Embracing the Transformative Power of God's Glory

 

Summary

In a profound exploration of the concept of God's glory, Todd Smith delves into the essence and impact of divine presence in the lives of believers. He distinguishes between the anointing, the Holy Spirit, and the glory of God, emphasizing that the latter represents the weight, essence, or "humidity" of God. This glory is not constant but can manifest in various degrees in different settings, such as buildings, meetings, and regions.

Smith recounts experiences where the glory of God was so palpable that it created a thick atmosphere, almost tangible to those present. He shares personal stories, including one where he felt the Lord's assurance that angels were sent to guard the glory present in their church. This divine protection was likened to the biblical account of angels guarding the Garden of Eden after the fall of Adam and Eve.

The narrative continues with an account of a young man on the brink of suicide who, upon entering the church's threshold, experienced a profound shift. The oppressive voices that had driven him towards despair were silenced, and he encountered a space where it was easy to hear God's voice and feel His conviction. This illustrates the power of God's glory to sever the enemy's influence over individuals, creating an environment conducive to divine encounters.

Smith emphasizes that the glory of God is not about personal empowerment or receiving gifts but about God Himself entering the room, demanding attention and reverence. In such moments, all personal agendas and desires fade into insignificance. He describes the glory of God as a humbling force that brings individuals to a place of vulnerability and surrender.

The desire for more of God's glory is a recurring theme, with Smith expressing a deep hunger for a greater manifestation of God's presence. He encourages the congregation to long for the day when their inconsistencies are exposed before God, not to shame or condemn but to draw them closer to Him. He speaks of the transformative power of God's glory, which can sustain believers for extended periods, leaving them refreshed and focused.

Smith concludes with a call to action, urging individuals to seek and maintain the glory of God actively. He warns that the loss of this glory would not come from external attacks but from internal disunity, disinterest, or fatigue. The message culminates in a moment of decision, where individuals are invited to respond to the compelling presence of God and make a commitment to live in alignment with His will.

Key Takeaways:

- The glory of God is distinct from the anointing and the Holy Spirit; it is the very essence and weight of God's presence. When this glory is present, it can transform environments and create conditions where divine encounters are more readily experienced. This understanding challenges believers to seek a deeper appreciation for the glory of God and to recognize its unique role in their spiritual lives. [06:12]

- Divine protection and the presence of angels are themes that emerge when discussing the glory of God. Just as angels were placed to guard the Garden of Eden, so too can angels be sent to protect the spaces where God's glory dwells. This insight offers comfort and assurance to believers, affirming that divine guardianship is an integral part of their spiritual journey. [29:43]

- The glory of God has the power to sever the enemy's influence, creating a sanctuary where individuals can encounter God without distraction or oppression. This transformative power is a testament to the glory's ability to create a holy space, conducive to salvation and spiritual awakening. Believers are encouraged to create environments that welcome God's glory, facilitating life-changing experiences for those who enter. [27:06]

- God's glory demands reverence and humility, shifting the focus from personal desires to the majesty of God Himself. When God's glory is present, personal agendas become secondary, and the primary concern is to honor and worship God. This takeaway calls believers to a posture of surrender and awe, recognizing that encounters with God's glory are moments of divine significance. [21:04]

- The pursuit of God's glory should be a continuous effort, not taken for granted. It requires active maintenance and a collective commitment to unity and spiritual fervor. This insight serves as a reminder that the presence of God's glory in a community is a precious gift that must be cherished and upheld through intentional spiritual discipline and unity. [34:09]

In summary, Todd Smith's message is a profound reflection on the nature, impact, and necessity of God's glory in the life of the believer. It serves as a call to deeper spiritual engagement and a reminder of the transformative power of God's presence.

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Ezekiel 1:26-28 - "And above the firmament over their heads was the likeness of a throne, in appearance like a sapphire stone; on the likeness of the throne was a likeness with the appearance of a man high above it. Also from the appearance of His waist and upward I saw, as it were, the color of amber with the appearance of fire all around within it; and from the appearance of His waist and downward I saw, as it were, the appearance of fire with brightness all around. Like the appearance of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the brightness all around it. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord."
2. John 2:11 - "This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him."
3. 2 Chronicles 7:1-3 - "When Solomon had finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the Lord filled the temple. And the priests could not enter the house of the Lord, because the glory of the Lord had filled the Lord’s house. When all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the Lord on the temple, they bowed their faces to the ground on the pavement, and worshiped and praised the Lord, saying: 'For He is good, For His mercy endures forever.'"

