Embracing the Awesomeness of God: Creator and Redeemer
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to reflect on the awesomeness of God, a theme central to our ongoing series, "Awesome God." We began by inviting the Holy Spirit to cleanse our hearts and minds, allowing us to fully engage with God's Word. We acknowledged the brokenness and sinfulness in the world but affirmed that God reigns supreme over all. Our focus was on understanding the true meaning of God's awesomeness, which far surpasses any earthly experience or object we might describe as "awesome."
We delved into the Psalms, particularly Psalm 8, where David, a man after God's own heart, marvels at God's majesty and creation. David's meditations remind us to be still and recognize God's presence, even in life's storms. We also explored 1 John 1:5-7, which emphasizes that God is light, and in Him, there is no darkness. This light reveals truth and sets us free from the bondage of sin.
We discussed three key attributes of God that highlight His awesomeness: His role as the ultimate Creator, His eternal nature, and His sovereignty. God created everything from nothing, a feat that underscores His unparalleled power. His eternal existence, from everlasting to everlasting, defies human comprehension but assures us of His unchanging nature. Lastly, His sovereignty means He is in control of all things, even when we exercise our free will.
We concluded by reflecting on God's justice, which is not just about punishment but also about redemption. The story of Adam and Eve illustrates how God provided a long-term solution for their sin through the sacrifice of an innocent animal, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This act of redemption is available to all who believe, offering a new creation and eternal life.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Awesomeness Surpasses All: The term "awesome" is often used casually, but when applied to God, it signifies a majesty and power that far exceed any earthly comparison. David's reflections in the Psalms remind us to meditate on God's greatness, especially during difficult times, affirming that He is always present and sovereign. [29:29]
2. God is Light: In 1 John 1:5-7, we learn that God is light, and in Him, there is no darkness. This light reveals truth and illuminates our path, guiding us away from the deceptions of the world. Embracing God's light means living in truth and allowing His Word to set us free from sin. [33:36]
3. God as the Ultimate Creator: God’s ability to create everything from nothing sets Him apart from any human creator. This foundational truth, starting from Genesis 1:1, underscores His unparalleled power and authority. Recognizing God as the ultimate Creator strengthens our faith and trust in His divine plan. [45:44]
4. God's Eternal Nature: God's existence from everlasting to everlasting assures us of His unchanging nature. This eternal perspective helps us understand that God is not bound by time, space, or matter, and His plans for us are rooted in His infinite wisdom and love. [57:05]
5. God's Sovereignty and Justice: God's sovereignty means He is in control of all things, even when we exercise our free will. His justice is not just about punishment but also about redemption. The sacrifice of Jesus Christ is the ultimate act of God's justice, offering us a path to redemption and a new creation in Him. [01:02:47]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[26:23] - Opening Prayer and Introduction
[27:57] - Understanding God's Awesomeness
[29:29] - David's Reflection in Psalms
[30:55] - Meditating on God's Creation
[32:13] - The True Revelation of God's Awesomeness
[33:36] - God is Light
[35:26] - The Power of God's Word
[36:57] - Light Reveals Truth
[38:24] - The Deception of Darkness
[41:14] - The Comforts of the World vs. God's Light
[42:41] - Attributes of God Revealed by Light
[44:14] - Three Attributes of God's Awesomeness
[45:44] - God as the Ultimate Creator
[48:38] - The Power of God's Creation
[50:04] - The Foundation of Faith
[51:31] - God's Authority and Our Faith
[53:00] - The Scientific Trinity and God's Creation
[54:28] - God's Power Over Time and Space
[55:48] - God's Unique Creation of Man
[57:05] - God's Eternal Nature
[58:36] - The Significance of "I Am"
[01:00:05] - Jesus as Eternal Word
[01:01:27] - God's Unfathomable Understanding
[01:02:47] - God's Sovereignty
[01:04:11] - God's Omniscience, Omnipotence, and Omnipresence
[01:05:35] - The Extent of God's Sovereignty
[01:06:51] - God's Sovereignty and Free Will
[01:08:10] - God's Authority and Our Free Will
[01:09:47] - The Justness of God
[01:11:36] - The Story of Adam and Eve
[01:13:04] - God's Question: "Who Told You?"
[01:14:30] - The Ultimate Sacrifice of Jesus
[01:15:48] - Becoming a New Creation
[01:17:11] - Prayer for Redemption
[01:18:30] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
[01:24:01] - Final Thoughts and Dismissal
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 8:1-4 (NIV)
> "Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory in the heavens. Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?"
