Entering God's Presence: Clean Hearts and True Worship
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound significance of entering into the presence of the Lord. We began by reflecting on Psalm 24, which poses the question, "Who may ascend the hill of the Lord?" The answer is given: those with clean hands, a pure heart, who do not lift up their soul to an idol, and who do not swear deceitfully. This passage challenges us to examine our actions, motives, worship, and honesty.
We discussed the importance of involving our teenagers in church activities and celebrated the return of our missionary Josette from the DR Congo, as well as Hudson and Hilder from Nairobi, who are doing incredible work through Hope Co. We prayed for their continued success and health.
The sermon emphasized that merely attending church is not enough; we must strive to enter into God's presence. This involves not just our physical actions but also the purity of our hearts and the sincerity of our worship. We were reminded that our hands can either build or destroy, and our hearts must be aligned with God's will. Worship is not just about what we do but allowing God to work within us.
We also touched on the importance of truthfulness, as our words have the power to either bring us closer to God or keep us from His presence. The sermon concluded with the reminder that through Jesus Christ, we have the opportunity to cleanse our hands, purify our hearts, and enter into the presence of the Lord, where we find complete joy and eternal pleasures.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Importance of Clean Hands and Pure Hearts: Our actions and motives matter deeply to God. Clean hands symbolize righteous actions, while a pure heart reflects sincere motives. Both are essential for entering into God's presence and experiencing His blessings. [37:54]
2. Worship as Surrender: True worship is not just about singing or outward expressions but about allowing God to take His rightful place in our lives. It involves surrendering our entire being to Him and making Him the center of our existence. [41:07]
3. The Power of Truthfulness: Our words and honesty are crucial in our relationship with God. Telling the truth, even when it's difficult, aligns us with God's nature and allows us to enter His presence. Deceitfulness, on the other hand, creates barriers between us and God. [57:47]
4. The Presence of the Lord: Being in God's presence is not just about attending church but about experiencing His peace, joy, and strength. In His presence, we find complete joy and eternal pleasures, which far surpass any earthly experiences. [53:44]
5. The Gift of Jesus: Through Jesus Christ, we have the opportunity to cleanse our hands, purify our hearts, and enter into God's presence. His sacrifice on the cross provides the way for us to come close to the great benefactor, supporter, and sustainer of all things. [01:07:42]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[22:04] - Youth Service Announcement
[22:48] - Missionary Updates
[23:35] - Testimony of Healing
[25:27] - Impact of Giving
[30:34] - Prayer for Missionaries
[31:54] - Unusual Series Introduction
[32:23] - One Prayer for the Series
[33:18] - Opening the Soda Together
[33:55] - Note Sheet and Memory Verse
[35:12] - Welcome to Newcomers
[36:20] - Importance of Memorizing Scripture
[37:54] - Clean Hands and Pure Hearts
[41:07] - Worship as Surrender
[42:53] - The Presence of the Lord
[46:06] - The Big Deal About God's Presence
[47:50] - The Earth is the Lord's
[49:28] - Being Close to the Benefactor
[51:28] - God's Humility and Love
[53:44] - Complete Joy in God's Presence
[55:49] - Seeking True Pleasures
[57:47] - The Importance of Our Actions
[59:36] - Examining Our Motives
[01:02:01] - The Why Behind Our Actions
[01:03:36] - True Worship
[01:05:35] - The Power of Truthfulness
[01:07:42] - The Gift of Jesus
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 24:3-4 (NIV) - "Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god."
2. Psalm 16:11 (NIV) - "You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Psalm 24:3-4, what are the qualifications for ascending the hill of the Lord and standing in His holy place?
2. In the sermon, what examples were given to illustrate the importance of involving teenagers in church activities? ([22:04])
3. How did the pastor describe the significance of worship beyond just singing or outward expressions? ([41:07])
4. What does Psalm 16:11 say about the benefits of being in God's presence?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the psalmist emphasizes "clean hands" and a "pure heart" as prerequisites for entering God's presence? How do these qualities relate to our daily lives?
