Experiencing God's Greatness: A Call to Reflection
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the theme of God's greatness, using Psalm 111 as our guide. We began by reflecting on the concept of greatness through the lens of sports, specifically debating who the greatest basketball player of all time is. While many might argue for Michael Jordan or LeBron James, we acknowledged that even the greatest human achievements pale in comparison to the greatness of God. This set the stage for our deeper dive into Psalm 111, where we examined the works of the Lord and how they are full of splendor and majesty.
We discussed how God's greatness is evident in the world around us, from the grandeur of natural wonders like the Grand Canyon to the intricate design of our own bodies. Romans 1:20 reminds us that God's invisible attributes are clearly seen in creation, leaving us without excuse. We also touched on the importance of gathering together as a congregation to worship and study God's works, as emphasized in Hebrews 10:25.
The sermon highlighted the necessity of studying God's works, not just superficially but deeply, to truly appreciate His greatness. We were reminded that the busyness of life can often distract us from this important task. Corrie Ten Boom's quote, "If the devil can't make you sin, he will make you busy," served as a poignant reminder of the spiritual dangers of a distracted life.
We also delved into the importance of storytelling in passing down the knowledge of God's works to future generations. This is a practice that has been effective in various cultures, including Japan, where storytelling is a powerful tool for evangelism. The sermon concluded with a call to action: to not wait until the end of our lives to study God's greatness but to engage with it now, fully and wholeheartedly.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Greatness Surpasses All Human Achievements: While we may admire human accomplishments, such as those of Michael Jordan, they are insignificant compared to the greatness of God. His works are full of splendor and majesty, evident in the natural world and in our own lives. Reflecting on this helps us to put our priorities in perspective. [41:21]
2. The Importance of Studying God's Works: Psalm 111 encourages us to study the works of the Lord deeply. This involves more than a cursory glance; it requires us to investigate, inquire, and reflect. When we do this, we can't help but delight in His works, which are full of splendor and majesty. [48:14]
3. The Danger of Busyness: Corrie Ten Boom's quote reminds us that if the devil can't make us sin, he will make us busy. This busyness can distract us from studying God's works and appreciating His greatness. We must be intentional about slowing down and making time for God. [49:23]
4. The Power of Storytelling: Passing down stories of God's works is a powerful way to keep His greatness alive in our hearts and minds. This practice is effective in various cultures and is a biblical mandate. We are called to tell the next generation about the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord. [50:56]
5. God's Invitation to Participate in His Greatness: Unlike the missed opportunity to see Michael Jordan play, we have an open invitation from God to not only observe His greatness but to participate in it. He invites us to be part of His work, to play an active role in His divine plan. [01:02:35]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[38:50] - Introduction and Personal Background
[40:08] - The Greatest Basketball Player Debate
[41:21] - Comparing Human Greatness to God's Greatness
[42:42] - Romans 1:20 and God's Invisible Attributes
[44:08] - Prayer and Introduction to Psalm 111
[45:24] - The Importance of Congregational Worship
[46:48] - Studying God's Works
[48:14] - The Depth of Studying God's Works
[49:23] - The Danger of Busyness
[50:56] - The Power of Storytelling
[52:04] - Remembering God's Works
[53:40] - The Grand Canyon Analogy
[54:43] - God's Faithful Provision
[55:41] - The Fear of the Lord
[56:37] - The Importance of True Worship
[57:19] - Setting an Example in Worship
[58:10] - The Disconnect Between Head and Heart
[01:00:43] - Observing and Studying God's Works
[01:02:35] - God's Invitation to Participate
[01:03:27] - Communion and Its Significance
[01:05:05] - The Complexity of God's Creation
[01:07:21] - God's Unconditional Love
[01:09:03] - The Simplicity of God's Redemption
[01:10:34] - Reflecting on God's Greatness
[01:12:23] - God's Greatness Transcends Circumstances
[01:13:22] - Closing Prayer and Communion Invitation
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 111: "Praise the Lord. I will extol the Lord with all my heart in the council of the upright and in the assembly. Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them. Glorious and majestic are his deeds, and his righteousness endures forever." (Psalm 111:1-3, NIV)
2. Romans 1:20: "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse."
3. Hebrews 10:25: "Not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Psalm 111, what are some characteristics of the works of the Lord? How are they described? (Psalm 111:2-3)
2. What does Romans 1:20 say about how God's attributes are revealed to us? How does this leave us "without excuse"? (Romans 1:20)
3. Why does Hebrews 10:25 emphasize the importance of meeting together as a congregation? What are the benefits mentioned? (Hebrews 10:25)
4. In the sermon, what analogy was used to compare human greatness to God's greatness? ([41:21])
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the description of God's works in Psalm 111 help us understand His greatness? What does it mean to "delight" in His works? (Psalm 111:2-3)
2. Romans 1:20 mentions that God's invisible qualities are clearly seen in creation. How does this impact our understanding of God's presence in the world? (Romans 1:20)
3. The sermon mentioned the danger of busyness as a distraction from studying God's works. How can busyness affect our spiritual lives and relationship with God? ([49:23])
4. The sermon highlighted the power of storytelling in passing down the knowledge of God's works. Why is storytelling an effective method for evangelism and teaching? ([50:56])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you were in awe of God's creation, like the Grand Canyon analogy mentioned in the sermon. How did that experience impact your view of God's greatness? ([53:40])
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of studying God's works deeply. What practical steps can you take to study God's works more intentionally in your daily life? ([48:14])
3. Corrie Ten Boom's quote about busyness was mentioned in the sermon. Identify one area of your life where busyness distracts you from God. What changes can you make to prioritize your relationship with Him? ([49:23])
4. Storytelling was highlighted as a powerful tool for sharing God's works. Think of a story from your own life where you experienced God's greatness. How can you share this story with others to encourage their faith? ([50:56])
5. The sermon concluded with a call to not wait until the end of our lives to study God's greatness. What is one specific action you can take this week to engage more fully with God's greatness? ([01:02:12])
6. Hebrews 10:25 emphasizes the importance of congregational worship. How can you encourage others in your community to gather and worship together more regularly? (Hebrews 10:25)
7. Reflect on the analogy of being invited to participate in God's greatness, not just observe it. What is one way you can actively participate in God's work in your community or church this week? ([01:02:35])
Devotional
Day 1: God's Greatness Surpasses All Human Achievements
Reflecting on the greatness of God helps us to put our priorities in perspective. While human accomplishments, such as those of Michael Jordan or LeBron James, are impressive, they are insignificant compared to the greatness of God. His works are full of splendor and majesty, evident in the natural world and in our own lives. By acknowledging this, we can better appreciate the grandeur of God's creation and His role in our lives. This understanding encourages us to shift our focus from human achievements to divine greatness, fostering a deeper sense of awe and reverence for God. [41:21]
Psalm 145:3-5 (ESV): "Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts. On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate."
