Embracing God's Holiness: Unity, Reverence, and Transformation

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound nature of God as depicted in Hebrews 12, emphasizing His holiness, power, and the awe-inspiring reality of His presence. We began by reflecting on Jesus' example of speaking only what the Father instructed, highlighting the importance of aligning our words and actions with God's will. This sets the stage for understanding the gravity of approaching God, not as a casual encounter, but as a profound engagement with the Almighty, who is described as a consuming fire, darkness, and tempest. This imagery serves as a reminder of the reverence and awe we should maintain in our relationship with Him.

We delved into the concept of God's judgment, often misunderstood in today's world. While society may view judgment as negative, we recognized it as a vital aspect of God's character, ensuring justice and righteousness. This judgment is not to be feared by those who are in Christ, as it is coupled with His rich mercy and grace. Ephesians 2 beautifully illustrates how, despite being objects of wrath, we are made alive in Christ through His grace, highlighting the transformative power of God's love and mercy.

Furthermore, we discussed the significance of unity within the body of Christ. True unity is not achieved by merely agreeing on every theological point but by collectively fearing and revering a holy God. This unity is rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ, which transcends our differences and binds us together as brothers and sisters in faith. The Spirit of God within us compels us to love one another genuinely, breaking down barriers and fostering a community that reflects God's love to the world.

As we concluded, we were reminded of the importance of keeping our focus on God, moving away from self-centeredness, and embracing a life led by His Spirit. This shift allows us to live in righteousness, empowered by His presence, and to engage in His mission with unity and purpose.

Key Takeaways:

- Aligning with God's Will: Jesus exemplified a life of speaking only what the Father instructed, challenging us to seek God's guidance in our words and actions. This alignment with God's will requires courage and a focus on His agenda rather than our own desires. [01:13]

- Reverence in Prayer: Approaching God with reverence and awe is essential, recognizing Him as a consuming fire and a tempest. This understanding transforms our prayer life, shifting our focus from self-centered requests to worship and adoration of His majesty. [10:57]

- The Good News of Judgment: God's judgment, often seen as negative, is actually good news for believers. It ensures justice and righteousness, and for those in Christ, it is coupled with His rich mercy and grace, offering forgiveness and transformation. [23:02]

- Unity in Diversity: True unity in the body of Christ is achieved not by uniformity in theology but by collectively fearing and revering a holy God. This unity is rooted in the gospel, transcending differences and fostering genuine love among believers. [51:13]

- Living by the Spirit: The Spirit of God within us empowers us to live righteously, moving away from sin and self-centeredness. This transformation is evidence of His presence, leading us to love others and engage in His mission with purpose. [38:50]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Introduction and Prayer
- [01:13] - Aligning with God's Will
- [02:31] - Seeking God's Agenda
- [04:53] - Power Over Fear
- [06:40] - The Majesty of God
- [08:51] - Hebrews 12: A Consuming Fire
- [10:57] - Reverence and Awe
- [12:40] - The Good News of God's Nature
- [15:12] - Fear of the Lord
- [18:42] - Jesus' Reverence in Prayer
- [21:24] - The Coming Judgment
- [23:02] - Understanding God's Judgment
- [29:24] - Ephesians 2: Rich in Mercy
- [38:50] - Living by the Spirit
- [51:13] - Unity in Diversity
- [54:32] - Worship and Unity

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Hebrews 12:18-29
- Ephesians 2:1-10
- 1 John 3:6-10

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Observation Questions:

1. In Hebrews 12, how is God described, and what imagery is used to convey His nature? ([08:51])

2. According to Ephesians 2, what transformation occurs for those who are in Christ? ([30:34])

3. What does 1 John 3 say about the relationship between abiding in God and sinning? ([38:50])

4. How does the sermon describe the significance of unity within the body of Christ? ([51:13])

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What does it mean to approach God with reverence and awe, as described in Hebrews 12, and how might this affect one's prayer life? ([10:57])

2. How does the concept of God's judgment in Hebrews 12 and Ephesians 2 challenge or affirm contemporary views on justice and mercy? ([23:02])

