Climbing the Spiritual Mountain: From Glory to Glory
Summary
### Summary
Today, I felt led to share a message that has been deeply impressed upon my heart. As I prayed for you all, I sensed a profound fear of the Lord and a trembling within me, believing that this word could change the trajectory for some of you who feel stuck. We delved into Exodus 33:12-18, where Moses converses with God, seeking His presence and glory. The central question we explored was, "Are you going from glory to glory?"
We began by dissecting the concept of glory, both in relation to God and ourselves. The Greek word for glory, "doxazo," means to honor, magnify, or give an excellent reputation. C.S. Lewis, in "The Weight of Glory," describes it as fame or a good report with a father. This led me to reflect on my own journey, where I realized I had a wrong biblical view of glory, mistaking it for self-admiration, which led to a severe depression and suicidal thoughts at 16. However, through a profound encounter with God, I was delivered from this darkness.
We then discussed the weight of glory, using the Hebrew word "kabod," which means weight or heaviness. This weight can be burdensome or honorable, depending on its context. We saw how Moses and Jesus experienced physical transformations when they encountered God's glory. This led to the analogy of climbing a mountain, where the higher we go, the less can survive, symbolizing the need to leave behind certain habits and relationships to reach higher spiritual heights.
The journey to glory involves trials and exertion, much like climbing a physical mountain. Yet, the view from the top changes our perspective, making the struggle worthwhile. We must be willing to leave behind what cannot survive at higher elevations, whether it's toxic relationships or unholy habits. The scriptures serve as our trail map, guiding us up this spiritual mountain, but it is our relationship with Jesus that ultimately saves us.
Finally, we explored the idea that Jesus is the glory of heaven, the radiance of God's glory, and the light that guides us. Our shadows, like Peter's, are merely byproducts of our right positioning to this light. As we draw closer to Jesus, our circumstances begin to change, and we become solutions to the problems we face. We must avoid the danger of familiarity with the supernatural and always seek to give God what He desires, not what we think He wants.
### Key Takeaways
1. Understanding Glory: Glory, in its truest sense, is about honoring and magnifying God. It is not about self-admiration or seeking the approval of others. True glory comes from a deep relationship with God, where we seek His presence and favor above all else. This understanding can transform our lives and free us from the chains of seeking human approval. [04:17]
2. The Weight of Glory: The Hebrew word "kabod" signifies both honor and weight. When we seek God's glory, we must be prepared to carry the weight that comes with it. This weight can be burdensome, but it also signifies wealth and honor. As we climb higher in our spiritual journey, we must leave behind what cannot survive at higher elevations, whether it's toxic relationships or unholy habits. [12:54]
3. The Climb to Glory: Our spiritual journey is like climbing a mountain. The higher we go, the less can survive. This means we must be willing to leave behind certain habits and relationships to reach higher spiritual heights. The struggle is real, but the view from the top makes it all worthwhile. We must use the scriptures as our trail map and rely on our relationship with Jesus to guide us. [17:31]
4. Jesus as the Glory of Heaven: Jesus is the radiance of God's glory and the light that guides us. Our shadows, like Peter's, are merely byproducts of our right positioning to this light. As we draw closer to Jesus, our circumstances begin to change, and we become solutions to the problems we face. We must always seek to give God what He desires, not what we think He wants. [20:29]
5. Avoiding Familiarity with the Supernatural: There is a danger in becoming too familiar with the supernatural. We must never let the familiarity of God's miracles steal our awe. We must always seek to give God what He desires, not what we think He wants. This requires a deep, ongoing relationship with Him, where we are constantly seeking His presence and favor. [24:24]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:39] - Introduction and Prayer
[01:19] - Diving into Exodus 33
[02:25] - Context of Moses' Journey
[03:46] - Are You Going from Glory to Glory?
