Experiencing God's Awesomeness Through His Word
Summary
### Summary
In today's sermon, we explored the concept of God's unparalleled awesomeness and how it is often diluted in our everyday language. We misuse the word "awesome" to describe trivial things, but true awe should be reserved for God alone. We delved into Psalm 19, where David describes the majesty of God through His creation and His Word. The heavens declare God's glory, and His laws, precepts, and commands are perfect, trustworthy, and righteous. These divine attributes of God are revealed to us through His Word, and it is through faith-filled obedience that we truly understand His awesomeness.
We discussed how the Word of God is a foundation upon which we build our understanding of His divine attributes. The Word is perfect, refreshing our souls, and trustworthy, imparting wisdom to the inexperienced. It is righteous, giving joy to our hearts, and radiant, enlightening our eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever, and His decrees are firm, providing us with eternal security. These attributes collectively testify to the awesomeness of God.
We also examined the story of Moses and how he experienced God's glory through His goodness. Despite witnessing numerous miracles, Moses sought a deeper revelation of God's glory, which God revealed through His goodness. This teaches us that while we may not withstand the full glory of God, we can experience His goodness, which points to His glory.
Finally, we were reminded that the Word of God is our guide and foundation. It is through the Word that we experience the true preciousness of God, more valuable than gold and sweeter than honey. We are called to meditate on His Word, allowing it to transform our lives and bring us closer to understanding His divine nature.
### Key Takeaways
1. The True Meaning of Awe: We often misuse the word "awesome" to describe trivial things, but true awe should be reserved for God alone. His majesty and power are unparalleled, and recognizing this helps us to revere Him appropriately. [01:25]
2. The Foundation of God's Word: The Word of God is perfect, trustworthy, and righteous. It refreshes our souls, imparts wisdom, gives joy to our hearts, and enlightens our eyes. Embracing these attributes through faith-filled obedience allows us to experience God's awesomeness. [03:57]
3. Experiencing God's Goodness: Like Moses, we may seek to see God's glory, but we often experience His goodness instead. This goodness is a testament to His glory and helps us to understand His divine nature. [12:53]
4. The Radiance of God's Commands: The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to our eyes. This spiritual illumination helps us navigate the darkness of the world, guiding us in righteousness and truth. [31:02]
5. Eternal Security in God's Word: The fear of the Lord is pure and endures forever. This reverent fear provides us with eternal security, reminding us that our ultimate safety and salvation are found in God alone. [33:55]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:25] - The Misuse of "Awesome"
[02:46] - The True Revelation of God's Awesomeness
[03:57] - Psalm 19: The Testimony of Creation
[05:29] - The Perfection of God's Law
[07:08] - Experiencing God's Awesomeness in Life
[08:43] - Meditating on God's Word
[10:07] - Moses and the Burning Bush
[11:29] - The Miracles of Moses
[12:53] - Moses' Desire to See God's Glory
[14:10] - The Inability to Withstand God's Full Glory
[15:42] - Experiencing God's Goodness
[17:12] - The Evidence of God's Goodness
[18:18] - Elijah and God's Gentle Whisper
[19:49] - Psalm 19: Embracing God's Word
[21:19] - The Law of the Lord is Perfect
[22:39] - Trusting in God's Statutes
[23:55] - Imparting Wisdom to the Inexperienced
[25:14] - The Trustworthiness of God's Word
[26:39] - The Simplicity of God's Wisdom
[27:59] - God's Strength in Our Weakness
[29:28] - Responding to God's Word
[31:02] - The Radiance of God's Commands
[32:20] - Walking in the Light of God's Word
[33:55] - The Pure Fear of the Lord
[35:12] - Misplaced Security
[36:23] - Embracing the Fullness of God's Word
[37:29] - The Necessity of Trials
[38:59] - The Firmness of God's Decrees
[40:19] - The Collective Testimony of God's Word
[41:42] - The Preciousness of God's Word
[43:23] - The Eternal Security of God's Word
[44:46] - Invitation to Respond
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 19:1-14 - "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun. It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is deprived of its warmth. The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward. But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults. Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression. May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Psalm 19:1-4 say about how creation communicates the glory of God?
