Creating a Community for God's Transformative Presence
Summary
In reflecting on the sacredness of God's presence, I am reminded of the meticulous instructions given in the Old Testament for constructing the Tabernacle and the Temple. God was specific about every detail, from the materials to the dimensions, and when these instructions were followed, His glory filled the space in a tangible way. This divine presence was so overwhelming that it left people in awe, bowing with their faces to the ground. This imagery of God's glory descending like fire from heaven is a powerful reminder of His desire to dwell among us.
In the New Testament, the focus shifts from physical structures to the community of believers. God calls us to love one another genuinely, to be honest, and to rid ourselves of bitterness and deceit. This call to authenticity and unity is not just a moral directive but a pathway to experiencing God's presence in a profound way. Just as the disciples in the Upper Room experienced the Holy Spirit's fire, we too are invited to create a community where God's glory can dwell.
The challenge is to become a people who earnestly seek this divine presence, much like David, who was described as a man after God's own heart. This pursuit requires us to put away falsehoods and embrace the holiness and oneness that God desires. It is about creating a space, not just physically but spiritually, where God feels welcomed and where His presence can transform us.
I long for a community that is serious about this pursuit, where Christ can dwell among us because we have prepared a place for Him. This is not just about individual spirituality but about a collective yearning for God's glory to manifest in ways we have yet to experience. Let us strive to be that temple, that dwelling place, where God's presence is not just a concept but a living reality.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Sacredness of God's Presence: In the Old Testament, God's specific instructions for the Tabernacle and Temple highlight the sacredness of His presence. When these were followed, His glory filled the space, demonstrating His desire to dwell among His people. This serves as a reminder of the reverence and awe we should have for God's presence in our lives. [00:55]
2. Community as the New Temple: The New Testament shifts the focus from physical structures to the community of believers. God calls us to love genuinely and live truthfully, creating a spiritual temple where His presence can dwell. This highlights the importance of authenticity and unity in experiencing God's glory. [02:03]
3. The Power of Unity and Honesty: By putting away falsehood and embracing kindness and tenderheartedness, we create an environment where God's presence can manifest. This unity and honesty are crucial for experiencing the divine in a transformative way, much like the disciples in the Upper Room. [03:06]
4. A Collective Pursuit of Holiness: The call to holiness and oneness is not just an individual journey but a collective pursuit. Like David, who desired to build a dwelling place for God, we are invited to create a community where God's presence is welcomed and celebrated. [04:34]
5. Yearning for God's Glory: The longing for God's glory to manifest in new ways is a powerful motivator for spiritual growth. This yearning is about more than personal spirituality; it is about creating a community where God's presence is a living reality, transforming us and those around us. [05:04]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:10] - God's Specific Instructions
[00:29] - The Glory of the Tabernacle
[00:55] - Fire from Heaven
[01:13] - Solomon's Temple
[01:30] - Awe of God's Presence
[02:03] - New Testament Community
[02:27] - Honesty and Authenticity
[02:50] - Unity and Kindness
[03:06] - Experiencing God's Glory
[03:27] - Greater Glory Available
[04:00] - A Community of Pursuit
[04:18] - Building a Spiritual Temple
[04:34] - David's Heart for God
[04:47] - Pursuing Holiness and Oneness
[05:04] - Yearning for God's Presence
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Exodus 40:34-35 - "Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. Moses could not enter the tent of meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle."
2. Acts 2:1-4 - "When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them."
3. 2 Corinthians 3:7-8 - "Now if the ministry that brought death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with glory, so that the Israelites could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of its glory, transitory though it was, will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious?"
Observation Questions:
1. What specific instructions did God give Moses for the construction of the Tabernacle, and what was the result when these instructions were followed? [00:10]
2. How did the presence of God manifest in the Tabernacle and the Temple according to the Old Testament passages? [00:55]
3. In the New Testament, what specific behaviors and attitudes are believers encouraged to adopt to create a spiritual temple for God's presence? [02:03]
4. What was the significance of the fire coming down from heaven in both the Old and New Testament accounts? [03:06]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the detailed construction of the Tabernacle and Temple in the Old Testament reflect the sacredness of God's presence? What does this tell us about God's character? [00:29]
2. In what ways does the New Testament shift the focus from physical structures to the community of believers as the dwelling place of God? [02:03]
3. How does the call to honesty and unity among believers in the New Testament relate to experiencing God's presence? [02:27]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between holiness, unity, and the manifestation of God's glory in a community? [04:47]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your personal life and community. Are there specific areas where you need to embrace honesty and unity to create a welcoming space for God's presence? [02:27]
2. How can you actively participate in building a community that reflects the sacredness and unity described in the sermon? What steps can you take this week? [04:00]
3. Consider the example of David, who was described as a man after God's own heart. What qualities of David's pursuit of God can you incorporate into your own spiritual journey? [04:34]
4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of putting away falsehoods and embracing kindness. Identify a relationship in your life where you can practice this principle more intentionally. [02:50]
5. How can you cultivate a collective yearning for God's glory in your small group or church community? What practical actions can you take to encourage this pursuit? [05:04]
6. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's presence in a profound way. What circumstances or attitudes contributed to that experience, and how can you recreate them in your current spiritual walk? [03:06]
7. What specific distractions or barriers in your life might be hindering the manifestation of God's presence, and how can you address them this week? [04:47]
Devotional
Day 1: Reverence for God's Sacred Presence
In the Old Testament, the sacredness of God's presence is emphasized through the detailed instructions given for the construction of the Tabernacle and the Temple. These instructions were not merely architectural guidelines but were meant to prepare a space where God's glory could dwell among His people. When these instructions were meticulously followed, God's presence filled the space in a tangible and awe-inspiring way, often described as descending like fire from heaven. This serves as a powerful reminder of the reverence and awe we should have for God's presence in our lives today. It calls us to create spaces, both physically and spiritually, where God feels welcomed and His glory can manifest. [00:55]
"And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst. Exactly as I show you concerning the pattern of the tabernacle, and of all its furniture, so you shall make it." (Exodus 25:8-9, ESV)
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to create a space in your life where God's presence is welcomed and revered?
