Embracing God's Majesty Amid Life's Challenges

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound significance of maintaining a high view of God, especially when life feels overwhelming and chaotic. It's natural to question God when circumstances are dire, but it's crucial to remember that God remains holy and sovereign, regardless of our situations. This perspective shift is essential because a diminished view of God can lead to ingratitude, misplaced expectations, and even judgment of His actions. When we truly grasp the magnitude of God's holiness and sovereignty, it transforms our understanding and response to life's challenges.

Reflecting on Isaiah's vision in Isaiah 6, we see that when King Uzziah died, a time of uncertainty for Israel, God revealed His throne to Isaiah. This vision was a reminder that earthly leaders and circumstances are temporary, but God's reign is eternal. Similarly, Ezekiel's vision of God, described with vivid imagery of fire and brilliance, underscores the indescribable majesty of God. These encounters with God left the prophets in awe, illustrating that a genuine encounter with God transcends our earthly concerns.

We also examined the story of the woman who anointed Jesus' feet with perfume in Luke 7. Her act of worship was a response to the forgiveness and love she received, demonstrating that those who recognize the depth of their forgiveness are compelled to worship with abandon. This challenges us to evaluate our own worship and whether we approach God with the same humility and gratitude.

Ultimately, the call is to shift our focus from our problems to the grandeur of God. By doing so, we find peace and perspective, realizing that our issues pale in comparison to the glory of God. This understanding should lead us to worship God with sincerity and reverence, not out of obligation, but out of a deep recognition of His holiness and love.

Key Takeaways:

- High View of God: A high view of God is essential for a healthy spiritual life. When we see God as He truly is—holy, sovereign, and majestic—it changes our perspective on our problems and our place in the world. This understanding fosters gratitude and humility, reminding us that God is for us and loves us deeply. [03:53]

- Isaiah's Vision: Isaiah's vision of God on His throne during a time of national uncertainty teaches us that God's sovereignty transcends earthly circumstances. It reminds us that no matter who is in power or what challenges we face, God remains in control, offering us peace and assurance. [08:22]

- Ezekiel's Encounter: Ezekiel's description of God as a radiant, fiery being highlights the indescribable nature of God's holiness. This vision challenges us to approach God with reverence and awe, recognizing that our words and actions should reflect His majesty. [16:04]

- Worship with Abandon: The story of the woman who anointed Jesus' feet illustrates the power of recognizing our forgiveness. When we understand the depth of God's grace, our worship becomes an outpouring of love and gratitude, unrestrained by self-consciousness or fear of judgment. [31:00]

- Silence and Reverence: Taking time for silence and reflection before God allows us to acknowledge His greatness and our own smallness. This practice helps us to focus on God's presence and glory, fostering a deeper connection and understanding of His character. [23:36]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:14] - Questioning God in Hard Times
- [00:42] - Personal Stories and Prayer Requests
- [02:33] - Addressing Life's Issues
- [03:38] - The Importance of a High View of God
- [04:18] - The Problem of a Small View of God
- [06:32] - God's Sovereignty in Isaiah's Vision
- [08:22] - Isaiah's Encounter with God's Throne
- [10:26] - Seeing God Changes Everything
- [11:44] - Ezekiel's Vision of God
- [14:54] - The Majesty of God's Presence
- [18:29] - Silence Before God
- [23:36] - Worship Through Silence
- [28:59] - The Woman Who Anointed Jesus
- [33:49] - Worship with Abandon in Australia

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Isaiah 6:1-5 - Isaiah's vision of God on His throne.
2. Ezekiel 1:26-28 - Ezekiel's vision of God's indescribable majesty.
3. Luke 7:36-50 - The story of the woman who anointed Jesus' feet.

