Finding True Sanctuary in God's Glory and Grace

 

Summary

In the book of Jeremiah, the prophet laments the spiritual state of Israel, emphasizing their ignorance and folly in turning away from God. Despite their privileged position as God's chosen people, they have forsaken Him for idols and false gods, failing to recognize the glory and majesty of the Lord. This ignorance is not just a matter of committing individual sins but reflects a deeper, more tragic misunderstanding of their relationship with God. The prophet's heart is heavy with sorrow as he pleads with them to return to the Lord, highlighting the futility of seeking sanctuary and glory in anything other than God.

The essence of sin, as Jeremiah points out, is the failure to glorify God and to acknowledge His kingship and lordship. This is a message that resonates with the condition of the world today, where people seek glory, safety, and happiness in material things and human achievements, only to find themselves bewildered and unfulfilled. The prophet reminds us that true sanctuary and glory are found in God alone, who is seated on a glorious high throne from the beginning.

This message finds its ultimate expression in the New Testament, where the cross of Christ becomes the place of our sanctuary. It is at the cross that we see the glory of God, the holiness of God, and the justice of God perfectly displayed. The cross is where God's love and mercy are poured out, offering forgiveness and reconciliation to all who believe. It is the only true sanctuary for our souls, providing refuge from sin, guilt, and the attacks of the enemy.

Key Takeaways:

- Sin is not merely about committing individual wrong acts; it is a fundamental ignorance and folly in failing to recognize the glory and majesty of God. This ignorance leads to a life devoid of true purpose and fulfillment. [03:19]

- The world seeks glory and sanctuary in material things and human achievements, but true glory and safety are found only in God. Turning away from God leads to a life of confusion and dissatisfaction. [10:11]

- The cross of Christ is the ultimate sanctuary, where God's glory, holiness, and justice are perfectly displayed. It is the place where we find forgiveness, reconciliation, and true peace. [37:26]

- God's throne is not only a place of justice and law but also a place of mercy and blessing. He is concerned about our welfare and happiness, offering gifts and presents from His eternal throne. [28:47]

- In times of doubt, temptation, or guilt, the cross remains our refuge. It assures us of God's love and mercy, providing a sanctuary that never fails, even in the face of death and eternity. [46:25]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:12] - Introduction to Jeremiah 17:12
[00:39] - Jeremiah's Plea and Denunciation
[01:25] - The Folly of Sin
[02:16] - Israel's Ignorance and Privilege
[05:28] - The Temple as God's Dwelling
[07:34] - Israel's Idolatry
[09:20] - The World's Search for Sanctuary
[12:18] - The Glory of God
[14:18] - Turning from God's Glory
[19:36] - The Tragedy of Seeking Human Glory
[23:20] - God's Kingship and Law
[28:28] - The Throne of Blessing
[32:41] - The Paradox of God's Sanctuary
[37:26] - The Cross as Our Sanctuary
[44:05] - The Cross: Our Refuge from Sin and Guilt
[49:08] - Invitation to Enter God's Sanctuary

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Jeremiah 17:12: "A glorious high throne from the beginning is the place of our sanctuary."

Observation Questions:
1. What does Jeremiah 17:12 describe as the place of our sanctuary, and how does this relate to the spiritual state of Israel? [00:12]
2. How does the prophet Jeremiah express his sorrow and compassion for the people of Israel in the sermon? [01:25]
3. What are some examples given in the sermon of Israel's idolatry and turning away from God? [07:34]
4. According to the sermon, what is the ultimate expression of God's sanctuary in the New Testament? [37:26]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon describe the essence of sin beyond individual acts, and why is this significant for understanding our relationship with God? [03:19]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the world today mirrors the spiritual condition of Israel in Jeremiah's time? [09:20]
3. How does the sermon explain the paradox of God's throne being both a place of justice and a place of mercy? [28:47]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the role of the cross as a sanctuary for believers, and how does this relate to the concept of God's glory? [37:26]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you sought fulfillment in material things or human achievements. How did that experience compare to finding sanctuary in God? [10:11]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's glory and majesty. What practical steps can you take this week to acknowledge God's presence in your daily life? [03:19]
3. Consider the ways in which you might be turning away from God, similar to Israel's idolatry. What changes can you make to realign your focus on God? [07:34]
4. How can the message of the cross as the ultimate sanctuary impact your approach to dealing with guilt and temptation? [46:25]
5. The sermon highlights God's throne as a place of mercy and blessing. How can you be more open to receiving God's gifts and blessings in your life? [28:47]
6. In moments of doubt or fear, how can you remind yourself of the assurance and refuge found in the cross of Christ? [46:25]
7. Identify one area in your life where you need to seek God's sanctuary. What specific action will you take this week to bring that area before God? [44:05]

