Embracing Courage for Spiritual Elevation and Worship

 

Summary

In Revelation chapter 4, we are invited to ascend to a higher level in our spiritual journey, much like John the Revelator. This chapter presents a vivid image of four living creatures, each symbolizing attributes necessary for spiritual elevation. These creatures are not demonic but divine, representing the presence, power, and perpetuality of God. They are witnessing and worshiping beings, constantly proclaiming God's holiness and sovereignty. The first creature, a lion, embodies courage—a trait essential for anyone seeking to reach the next level in their walk with Christ. Just as a lion's roar commands attention and respect, our spiritual journey requires boldness and courage to overcome fear and complacency.

Many of us are held back by fear, contentment with the status quo, or the opinions of others who cannot see the vision God has placed in our hearts. To move forward, we must be willing to take bold steps, trusting in God's power and provision. This courage is not only necessary for personal growth but also for our worship. We must be bold in our praise, unashamed to express gratitude for what God has done in our lives. Our praise should be as powerful as a lion's roar, shaking the ground and intimidating any spiritual adversaries.

The lion's courage is a reminder that we have everything we need within us to accomplish God's purpose. Sometimes, this means cutting ties with those who do not share our vision or who hinder our progress. Our journey is too important to be derailed by fear or negativity. As we press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus, we must embrace the courage to move forward, both in our personal lives and in our worship.

Key Takeaways:

- Elevation Requires Courage: Just as a pilot must ascend to a higher altitude for a long journey, we must rise to new spiritual heights to reach our God-given destination. Courage is essential to break free from fear and complacency, enabling us to pursue the life God has planned for us. [04:23]

- Boldness in Worship: Our praise should be as bold as a lion's roar, unashamed and powerful. When we reflect on God's goodness and faithfulness, our worship becomes a declaration of His greatness, intimidating any spiritual adversaries. [14:12]

- Overcoming Fear: Fear often holds us back from achieving our potential. God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind. Embracing this truth allows us to step out in faith and pursue the dreams God has placed in our hearts. [08:31]

- Cutting Ties with Negativity: Sometimes, we must distance ourselves from those who cannot see or support our God-given vision. Our journey is too important to be hindered by negativity or doubt. We must surround ourselves with those who encourage and uplift us. [08:31]

- Pressing Toward the Mark: Our spiritual journey requires us to forget what lies behind and reach forward to what lies ahead. By focusing on the high calling of God in Christ Jesus, we can overcome obstacles and achieve the purpose He has for us. [08:31]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:00] - Introduction to Revelation 4
- [04:23] - Invitation to a Higher Level
- [06:00] - The Four Living Creatures
- [08:31] - The Lion's Courage
- [10:00] - Overcoming Fear and Complacency
- [12:00] - Boldness in Worship
- [14:12] - The Power of Praise
- [16:00] - Cutting Ties with Negativity
- [18:00] - Pressing Toward the Mark
- [20:00] - Conclusion and Call to Action

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Revelation 4:1-11
- 2 Timothy 1:7

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Observation Questions:

1. What is the significance of the four living creatures described in Revelation 4, and how do they contribute to the overall message of the chapter? [04:23]

2. According to the sermon, what characteristic does the lion represent, and why is it essential for spiritual elevation? [08:31]

3. How does the pastor use the analogy of a pilot's flight elevation to explain the need for spiritual growth and elevation? [04:23]

4. What role does boldness play in worship, as described in the sermon, and how is it compared to a lion's roar? [14:12]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. In what ways do the four living creatures in Revelation 4 symbolize attributes necessary for spiritual growth, and how can these attributes be applied to a believer's life? [04:23]

2. How does the pastor's story about the lion from "The Wiz" illustrate the difference between appearance and true courage in a believer's life? [08:31]

3. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between fear and spiritual stagnation, and how can believers overcome this fear? [08:31]

4. How does the concept of "cutting ties with negativity" relate to the idea of pressing toward the mark for the prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus? [08:31]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when fear held you back from pursuing a God-given vision. What steps can you take to embrace courage and move forward in faith? [08:31]

2. The sermon emphasizes the need for boldness in worship. How can you incorporate more boldness into your personal worship practices this week? [14:12]

3. Identify a situation in your life where you need to "cut ties with negativity." What practical steps can you take to surround yourself with people who support your spiritual journey? [08:31]

4. Consider the areas in your life where you have become complacent. What specific actions can you take to break free from this complacency and pursue the life God has planned for you? [08:31]

5. How can you apply the lesson of the lion's courage to a current challenge you are facing? What bold step can you take this week to overcome this challenge? [08:31]

6. Think about a time when you felt intimidated in your spiritual journey. How can you develop a "roar" that shakes the ground and intimidates spiritual adversaries? [14:12]