3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that unity in the church is achieved, and how does this relate to the gospel of Jesus Christ? ([51:13])

4. How does 1 John 3's teaching on sin and righteousness inform a believer's understanding of living by the Spirit? ([38:50])

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your prayer life. How can you incorporate a greater sense of reverence and awe when approaching God? What practical steps can you take to shift your focus from self-centered requests to worship? ([10:57])

2. Consider the idea of aligning your words and actions with God's will, as Jesus did. What areas of your life require more courage to seek God's guidance over your own desires? ([01:13])

3. How do you perceive God's judgment in your life? Do you see it as a source of fear or as an assurance of His justice and mercy? How can this understanding transform your relationship with God? ([23:02])

4. Think about the diversity within your church community. How can you contribute to fostering unity that transcends theological differences? What steps can you take to genuinely love and understand those with different perspectives? ([51:13])

5. Identify a specific area in your life where self-centeredness prevails. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to lead you towards righteousness and purpose in that area? ([38:50])

6. Reflect on a recent situation where you felt tempted to sin. How did you respond, and how can the truth of 1 John 3 empower you to overcome similar temptations in the future? ([38:50])

7. Consider someone in your life who challenges your patience or love. What specific action can you take this week to demonstrate God's love and break down barriers in that relationship? ([52:38])

Devotional

Day 1: Aligning Our Words with God's Will
In the life of Jesus, we see a profound example of aligning one's words and actions with the will of God. Jesus spoke only what the Father instructed, demonstrating a life of obedience and submission to God's agenda. This alignment requires courage and a willingness to set aside personal desires in favor of God's purposes. As believers, we are challenged to seek God's guidance in our daily interactions, ensuring that our words reflect His love and truth. This intentional alignment with God's will transforms our lives and impacts those around us, drawing them closer to Him. [01:13]

John 12:49-50 (ESV): "For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment—what to say and what to speak. And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I say, therefore, I say as the Father has told me."

Reflection: Consider a recent conversation where you spoke without seeking God's guidance. How can you invite God into your future conversations to ensure your words align with His will?


Day 2: Reverence in Our Approach to God
Approaching God is not a casual encounter but a profound engagement with the Almighty. Hebrews 12 describes God as a consuming fire, darkness, and tempest, imagery that evokes reverence and awe. This understanding transforms our prayer life, shifting our focus from self-centered requests to worship and adoration of His majesty. Recognizing God's holiness and power invites us to approach Him with humility and respect, acknowledging His sovereignty in our lives. This reverence deepens our relationship with God, allowing us to experience His presence more fully. [10:57]

Hebrews 12:28-29 (ESV): "Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire."

Reflection: Reflect on your current prayer habits. How can you incorporate more reverence and awe into your prayer life, focusing on God's majesty rather than personal requests?


Day 3: Embracing the Good News of Judgment
God's judgment is often misunderstood as negative, yet it is an essential aspect of His character, ensuring justice and righteousness. For those in Christ, judgment is coupled with His rich mercy and grace, offering forgiveness and transformation. Ephesians 2 illustrates how we are made alive in Christ despite being objects of wrath, highlighting the transformative power of God's love. This understanding of judgment as good news encourages believers to live in the freedom and assurance of God's grace, knowing that His justice is tempered with mercy. [23:02]

Ephesians 2:4-5 (ESV): "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."

Reflection: How does understanding God's judgment as good news change your perspective on His justice and mercy? In what ways can you live more freely in the assurance of His grace today?


Day 4: Unity Rooted in Reverence
True unity within the body of Christ is not achieved by uniformity in theology but by collectively fearing and revering a holy God. This unity is rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ, which transcends differences and binds believers together as brothers and sisters in faith. The Spirit of God compels us to love one another genuinely, breaking down barriers and fostering a community that reflects God's love to the world. By focusing on our shared reverence for God, we can overcome divisions and work together to fulfill His mission. [51:13]

Ephesians 4:3-6 (ESV): "Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."

Reflection: Think of a fellow believer with whom you have theological differences. How can you focus on your shared reverence for God to foster unity and love in your relationship?