2. The sermon mentioned that our words and honesty are crucial in our relationship with God. How does deceitfulness create barriers between us and God? ([57:47])
3. What does it mean to surrender in worship, and how can this surrender impact our relationship with God? ([41:07])
4. How does the gift of Jesus Christ enable us to cleanse our hands and purify our hearts, according to the sermon? ([01:07:42])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily actions. Are there areas where your "hands" are not clean? What steps can you take to align your actions with God's will? ([37:54])
2. Examine your heart and motives. Are there any idols or false gods that you have lifted your soul to? How can you refocus your worship solely on God? ([41:07])
3. Think about a recent situation where you were tempted to be deceitful. How did you handle it, and what can you do differently next time to ensure truthfulness? ([57:47])
4. How can you create an environment in your home or small group that encourages entering into God's presence, rather than just attending church? ([46:06])
5. Identify one way you can involve teenagers in church activities or support the youth ministry. How can you make a tangible impact in their spiritual growth? ([22:04])
6. Reflect on the concept of worship as surrender. What specific areas of your life do you need to surrender to God, and how will you go about doing this? ([41:07])
7. How can you actively seek the joy and eternal pleasures found in God's presence this week? What practical steps will you take to spend more time in His presence? ([53:44])
Devotional
Day 1: The Significance of Clean Hands and Pure Hearts
Our actions and motives matter deeply to God. Clean hands symbolize righteous actions, while a pure heart reflects sincere motives. Both are essential for entering into God's presence and experiencing His blessings. Psalm 24 challenges us to examine our actions, motives, worship, and honesty. It is not enough to merely attend church; we must strive to enter into God's presence with purity and sincerity. Our hands can either build or destroy, and our hearts must be aligned with God's will. Worship is not just about what we do but allowing God to work within us. [37:54]
Psalm 24:3-4 (ESV): "Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully."
Reflection: Think about your recent actions and motives. Are there areas where you need to seek God's forgiveness and cleansing to align your heart and hands with His will?
Day 2: Worship as Surrender
True worship is not just about singing or outward expressions but about allowing God to take His rightful place in our lives. It involves surrendering our entire being to Him and making Him the center of our existence. Worship is an act of surrender, where we let go of our own desires and allow God to lead us. This kind of worship transforms us from the inside out, making us more like Christ. It is a daily commitment to live in a way that honors God in every aspect of our lives. [41:07]
Romans 12:1 (ESV): "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Day 3: The Power of Truthfulness
Our words and honesty are crucial in our relationship with God. Telling the truth, even when it's difficult, aligns us with God's nature and allows us to enter His presence. Deceitfulness, on the other hand, creates barriers between us and God. Being truthful in our words and actions is a reflection of our integrity and commitment to living a life that pleases God. It is important to remember that God values truthfulness and that our honesty can bring us closer to Him. [57:47]
Proverbs 12:22 (ESV): "Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight."
Reflection: Is there a situation in your life where you have been less than truthful? How can you take steps today to correct this and align your words with God's truth?
Day 4: The Presence of the Lord
Being in God's presence is not just about attending church but about experiencing His peace, joy, and strength. In His presence, we find complete joy and eternal pleasures, which far surpass any earthly experiences. God's presence is transformative, bringing healing, comfort, and guidance. It is a place where we can find rest and renewal for our souls. Seeking God's presence should be a daily pursuit, as it is in His presence that we are truly fulfilled. [53:44]
Psalm 16:11 (ESV): "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
Reflection: How can you intentionally seek God's presence in your daily routine? What practices can you incorporate to ensure you are regularly experiencing His peace and joy?
Day 5: The Gift of Jesus
Through Jesus Christ, we have the opportunity to cleanse our hands, purify our hearts, and enter into God's presence. His sacrifice on the cross provides the way for us to come close to the great benefactor, supporter, and sustainer of all things. Jesus' gift is the ultimate expression of God's love and grace, offering us redemption and a restored relationship with Him. Embracing this gift means living a life that reflects gratitude and devotion to God. [01:07:42]
Hebrews 10:19-22 (ESV): "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water."
Reflection: Reflect on the significance of Jesus' sacrifice for you. How can you live in a way that honors this incredible gift and draws you closer to God each day?