2. 1 John 1:5-7 (NIV)
> "This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin."
3. Genesis 1:1 (NIV)
> "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Psalm 8, what aspects of creation does David marvel at, and how does this reflect on God's majesty? [29:29]
2. In 1 John 1:5-7, what does it mean that "God is light" and how does this light affect our lives? [33:36]
3. How does Genesis 1:1 establish God as the ultimate Creator, and why is this foundational to understanding His awesomeness? [45:44]
4. What are the three key attributes of God discussed in the sermon that highlight His awesomeness? [44:14]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does David's reflection in Psalm 8 help us understand the concept of God's majesty and our place in His creation? [29:29]
2. What does it mean to walk in the light as described in 1 John 1:5-7, and how does this contrast with walking in darkness? [33:36]
3. Why is it significant that God created everything from nothing, and how does this set Him apart from human creators? [45:44]
4. How does understanding God's eternal nature from Psalm 90:2 and other scriptures help us trust in His unchanging character? [57:05]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed by life's storms. How can meditating on God's majesty, as David did in Psalm 8, help you find peace and assurance? [30:55]
2. In what areas of your life are you currently walking in darkness? What steps can you take to embrace God's light and live in truth as described in 1 John 1:5-7? [33:36]
3. How does recognizing God as the ultimate Creator influence your faith and trust in His divine plan for your life? What specific actions can you take to strengthen this trust? [45:44]
4. God's eternal nature means He is unchanging and His plans are rooted in infinite wisdom and love. How can this perspective help you navigate uncertainties in your life? [57:05]
5. Reflect on the concept of God's sovereignty and justice. How can understanding that God is in control, even when we exercise free will, change the way you respond to life's challenges? [01:02:47]
6. The sermon mentioned that God's justice is not just about punishment but also about redemption. How can you apply this understanding of justice in your relationships and interactions with others? [01:11:36]
7. Think about the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ as the act of God's justice and redemption. How does this truth impact your daily life and your relationship with God? [01:14:30]
Devotional
Day 1: The Unmatched Majesty of God
God's awesomeness surpasses all earthly comparisons. When we think of something as "awesome," we often refer to experiences or objects that impress us. However, God's awesomeness is of a different magnitude entirely. David's reflections in the Psalms, particularly Psalm 8, remind us to meditate on God's greatness, especially during difficult times. In these moments, we are encouraged to be still and recognize God's presence, affirming that He is always present and sovereign over all circumstances. This understanding helps us to see beyond our immediate struggles and appreciate the grandeur of God's creation and His supreme authority. [29:29]
Psalm 8:3-4 (ESV): "When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?"
Reflection: Think of a recent challenge you faced. How can you take a moment today to be still and recognize God's presence and sovereignty in that situation?
Day 2: Embracing God's Light
God is light, and in Him, there is no darkness. This profound truth from 1 John 1:5-7 reveals that God's light exposes the truth and guides us away from the deceptions of the world. Embracing God's light means living in truth and allowing His Word to set us free from sin. When we walk in the light, we are not only guided by God's truth but also empowered to live a life that reflects His holiness. This light is a beacon that leads us out of the darkness of sin and into the freedom and clarity that comes from living in God's truth. [33:36]
1 John 1:5-7 (ESV): "This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin."
Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you feel deceived or confused. How can you invite God's light into that area to reveal the truth and guide you?
Day 3: Recognizing God as the Ultimate Creator
God's ability to create everything from nothing sets Him apart from any human creator. This foundational truth, starting from Genesis 1:1, underscores His unparalleled power and authority. Recognizing God as the ultimate Creator strengthens our faith and trust in His divine plan. When we acknowledge that God is the source of all creation, we are reminded of His immense power and the intentionality behind His works. This recognition helps us to trust in His plans for our lives, knowing that the same God who created the universe is also orchestrating the details of our existence. [45:44]
Isaiah 40:28 (ESV): "Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable."
Reflection: Take a moment to observe something in nature today. How does recognizing God as the Creator of that thing deepen your trust in His plans for your life?