Day 2: Community as a Living Temple
In the New Testament, the focus shifts from physical structures to the community of believers as the new temple where God's presence can dwell. This shift highlights the importance of authenticity, unity, and genuine love among believers. God calls us to rid ourselves of bitterness, deceit, and falsehood, and instead, to embrace kindness, honesty, and tenderheartedness. By doing so, we create a spiritual environment where God's glory can manifest, much like the disciples experienced the Holy Spirit's fire in the Upper Room. This call to community is not just a moral directive but a pathway to experiencing God's presence in a profound way. [02:03]
"So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord." (Ephesians 2:19-21, ESV)
Reflection: How can you contribute to building a community of believers that reflects the love and unity of Christ today?
Day 3: The Transformative Power of Unity and Honesty
Unity and honesty are crucial elements in creating an environment where God's presence can manifest. By putting away falsehood and embracing kindness and tenderheartedness, we open ourselves to experiencing the divine in a transformative way. This unity and honesty are not just about personal integrity but about fostering a community where God's glory can dwell. The disciples in the Upper Room serve as a powerful example of how unity and honesty can lead to a profound experience of God's presence. As believers, we are called to cultivate these qualities in our relationships and communities. [03:06]
"Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing." (1 Peter 3:8-9, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you practice honesty and unity in your relationships today to invite God's transformative presence?
Day 4: A Collective Pursuit of Holiness
The call to holiness and oneness is not just an individual journey but a collective pursuit. Like David, who desired to build a dwelling place for God, we are invited to create a community where God's presence is welcomed and celebrated. This pursuit requires us to put away falsehoods and embrace the holiness and oneness that God desires. It is about creating a space, not just physically but spiritually, where God feels welcomed and where His presence can transform us. This collective yearning for God's glory to manifest in new ways is a powerful motivator for spiritual growth. [04:34]
"Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no 'root of bitterness' springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled." (Hebrews 12:14-15, ESV)
Reflection: How can you actively participate in your community's pursuit of holiness and oneness today?
Day 5: Yearning for God's Glory
The longing for God's glory to manifest in new ways is a powerful motivator for spiritual growth. This yearning is about more than personal spirituality; it is about creating a community where God's presence is a living reality, transforming us and those around us. As believers, we are called to earnestly seek this divine presence, much like David, who was described as a man after God's own heart. This pursuit requires us to embrace the holiness and oneness that God desires, creating a space where His presence can dwell and transform us. [05:04]
"One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple." (Psalm 27:4, ESV)
Reflection: What steps can you take today to cultivate a deeper yearning for God's glory in your life and community?
Quotes
"I want him to dwell with us and I see how in the Old Testament he gave like specific like specifics Moses I want you to build the Tabernacle like this don't be chintzy on the curtains don't don't be chintzy on the gold I want this gold I want the steps I want this you know I want this many you know little rings for for you read through all that like gosh that's a lot of stuff and you know every time I'm reading through the Bible I'm like oh okay okay okay okay okay you know I get the general idea it's just so many spectacles I want it this way I'm very specific only certain people can come into this place and it's only this time of year do all of this since once he does it all the glory of God fills the Tabernacle like like God literally comes down in Fire and consumes the sacrifice." [00:02:56]
"It happens again with Solomon when he's building the Temple and again very specific now this is the actual Temple you better do everything just right to the spec then once it's done this is like one of my favorite passages when it says fire comes down from heaven and no one can even get near the temple because the glor glory of God is in that place and I just go if there's one thing I want to see in the Old Testament there's one scene I go I I think that's it what did that look like what that look like like from heaven from the sky fire just comes down and consumes is inside of this Temple and all the priests and everyone outside is just bowing with their faces to the ground because it is blowing their minds God is here with us I go wow that's it's amazing I want that I want that." [00:05:05]
"In the New Testament he gives us specifics CU I want you to love one another I want you all to take all the darkness all the lies some of your hiding stuff you can show up and pretend like everything's good and you may even be in one of our house Gatherings we can fake it but I'm going man I want to be with a group of people that just is honest about their lives we've put away all falsehood we speak the truth to one another we let go of all bitterness anger wrath slander clamor we're kind to one another tenderhearted caring for one another why because you guys if we do this he could fill his Temple again it happened in the New Testament when those disciples were praying with one another in that Upper Room fire came down and landed on them." [00:10:23]
"This time the temple and everything I see in the New Testament is there is a glory that is available to us that Moses didn't even get to witness According to second Corinthians 3 there's something greater that's why I go Lord I I want this can I have this before I die so if if people aren't serious about this and you don't care about that then there's a lot of other places to go a lot of other groups to be a part of I really want to be a part of a group of people that says no I want this that'd be awesome if Christ would dwell with us because he looks down and says that's what I wanted just like when he sees the Tabernacle okay he did it I'm going to enter in just when he saw the temple oh they did it I'm going to enter in could we be that group of people like David who says God I want to build this Temple for you and God goes there's a man after my own heart he just wants me to dwell with them can we be that group of people like David I go come on you guys let's be this Temple let's put the lies away let's let's pursue this Holiness that he's talking about this Oneness that he's talking about why because I want him to show up in some way that we have not experienced him yet in some way that I can't experience just off by myself there's something about the specifics of what he asked for in the New Testament that I go God I am chasing this and I want this more than ever and can I please experience this before I die." [00:18:36]
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