Embracing God's Presence: Expectation, Worship, and Community

 

Summary

### Summary

Today's reflection centers on Psalm 5, where David's heartfelt plea to God exemplifies a profound relationship marked by expectation, awe, and humility. David's approach to prayer and worship is a model for us, encouraging us to come before God with a heart full of anticipation and reverence. As we gather to worship, we are reminded that God is present among us, not because of our worthiness or the quality of our music, but because we are His temple. This presence invites us to expect God to speak, to act, and to perform miracles in our midst.

We explored the significance of worship and the spiritual gifts, particularly the gift of speaking in tongues. This gift, often misunderstood and sometimes controversial, is a powerful tool for prayer, worship, and prophecy. It allows believers to communicate with God in a language they do not know, which can be a known human language or a heavenly one. The gift of tongues serves multiple purposes: it can be a sign for unbelievers, a means of personal edification, and a way to pray when words fail us.

The sermon also touched on the importance of community and support within the church, highlighting upcoming events and opportunities for fellowship. We prayed for various needs within the congregation, including healing, financial provision, and guidance for teachers and students as they return to school. The message concluded with an invitation to seek the fullness of the Holy Spirit, encouraging those who desire the gift of tongues to pray earnestly and trust God to bestow this gift as He wills.

### Key Takeaways

1. Expectation in Worship: When we come before God with an attitude of expectation, awe, and humility, we open ourselves to receive His guidance and blessings. Worship is not just about singing; it's about engaging with God and anticipating His presence and action in our lives. [01:01]

2. God's Unfailing Presence: God's presence among us is not contingent on our worthiness or the quality of our worship. He is with us because we are His temple. This truth should fill us with confidence and encourage us to seek His face with boldness and humility. [02:07]

3. The Gift of Tongues: Speaking in tongues is a spiritual gift that allows believers to communicate with God in a language they do not know. This gift can serve as a sign for unbelievers, a means of personal edification, and a way to pray when words fail us. It is a powerful tool for deepening our relationship with God. [01:05:12]

4. Community and Support: The church is a community where we support and pray for one another. Whether it's praying for healing, financial provision, or guidance, we are called to lift each other up and trust God to meet our needs. This communal support strengthens our faith and fosters a sense of belonging. [31:16]

5. Seeking the Fullness of the Holy Spirit: To receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit, including speaking in tongues, we must first surrender our lives to Jesus and be willing to trust Him completely. This involves letting go of our need for control and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us in new and sometimes unfamiliar ways. [01:23:26]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[01:01] - Encouragement in Worship
[02:07] - Prayer for God's Presence
[02:59] - Expectation of Miracles
[28:47] - Worship and Praise
[29:36] - Prayer for Community Churches
[31:16] - Prayers for Healing and Provision
[32:39] - Generosity and Giving
[33:25] - Prayers for Teachers and Students
[34:06] - Seeking the Holy Spirit
[39:32] - Our Identity in Christ
[45:03] - Importance of Worship
[46:40] - Community Announcements
[49:56] - Upcoming Events
[51:21] - Offering and Generosity
[53:26] - Online Welcome
[55:13] - Understanding Spiritual Gifts
[58:25] - Stories of Speaking in Tongues
[01:05:12] - The Gift of Tongues Explained
[01:13:14] - Prophetic Words and Tongues
[01:21:34] - Is Speaking in Tongues for Everyone?
[01:23:26] - Receiving the Gift of Tongues
[01:34:35] - Invitation to Pray for the Gift

Study Guide

### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 5:1-8 (NLT)

O Lord, hear me as I pray; pay attention to my groaning. Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for I pray to no one but you. Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly. O God, you take no pleasure in wickedness; you cannot tolerate the sins of the wicked. Therefore, the proud may not stand in your presence, for you hate all who do evil. You will destroy those who tell lies. The Lord detests murderers and deceivers. Because of your unfailing love, I can enter your house; I will worship at your Temple with deepest awe. Lead me in the right path, O Lord, or my enemies will conquer me. Make your way plain for me to follow.