#### Observation Questions
1. What was the significance of Isaiah's vision occurring in the year King Uzziah died? How did this vision impact Isaiah's understanding of God's sovereignty? [07:11]
2. How does Ezekiel describe the appearance of God in his vision, and what was his reaction upon seeing it? [15:48]
3. In the story from Luke 7, what actions did the woman take to demonstrate her worship and gratitude towards Jesus? [29:32]
4. According to the sermon, what are some consequences of having a small view of God? [05:11]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Isaiah's vision of God on His throne during a time of national uncertainty illustrate the concept of God's eternal sovereignty? [08:22]
2. What does Ezekiel's struggle to describe God's appearance tell us about the nature of God's holiness and majesty? [16:44]
3. In what ways does the woman's act of anointing Jesus' feet challenge our understanding of worship and gratitude? [31:00]
4. How does the sermon suggest that a high view of God can transform our perspective on personal challenges and struggles? [03:53]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when life felt overwhelming. How did your view of God influence your response to that situation? [03:38]
2. Consider the description of God in Ezekiel's vision. How can you incorporate a sense of awe and reverence into your daily worship practices? [16:04]
3. The woman in Luke 7 worshiped Jesus with abandon. What holds you back from worshiping God with the same level of humility and gratitude? [31:00]
4. How can you cultivate a high view of God in your life to foster gratitude and humility, especially during challenging times? [03:53]
5. What practical steps can you take to shift your focus from your problems to the grandeur of God, as suggested in the sermon? [10:42]
6. How can you create moments of silence and reflection in your life to acknowledge God's greatness and your own smallness? [23:36]
7. Identify one area in your life where you have a small view of God. What changes can you make to align your perspective with the sermon’s message of God's holiness and sovereignty? [05:11]

Devotional

Day 1: The Transformative Power of a High View of God
When we maintain a high view of God, it fundamentally alters our perspective on life's challenges. Recognizing God as holy, sovereign, and majestic helps us see our problems in a new light, fostering gratitude and humility. This understanding reminds us that God is for us and loves us deeply, even when circumstances seem overwhelming. By focusing on God's grandeur, we find peace and perspective, realizing that our issues pale in comparison to His glory. This shift in focus encourages us to worship God with sincerity and reverence, not out of obligation, but out of a deep recognition of His holiness and love. [03:53]

Isaiah 40:25-26 (ESV): "To whom then will you compare me, that I should be like him? says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these? He who brings out their host by number, calling them all by name; by the greatness of his might, and because he is strong in power, not one is missing."

Reflection: In what ways can you intentionally shift your focus from your problems to the grandeur of God today? How might this change your perspective on a current challenge?


Day 2: God's Sovereignty Transcends Earthly Circumstances
Isaiah's vision of God on His throne during a time of national uncertainty teaches us that God's sovereignty transcends earthly circumstances. This vision serves as a powerful reminder that no matter who is in power or what challenges we face, God remains in control, offering us peace and assurance. By understanding that earthly leaders and situations are temporary, we can find comfort in the eternal reign of God. This perspective encourages us to trust in God's plan and timing, even when life feels uncertain or chaotic. [08:22]

Psalm 93:1-2 (ESV): "The Lord reigns; he is robed in majesty; the Lord is robed; he has put on strength as his belt. Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved. Your throne is established from of old; you are from everlasting."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to trust in God's sovereignty? How can you remind yourself of His eternal reign in that situation today?


Day 3: Approaching God with Reverence and Awe
Ezekiel's description of God as a radiant, fiery being highlights the indescribable nature of God's holiness. This vision challenges us to approach God with reverence and awe, recognizing that our words and actions should reflect His majesty. By acknowledging God's greatness, we are reminded of our own smallness and the importance of humility in our relationship with Him. This understanding encourages us to live in a way that honors God, seeking to reflect His character in all that we do. [16:04]

Habakkuk 3:3-4 (ESV): "God came from Teman, and the Holy One from Mount Paran. His splendor covered the heavens, and the earth was full of his praise. His brightness was like the light; rays flashed from his hand; and there he veiled his power."

Reflection: How can you cultivate a sense of reverence and awe in your daily life? What specific actions can you take to honor God's majesty in your words and deeds today?