[04:17] - Understanding Glory
[05:20] - Personal Testimony of Glory and Depression
[08:31] - Encounter with God and Deliverance
[12:54] - The Weight of Glory
[13:33] - Physical and Spiritual Transformation
[17:31] - The Climb to Glory
[20:29] - Jesus as the Glory of Heaven
[24:24] - Avoiding Familiarity with the Supernatural
[27:41] - Submission and Authority
[29:56] - Going from Glory to Glory
[30:26] - Yahweh: I Am Who I Am
[31:11] - Three Groups Stuck in Glory
[33:13] - Yielding to God
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Exodus 33:12-18: "Moses said to the Lord, 'See, you say to me, "Bring up this people," but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. Yet you have said, "I know you by name, and you have also found favor in my sight." Now therefore, if I have found favor in your sight, please show me now your ways, that I may know you in order to find favor in your sight. Consider too that this nation is your people.' 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. For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? Is it not in your going with us, so that we are distinct, I and your people, from every other people on the face of the earth?' And the Lord said to Moses, 'This very thing that you have spoken I will do, for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name.' Moses said, 'Please show me your glory.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What does the Greek word "doxazo" mean, and how does it relate to our understanding of glory? [04:44]
2. How did Moses' face change after his encounter with God on Mount Sinai, and what does this signify? [13:33]
3. What analogy did the pastor use to describe the spiritual journey to glory, and what does it symbolize? [17:31]
4. According to the sermon, what is the danger of becoming too familiar with the supernatural? [24:24]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of "kabod" as weight or heaviness apply to our spiritual journey and the burdens we might carry? [12:54]
2. In what ways did the pastor's personal testimony illustrate the dangers of seeking human approval over God's glory? [07:44]
3. How does the analogy of climbing a mountain help us understand the sacrifices needed to grow spiritually? [17:31]
4. What does it mean to position ourselves rightly before Jesus, and how does this affect our circumstances? [23:01]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your understanding of glory. Have you ever mistaken it for self-admiration or seeking human approval? How can you shift your focus to honoring and magnifying God instead? [04:44]
2. The pastor mentioned leaving behind toxic relationships or unholy habits to climb higher spiritually. What are some specific things you might need to leave behind to grow closer to God? [18:23]
3. How can you ensure that you are not becoming too familiar with the supernatural, and maintain a sense of awe and reverence for God's miracles? [24:24]
4. The pastor shared a personal story of battling depression and finding deliverance through prayer. How can you apply the lesson of seeking God earnestly in your own struggles? [10:40]
5. Jesus is described as the radiance of God's glory and the light that guides us. How can you position yourself closer to this light in your daily life? What practical steps can you take? [20:29]
6. The sermon emphasized the importance of giving God what He desires, not what we think He wants. How can you discern and align your actions with God's desires in your life? [25:12]
7. Reflect on a time when you felt stuck in your spiritual journey. What steps can you take to move from glory to glory, as Moses did? [29:19]
Devotional
Day 1: True Glory is Honoring God, Not Self
Understanding glory in its truest sense means recognizing that it is about honoring and magnifying God, not seeking self-admiration or the approval of others. True glory comes from a deep relationship with God, where His presence and favor are sought above all else. This understanding can transform lives, freeing individuals from the chains of seeking human approval and leading them to a more fulfilling spiritual journey. When we honor God, we align ourselves with His purpose and experience a profound sense of peace and fulfillment. [04:17]
1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV): "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you seeking human approval rather than God's glory? How can you shift your focus to honor and magnify God in those areas today?
Day 2: The Weight of Glory
The Hebrew word "kabod" signifies both honor and weight. When we seek God's glory, we must be prepared to carry the weight that comes with it. This weight can be burdensome, but it also signifies wealth and honor. As we climb higher in our spiritual journey, we must leave behind what cannot survive at higher elevations, whether it's toxic relationships or unholy habits. The journey to glory involves trials and exertion, much like climbing a physical mountain, but the view from the top changes our perspective, making the struggle worthwhile. [12:54]
2 Corinthians 4:17 (ESV): "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison."
Reflection: What burdens or habits are you carrying that may be hindering your spiritual ascent? What steps can you take to leave them behind and seek higher spiritual heights?
Day 3: The Climb to Glory
Our spiritual journey is like climbing a mountain. The higher we go, the less can survive. This means we must be willing to leave behind certain habits and relationships to reach higher spiritual heights. The struggle is real, but the view from the top makes it all worthwhile. We must use the scriptures as our trail map and rely on our relationship with Jesus to guide us. The journey is not easy, but the transformation and perspective gained are invaluable. [17:31]
Psalm 24:3-4 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: What specific habits or relationships do you need to leave behind to climb higher in your spiritual journey? How can you use scripture as your guide in this process?
Day 4: Jesus as the Glory of Heaven
Jesus is the radiance of God's glory and the light that guides us. Our shadows, like Peter's, are merely byproducts of our right positioning to this light. As we draw closer to Jesus, our circumstances begin to change, and we become solutions to the problems we face. We must always seek to give God what He desires, not what we think He wants. This requires a deep, ongoing relationship with Him, where we are constantly seeking His presence and favor. [20:29]
Hebrews 1:3 (ESV): "He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high."