### Observation Questions
1. What are the three attitudes David exhibits in his prayer in Psalm 5?
- Expectation, awe, and humility. [01:01]

2. According to the sermon, what is the significance of God's presence among us?
- God's presence is not contingent on our worthiness or the quality of our worship; He is with us because we are His temple. [02:07]

3. What are the three purposes of the gift of tongues mentioned in the sermon?
- A sign for unbelievers, a means of personal edification, and a way to pray when words fail us. [01:05:12]

4. What types of needs were prayed for within the congregation during the sermon?
- Healing, financial provision, and guidance for teachers and students. [31:16]

### Interpretation Questions
1. How does David's approach to prayer in Psalm 5 reflect a model for our own prayer lives?
- David's prayer is marked by expectation, awe, and humility, which encourages us to approach God with a similar heart. [01:01]

2. What does it mean for us to be God's temple, and how should this truth impact our daily lives?
- Being God's temple means His presence dwells within us, which should fill us with confidence and encourage us to seek His face with boldness and humility. [02:07]

3. Why might the gift of tongues be considered a powerful tool for deepening our relationship with God?
- It allows believers to communicate with God in a language they do not know, serving as a means of personal edification and a way to pray when words fail us. [01:05:12]

4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that community and support within the church strengthen our faith?
- By praying for one another's needs and trusting God to meet those needs, communal support fosters a sense of belonging and strengthens our faith. [31:16]

### Application Questions
1. Expectation in Worship: When you come before God in worship, do you have an attitude of expectation, awe, and humility? How can you cultivate these attitudes more intentionally in your personal and communal worship times? [01:01]

2. God's Unfailing Presence: Reflect on the truth that God's presence is with you because you are His temple. How does this change the way you approach your daily life and challenges? [02:07]

3. The Gift of Tongues: Have you ever experienced or desired the gift of tongues? How might this gift enhance your prayer and worship life? If you haven't experienced it, what steps can you take to seek this gift earnestly? [01:05:12]

4. Community and Support: Think of a time when the church community supported you in a significant way. How did that experience strengthen your faith? How can you be more intentional in supporting others within your church community? [31:16]

5. Seeking the Fullness of the Holy Spirit: Are you willing to surrender control and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you in new and unfamiliar ways? What might be holding you back from fully trusting God in this area? [01:23:26]

6. Praying for Needs: Identify a specific need within your church community (e.g., healing, financial provision, guidance). How can you commit to praying for this need and supporting those affected? [31:16]

7. Engaging with Spiritual Gifts: How can you actively seek to understand and use the spiritual gifts God has given you? What steps can you take to grow in your understanding and practice of these gifts? [55:13]

Devotional

Day 1: Expectation in Worship
When we come before God with an attitude of expectation, awe, and humility, we open ourselves to receive His guidance and blessings. Worship is not just about singing; it's about engaging with God and anticipating His presence and action in our lives. David's approach to prayer in Psalm 5 exemplifies this attitude. He comes before God with a heart full of anticipation, knowing that God listens and responds. This kind of worship transforms our gatherings from routine rituals into powerful encounters with the Divine. As we gather to worship, we should come with the same expectation that God will speak, act, and perform miracles in our midst. [01:01]

Psalm 5:3 (ESV): "O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch."

Reflection: When you come to worship, do you expect God to move in your life? How can you cultivate a heart of anticipation and awe in your daily worship practices?


Day 2: God's Unfailing Presence
God's presence among us is not contingent on our worthiness or the quality of our worship. He is with us because we are His temple. This truth should fill us with confidence and encourage us to seek His face with boldness and humility. Understanding that God's presence is a constant in our lives, regardless of our circumstances or feelings, can transform our approach to prayer and worship. It reminds us that we are never alone and that God is always ready to guide, comfort, and empower us. [02:07]

1 Corinthians 3:16 (ESV): "Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?"

Reflection: How does knowing that you are God's temple change the way you live and worship? What steps can you take to become more aware of His constant presence in your daily life?


Day 3: The Gift of Tongues
Speaking in tongues is a spiritual gift that allows believers to communicate with God in a language they do not know. This gift can serve as a sign for unbelievers, a means of personal edification, and a way to pray when words fail us. It is a powerful tool for deepening our relationship with God. The gift of tongues is often misunderstood and sometimes controversial, but it is a biblical practice that can enrich our spiritual lives. By praying earnestly and trusting God, believers can seek this gift and experience a new dimension of intimacy with Him. [01:05:12]

1 Corinthians 14:2 (ESV): "For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit."

Reflection: Have you ever felt at a loss for words in prayer? How might the gift of tongues help you in those moments? Are you willing to seek this gift and trust God to bestow it as He wills?


Day 4: Community and Support
The church is a community where we support and pray for one another. Whether it's praying for healing, financial provision, or guidance, we are called to lift each other up and trust God to meet our needs. This communal support strengthens our faith and fosters a sense of belonging. In times of need, the prayers and encouragement of fellow believers can be a source of great comfort and strength. By actively participating in the life of the church, we can both give and receive the support that is essential for our spiritual growth. [31:16]

Galatians 6:2 (ESV): "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."

Reflection: How can you actively support someone in your church community this week? What specific steps can you take to bear their burdens and show Christ's love?


