Embracing the Strangeness of God's Word

 

Summary

In today's message, I emphasized the importance of approaching Scripture with humility and reverence, recognizing that God's thoughts and ways are far beyond our own. Often, we encounter passages in the Bible that seem strange or difficult to understand. This is not because there is something wrong with the Scriptures, but because our human perspective is limited and shaped by our own experiences and culture. Isaiah 55:8 reminds us that God's thoughts are not our thoughts, and His ways are not our ways. This gap between divine and human understanding is vast, and it challenges us to align our thinking with God's, rather than expecting Him to conform to our limited perspective.

I used the analogy of foods that seem strange to different people based on their upbringing to illustrate how our cultural background can influence our perception of what is "weird" in the Bible. Just as dried squid might seem odd to some and circus peanuts to others, certain biblical passages may appear strange to us because they challenge our cultural norms and personal biases.

When we read difficult passages, such as those in Leviticus or the story of Noah, we should not dismiss them or try to explain them away. Instead, we should ask ourselves why these passages seem strange to us and what that reveals about our own understanding of God. The Bible is filled with examples of God's holiness and justice, which often stand in stark contrast to our human expectations. This is why we need to study the Scriptures diligently, allowing the Holy Spirit to transform our minds and align our thoughts with God's.

Ultimately, the gospel itself is "weird" by human standards. The idea that God would send His only Son to die for our sins is a concept that defies human logic. Yet, it is this very strangeness that highlights the depth of God's love and grace. As we grow in our faith, we are called to embrace the holiness and uniqueness of God's ways, striving to become more like Him in our thoughts and actions.

Key Takeaways:

- God's Thoughts vs. Our Thoughts: Isaiah 55:8 reminds us that God's thoughts and ways are vastly different from ours. When we encounter difficult passages in Scripture, we should recognize the gap between divine and human understanding and seek to align our thoughts with God's. [06:13]

- Cultural Bias and Scripture: Our cultural background can influence how we perceive certain biblical passages. Just as different foods seem strange to different people, our upbringing can shape our understanding of what is "weird" in the Bible. We must approach Scripture with an open mind, willing to challenge our own biases. [05:39]

- Embracing the Holiness of God: The Bible often presents God's holiness and justice in ways that challenge our human expectations. Rather than dismissing these passages, we should seek to understand what they reveal about God's character and how we can align our lives with His holiness. [15:06]

- The Gospel's Uniqueness: The gospel message is inherently "weird" by human standards, as it involves God sending His Son to die for our sins. This strangeness highlights the depth of God's love and grace, calling us to embrace the uniqueness of His ways. [14:49]

- Transforming Our Minds: As we study Scripture, the Holy Spirit works to transform our minds, helping us to think more like God. This process requires humility and a willingness to submit to God's authority, recognizing that His ways are higher than ours. [16:02]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:16] - Opening Prayer
- [00:47] - Introduction and Purpose
- [01:28] - The Role of a Teacher
- [02:07] - Engaging with Scripture
- [03:08] - Weirdness in Perspective
- [05:03] - Cultural Differences
- [05:55] - God's Thoughts vs. Human Thoughts
- [08:13] - The Gap Between God and Us
- [10:24] - Approaching Scripture with Humility
- [12:00] - The Significance of Leviticus
- [14:20] - The Gospel's Uniqueness
- [16:02] - Transforming Our Minds
- [18:19] - Accepting Difficult Passages
- [37:58] - Conclusion and Invitation

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Isaiah 55:8-9
2. Leviticus 19:2
3. Exodus 32:9-14

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Isaiah 55:8-9 tell us about the difference between God's thoughts and our thoughts? How does this passage challenge our understanding of God? [05:55]

2. In the sermon, the pastor used the analogy of dried squid and circus peanuts to illustrate cultural differences. How does this analogy help us understand our biases when reading Scripture? [03:08]

3. What was the reaction of the Israelites in Exodus 32 when Moses was on the mountain, and how did God respond to their actions? [21:29]

4. How does Leviticus 19:2 describe the concept of holiness, and why is it significant in understanding God's character? [15:20]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the vast gap between God's thoughts and human thoughts, as described in Isaiah 55:8-9, affect the way we approach difficult passages in the Bible? [08:13]

2. The sermon mentioned that the gospel is "weird" by human standards. How does this "weirdness" highlight the uniqueness of God's love and grace? [14:49]

3. In Exodus 32, Moses intercedes for the Israelites, and God relents from destroying them. What does this interaction reveal about the nature of prayer and God's responsiveness? [23:06]

4. How does the call to be holy in Leviticus 19:2 challenge our personal and cultural norms? What does it mean to be "set apart" in today's context? [15:36]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you encountered a difficult passage in the Bible. How did you respond, and what steps can you take to approach such passages with humility and openness in the future? [09:21]