Reflection: How can you position yourself closer to Jesus today? What changes in your daily routine can help you draw nearer to His light and become a solution to the problems you face?
Day 5: Avoiding Familiarity with the Supernatural
There is a danger in becoming too familiar with the supernatural. We must never let the familiarity of God's miracles steal our awe. We must always seek to give God what He desires, not what we think He wants. This requires a deep, ongoing relationship with Him, where we are constantly seeking His presence and favor. By maintaining a sense of awe and reverence for God's works, we keep our faith vibrant and our relationship with Him dynamic. [24:24]
Psalm 33:8 (ESV): "Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him!"
Reflection: Have you become too familiar with the supernatural in your life? How can you rekindle a sense of awe and reverence for God's works today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "I was praying for you all in this service yesterday, and I felt a fear of the Lord come upon me, a fear, a trembling inside of me. And I really feel like this message will change trajectory of some of you who feel like you've been stuck. So I encourage you to lean in. Amen." [00:39] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I found that instead of doing it for the Lord, I was actually doing it because I really liked when people told me how anointed I was. Can I get real? I really liked it when somebody told me, how could we ever do this without you? What will we do if you never showed up? You're amazing. I kid you not. I was addicted to the glory of man. Addicted. Addicted." [07:16] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "It was in one moment. It was in one encounter that he broke off depression. In one moment, he broke off the grip of depression and suicide off of my life. In one five-minute moment. And since that day, I have never experienced that again. Since that day. I was 17 years old. Amen." [10:17] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Honestly, if I'm speaking clear, earnestly, your knees, getting on your knees and asking the Lord to deliver you is the greatest, the greatest solution. Now, when I say that, I was battling this for a year. In the moment, in the process of as I was walking through this, I had the enemy whisper things to me. Like if he was a good father, why wouldn't he just come save you already?" [10:40] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So my question, what is the glory, actually is a trick question. It is who is the glory that awaits us? Ooh, you're following me, huh? Jesus is the glory of heaven. Isn't that beautiful? Jesus is the glory and it's interesting as we worked, I wanted to work through those different translations. As we've seen honor, Jesus holds the glory of heaven. He holds the glory of heaven." [20:29] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "I feel like our spiritual lives, our walks with the Lord is like a mountain. And if you know anything about mountains, the higher the elevation is, the less things are able to survive. Less things are able to survive. And I feel like in this life, the Lord is calling us to come up here. He's beckoning us to come up here." [17:31] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "See, there are certain habits that we have that in order to get to the next phase in our walk with God, God is telling us, hey, that thing, you can't bring it with you anymore. So oftentimes, we are stuck at a checkpoint not realizing that, hey, that TV show that you're watching, you got to leave that back there because you want a higher glory. You can't come with that anymore because that thing can't survive. Come on." [18:06] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You can only exercise as much authority as you are submitted to. As you are submitted to. So the more you submit yourself to the Lord, the more the Lord releases to you in your submission to him. It's worship. It's what it is. It is God. I give you my life. This is what I am. And God gives it back to you and you give it back to him. And it's this beautiful exchange of no, no, no. This is back to you. This is all for you. No, I want to give you glory. No, Lord, I give you glory. It's this beautiful exchange that ought to happen back and forth, back and forth." [28:44] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "See, oftentimes in my walk with the Lord, I have encountered friends who I have asked, where do you feel like your relationship with God is now? And where was the peak of your relationship? And a lot of those friends have told me earnestly, man, I feel like I've never gotten back to the hunger of when I first experienced glory. When I first gave my life to the Lord, I realized that I was not I remember I was worshiping all the time. I remember I was reading the scriptures all the time. I remember I was in church all the time. And I never feel like I'm chasing that again. See, we ought to be going from glory to glory. We are not meant to stay there. We are not meant to stay there." [29:19] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "See, when we read, the first time I read that, I think it was in Sunday school, or something, I was like, that was rude. You know, God, I am who I am? Really? Like, what was that about? But actually, it meant something so much deeper to Moses in that moment. That word, Yahweh, is actually translated as I am who I was. I am who I am. And I am who I will be. I am the God of Abraham. I am the God in your present and I will be the God in your future." [30:26] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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