Day 4: Trusting in God's Eternal Nature
God's existence from everlasting to everlasting assures us of His unchanging nature. This eternal perspective helps us understand that God is not bound by time, space, or matter, and His plans for us are rooted in His infinite wisdom and love. Knowing that God is eternal provides us with a sense of stability and assurance, especially in a world that is constantly changing. His eternal nature means that His promises and His character remain steadfast, giving us a firm foundation on which to build our faith and trust. [57:05]
Psalm 90:2 (ESV): "Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God."
Reflection: Reflect on a promise from God that you hold dear. How does knowing that God is eternal and unchanging give you confidence in that promise?
Day 5: Understanding God's Sovereignty and Justice
God's sovereignty means He is in control of all things, even when we exercise our free will. His justice is not just about punishment but also about redemption. The sacrifice of Jesus Christ is the ultimate act of God's justice, offering us a path to redemption and a new creation in Him. This understanding of God's justice helps us to see His heart for restoration and reconciliation. It reminds us that God's ultimate goal is not merely to punish sin but to redeem and restore us to a right relationship with Him through Jesus Christ. [01:02:47]
Romans 3:25-26 (ESV): "Whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus."
Reflection: Consider an area of your life where you need God's justice and redemption. How can you invite Jesus into that area to experience His restorative power today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "If you want to get closer to God, it's real simple. We just draw near him in his word. Our God is an awesome God. And when I say he is awesome God, what is he, church? God is, say it again, he is what? God is an awesome God, and he reigns. He reigns from heaven above with wisdom, power, and love. Our God is an awesome God." [27:57] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Do you still worship God when you're going through storms of life? Do you still think he's an awesome God when it seems like all hell is breaking loose on your life? Is he still awesome? He is. So when we ask that question, why God, why is this happening? Understand at the end of the day, he's the one who set the standard of his glory." [30:55] (-59 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The true revelation of the awesomeness of God is built upon a foundation of the testimony of his divine attributes. And it becomes clear as we respond through faith-filled obedience. You see, God's laid out a picture of who he is, as he is God-breathed all of the scripture through so many writers. He's laid it out for you. God's word is truth. It is absolute truth. The question is, what are you going to do with it?" [32:13] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The light of the word is kind of like Motel 6. He'll always leave the light on for you. Though you travel down the weary roads of life, he'll always leave the light on for you. Motel 6, I've never stayed in one that I know of. I stayed in the Motel 8. But the Motel 6 is not the most luxurious of all motels. And I believe that we have this mindset that we can't stay in a Motel 6 because we want to stay in the Marriott, the Hilton, or the Four Seasons." [39:42] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God is light. L-I-G-H-T. He is light. And without the revealing power of light, any attempt to explain God's awesomeness will result in a massive failure if we seek to understand God from any form of darkness. That's why I'm telling you, don't get your scriptures from social media and posts and things like that. Study the Word of God for yourself." [42:41] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "When you get to that point of the mully grubs and being down and out, is you just need to be still and know that God is there for you. And I want to read this to you. I look at, in the King James Version, he says, when I muse, when I meditate, when I think about these things, your heavens and the work of your fingers, the moon, the stars, what you have set in place, he goes on to tell us that something absolutely amazing happens." [30:55] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The Bible testifies that God is awesome because he is the ultimate creator. God is the ultimate creator. One of the foundational truths of the Bible is that God is the creator of all that is. That simply means God has created everything. He's the one that's done it. And today, you and I know that there's this huge push that has, it used to be really big in the schools back when we were in school years ago, a long time ago, but it was the push that began in the 70s." [45:44] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "God is not limited by the minimal depth of our shallow-mindedness. You hear people say this, don't put God in a box. We've been doing that since the beginning of time, trying to take God and water Him down and suppress Him down to a place that we're comfortable that we're on the same level. Let me just share with you the danger in that." [51:31] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "God's sovereignty means that he is absolute in authority. He's unrestricted in his supremacy, but in his supremacy, he gives us free will to make decisions. So let me back up. God's creator of all things. He's eternal in all things. He is sovereign in all things. And when you take these three things together, we build a beautiful trinity of the picture of God in who he was at the beginning, who he is today, and his sovereignty that he will really display in the future." [01:08:10] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When we say that God is just, we mean that he is perfectly righteous in his treatment, in his decisions, in his actions, in all of creation. God is just. Church family, when we look at all of creation and we can see all of the amazing things that God has done in our midst, when we look back at the testimony of our lives and the paths that we have trod, the pains we've endured, the things that we've been through, it's testimony that we serve a powerful God who was, who is, and is to come." [01:11:36] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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