#### Observation Questions
1. What are the key differences between the anointing, the Holy Spirit, and the glory of God as described in the sermon? ([01:39])
2. How did Todd Smith describe the physical sensation of experiencing God's glory in the church? ([02:23])
3. What was the reaction of the priests and the people when the glory of the Lord filled the temple in 2 Chronicles 7:1-3?
4. According to the sermon, what impact did the glory of God have on the young man who was on the brink of suicide? ([27:06])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the description of God's glory in Ezekiel 1:26-28 help us understand the weight and essence of His presence?
2. In John 2:11, what does it mean that Jesus "manifested His glory" through the miracle at Cana, and how did this affect His disciples' faith?
3. Why does Todd Smith emphasize that the glory of God is not about personal empowerment or receiving gifts, but about God Himself entering the room? ([21:04])
4. What conditions does Todd Smith suggest must be met for the glory of God to manifest in a place, and how does this relate to 2 Chronicles 7:1-3? ([07:02])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt the presence of God in a powerful way. How did it change your perspective or actions? How can you seek more of these experiences in your daily life? ([06:12])
2. Todd Smith mentioned that the glory of God can sever the enemy's influence over individuals. How can you create an environment in your home or church that welcomes God's glory and facilitates life-changing experiences? ([27:06])
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of reverence and humility in the presence of God's glory. How can you cultivate a posture of surrender and awe in your personal worship and communal gatherings? ([21:04])
4. Todd Smith warned that the loss of God's glory could come from internal disunity, disinterest, or fatigue. What steps can you take to maintain unity and spiritual fervor in your church community? ([34:09])
5. How can you actively seek and maintain the glory of God in your life? What specific practices or disciplines can you incorporate to ensure you are aligned with His will? ([34:09])
6. Think about the story of the young man who experienced a profound shift upon entering the church. How can you be more attentive to those around you who might be struggling and help them encounter God's transformative presence? ([27:06])
7. Todd Smith expressed a deep hunger for a greater manifestation of God's presence. What are some practical ways you can express and cultivate this hunger in your spiritual journey? ([06:12])

Devotional

Day 1: The Distinct Nature of God's Glory
God's glory is His essence, transforming our spiritual atmosphere. It is more than just a feeling; it is the tangible weight of His divine presence that changes the environment and our perception of the sacred. This glory is not a static phenomenon but a dynamic manifestation that can increase or decrease, depending on our openness and desire for God. [06:12]

2 Corinthians 3:18 - "And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."
Reflection: How do you cultivate an environment in your life that is receptive to the transforming presence of God's glory?

Day 2: Angelic Guardianship of Divine Glory
The presence of God's glory is so precious that it is guarded by angels, similar to the protection over the Garden of Eden. This divine guardianship is a profound aspect of our spiritual lives, offering comfort and assurance that God actively protects the spaces where His glory dwells. [29:43]

Psalm 91:11 - "For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways."
Reflection: In what ways do you acknowledge and honor the divine protection over your life and your spiritual environment?

Day 3: The Glory's Power Over Darkness
God's glory has the authority to silence the enemy, providing a sanctuary for divine encounters. It is a space where the oppressive voices are stilled, and the clarity of God's voice and conviction can be felt, leading to transformation and spiritual awakening. [27:06]

Isaiah 60:1 - "Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you."
Reflection: Can you identify a time when you felt the oppressive influence of the enemy weaken in the presence of God's glory?

Day 4: Reverence in the Presence of Glory
In the presence of God's glory, personal agendas fade, and reverence takes precedence. This humbling force brings us to a place of vulnerability and surrender, where the majesty of God overshadows our desires and ambitions. [21:04]

James 4:10 - "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up."
Reflection: What are some areas of your life where you need to practice humility and surrender to experience the fullness of God's glory?

Day 5: Pursuing and Sustaining God's Glory
The pursuit of God's glory is an ongoing commitment that requires unity and spiritual fervor. It is a collective effort to maintain the presence of God's glory in our community, recognizing it as a gift that must be cherished and upheld. [34:09]

Ephesians 4:3 - "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."
Reflection: What practical steps can you take to foster unity and a deeper pursuit of God's glory within your community?

Quotes

1) "The glory of God is not the anointing nor is the glory of the Lord the Holy Spirit... the glory of the Lord being the cabode, the weight of God, the essence of God if you will." [01:39]

2) "When you walk into the glory of the Lord, time is immaterial... You're simply in an environment of the heavenlies." [16:02]

3) "When God's glory shows up, you don't know what's coming and what's going, you're not really aware of what's going on on the outside." [16:02]

4) "The glory of God moves in and it's not about your empowerment, it's not about a dispersement of gifts, but it's about God has walked into the room." [20:21]

5) "When the glory of the Lord entered the temple... the people that saw the glory of the Lord fill the temple fell on their faces." [21:45]

6) "The devil despises Glory... when an unsaved individual walks into an environment where the glory of God is, the connection that the devil has toward that person is severed." [22:28]

7) "I am praying that our church will position itself in such a way that this will be a constant conduit of God's glory." [12:24]

8) "I long for the day that when I walk through this door... the hidden things of my soul and my mind and my spirit are exposed not for your inspection but laid before him." [14:07]

9) "The Revival if it ever comes to an end will not come to an end because of a satanic attack from the outside inward, it will only stop because of the inactivity behind the Golden Barrier." [34:09]

10) "I've been in this building sometimes 10 to 12 hours and thinking I am as fresh right now as the moment I walked in... Why? I have been in the glory." [18:07]

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