Day 5: Living by the Spirit's Power
The Spirit of God within us empowers us to live righteously, moving away from sin and self-centeredness. This transformation is evidence of His presence, leading us to love others and engage in His mission with purpose. By embracing a life led by the Spirit, we are equipped to overcome personal struggles and align our lives with God's will. This shift allows us to experience the fullness of life in Christ, marked by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. [38:50]

Galatians 5:16-18 (ESV): "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law."

Reflection: Identify one area of your life where you struggle with self-centeredness. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to transform this area and empower you to live righteously today?

Quotes

"Jesus says I don't say anything out of my own initiative there are things I want to say in the flesh the things I want to do and they're not bad things you know it wasn't like that but like their biblical but I really want to stand before a holy God right now and say God I want this to be about your agenda and your words." [00:02:09]

"Father you are so strong you fear nothing nothing and we are your children Lord it's got right now in the name of Jesus we claim this power that you've given us there's nothing to fear you alone were God you're holy I praise You God I thank you thank you thank you that you're about to speak through me that your spirit will manifest through me for the common good as your word says God I want that." [00:04:56]

"Hebrews 12 listen to this for you have not come to what may be touched a blazing fire and darkness and gloom and a tempest and the sound of a trumpet and a voice whose word made the hearers beg that no further messages be spoken to them for they could not endure the order that was given if even a beast touches the mountain it shall be stoned." [00:08:44]

"Indeed so terrifying was the sight that Moses said I tremble with fear but you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the Living God and the heavenly Jerusalem and to innumerable angels and 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." [00:09:20]

"See that you do not refuse him who is speaking for if they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth much less will we escape if we reject him who warns from heaven at that time his voice shook the earth but now he has promised yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens." [00:10:07]

"Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship with reverence and awe for our God is a consuming fire man that gets me so excited did you understand like when when you pray you're not speaking he says you're not coming to what maybe touched." [00:10:48]

"Look at this description of God you're not coming before a being that you can just go up and grab you're not coming before someone who can be touched but he refers to him as a blazing fire and darkness and gloom and a tempest then when's the last time you heard a message where the guy teaching was describing God as darkness and gloom and a tempest." [00:11:23]

"Yet this is the Word of God it's it's terrifying isn't it the thought of come easy is making reference to the exodus when he put darkness over the land and and the storms of the the hail storms where people would be because men do you understand who you're coming before this isn't just another person man but but he's a blazing fire and darkness all at once and gloom and a tempest." [00:11:54]

"Now I know people say wait how could God being a blazing fire and darkness and gloom and a tempest be good news because the world twists everything and they want to believe in a God that's soft and cuddly and would never harm anyone you know but you know why this is such great news when I think you know cuz people go gosh you know God can't tell me what to do I have dreams I have desires." [00:12:35]

"Are you kidding me that is for me man who could be a guest that's great news you know before I came on the stage Maddie gave me a hug and just said I love you so I believe if someone came on the stage to try to attack me you're there for me right okay I mean that's that's cool um I don't know if it's good news I mean it's news it's you know there's you know you you bigger than I am so that's good but the thought of this being here a tempest a blazing fire darkness gloom saying Frances I'm with you I'm for you I'm your Shepherd you want to see my rod might you if you walk through the valley of the shadow of death you don't have to fear any evil because I'm with you man this is great great news this is our God you guys the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." [00:14:02]

"That's why Jesus says he goes don't fear man what's mian gonna do to you kill you he goes fear god who can destroy your body and your soul in hell like you feel this is a good thing it's a good thing that we have a terrifying God he says that we've come to the city of the Living God the heavenly Jerusalem to innumerable angels in festal gathering try to imagine that." [00:15:23]

"So as I'm on my knees and I'm praying to this blazing fire darkness gloom Tempest a voice that made the hearers beg that no more messages be spoken at the same time he's in this heavenly City with innumerable angels in festal gathering and I'm speaking to knit to him on his throne see so often when we pray we just think about us what we want what we need what we feel I'm going man is so much better to take your eyes off of yourself and just stare at him do this sometimes." [00:16:06]

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Transcript
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