2. "The good news though, the good news, because I know this is hard, the good news is that the growth isn't all up to us. Alright, it doesn't rest solely on us. Like God is the one who directs the process of growth and transformation in our lives." [46:15]( | | )

3. "Let me tell you what else is happening. We just came off a really, really special weekend at Genesis Church. You got to experience some of that. Last weekend, we had 15 people across our two campuses that were baptized. Baptism is always a special moment, and certainly here at Genesis Church, because it's a part of our mission." [29:38]( | | )

### Quotes for Members

1. "Moses' willingness to go to be with the Lord is the most important thing. The most important thing about his life. The most important thing about his faith. It's more important than his education. It's more important than any previous leadership lesson he's ever learned. More important than any accomplishment ever achieved." [44:47]( | | )

2. "And let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. And what a gift that we can go to Jesus with confidence. That we can talk to him. That we can communicate with him." [59:35]( | | )

3. "It's going to have to go on the calendar in order to make it a priority, to make it a habit. And it can be early in the morning. It can be during the day. It can be late at night. You choose a time that works for you. For me, if it's not in the morning, it's probably not going to happen, you know, because life happens." [51:40]( | | )

4. "The word of God will do that for us, too, because it will provide a way. It will lighten our path, preparing us for the things that are coming, even things that are coming into our life this week. But if we let it, it will also enlighten us. It will illuminate our lives in such a way that people aren't going to see you or me." [57:56]( | | )

5. "Like he wants us to grow and to become more and more like Jesus Christ each and every day. The good news though, the good news, because I know this is hard, the good news is that the growth isn't all up to us. Alright, it doesn't rest solely on us. Like God is the one who directs the process of growth and transformation in our lives." [46:15]( | | )

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Transcript
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