Climbing the Mountain: Intentional Faith and Transformation
Summary
### Summary
Welcome, New Life Kearney! It's wonderful to see everyone today, including our New Life family in Ogallala, North Platte, and those joining us online. A special shout-out to our Holdridge campus launch team, who are preparing to bring the message of Jesus to their community. Today, we kick off a new series called "Mountaintops." When we think of mountaintops, we often imagine euphoric spiritual highs, but this series will focus on intentional faith and seeking God, much like mountain climbers who know there's something special to discover at the summit.
Our first core value at New Life is that seekers find God. This series is about being intentional in our faith, climbing the mountain to meet with God. Whether you're new to faith or have been following Jesus for decades, if you seek Him, you will find Him. This is not just a one-time event but a continuous journey. We live in a world full of distractions and demands, making it challenging to find the time and energy to seek God. But remember, no one accidentally climbs a mountain; it takes intentionality and effort.
Let's look at the story of Moses and the Israelites. Moses had an extraordinary encounter with God at Mount Sinai through a burning bush. God called Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, but Moses was initially insecure and protested. He questioned his ability to lead and communicate effectively. Despite his insecurities, Moses obeyed God, and through a series of plagues, Pharaoh finally let the Israelites go. However, their newfound freedom was not without challenges. The Israelites complained about their circumstances, longing for the familiarity of their past slavery.
Moses found himself in uncharted territory, leading people instead of sheep. He climbed Mount Sinai to seek God's guidance, and God provided clear instructions. This brings us to our first main point: meeting God on the mountaintop brings clarity. When we intentionally seek God, He provides clarity and direction for our lives. Moses' repeated trips up the mountain to meet with God resulted in the Ten Commandments, which provided the Israelites with the boundaries they needed to live abundantly.
Meeting God on the mountaintop also builds confidence. Moses transformed from an insecure shepherd to a confident leader through his continuous obedience and trust in God. The more time we spend in God's presence, the more our confidence and trust in Him grow. To meet God on the mountaintop, we must prioritize proximity to His presence. This involves deciding where and when we will seek God, determining how we will climb the mountain, and believing that God will meet us as we seek Him.
Moses' transformation through his mountaintop moments with God didn't just benefit him; it benefited all the Israelites. Similarly, as we grow closer to God, those around us will also feel the effects. So, who in your life will benefit from your transformation? Become a mountain climber who passionately seeks God, knowing that you will find Him.
Let's pray. God, we thank you that you are not a God who hides from us. You promise that if we seek you wholeheartedly, we will find you. Help us to prioritize proximity to your presence and to seek you with all our hearts. Amen.
### Key Takeaways
1. Seekers Find God: Whether you're new to faith or have been following Jesus for decades, if you seek Him, you will find Him. This journey of seeking God is continuous and requires intentionality. God is not playing hide and seek; He wants you to find Him and experience His presence. [17:38]
2. Meeting God Brings Clarity: When you intentionally seek God, He provides clarity and direction for your life. Moses climbed Mount Sinai to seek God's guidance, and God provided clear instructions. Similarly, when we spend time in God's presence, He brings clarity to our situations. [35:10]
3. Building Confidence Through Obedience: Moses transformed from an insecure shepherd to a confident leader through his continuous obedience and trust in God. The more time we spend in God's presence, the more our confidence and trust in Him grow. Meeting God on the mountaintop builds confidence. [42:32]
4. Prioritizing Proximity to God's Presence: To meet God on the mountaintop, we must prioritize proximity to His presence. This involves deciding where and when we will seek God, determining how we will climb the mountain, and believing that God will meet us as we seek Him. [43:57]
5. Transformation Benefits Others: Moses' transformation through his mountaintop moments with God didn't just benefit him; it benefited all the Israelites. Similarly, as we grow closer to God, those around us will also feel the effects. Consider who in your life will benefit from your transformation as you seek God. [48:20]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[15:33] - Introduction and Shout-outs
[16:01] - New Series: Mountaintops
[17:07] - Core Value: Seekers Find God
[17:38] - Seeking God in Different Stages of Faith
[18:44] - Intentional Faith and Daily Challenges
[19:58] - Distractions and Demands of Life
[21:25] - Intentionality in Climbing the Mountain
[22:55] - Moses' Encounter with God
[24:27] - Moses' Insecurities and God's Call
[26:05] - Israelites' Journey and Complaints
[27:28] - Israelites' Struggles with Freedom
[29:03] - God's Provision and Israelites' Complaints
[30:42] - Moses' Leadership Challenges
[32:14] - Facing New Situations and Seeking God
[33:41] - Moses Climbs the Mountain for Guidance
[35:10] - Meeting God Brings Clarity
[36:38] - Continuous Seeking and Guidance
[38:11] - Ten Commandments and Boundaries
[39:32] - Moses' Transformation and Confidence
[40:59] - Encountering God on Mount Sinai
[42:32] - Building Confidence Through Obedience
[43:57] - Prioritizing Proximity to God's Presence
[45:20] - Practical Steps to Seek God
[46:47] - Believing God Will Meet You
[48:20] - Transformation Benefits Others
[50:10] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: "Mountaintops"
#### Bible Reading
1. Exodus 19:3-6 - "Then Moses climbed the mountain to appear before God. The Lord called to him from the mountain and said, 'Give these instructions to the family of Jacob. Announce it to the descendants of Israel: You have seen what I did to the Egyptians. You know how I carried you on eagle's wings and brought you to myself. Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to me. And you will be my kingdom of priests, my holy nation.' This is the message you must give to the people of Israel."