Reflection: Think of a recent human achievement that impressed you. How does it compare to the greatness of God? Spend a few moments in prayer, asking God to help you see His greatness in your daily life.
Day 2: The Importance of Studying God's Works
Psalm 111 encourages us to study the works of the Lord deeply. This involves more than a cursory glance; it requires us to investigate, inquire, and reflect. When we do this, we can't help but delight in His works, which are full of splendor and majesty. The busyness of life can often distract us from this important task, but intentional study and reflection on God's works can lead to a deeper appreciation of His greatness. By setting aside time to study God's works, we can grow in our understanding and love for Him. [48:14]
Psalm 111:2-4 (ESV): "Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them. Full of splendor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever. He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and merciful."
Reflection: What is one specific work of God that you can study more deeply this week? How can you set aside time each day to reflect on this work and grow in your appreciation of God's greatness?
Day 3: The Danger of Busyness
Corrie Ten Boom's quote, "If the devil can't make you sin, he will make you busy," serves as a poignant reminder of the spiritual dangers of a distracted life. Busyness can prevent us from studying God's works and appreciating His greatness. It is essential to be intentional about slowing down and making time for God. By prioritizing our relationship with God over our busy schedules, we can ensure that we are not missing out on the opportunity to grow in our faith and understanding of His greatness. [49:23]
Luke 10:41-42 (ESV): "But the Lord answered her, 'Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.'"
Reflection: Identify one area of your life where busyness is distracting you from your relationship with God. What steps can you take to slow down and make more time for God this week?
Day 4: The Power of Storytelling
Passing down stories of God's works is a powerful way to keep His greatness alive in our hearts and minds. This practice is effective in various cultures and is a biblical mandate. We are called to tell the next generation about the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord. By sharing stories of God's greatness, we can inspire others to seek Him and grow in their faith. Storytelling helps to create a sense of continuity and connection, reminding us of God's faithfulness throughout history and in our own lives. [50:56]
Psalm 78:4 (ESV): "We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done."
Reflection: Think of a story of God's greatness in your life. How can you share this story with someone in your family or community this week to inspire them and keep God's greatness alive in their hearts?
Day 5: God's Invitation to Participate in His Greatness
Unlike the missed opportunity to see Michael Jordan play, we have an open invitation from God to not only observe His greatness but to participate in it. He invites us to be part of His work, to play an active role in His divine plan. This invitation is a profound privilege and responsibility, calling us to engage with God's greatness fully and wholeheartedly. By accepting this invitation, we can experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from being part of God's work and contributing to His kingdom. [01:02:35]
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV): "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Reflection: How can you actively participate in God's work this week? What specific actions can you take to engage with His greatness and contribute to His kingdom?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "God has shown his greatness to us all around us. It is on display for all of us to see is that God is great." [42:42] (10 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The Lord desires that we would study, that we would tell of the things He has done that we would keep records and keep accounts that we would remember the things that he has done." [52:51] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The reality is, if we don't watch, if we don't, if we don't observe, if we don't study the works of God, we will miss out. We will miss out on the greatness of God." [01:00:43] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "My hope and my prayer and my encouragement to you today is that don't wait till the end of your life to study the greatness of God. Don't live with the regret of missing out on all the things that God is doing all around you." [01:02:12] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The greatness of who he is, this expanse of the, the, the solar system, the stars, the sky, the complexities of our bodies... His greatness was to redeem us. His greatness was so visible. The miracles of the things he has done greater. The works of the Lord studied by all who delight in them." [01:06:37] (-1094 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "When we pause and when we take time to slow down, we can't help but to delight in the works of the Lord. His greatness, like Romans 1 20 says, and his fingerprint is all around us. We see it in the world today." [48:14] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The fear, when it says the fear of the Lord, it's not talking about being scared. It's not like the fear of walking into a haunted house or watching a scary movie. This is the kind of fear that comes from an understanding of the greatness of who God is." [55:41] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The more that we study, the more that we see, the more that we look to who God is, the more we get to see him." [49:23] (7 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The Lord, it says that he has redeemed his people. He has sent redemption to his people. That we have redemption because of what his God has done. And that he has made us right with him and put us back into right relationship." [54:43] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The reality is Lord, what you've called us to, the redemption that you've sent us, the things that you've given us, it is simple. Lord, it is simple. Sometimes I think we over-complicate it. We, Lord, we make it into something that we think we have to earn or deserve." [01:09:03] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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