2. Consider your cultural background and personal biases. How might these influence your understanding of Scripture, and what can you do to ensure they don't hinder your spiritual growth? [05:39]

3. The sermon emphasized the importance of aligning our thoughts with God's. What practical steps can you take this week to allow the Holy Spirit to transform your mind and align your thoughts with God's? [16:02]

4. The gospel's message of grace and sacrifice is unique. How can you embrace and share this "weird" message with others in a way that highlights God's love and grace? [14:49]

5. In what ways can you strive to be "holy" or "set apart" in your daily life? Identify one specific area where you can reflect God's holiness more clearly. [15:36]

6. How can you cultivate a deeper reverence for God in your personal Bible study and prayer life, recognizing the vastness of His wisdom and holiness? [19:08]

7. Think about a recent decision or action. How did it reflect (or not reflect) God's ways? What changes can you make to ensure your life aligns more closely with His character and commands? [11:34]

Devotional

Day 1: Aligning Our Thoughts with God's Wisdom
God's thoughts and ways are vastly different from ours, as highlighted in Isaiah 55:8. When we encounter difficult passages in Scripture, it is crucial to recognize the gap between divine and human understanding. This gap challenges us to align our thinking with God's, rather than expecting Him to conform to our limited perspective. By approaching Scripture with humility and reverence, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God's wisdom. This process requires us to set aside our preconceived notions and allow the Holy Spirit to guide us into deeper understanding. [06:13]

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to understand God's ways? How can you intentionally seek His wisdom and perspective in this area today?


Day 2: Challenging Cultural Biases in Scripture
Our cultural background can significantly influence how we perceive certain biblical passages. Just as different foods seem strange to different people, our upbringing can shape our understanding of what is "weird" in the Bible. It is essential to approach Scripture with an open mind, willing to challenge our own biases and cultural norms. By doing so, we allow ourselves to see the Bible's teachings in a new light, free from the constraints of our limited perspectives. This openness enables us to grow in our faith and deepen our relationship with God. [05:39]

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a biblical passage that has always seemed strange to you. What cultural biases might be influencing your perception of this passage, and how can you approach it with a fresh perspective?


Day 3: Embracing God's Holiness and Justice
The Bible often presents God's holiness and justice in ways that challenge our human expectations. Rather than dismissing these passages, we should seek to understand what they reveal about God's character and how we can align our lives with His holiness. This requires us to confront our own shortcomings and strive to live in a manner that reflects God's righteousness. By embracing the holiness of God, we are called to a higher standard of living, one that is marked by love, justice, and mercy. [15:06]

"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.'" (1 Peter 1:15-16, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you actively pursue holiness in your daily life? How can you reflect God's justice and mercy in your interactions with others?


Day 4: The Uniqueness of the Gospel Message
The gospel message is inherently "weird" by human standards, as it involves God sending His Son to die for our sins. This strangeness highlights the depth of God's love and grace, calling us to embrace the uniqueness of His ways. The gospel challenges us to move beyond human logic and embrace the mystery of God's redemptive plan. As we grow in our faith, we are invited to share this message of hope and salvation with others, demonstrating the transformative power of God's love in our lives. [14:49]

"For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men." (1 Corinthians 1:25, ESV)

Reflection: How does the uniqueness of the gospel challenge your understanding of God's love and grace? In what ways can you share this message with someone in your life today?


Day 5: Transforming Our Minds Through Scripture
As we study Scripture, the Holy Spirit works to transform our minds, helping us to think more like God. This process requires humility and a willingness to submit to God's authority, recognizing that His ways are higher than ours. By allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us, we can experience a profound transformation in our thoughts and actions, aligning ourselves more closely with God's will. This transformation is an ongoing journey, one that calls us to continually seek God's wisdom and guidance in every aspect of our lives. [16:02]

"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." (2 Corinthians 3:18, ESV)

Reflection: What is one specific area of your life where you need to invite the Holy Spirit to transform your thinking? How can you create space for this transformation to occur today?