2. Exodus 14:31 - "When the people of Israel saw the mighty power that the Lord had unleashed against the Egyptians, they were filled with awe before him. They put their faith in the Lord and in his servant, Moses."
3. Jeremiah 29:13 - "If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me."
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Moses' initial reaction when God called him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt? ([24:27])
2. How did the Israelites respond to their newfound freedom after leaving Egypt? ([27:28])
3. What did Moses do when he needed guidance and clarity from God? ([33:41])
4. According to the sermon, what are the benefits of meeting God on the mountaintop? ([35:10])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Moses felt insecure about leading the Israelites, and how did God address his insecurities? ([24:27])
2. How does the story of Moses climbing Mount Sinai illustrate the importance of seeking God intentionally? ([33:41])
3. What does it mean to prioritize proximity to God's presence, and how can this be practically achieved in our daily lives? ([43:57])
4. How does Moses' transformation from an insecure shepherd to a confident leader demonstrate the impact of continuous obedience and trust in God? ([39:32])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt insecure about a task God called you to do. How did you overcome those insecurities, or how can you apply Moses' example to your situation? ([24:27])
2. The Israelites often complained and longed for their past despite their newfound freedom. Are there areas in your life where you find yourself longing for the past instead of embracing the freedom God offers? How can you shift your focus? ([27:28])
3. Moses climbed the mountain multiple times to seek God's guidance. What practical steps can you take to ensure you are consistently seeking God's presence in your life? ([33:41])
4. Meeting God on the mountaintop brings clarity and confidence. Identify a specific area in your life where you need clarity or confidence. How can you intentionally seek God for guidance in this area? ([35:10])
5. The sermon emphasized the importance of prioritizing proximity to God's presence. What are some distractions or demands in your life that you need to say "no" to in order to prioritize time with God? ([43:57])
6. Moses' transformation benefited all the Israelites. Who in your life will benefit from your spiritual growth and transformation? How can you be intentional about seeking God for their sake as well as your own? ([48:20])
7. Jeremiah 29:13 promises that if we seek God wholeheartedly, we will find Him. What specific actions can you take this week to seek God with all your heart? How will you hold yourself accountable to these actions? ([46:47])
Devotional
Day 1: Seekers Find God
When you seek God with intentionality, you will find Him. This journey of seeking God is continuous and requires effort. God is not playing hide and seek; He wants you to find Him and experience His presence. Whether you are new to faith or have been following Jesus for decades, the promise remains the same: if you seek Him, you will find Him. This is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey of drawing closer to God. In a world full of distractions and demands, it can be challenging to find the time and energy to seek God. However, just as no one accidentally climbs a mountain, seeking God requires intentionality and effort. [17:38]
Jeremiah 29:13 (ESV): "You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to intentionally seek God amidst your daily distractions and demands?
Day 2: Meeting God Brings Clarity
When you intentionally seek God, He provides clarity and direction for your life. Moses climbed Mount Sinai to seek God's guidance, and God provided clear instructions. Similarly, when we spend time in God's presence, He brings clarity to our situations. This clarity is not just about understanding what to do next but also about understanding who we are in God's eyes and what He desires for our lives. The story of Moses shows that meeting God on the mountaintop brings clarity, as seen when Moses received the Ten Commandments, which provided the Israelites with the boundaries they needed to live abundantly. [35:10]
Psalm 32:8 (ESV): "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need clarity from God? How can you make time to seek His guidance today?
Day 3: Building Confidence Through Obedience
Moses transformed from an insecure shepherd to a confident leader through his continuous obedience and trust in God. The more time we spend in God's presence, the more our confidence and trust in Him grow. Meeting God on the mountaintop builds confidence. Moses' repeated trips up the mountain to meet with God resulted in a transformation that not only benefited him but also the entire Israelite community. This transformation is a testament to the power of obedience and trust in God's plan. [42:32]
Joshua 1:9 (ESV): "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to trust God more? How can you take a step of obedience today to build your confidence in Him?
