Embracing God's Glory: A Call to Mercy and Transformation
Summary
In the message today, we explored the profound vision of Habakkuk and the prophetic word that the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of God as the waters cover the sea. This vision is not just a distant hope but a reality that began on the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit was poured out, and it continues to unfold in our lives today. We are called to be conduits of God's glory, allowing His presence to flow through us and impact the world around us. This glory is what distinguishes us as believers, just as it distinguished Moses when he led the Israelites.
The heart of the message is a call to seek God's glory and mercy. Moses' plea, "Show me your glory," is a cry for a deeper revelation of God's presence and goodness. This plea is not a one-time request but a continual yearning for more of God. The glory of God is His manifested presence, power, and goodness, and it is intimately connected with His mercy. Mercy is not just an attribute of God but a part of His very nature, and it is through His mercy that we experience salvation and transformation.
We are reminded that we are vessels of mercy, transformed from vessels of wrath to containers of God's grace and truth. This transformation is a marvel, a testament to the power of God's mercy in our lives. As we embrace this mercy, we are called to walk in the newness of life, following the path that God has laid out for us. This path is marked by righteousness and peace, and it is through our pursuit of God and His glory that we experience His presence dwelling in our land.
Key Takeaways:
- Vision and Glory: The vision of Habakkuk reminds us that God's ultimate desire is for the earth to be filled with His glory. This is not just a future hope but a present reality that began with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. We are called to be vessels through which God's glory flows, impacting the world around us. [30:41]
- Seeking God's Presence: Like Moses, we are invited to continually seek God's glory and presence in our lives. This is a deep, ongoing yearning for more of God, not just a one-time request. It is through this pursuit that we experience the fullness of His presence and power. [34:33]
- Mercy and Transformation: God's mercy is a central theme, transforming us from vessels of wrath to vessels of grace and truth. This transformation is a marvel, a testament to the power of God's mercy in our lives. As we embrace this mercy, we are called to walk in newness of life. [01:05:59]
- Righteousness and Peace: The meeting of mercy and truth, and the kiss of righteousness and peace, illustrate the reconciliation and restoration that God brings into our lives. As we pursue God and His glory, we experience His presence dwelling in our land, marked by righteousness and peace. [01:18:42]
- Access and Salvation: Through God's mercy, we have not only been saved but also given access to His presence. This access allows us to come boldly to the throne of grace, where we find the help and strength we need. Our salvation is a marvel, a testament to the riches of God's glory. [01:35:08]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[30:41] - Habakkuk's Vision and God's Glory
[32:11] - The Prophetic Word and God's Heart
[33:10] - Rivers of Living Water
[34:33] - Moses' Plea for God's Glory
[35:45] - Apostle Paul's Pursuit of Glory
[38:56] - Jesus' Honor and Glory
[39:49] - Seeking the Father's Glory
[41:15] - Expectancy for God's Work
[42:31] - Giving with a Cheerful Heart
[45:08] - The Promise of Abundant Grace
[47:07] - Favor and Its Benefits
[51:23] - Testimonies of God's Work
[55:06] - The Fullness of Jesus' Glory
[56:13] - Grace and Truth in Jesus
[57:34] - The Marvel of Salvation
[01:00:11] - Moses' Encounter with God's Glory
[01:05:59] - The Manifested Mercy of God
[01:11:49] - Understanding Marvels and Salvation
[01:18:42] - Mercy and Truth United
[01:23:21] - Walking in God's Pathway
[01:29:13] - The Riches of God's Glory
[01:35:08] - Access to the Throne of Grace
[01:41:15] - Invitation to Receive God's Mercy
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Habakkuk 2:14 - "For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea."
2. Exodus 33:18-19 - "Then Moses said, 'Now show me your glory.' And the Lord said, 'I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.'"
3. Romans 9:22-23 - "What if God, although choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath—prepared for destruction? What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory?"
Observation Questions:
1. What was the vision that Habakkuk received, and how does it relate to the glory of God filling the earth? [30:41]
2. How does Moses' request to see God's glory in Exodus 33:18-19 reflect a deeper yearning for God's presence? [34:33]
3. According to Romans 9:22-23, what is the purpose of God showing mercy to the "objects of his mercy"? [01:26:53]
4. How does the sermon describe the connection between God's mercy and the transformation of believers? [01:05:59]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the vision in Habakkuk 2:14 challenge believers to live out their faith in the present day? [32:11]
2. In what ways does Moses' plea for God's glory serve as a model for believers seeking a deeper relationship with God? [34:33]
3. How does the concept of being "vessels of mercy" in Romans 9:22-23 impact a believer's understanding of their identity in Christ? [01:26:53]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between God's mercy and the believer's experience of salvation and transformation? [01:05:59]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God's presence in a profound way. How can you seek more of His glory in your daily life? [34:33]
2. How can you be a conduit of God's glory in your community, allowing His presence to impact those around you? [30:41]
3. In what ways can you cultivate a continual yearning for God's presence, similar to Moses' plea, in your spiritual journey? [34:33]
4. How does understanding yourself as a "vessel of mercy" change the way you view your past and your future in Christ? [01:26:53]
5. What practical steps can you take to walk in the newness of life, embracing the transformation that comes through God's mercy? [01:05:59]
6. How can you actively pursue righteousness and peace in your relationships and community, as described in the sermon? [01:18:42]
7. Consider a specific area in your life where you need to experience God's mercy. How can you approach His throne of grace with confidence to find help in that area? [01:35:08]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: God's Glory in Our Present Reality
The vision of Habakkuk speaks of a time when the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of God, a reality that began with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. This is not merely a distant hope but a present reality that unfolds in our lives today. As believers, we are called to be vessels through which God's glory flows, impacting the world around us. This glory is what sets us apart, just as it did for Moses when he led the Israelites. We are invited to embrace this calling and allow God's presence to transform us and those we encounter. [30:41]
"For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea." (Habakkuk 2:14, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you actively allow God's glory to flow through you to impact your community today?
