Embracing God's Holiness: Our Journey to His Presence

Summary

The journey up Mount Sinai reveals the profound reality of God’s holiness and glory. Just as my grandmother’s china cabinet was set apart and treated with reverence, so too is God’s presence to be approached with awe, preparation, and respect. After centuries of slavery, the Israelites found themselves at the foot of Sinai, where God reintroduced Himself—not as a distant deity, but as the living, present, and holy God who desires relationship with His people. Yet, this relationship is not casual; it requires consecration, humility, and a recognition of our own unworthiness in the face of His infinite purity.

The scene at Sinai is overwhelming: thunder, lightning, smoke, and trembling earth. God’s holiness is not just a theological concept but a tangible, weighty reality—His “kavod,” or glory, is heavy and beyond human comprehension. The people’s fear is understandable; God is utterly set apart, and His presence exposes the truth about ourselves—our pride, sin, and hidden darkness. Often, rather than draw near, we suppress, exchange, or ignore God’s presence, filling our lives with distractions, lesser pursuits, or even good things that crowd out the One who matters most.

Yet, God’s response to our avoidance is not abandonment. The structure of Sinai—its boundaries and levels—mirrors the temple, reminding us that on our own, we cannot ascend to God. We need a mediator, a substitute. In Jesus, God descends again—not in fire and smoke, but in flesh and humility. Jesus is the better mediator who fulfills the law, tears down the veil, and absorbs the weight of sin on our behalf. Because of Him, we are no longer kept at a distance; we are brought near, made holy, and invited to live in the confidence of grace rather than the fear of condemnation.

Holiness, then, is not about striving or escaping the world, but about living set apart within it—daily turning from self and trusting God’s promises, serving others with joy, and returning to God’s forgiveness when we fall. Our identity is secure: holy because He is holy. This is not a distant admiration, but a lived reality. We are called to reflect God’s glory, to live as those who belong to Him, and to point others to the beauty of Christ.

Key Takeaways

- God’s Holiness Demands Reverence and Preparation
God’s holiness is not to be approached casually or carelessly. Like the Israelites at Sinai, we are called to prepare our hearts and lives, recognizing the weight and purity of God’s presence. Reverence is not about fear that paralyzes, but about honoring the One who is utterly set apart and worthy of our awe. [03:52]

- The Weight of God’s Glory Exposes Our True Selves
Encountering God’s glory is not always comfortable, as it reveals the darkness and brokenness within us. Rather than run from this exposure, we are invited to let God’s light transform us, trusting that His holiness is not meant to shame but to heal and restore. The “kavod” of God is heavy, but it is also the weight that gives life meaning and direction. [05:17]

- Our Tendency Is to Settle for Less Than God’s Presence
We often suppress, exchange, or ignore God’s presence, filling our lives with distractions, idols, or busyness. These substitutes may offer temporary comfort, but they leave us empty and distant from the true source of life. The invitation is to resist being “far too easily pleased” and to seek the fullness of joy found only in God. [08:41]

- Jesus Is the Mediator Who Brings Us Near
We cannot ascend to God by our own effort or merit; we need a Savior. Jesus fulfills what we could not, bridging the gap between God’s holiness and our unworthiness. Through His sacrifice, we are brought near, not to tremble in fear, but to stand confidently in grace, forgiven and made holy. [14:19]

- Holiness Is Our Identity and Calling, Lived Out Daily
Being holy is not about withdrawal from the world or relentless striving, but about living as those set apart by God’s grace. It means daily repentance, faith, joyful service, and returning to God’s forgiveness. Our holiness is a gift and a calling—to reflect God’s character and point others to Christ in every aspect of life. [15:52]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:38] - Introduction to Mountain Views Series
[01:07] - The China Cabinet: A Picture of Holiness
[02:10] - Israel at the Foot of Mount Sinai
[03:52] - Preparing to Meet God
[05:17] - God Descends: Thunder, Smoke, and Glory
[06:30] - The Weight of God’s Glory (Kavod)
[07:29] - Our Responses: Suppression, Exchange, Ignoring
[08:41] - Trading God’s Glory for Lesser Things
[11:01] - God’s Nearness Despite Our Distance
[12:10] - The Structure of Sinai and the Need for a Mediator
[13:20] - Jesus: The Better Mediator
[14:19] - Confidence in Grace, Not Condemnation
[15:52] - Living Set Apart: Holiness in Daily Life
[17:00] - Closing Blessing and Sending

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Weight of God’s Holiness and Our Calling

---

### Bible Reading

Exodus 19:9-20
(The Israelites prepare to meet God at Mount Sinai; God descends in thunder, lightning, and smoke.)