2. According to Psalm 19:7-9, what are the attributes of God's law, statutes, precepts, commands, and decrees?
3. How does the sermon describe the misuse of the word "awesome" in our everyday language? [01:25]
4. What was Moses' request to God in Exodus 33, and how did God respond? [12:53]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does the sermon emphasize that true awe should be reserved for God alone? How does this understanding affect our daily worship and reverence for God? [01:25]
2. How does Psalm 19 illustrate the connection between God's creation and His Word in revealing His divine attributes?
3. In what ways does the story of Moses seeking to see God's glory (Exodus 33) teach us about experiencing God's goodness and understanding His divine nature? [12:53]
4. How does the sermon explain the importance of meditating on God's Word to experience His awesomeness and transform our lives? [08:43]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your use of the word "awesome." How can you reserve this term to describe God alone in your conversations and thoughts? [01:25]
2. Psalm 19:7-9 describes the Word of God as perfect, trustworthy, and righteous. How can you incorporate these attributes into your daily Bible reading and application?
3. Like Moses, have you ever sought a deeper revelation of God's glory in your life? What steps can you take to experience God's goodness more fully? [12:53]
4. The sermon mentions the importance of meditating on God's Word. What specific practices can you implement to meditate on Scripture daily? [08:43]
5. How can you ensure that the commands of the Lord are a radiant light in your life, guiding you through the darkness of the world? [31:02]
6. The sermon highlights the eternal security found in the fear of the Lord. How can you cultivate a reverent fear of God that provides you with this security? [33:55]
7. Think of a time when you experienced the goodness of God. How did this experience point you to His glory, and how can you share this testimony with others? [15:42]
Devotional
Day 1: The True Meaning of Awe
True awe should be reserved for God alone. In our everyday language, we often misuse the word "awesome" to describe trivial things, diluting its true meaning. However, true awe is a profound reverence and wonder that should be directed towards God alone. His majesty and power are unparalleled, and recognizing this helps us to revere Him appropriately. Psalm 19 illustrates this by showing how the heavens declare God's glory and how His laws, precepts, and commands are perfect, trustworthy, and righteous. By understanding and acknowledging God's unparalleled awesomeness, we can cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and worship towards Him. [01:25]
Psalm 33:8-9 (ESV): "Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him! For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm."
Reflection: Think about a time when you used the word "awesome" to describe something trivial. How can you shift your language and mindset to reserve true awe for God alone?
Day 2: The Foundation of God's Word
The Word of God is perfect, trustworthy, and righteous. It refreshes our souls, imparts wisdom, gives joy to our hearts, and enlightens our eyes. Embracing these attributes through faith-filled obedience allows us to experience God's awesomeness. Psalm 19 emphasizes that the Word of God is a foundation upon which we build our understanding of His divine attributes. By meditating on His Word and allowing it to transform our lives, we can draw closer to understanding His divine nature and experience the true preciousness of God. [03:57]
Psalm 119:105-106 (ESV): "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to keep your righteous rules."
Reflection: How can you incorporate more time for meditating on God's Word in your daily routine? What specific steps will you take to ensure that His Word becomes the foundation of your life?
Day 3: Experiencing God's Goodness
Like Moses, we may seek to see God's glory, but we often experience His goodness instead. This goodness is a testament to His glory and helps us to understand His divine nature. Despite witnessing numerous miracles, Moses sought a deeper revelation of God's glory, which God revealed through His goodness. This teaches us that while we may not withstand the full glory of God, we can experience His goodness, which points to His glory. By recognizing and appreciating God's goodness in our lives, we can gain a deeper understanding of His divine nature and grow in our relationship with Him. [12:53]
Exodus 33:18-19 (ESV): "Moses said, 'Please show me your glory.' And he said, 'I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name ‘The Lord.’ And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy.'"
Reflection: Reflect on a recent experience where you witnessed God's goodness. How did this experience help you understand His divine nature better?
Day 4: The Radiance of God's Commands
The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to our eyes. This spiritual illumination helps us navigate the darkness of the world, guiding us in righteousness and truth. Psalm 19 highlights the radiance of God's commands, which enlighten our eyes and provide us with the wisdom and guidance we need to live righteous lives. By embracing and following God's commands, we can experience the spiritual illumination that helps us navigate the challenges and uncertainties of life, leading us towards righteousness and truth. [31:02]
Psalm 119:130 (ESV): "The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need God's guidance and illumination? How can you seek His commands to navigate these areas with righteousness and truth?