Day 2: A Continual Yearning for God's Presence
Moses' plea, "Show me your glory," is a profound cry for a deeper revelation of God's presence and goodness. This yearning is not a one-time request but a continual pursuit of more of God in our lives. Like Moses, we are invited to seek God's glory and presence continually. It is through this ongoing pursuit that we experience the fullness of His presence and power. This deep longing for God is a journey that transforms us and draws us closer to His heart. [34:33]
"And he said, 'Please show me your glory.' And he said, 'I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name "The Lord."' (Exodus 33:18-19, ESV)
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to cultivate a deeper yearning for God's presence in your daily routine?
Day 3: The Transformative Power of Mercy
God's mercy is a central theme that transforms us from vessels of wrath to vessels of grace and truth. This transformation is a marvel, a testament to the power of God's mercy in our lives. As we embrace this mercy, we are called to walk in the newness of life, following the path that God has laid out for us. This path is marked by righteousness and peace, and it is through our pursuit of God and His glory that we experience His presence dwelling in our land. [01:05:59]
"But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved." (Ephesians 2:4-5, ESV)
Reflection: How can you actively embrace God's mercy today and allow it to transform an area of your life that needs renewal?
Day 4: The Reconciliation of Righteousness and Peace
The meeting of mercy and truth, and the kiss of righteousness and peace, illustrate the reconciliation and restoration that God brings into our lives. As we pursue God and His glory, we experience His presence dwelling in our land, marked by righteousness and peace. This divine reconciliation is a powerful testament to God's work in our lives, bringing harmony and restoration where there was once division and strife. [01:18:42]
"Steadfast love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss each other. Faithfulness springs up from the ground, and righteousness looks down from the sky." (Psalm 85:10-11, ESV)
Reflection: Is there a relationship or situation in your life where you need to seek God's reconciliation and peace? How can you take a step towards that today?
Day 5: Access to the Throne of Grace
Through God's mercy, we have not only been saved but also given access to His presence. This access allows us to come boldly to the throne of grace, where we find the help and strength we need. Our salvation is a marvel, a testament to the riches of God's glory. This access is a precious gift, inviting us to draw near to God with confidence and assurance, knowing that He is always ready to meet us with grace and mercy. [01:35:08]
"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." (Hebrews 4:16, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to approach God's throne of grace with confidence today? How can you make time to do that?
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Quotes
"Moses said, it's your presence going with us is what makes me distinguished. See, it's his glory on your life is what makes you distinguished. Some of you here, you may not be familiar with the presence of God. And you're like, I don't know what I feel in this atmosphere. I, I don't know what it is here. I don't know what's going on. I want you to know that that is the glory of God, which is the manifest love of God, drawing you." [00:34:09] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"So this wasn't just a request that Moses made one time. It was something that, that it was burning on the inside of him. I beseech you, show me your glory, show me your glory, show me your glory. And our apostle of this house that founded this church, he declared to us back in 2017, 2018. He said that we in the last days need to keep in our hearts and on our lips. Show me your glory." [00:35:19] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Jesus had a heart for the glory he had a desire for the glory and the thing is Jesus knew something about the glory that we would never fully understand until we get to heaven so much so in his prayer before he he he was betrayed he actually said this he said restore to me the glory I had with you before the world was but Jesus makes a statement in John 8 verse 50 hallelujah" [00:38:19] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Jesus said, you've seen me, you've seen the Father. So when Jesus was full of grace and truth here, he's referring to that he was full of the mercy of God, the goodness of God. He was filled with the favor of God. He was filled with the kindness of God. The loving kindness of God. And he was filled with truth. Meaning everywhere he went, he went to declare truth of the Father." [00:58:23] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Selfish is not a good thing in the natural. But I'm telling you, when it comes to the presence of God, the glory of God, the word of God, I'm telling you, there is more to tap into. There's more to receive. There's more to walk in. Say, show me your glory." [01:00:21] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Because you're still judging yourself according to your old nature instead of your new nature. And I'm telling you, show me your mercy. Because when he showed humanity his mercy, it caused humanity to be something they could never be apart from him." [01:15:04] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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