Romans 1:21-25
(Paul describes how people exchange the glory of God for lesser things.)

Hebrews 12:18-24
(The contrast between Mount Sinai and Mount Zion; Jesus as the mediator of a new covenant.)

---

### Observation Questions

1. In Exodus 19, what specific instructions does God give the Israelites to prepare for His coming down on Mount Sinai?
[[03:52]]

2. What physical signs accompanied God’s presence on Mount Sinai, and how did the people respond?
[[05:17]]

3. According to Romans 1, what do people tend to do with the glory of God, and what do they exchange it for?

4. In Hebrews 12, how does the author describe the difference between approaching God at Mount Sinai and approaching Him through Jesus?

---

### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think God required the Israelites to consecrate themselves and set boundaries before He descended on Mount Sinai? What does this reveal about His character and our approach to Him?
[[03:52]]

2. The sermon described God’s glory as “heavy” (kavod). What does it mean for God’s presence to have weight, and how does that affect the way we see ourselves?
[[05:17]]

3. The sermon mentioned that people often suppress, exchange, or ignore God’s presence. Why do you think we are tempted to do this, even as believers?
[[08:41]]

4. How does Jesus act as a better mediator than Moses, and what difference does that make for how we relate to God today?
[[14:19]]

---

### Application Questions

1. The Israelites had to prepare themselves to meet God. What would it look like for you to “prepare your heart” before coming into God’s presence—whether in worship, prayer, or daily life? Is there a specific habit or practice you want to try this week?
[[03:52]]

2. The sermon compared God’s holiness to a china cabinet that was set apart and treated with reverence. Are there areas in your life where you approach God too casually or carelessly? What would it look like to approach Him with more awe and respect?
[[01:07]]

3. When God’s presence exposes your pride, sin, or hidden darkness, what is your usual response—do you suppress, exchange, or ignore? Can you share a recent example? What would it look like to let God’s light transform you instead?
[[08:41]]

4. The sermon said we often “trade the mountain for a mirage”—settling for lesser things instead of God’s presence. What are some specific distractions, idols, or “good things” that tend to crowd out God in your life? How can you resist being “far too easily pleased” this week?
[[08:41]]

5. Jesus brings us near to God, not to tremble in fear, but to stand confidently in grace. Do you struggle more with feeling distant from God or with taking His grace for granted? How can you remind yourself of your identity as “holy because He is holy” this week?
[[14:19]]

6. Holiness is not about escaping the world, but living set apart within it. What is one way you can reflect God’s character or serve others with joy in your daily routine this week?
[[15:52]]

7. When you fall short or fail, how easy is it for you to return to God’s forgiveness? Is there an area where you need to receive His grace and start again?
[[15:52]]

---

Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God to help you see the weight of His glory, to prepare your heart for His presence, and to live out your identity as one who is holy and set apart by His grace.

Devotional

Day 1: Approaching God's Holiness with Reverence and Preparation
God’s holiness is not something to be taken lightly or approached casually; it is set apart, weighty, and deserving of our utmost respect. Just as the Israelites were instructed to consecrate themselves and prepare before coming near Mount Sinai, we too are called to prepare our hearts and lives before entering God’s presence. This preparation is not about outward rituals alone, but about recognizing the privilege and seriousness of drawing near to a holy God who is unlike any other. When we approach Him with reverence, we acknowledge His majesty and our need for His grace, setting aside distractions and coming before Him with humility and awe. [03:52]

Exodus 19:10-13 (ESV)
The Lord said to Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their garments and be ready for the third day. For on the third day the Lord will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. And you shall set limits for the people all around, saying, ‘Take care not to go up into the mountain or touch the edge of it. Whoever touches the mountain shall be put to death. No hand shall touch him, but he shall be stoned or shot; whether beast or man, he shall not live.’ When the trumpet sounds a long blast, they shall come up to the mountain.”

Reflection: What is one practical way you can prepare your heart today to encounter God’s presence with reverence and intentionality?