Quotes
1. "If you're a parent, you've got a teenager, I'm begging you, let them get involved in what's happening here at the church. Our kick-off Youth Service is not this Wednesday, it's next Wednesday, October... Come on, stay with me. Its October 9, is our kick-off Youth Service for the year. Middle, high school students will be in this place, so make sure that you don't miss this." [22:04] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "You know, those who come regularly here, you hear this all the time. I say, I want to, I want to remind you of the impact our giving is having right here. You're seeing it firsthand. We'll stop, say thank you to every single one of you who are faithful in your giving. It's touching all kinds of lives. And if you're not partnering with us, why not? You can join us. And together we can keep facilitating more miracles." [30:34] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "This is our one prayer. Our one prayer over the next four weeks during this series is that someone, are you here? Someone would come back to God, that someone would come back to God's family and plant themself in good soil so their lives can begin to flourish. If that's happened, if that happens, it's all success in Jesus name. We're so glad you're here." [32:23] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I personally have felt the transforming power of memorizing scripture in my own life. And with the decline of church attendance that's widespread, I thought, why not on Sunday morning, just take this hour, this short hour that we have together and us just, just try to hide God's word in our heart. Now, if you've been tracking with us, I promise you, you will see all kinds of positive change happening here." [36:20] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it, he founded it on the seas. He has, he founded it and he established it on the, on the waters. Wow. I'd like to talk to some scientists about that. Amazing. The waters. Here's the question there in your notes. I just want you to think about, wouldn't you want to be in the presence of the one who owns it all?" [47:50] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "I can't help, but think now this was, this was before Disney went crazy. I'll stop there. But this was, this was 1992 when they came out with Aladdin and you know, Jafar is trying to find the lamp and he goes out into the desert. You've seen it. And the, the, he's looking for the cave of wonders. It's a thief. And he said, and the big line comes up out of the sand, who disturbs my slumber. Thank you. Amen. Thank you. this only one may enter here. who's worth lies far within. Come on. You do the rest of the Come on. You're not going to say it. You don't have to say it in the accent. Just the, the diamond, the diamond in the rough." [42:53] (71 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "The big deal, the big deal, come on, say the big deal. The big deal is being close to the one who is the great. Here's a word we don't use very often. Who is the great benefactor? The one who is the great backer. You can write in your notes, whatever word that you really understand. Who's the great benefactor to the great supporter, the great behind upholding everything, the creator, the owner, the sustainer. The redeemer, the supporter, upholding the one who upholds all things, being close, being close to him in his presence." [46:06] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "I remember last year, someone invited me to go to a Washington football game. I said, I'm going to go to a Washington football game. I'm and I was kind of hesitating a little bit. And he said, by the way, I have executive club level. I said, when, where do you want me to meet you? You know, I'd rather sit at home and in my comfort and just watch, you know, watch us lose. And actually, you know, I'm sorry, but I said, certainly. So we went and we're in this suite and all the food and I'm just, just, uh, oh goodness. I was just experiencing BK. I was experiencing everything in there." [49:28] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "I don't want to push this too far, but in the cave of wonders, there was all, there was all this, um, piles and piles. You remember just piles and piles of gold and riches, but I'm sorry that cave can't compare to ascending the hill of the Lord and all the riches. And that hill was marked by a cross and that cross forever demonstrates his great love for you. And for me, what's the big deal about being in his presence? Oh my goodness. You talk about influence, talk about peace, talk about renewed strength, talk about, I thought I was going to lose my mind, but something helped me keep my mind in the midst of it all. I had this strength in the Lord." [51:28] (75 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "You make known to me the path of life. Look at this. This is amazing. In your, in your what? In your presence, there's a little bit of joy. In your presence is what? Another translation says just complete joy. You know, oh goodness, complete joy. At your right hand, who may stand in his holy, in, in your presence, Lord, there's, there's what? There are come on. What's the scripture say? There are what? There are pleasures forevermore. Some of us have been seeking false pleasures. Another way to say it is we've been seeking wrong pleasures and it's, and it's producing that in our lives, a train wreck. But imagine, you know, you hear all kinds of psychology people say that we're pleasure seeking beings. What if we started seeking the pleasure that comes from being in God's presence? There is pleasure forevermore without one ounce of regret." [55:49] (74 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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