Day 5: Seeking the Fullness of the Holy Spirit
To receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit, including speaking in tongues, we must first surrender our lives to Jesus and be willing to trust Him completely. This involves letting go of our need for control and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us in new and sometimes unfamiliar ways. Seeking the fullness of the Holy Spirit is a journey of faith and trust. It requires a willingness to step out of our comfort zones and embrace the transformative work of the Spirit in our lives. By surrendering to Jesus and seeking the Holy Spirit, we open ourselves to the abundant life that God has promised. [01:23:26]

Ephesians 5:18 (ESV): "And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit."

Reflection: What areas of your life are you holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would it look like to fully trust the Holy Spirit's guidance in those areas? How can you begin that process today?

Quotes

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "What I would suggest and what I want to do is I want to sing with worship. With an expectation, an awe, and a request for direction as we worship. Like David did in Psalm 5. What might God do amongst us if we have that kind of attitude? If we have an expectation, if we have an attitude of worship and awe and humility to receive what He wants to give." [01:01] (30 seconds) ( | | )

2. "We need more of you to know how to love each other well. We need more of you, Lord, to know how to live out this walk, to become more like Christ. So, Lord, I pray that your Holy Spirit in us would build us up, would encourage us, would equip us, would transform us, God. Amen. That the fruit of your Spirit would become more real in our lives." [34:06] (20 seconds) ( | | )

3. "Yeah, I don't know about you, but man, one of the things that is part of our culture and what I want to continue to build on is that a key way that we interact with God is through worship. So I want to encourage you as you are singing these songs, as you are spending time worshiping god enter in man god is with us god is here yeah make sure that you're taking the time that you can to enter in." [45:03] (32 seconds) ( | | )

4. "What I know to be true is that oftentimes as we worship god what happens is that god will speak to us either prophetically he'll speak through somebody to the congregation or in the heart of of each person he'll be doing something as we worship him because by worshiping him we are basically saying god i am here i'm expecting you to show up so if god has spoken to you that is that's what we're doing this for to hear from him." [45:03] (35 seconds) ( | | )

### Quotes for Members

1. "Peter a letter. And in that letter, he reminded the people, we are not just a bunch of people gathering together with a couple of leaders up front. But he said, no, no, all of you are, as Christ followers, all of you are new, you are transformed, you are a new creation. But listen to this. He says, you are a chosen race. Not color of your skin race, not blood race, but a chosen race in that God has adopted all of us into His kingdom. A royal priesthood. A holy nation. A people for His possession. So that, this is who you are, so that you may proclaim the praises of the one who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. Once you were not a people. Now you are God's people. You had not received mercy. Now you have received mercy." [39:32] (75 seconds) ( | | )

2. "There are three truths I want us to hang on to as we talk about the gifts of the spirit this morning and for the next several weeks. There are approximately 21 22 gifts plus whatever the holy spirit wants to do beyond that we talked about that last week and god wants to do something through us and to us through those gifts so as we talk about the different gifts we're not going to talk about all of them over the next few weeks but we're going to talk about some key ones as we talk about the different gifts we're not going to talk about as we talk about them three things i want you to remember number one god gives them to us for a purpose and that purpose is the great commandments does anybody remember what the two greatest commandments are that jesus mentioned what love god and love others love god love others every gift that is practiced should be done with that in mind." [55:13] (64 seconds) ( | | )

3. "So as we talk about the different supernatural gifts we are asking god at least i hope you're asking god to pour them out on us in order in order to enjoy and practice the fullness of god all of that all that he wants to give to us in order to love him and love people so that they may experience that same fullness of god and we also want to make sure we understand the proper use of those gifts so we don't fall into the same trap the corinthians did." [56:41] (28 seconds) ( | | )

4. "Speaking in tongues is very simply speaking in a language that you the the person speaking doesn't know it is doing so under the anointing of the holy spirit the power of the holy spirit speaking something whether well i'll get into that in a minute but it's it's in its simplest definition it is speaking in a language that you don't know this could be a language that is known to the person listening as in the story of our jewish rabbi we see that in the book of acts chapter two when the disciples were first anointed with the holy spirit chapter two verse four then they were all filled with the holy spirit and began to speak in different tongues as the spirit enabled them now there were jews staying in jerusalem devout people from every nation under heaven when this sound occurred a crowd came together and was confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language." [01:05:12] (56 seconds) ( | | )

5. "So in that way it's not for everyone and yet the holy spirit is in you when you surrender your heart to christ and if you say jesus i want more of you jesus i want all the fullness of god from you that you want to give to me god doesn't turn us down he doesn't look at you and say you're not good enough it all depends what are the circumstances what are you wanting it for how is god wanting you to use it what is god wanting to do through you so both of those things are true it's one of those wonderful paradoxes that i love in scripture that two things can be true at the same time even though they seem to be opposite." [01:21:34] (50 seconds) ( | | )

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Transcript
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