Day 2: The Weight and Glory of God
God’s glory, described in Scripture as “kavod”—a weight or heaviness—reminds us that His presence is not something we can fully comprehend or handle on our own. His glory exposes our limitations and unworthiness, yet it also draws us to recognize His goodness and desire to dwell with us. Rather than suppressing, exchanging, or ignoring His presence, we are invited to let the weight of His glory shape our lives, exposing what needs to change and inviting us into deeper relationship with Him. [07:29]

Exodus 19:16-19 (ESV)
On the morning of the third day there were thunders and lightnings and a thick cloud on the mountain and a very loud trumpet blast, so that all the people in the camp trembled. Then Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet God, and they took their stand at the foot of the mountain. Now Mount Sinai was wrapped in smoke because the Lord had descended on it in fire. The smoke of it went up like the smoke of a kiln, and the whole mountain trembled greatly. And as the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God answered him in thunder.

Reflection: Where in your life do you sense God’s “weight” pressing on you—inviting you to let go of distractions and draw near to Him?


Day 3: Trading the Glory of God for Lesser Things
We often find ourselves exchanging the glory and presence of God for things that promise satisfaction but ultimately leave us empty—success, approval, comfort, or control. The Apostle Paul warns against this tendency, reminding us that when we trade God’s glory for idols, we miss out on the infinite joy He offers. Instead of settling for fleeting pleasures, we are called to recognize the beauty and sufficiency of God’s presence, refusing to be “far too easily pleased” with lesser things. [08:41]

Romans 1:21-23 (ESV)
For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.

Reflection: What is one “lesser thing” you are tempted to pursue instead of God’s presence, and how can you intentionally turn back to Him today?


Day 4: Jesus, Our Mediator Who Brings Us Near
We cannot approach God on our own merit or effort; we need a mediator, and Jesus is the one who brings us near. He fulfilled the law, tore down the veil, and absorbed the wrath we deserved, so that we are no longer separated from God but welcomed into His presence with confidence. Because of Jesus, we are invited to ascend the mountain—not in fear, but in grace—living as those who are made holy by His sacrifice and love. [14:19]

Hebrews 12:18, 22-24 (ESV)
For you have not come to what may be touched, a blazing fire and darkness and gloom and a tempest... But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.

Reflection: How does knowing that Jesus is your mediator change the way you approach God in prayer and worship today?


Day 5: Living Set Apart as God’s Holy People
Holiness is not about striving to prove ourselves or withdrawing from the world, but about living out our true identity as those made holy by Christ. We are called to daily repentance and faith, turning from old ways and trusting in God’s promises, serving others with joy, and reflecting His goodness in our everyday lives. When we fall short, we return to God for forgiveness, remembering that our holiness is a gift received, not a status earned. Let your life point others to Jesus as you live set apart in His love and grace. [15:52]

1 Peter 1:15-16 (ESV)
But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

Reflection: In what specific area of your life can you choose today to live “set apart”—reflecting God’s holiness and love to those around you?

Quotes

We're reminded that we cannot approach God on our own, that it's not about how much we do or how much we have to prove. There's no way that we can earn our own way up the mountain, that we don't need better effort. We need a substitute. We need a Savior. [00:12:42] (21 seconds) Edit Clip

``He is the better mediator, Jesus, the one who goes between us and God, the one who brings us near, the one who fulfilled the law that we could never keep, the one who tears down the veil that once separated us, and the one that takes the wrath that we deserved and absorbs it fully on Mount Calvary, where we are no longer under the weight of sin, but we are under the weight of God's forgiveness and grace and mercy and relationship, the weight of his glory that says, you are new, you are mine. [00:13:37] (42 seconds) Edit Clip

And now, because of Jesus, we don't have to stand at a distance. We are brought near by his grace, by his power. We don't have to tremble under condemnation. We get to stand confident in grace. [00:14:19] (16 seconds) Edit Clip

You are baptized, you are forgiven, you are covered in the righteousness of Jesus himself. That is our identity, holy because he is holy and he has made you holy. So stop striving. Stop trying to do what all yourself and live like someone who already belongs to God. [00:15:52] (22 seconds) Edit Clip

It means daily repentance and faith. It's saying, I'm going to turn away from these old things, from my selfishness, from my pride, and I'm going to trust in God's promises. I'm going to trust that he is who he says he is, that he has accomplished what he says he's accomplished, and that he's going to fulfill every last word that he has said. [00:16:36] (21 seconds) Edit Clip

As a called and redeemed child of God, you have been made holy, so be holy because that is your identity, that is your purpose, to live a life that is set apart, that points others to Jesus. You are his, you are holy, so let's live like it. [00:18:02] (26 seconds) Edit Clip