7. Reflect on the pastor's analogy of flight elevation. What is one area of your spiritual life where you need to "ascend to a higher level," and how can you begin this ascent? [04:23]

Devotional

Day 1: Courage to Ascend

In Revelation chapter 4, we are invited to ascend to a higher level in our spiritual journey, much like John the Revelator. This chapter presents a vivid image of four living creatures, each symbolizing attributes necessary for spiritual elevation. The first creature, a lion, embodies courage—a trait essential for anyone seeking to reach the next level in their walk with Christ. Just as a lion's roar commands attention and respect, our spiritual journey requires boldness and courage to overcome fear and complacency. Many of us are held back by fear, contentment with the status quo, or the opinions of others who cannot see the vision God has placed in our hearts. To move forward, we must be willing to take bold steps, trusting in God's power and provision. This courage is not only necessary for personal growth but also for our worship. [04:23]

"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." (Joshua 1:9, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area in your life where fear is holding you back from pursuing God's calling? How can you take a bold step forward today, trusting in God's presence and strength?


Day 2: Boldness in Worship

Our praise should be as bold as a lion's roar, unashamed and powerful. When we reflect on God's goodness and faithfulness, our worship becomes a declaration of His greatness, intimidating any spiritual adversaries. Boldness in worship is not about volume or outward expression alone; it is about the heart's posture before God. It is about being unashamed to express gratitude for what God has done in our lives. Our praise should be as powerful as a lion's roar, shaking the ground and intimidating any spiritual adversaries. This boldness in worship is a testament to our faith and trust in God's sovereignty and goodness. [14:12]

"Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name." (Hebrews 13:15, ESV)

Reflection: How can you express boldness in your worship today, both privately and publicly? What specific act of praise can you offer to God that reflects His greatness in your life?


Day 3: Overcoming Fear

Fear often holds us back from achieving our potential. God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind. Embracing this truth allows us to step out in faith and pursue the dreams God has placed in our hearts. Overcoming fear is a crucial step in our spiritual journey, as it enables us to break free from the chains that hold us back. By recognizing that fear is not from God, we can choose to trust in His power and love, which empowers us to move forward with confidence. This courage is not only necessary for personal growth but also for our worship. [08:31]

"For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." (2 Timothy 1:7, ESV)

Reflection: Identify a fear that has been limiting your spiritual growth. How can you replace that fear with faith in God's power and love today?


Day 4: Cutting Ties with Negativity

Sometimes, we must distance ourselves from those who cannot see or support our God-given vision. Our journey is too important to be hindered by negativity or doubt. We must surround ourselves with those who encourage and uplift us. Cutting ties with negativity is not about abandoning people but about setting healthy boundaries that protect our spiritual growth. It involves recognizing relationships or influences that drain our energy and hinder our progress. By choosing to surround ourselves with positive influences, we create an environment that fosters growth and aligns with God's purpose for our lives. [08:31]

"Do not be deceived: 'Bad company ruins good morals.' Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame." (1 Corinthians 15:33-34, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life is a source of negativity or doubt? How can you set boundaries to protect your spiritual journey while still showing love and grace?


Day 5: Pressing Toward the Mark

Our spiritual journey requires us to forget what lies behind and reach forward to what lies ahead. By focusing on the high calling of God in Christ Jesus, we can overcome obstacles and achieve the purpose He has for us. Pressing toward the mark involves a deliberate choice to let go of past failures and distractions, and to focus on the future God has prepared for us. It is about perseverance and determination to pursue the life God has planned for us, despite challenges and setbacks. This forward momentum is fueled by our faith and trust in God's promises. [08:31]

"Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:13-14, ESV)

Reflection: What past failures or distractions do you need to let go of to focus on God's calling for your life? How can you actively press toward the mark today?

Quotes

"Creatures these four faithful creatures these creatures are not satanic. They are sovereign They are not demonic. They are divine These are creatures that are weaned witnessing and worshiping creatures in fact Later on in verse 9 it says that these are living creatures the word Zoe. These are life creatures So don't close your Bibles don't get scared. They're not demonic creatures. They are divine They are winged Creatures they have six wings they are Witnessing creatures because they witness about the presence and the power of God Then they are worshiping creatures because they cry holy holy holy River Shaw they they worship and they sing about the purity They sing about the Principality and the Perpetuality of God they say holy holy holy hits purity They say he's one on the throne. That's his principality And then they say he is perpetual because they say that Would you" [00:04:43]

"And the pilot said, sir, we were not at the same elevation from LaGuardia to Albany like Atlanta because we didn't have that far to go. He says, the further you wanna go, the higher you need to be. And so it is in the life of every person that wants to go far in life, far in Christ, you've got to go to another level. The reason why so many of us are not at the place where God is calling us to be, the reason why many of us are not experiencing all that God has for us is because we refuse to go to the level that he has for us. For your destination is tied to your elevation." [00:03:28]