Day 4: Prioritizing Proximity to God's Presence
To meet God on the mountaintop, we must prioritize proximity to His presence. This involves deciding where and when we will seek God, determining how we will climb the mountain, and believing that God will meet us as we seek Him. Proximity to God's presence is not about physical location but about the intentionality of our hearts and minds. It requires setting aside dedicated time and space to be with God, free from distractions. This intentional pursuit of God's presence is essential for spiritual growth and transformation. [43:57]
James 4:8 (ESV): "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
Reflection: What specific time and place can you set aside each day to draw near to God? How can you eliminate distractions during this time?
Day 5: Transformation Benefits Others
Moses' transformation through his mountaintop moments with God didn't just benefit him; it benefited all the Israelites. Similarly, as we grow closer to God, those around us will also feel the effects. Our personal transformation has a ripple effect, impacting our families, friends, and communities. When we seek God and allow Him to transform us, we become conduits of His love, grace, and truth to those around us. Consider who in your life will benefit from your transformation as you seek God. [48:20]
2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV): "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."
Reflection: Who in your life will benefit from your spiritual growth and transformation? How can you be intentional about sharing God's love and truth with them today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "When we say seekers find God we're talking about anybody and everybody that is seeking after God they are going to find Him. You could be in one of our auditoriums or joining with us on New Life Online today and you're exploring you're trying to decide is Jesus someone that I want to follow? Am I going to put my life in His hands as my personal Lord and leader? You're seeking to find Him. If you continue to do that you will find Him." [17:38]
2. "No one accidentally climbs a mountain. Climbing a mountain takes intentionality and effort. Recently, I was in downtown Kearney. I was stopped at a stoplight and, and this guy was on his phone and, and it just good timing, I guess, because he didn't even look up to see if he had the walk sign and, and he's on his phone and he's scrolling through and, and whatnot. Guess where that guy didn't end up? On the top of a mountain. Because we don't accidentally get to the top of a mountain. Cultivating and growing our relationship with God is similar." [19:58]
3. "God is not a God that's playing hide and seek, where he hopes that he's hidden so well that he can't be found by you. He loves you. He created you. He has a purpose and a plan for you. And he wants you to find him. And so that's what we're focused on in this series." [21:25]
4. "Believe that God wants to meet with you. God has clarity that he wants to bring into your life. He wants to help build your confidence and your security. Believe that when you climb the mountain, you're not going to get to the top and realize you climbed the wrong mountain, that you missed God. But when you take time to seek him in his word, attend worship services and go all in. When you spend time praying and talking to him about the situations that you're facing, believe that God will show up when you seek him." [46:47]
5. "Meeting God on the mountaintop builds confidence. Like Moses, the more time you spend in God's presence, the more you live according to his ways, the more you'll see your confidence and your trust in God grow. The more confidence you have in God, the more security you'll experience." [42:32]
### Quotes for Members
1. "If we're honest, our daily lives, it can be difficult sometimes to find the margin in our schedule to climb the mountain, to find the energy and the intentionality and the focus to climb the mountain to meet with God. We live in a world that has many demands, many distractions, some within our control and some outside of our control, but we live life in a culture and in a society that has just non-stop demands and non-stop distractions. And it can prevent us from scaling the mountain in our faith to meet with God on a regular, consistent basis." [18:44]
2. "In a practical sense. You know, it's all too easy, as we talked about at the beginning of the message, that man, this life that we live has so many demands and distractions that prevent us from spending time in God's presence. When we live distracted, we miss out on the clarity and the confidence that God has for us. So how do we meet God on the mountaintop and grow in clarity and confidence, just like Moses did? It starts by prioritizing proximity, to God's presence." [43:57]
3. "Moses scaled the mountain again to be in the presence of God. Now it was through these mountaintop moments with God that Moses was given the Ten Commandments. And he was able to then use those to lead the Israelites who didn't have proper boundaries because they came out of slavery where all the boundaries and oppression, was put in place for him. He's given the Ten Commandments to lead them into the abundant life that God had for them." [38:11]
4. "When we spend time reading God's word or talking to him in prayer about the challenges we're facing, we are climbing the mountain to encounter his presence. Now one of the fascinating parts of Moses' story is that climbing the mountain was not a one-time occurrence. It wasn't like he got that download from God and then took it back to the Israelites and then never climbed another mountain to meet with God. When you read through the book of Exodus, you see Moses climb the mountain multiple times to get clear guidance from God." [36:38]
5. "When we find ourselves dealing with the unknown and in need of wisdom and direction, we can follow in the footsteps of Moses and do what we see him do next in Exodus chapter 19. Verse 3, it says, Then Moses climbed the mountain to appear before God. This is a pivotal moment for Moses and everyone he leads. Every Israelite felt the effect of this decision. He decides to climb the mountain to appear before God. Instead of relying on his own wisdom, on his past experience with tending sheep, Moses decides to climb the mountain to meet with the Lord." [33:41]
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