Quotes

"God says you want to see a gap here are my thoughts and here's your thoughts you see how the heavens are way up there Beyond you that's the way my thoughts are compared to yours that that's way my my ways are compared to yours he because my thoughts yes my thoughts are weird to you because they're not your thoughts they're light yours beyond your thoughts that gap between me and you." [08:30]

"When we read these passages in scripture and we go well that's weird our job is not to put him under us and go he must be off because he doesn't think like I do instead we look at our own lives and go man what is off with me that I don't think like that and when I get to a weird passage I go man why is this weird to me what's wrong with me that there's something wrong with me not something wrong with them." [09:01]

"The Bible says in Isaiah 55:8 he says this is God speaking he goes for my thoughts are not your thoughts neither are your ways my ways declares the Lord he goes I don't think like you you think certain things are weird and I think certain things are weird about you and when we come to scripture and we read some of these passages we look at it from our lens and we go that's really strange that he would do that." [05:51]

"Ultimately, the gospel itself is 'weird' by human standards. The idea that God would send His only Son to die for our sins is a concept that defies human logic. Yet, it is this very strangeness that highlights the depth of God's love and grace. As we grow in our faith, we are called to embrace the holiness and uniqueness of God's ways, striving to become more like Him in our thoughts and actions." [14:49]

"God doesn't think like I do God doesn't act like I do something is wrong with me something is off with me and I need to change and come under the scriptures you know this week we started reading in Leviticus now when we read Leviticus it's weird right the sacrifices the ritual everything you've got to go through even before that in Exodus when they're building the Tabernacle and God goes look I wanted this way here's why I want you make every single ring every single curtain." [10:40]

"God really sees himself as this amazing being and says look for a human being to come into my presence is a huge huge deal so something's off in me when and I just casually close my eyes go hey God's me again rather than reading The Book of Leviticus and go oh I get that I could see that a human being coming in the presence of God you better do everything just right you bet you know because this is an amazing the Gap so there's something often me that Leviticus is weird to me." [11:47]

"God values his own Glory more than he values human life that's hard for you some of you guys to stomach because you go how could he value himself more than me I'm more than my kids I'm more than my family and you I'm just saying look I don't think I'm reading anything into this I'm saying it's as hard for me to accept in our self-centered world where everyone's about themselves and I'm about myself and I think well God should do this God should do this God should think like me." [33:00]

"God says no I can I can pay the penalty for your sin I can forgive you no matter what you did I could take it over right now I can clean you completely right now I don't care what you I don't care how many people you killed how many people you slept with I don't care any of that I can clean it all right now in a second and some of you go that's not fair and God says well it is who I am it is what it is okay this is stuff we don't normally question because we like it right but it is weird and he says I'll forgive it all right now but you need to follow me you deny yourself pick up your cross and follow me." [39:03]

"God values his glory over human human life and it just is what it is that's who he is and I'm GL I'm grateful for it the Bible says he's like a Potter and we're like a piece of clay would you think it was wrong if I had a piece of clay up here and I valued myself over the the the cup I was making go you know what I could just smash this thing and make another one that's the way the Bible describes God compared to us the gap between him and us." [34:36]

"God's thoughts yes my thoughts are weird to you because they're not your thoughts they're light yours beyond your thoughts that gap between me and you and so when we read these passages in scripture and we go well that's weird our job is not to put him under us and go he must be off because he doesn't think like I do instead we look at our own lives and go man what is off with me that I don't think like that and when I get to a weird passage I go man why is this weird to me what's wrong with me that there's something wrong with me not something wrong with them." [08:48]

"God doesn't think like I do God doesn't act like I do something is wrong with me something is off with me and I need to change and come under the scriptures you know this week we started reading in Leviticus now when we read Leviticus it's weird right the sacrifices the ritual everything you've got to go through even before that in Exodus when they're building the Tabernacle and God goes look I wanted this way here's why I want you make every single ring every single curtain I want it like this this this this and then if anyone's going to come into my presence you better sacrifice this this this this exactly this way and he goes on and goes okay and the kidneys I want this part and this part but not that part and the fat on it and the blood and this and this and you we look at that we go that is so weird but and the question we ask is why do you have to go through all of that just to come into the presence of God why does he think we should go through all of that but that's not the right question to ask the right question to ask is why do I think I should be able to just casually walk into his presence what's wrong with me that I think it's no big deal to enter into the presence of God I should look at the scriptures and go oh my gosh God really sees himself as this amazing being and says look for a human being to come into my presence is a huge huge deal so something's off in me when and I just casually close my eyes go hey God's me again rather than reading The Book of Leviticus and go oh I get that I could see that a human being coming in the presence of God you better do everything just right you bet you know because this is an amazing the Gap so there's something often me that Leviticus is weird to me." [10:40]

"God values his own Glory more than he values human life that's hard for you some of you guys to stomach because you go how could he value himself more than me I'm more than my kids I'm more than my family and you I'm just saying look I don't think I'm reading anything into this I'm saying it's as hard for me to accept in our self-centered world where everyone's about themselves and I'm about myself and I think well God should do this God should do this God should think like me that's the where my my naturally goes but that's when I have to make a decision is he off or am I off am I going to stop believing cuz he's different from me many people have done that." [33:00]

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Transcript
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