"The reason why so many of us are not at the place where God is calling us to be, the reason why many of us are not experiencing all that God has for us is because we refuse to go to the level that he has for us. For your destination is tied to your elevation. And so our theme for this year, Metropolitan is moving forward, but to move forward, we gotta first go higher. And there is in the book of Revelation, John, the revelator, who gets an invitation to come up to another level." [00:03:56]

"Creatures the first one is a lion the second one is a calf the third one is the face of a man and the fourth one is a eagle I submit that they are not only creatures but they are each have characteristics that are necessary for you and I to get to the next level aren't there some who are scholars who say that these really represent the Gospels Matthew Mark Luke and John I'm not saying they don't but I got a pneumological text from the Holy Spirit it told me that there was something a little deeper with these creatures that there are characteristics there are attributes that are found in these creatures that are also necessary for you and I to get to the next level so this is Sharon Johnson it's the first one is a lion and one of the characteristics of a lion Robin is courage" [00:07:07]

"Many of us won't get to the next place that God has because you're too scared. You got to be bold. You got to have courage. You got to have boldness to get to the place that God has for you. It's about having the the courage. It's about having the boldness. Some of you remember the play, the Broadway play, The Wiz. There was a remake of that last year on Broadway starring Stephanie Mills and then it became a movie starring Diana Ross and Michael Jackson, Ted Ross and Nipsey Russell. Y 'all remember the lion from The Wiz? The lion, he looked like a lion." [00:07:15]

"Why can't you be the first one in your family to graduate from college? Why can't you start that business? Why can't you achieve greatness? Why are you not bold enough to accomplish what it is that God has for you? What has you scared? And y 'all, as a church metropolitan, we need to get to the place where we have the courage to take bold steps for God. I'm always pushing myself, I'm pushing you to move to the next place, never being satisfied with the syndrome of sameness." [00:08:42]

"to move forward because so many of us are comfortable where we are we are satisfied where we are or we are scared to take the next leap what if it fails what if it doesn't pan out what if y 'all you can't get caught up in the what -if ministry because we walk by faith and not by sight so you need boldness you need courage what's got you backing up what's got you afraid to move to the next place what's got you afraid to take that step what's got you what's got you handicap so that you cannot move it so that you cannot flow so that you are scared no no no no God has not given you a spirit of fear but of love power and a sound mind and you got to know you have everything in you to accomplish what God has for you and watch this sometimes our courage is impacted by other people that cannot see" [00:09:34]

"what it is that you see and sometimes you gotta cut some people oh preach in here preacher sometimes you gotta cut some folks that do not have the vision that you have to see what it is god has shown you so if you don't see where i'm going you don't want to accept what god has for me look here look at you may have to be cut i ain't got time for that i'm no your life is too short your god vision is too strong god has too much in store for me and i gotta move when he tells me to move so i count not myself to have apprehended but this one thing i do forgetting those things which are behind reaching for those things which are ahead i press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of god that's in christ jesus" [00:10:59]

"that not only these weaned witnessing and worshiping creatures that sing about the purity perpetuity and principality of God this these creatures were worshiping these creatures were praising God so that lets me know I know not only need boldness to operate in my life but I need some boldness to praise God yeah yeah yeah I need I need boldness I can't be scared to give God praise I gotta I gotta have some courage yeah yeah yeah brother Coleman got courage because because if you're not careful Satan will try to intimidate you and not tell you not to give God praise but y 'all when you when you think about what God has done for you" [00:11:54]

"boldness you see see see you got it you got see here's the thing about it here's the thing about it the lion is able to control its enemy or attack its prey not by it's running but by his roaring and it went it's when it roars that is roar shakes the ground and intimidates its prey our enemy so that literally stops and if it's a lion and a lioness the lion doesn't run the lion just roars and the prey stops and the lioness pounces on the prey you wanna know why Satan keeps running havoc in your life cuz some of y 'all ain't got no roar" [00:12:50]

"Think about what God has done for you. Think about how good God has been for you. And somebody ought to have a roar. Somebody ought to have a shout. Somebody In fact, when I count to three, you ought to have a roar. One, two, three. One, two, three. One, two, three. One, two, three." [00:15:12]

"no no no no no no no no no no don't tell me you don't take all that it takes all that and then son because you don't know what he brought me from you don't know where i've been when i was slipping and sliding dipping and dodging god brought me through anybody got a roar In fact, look at your role and look at your role. If you're somebody on your role, will you holler at your role? If they don't holler back, you might be on the wrong role. Because when I think of the goodness of Jesus and all that he's done for me, when I think of the goodness of Jesus and" [00:17:21]

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Transcript
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