Day 4: Worship as a Response to Forgiveness
The story of the woman who anointed Jesus' feet illustrates the power of recognizing our forgiveness. When we understand the depth of God's grace, our worship becomes an outpouring of love and gratitude, unrestrained by self-consciousness or fear of judgment. This challenges us to evaluate our own worship and whether we approach God with the same humility and gratitude. By acknowledging the forgiveness and love we have received, we are compelled to worship with abandon, expressing our devotion to God in a genuine and heartfelt manner. [31:00]

Luke 7:47-48 (ESV): "Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little. And he said to her, 'Your sins are forgiven.'"

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced God's forgiveness. How can you express your gratitude and love for Him through your worship today?


Day 5: Finding God in Silence and Reflection
Taking time for silence and reflection before God allows us to acknowledge His greatness and our own smallness. This practice helps us to focus on God's presence and glory, fostering a deeper connection and understanding of His character. By setting aside moments of quiet contemplation, we create space for God to speak into our lives, guiding us in our spiritual journey. This intentional practice encourages us to listen for God's voice and seek His guidance in all aspects of our lives. [23:36]

Psalm 46:10 (ESV): "Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"

Reflection: How can you incorporate moments of silence and reflection into your daily routine? What might God be trying to communicate to you in these quiet moments?

Quotes


"See when you have a small view of God, crazy things start happening. When you have a little view of God, pretty soon you become ungrateful. You become grateful people when you have a small view of God because you don't realize what you have, and if you really understood, then you'd go no way, he is for me, he loves me, he sent his son to die. It changes everything." [00:04:53]

"See, the whole idea is Isaiah saw who was really on the throne. It doesn't matter who's the King on this little planet, you know, sitting on this throne with his little cute little Army on the earth. He says, Isaiah, let me get you beyond this. I want to take you to heaven. I want to show you what my Throne looks like." [00:08:22]

"If I could supernaturally let you see God for 5 seconds this morning, you would not be thinking about your problems during those 5 Seconds. You would not be thinking about your problems for the rest of the day, the rest of the week, possibly for the rest of your life. It would be a site where it would just take all your breath away." [00:10:42]

"Ezekiel says, I see this being, and I don't know if you've read this description of God before, and I've read other descriptions of God as other people have seen him, and you'll notice there's a little bit of variation, but there's still this similar thought of this being on this Throne that's glowing." [00:16:04]

"Can we just take a break from the sermons and everything else and just for a moment as a bunch of human beings, fellow human beings right now, just all collectively admit, okay, right now in heaven there's a being and if we saw him we wouldn't even know how to describe him. We wouldn't know what to say to him. We would just collapse." [00:18:16]

"Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than offer the sacrifice of fools who do not know that they do wrong. Do not be quick with your mouth. Do not be Hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you on Earth, so let your Words Be Few." [00:19:56]

"Is that refreshing to take your mind off of yourself for a second and look at someone so much bigger? I'm telling you, it is so healthy if we would just regularly on your own in the morning just get a picture of God in your head and think about what in the world would I say if I saw this being." [00:24:12]

"Every time I read that story, I think, okay, who do I resemble honestly? Do I resemble the powerful Mighty Pharisee sitting at the table talking with Jesus, discussing things, going yeah, that was a good Miracle you did, or am I just like that woman that just goes no way man, I'll Just Fall at your feet anything." [00:32:00]

"How many of you would be like that woman that just I don't care what you think of me, all I care about is what this God thinks, and I'm crazy about him, I'm in love with him. Two weeks ago I was in Australia doing this conference and worship is a little different in Australia. They get into it." [00:33:49]

"Would I have been that woman, not that I could wash this with my hair, but would I do I have this Reckless abandon where I go man God forgave me of a lot of stuff, a lot of stuff. I have done a lot of bad things in my life, and he is saying that he will pay for all of that." [00:35:26]

"See, my prayers is that when God looks down in this room and I'm confessing to you I'm not there and I want to be there. I'm just like you, you guys sometimes think oh, he's Pastor, you know, he doesn't struggle with it. I'm just like I'm actually cooler than a lot of you and so I have the same image." [00:36:59]

"I want Cornerstone Church to be a church that responds properly where God looks in this room and goes okay they get it, they get it, your sins are forgiven. Don't you want to be her and don't you confess that you're not there but you want to be? It's a lot easier when a bunch of people agree on that and say let's move toward that." [00:37:56]

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?