Day 5: Eternal Security in God's Word
The fear of the Lord is pure and endures forever. This reverent fear provides us with eternal security, reminding us that our ultimate safety and salvation are found in God alone. Psalm 19 emphasizes that the fear of the Lord is pure and enduring, offering us a sense of eternal security. By cultivating a reverent fear of the Lord and trusting in His Word, we can find comfort and assurance in the knowledge that our ultimate safety and salvation are secure in Him. This eternal security allows us to live with confidence and peace, knowing that we are held in God's loving and protective hands. [33:55]
Proverbs 14:26-27 (ESV): "In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death."
Reflection: How does the fear of the Lord provide you with a sense of security and confidence? What steps can you take to cultivate a deeper reverence for God in your daily life?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We get on our phones, and we stay attached to our phones for hours upon hours, scrolling through social media, and we are amused. It's a time when we don't think. We just take in and take in and fill our mind with the garbage of the world. We are amused. He says, I'm not amused. He says, I am musing. I am thinking about this, and that caused me to describe you. We see the result in verse 1 that you're an awesome God. You're majestic." [00:00] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "There's no husband, no marriage, nothing in this broken world can come close to describing he which is eternal and sovereign. You see, there's not a ribeye steak. There's not a concert, nothing, absolutely nothing in all of this creation will ever come close to the unrivaled, the unprecedented, unprecedented, unparalleled, the uncontested awesomeness of God, our one true God, Yahweh." [01:25] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If you want to experience awesomeness, the awesomeness of God in your life, if you want to experience something that's so much greater than the greatest Super Bowl win or your kid's baseball tournament or winning the last Super Bowl, if you want to see the awesomeness of God revealed in the areas that make up your life, like your marriage or your finances and relationship, we need to look at the authority of God's word and remembering that God's word is awesome because God's word is God." [07:08] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We need to take time to, as Psalm 46.10 says, just be still and know that I am God. Be still and commune with me, he says. Set aside all the distractions and the amusements of this world and muse on him and him alone. And church family, I promise you, because you have experienced this, and my challenge for you today is that you will remember the sweetness of the honeycomb, the value of the pure gold, much greater than pure gold, is the power and the authority of the word of God, which reflects the nature of a sovereign God who is awesome." [08:43] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Though we seek to see the glory of God, because we have experienced the glory of God's miracles in the past, the truth of the matter is you and I cannot take nor withstand the true glory of God. You don't have it in you. I don't care how tough, I don't care how spiritual, how big and bad you are, you can't stand the glory of God." [14:10] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The true revelation of the awesomeness of God. When I say, the true revelation revealed to us by the revelation of God's word, what his word reveals to us, the awesomeness of God is built upon the foundation of the testimony of his divine attributes. And it becomes clear to us when we respond through faith filled obedience. That's when we understand that God is awesome." [02:46] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Moses saw the power of God work in external attributes of God. He saw something so amazing. And then we get to Exodus chapter 33. And after all these miracles and all the awesomeness that he saw, Moses says something that got my attention when I started looking at the attributes of God and how we proclaim him as being awesome. Let me read this to you. You don't have to turn there. It'll be on the screen. Exodus 33, verses 12 through 17." [11:29] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When we experience God's awesome glory through His trustworthy word, He imparts wisdom to the inexperienced. I like that. Y'all know why? Because there's lots of things in this life that I am not experienced in. And if I want to be proficient in those areas, I know that I must apply God's perfect word into my life. So we first see that the awesomeness of God is revealed when we experience His word in perfection. And now we see that we have to resign every facet in our lives, every doubt, every failure to the fact that God's word is trustworthy." [23:55] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When we experience God's awesome glory through His radiant word, our eyes will be able to see from a spiritual perspective. For something to be radiant means, for it to be luminescent, to glow, to get your attention, if you will. When you're driving down the road at night and you're speeding 95 and you think nobody's on 37, and then all of a sudden you see blue lights radiant behind you, he gets your attention, right? That's what I'm talking about. The word of God is radiant and it causes our eyes to see things from a different perspective." [31:02] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When we experience God's awesome glory with a pure and reverent fear, our security in him endures forever. Listen to me. God is not a God that wants us to approach him in such a way that we are so fearful that we don't do anything because we're afraid we're going to mess up. He doesn't desire that. If you don't believe that, just read the story that Jesus told about the talents, the story of the managers. There was two that went out on a limb to do something for the boss and they were rewarded, but the one who just buried in the ground and did nothing, he was rebuked." [33:55] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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