Devotional

Day 1: Recognizing God's Glory and Majesty
Sin is not merely about committing individual wrong acts; it is a fundamental ignorance and folly in failing to recognize the glory and majesty of God. This ignorance leads to a life devoid of true purpose and fulfillment. Jeremiah laments the spiritual state of Israel, emphasizing their ignorance and folly in turning away from God. Despite their privileged position as God's chosen people, they have forsaken Him for idols and false gods, failing to recognize the glory and majesty of the Lord. This ignorance is not just a matter of committing individual sins but reflects a deeper, more tragic misunderstanding of their relationship with God. The prophet's heart is heavy with sorrow as he pleads with them to return to the Lord, highlighting the futility of seeking sanctuary and glory in anything other than God. [03:19]

Jeremiah 9:23-24 (ESV): "Thus says the Lord: 'Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.'"

Reflection: In what areas of your life have you failed to recognize God's glory and majesty? How can you begin to acknowledge His presence and authority today?


Day 2: The Futility of Seeking Glory in the World
The world seeks glory and sanctuary in material things and human achievements, but true glory and safety are found only in God. Turning away from God leads to a life of confusion and dissatisfaction. People often seek glory, safety, and happiness in material things and human achievements, only to find themselves bewildered and unfulfilled. The prophet reminds us that true sanctuary and glory are found in God alone, who is seated on a glorious high throne from the beginning. This message resonates with the condition of the world today, where many are lost in the pursuit of temporary and fleeting pleasures. [10:11]

Isaiah 2:22 (ESV): "Stop regarding man in whose nostrils is breath, for of what account is he?"

Reflection: What material things or achievements are you currently seeking for glory and sanctuary? How can you shift your focus to find true fulfillment in God?


Day 3: The Cross as the Ultimate Sanctuary
The cross of Christ is the ultimate sanctuary, where God's glory, holiness, and justice are perfectly displayed. It is the place where we find forgiveness, reconciliation, and true peace. The cross becomes the place of our sanctuary, where God's love and mercy are poured out, offering forgiveness and reconciliation to all who believe. It is the only true sanctuary for our souls, providing refuge from sin, guilt, and the attacks of the enemy. At the cross, we see the glory of God, the holiness of God, and the justice of God perfectly displayed. [37:26]

Colossians 1:19-20 (ESV): "For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross."

Reflection: How does the cross serve as a sanctuary for you in your daily life? What steps can you take to embrace the peace and reconciliation it offers?


Day 4: God's Throne of Mercy and Blessing
God's throne is not only a place of justice and law but also a place of mercy and blessing. He is concerned about our welfare and happiness, offering gifts and presents from His eternal throne. The prophet emphasizes that God's throne is a place of mercy and blessing, not just justice and law. God is deeply concerned about our welfare and happiness, and He offers gifts and presents from His eternal throne. This understanding of God's character invites us to approach Him with confidence, knowing that He desires to bless us and provide for our needs. [28:47]

Hebrews 4:16 (ESV): "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

Reflection: In what ways have you experienced God's mercy and blessing in your life? How can you approach His throne with confidence today?


Day 5: The Cross as Our Refuge in Times of Doubt
In times of doubt, temptation, or guilt, the cross remains our refuge. It assures us of God's love and mercy, providing a sanctuary that never fails, even in the face of death and eternity. The cross is a constant reminder of God's love and mercy, offering a sanctuary that never fails. In times of doubt, temptation, or guilt, we can find refuge in the cross, knowing that it assures us of God's unwavering love and mercy. This assurance provides us with the strength and courage to face life's challenges, even in the face of death and eternity. [46:25]

Psalm 46:1-2 (ESV): "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea."

Reflection: When you face doubt or guilt, how do you typically respond? How can you turn to the cross as your refuge and find assurance in God's love and mercy?

Quotes

"Sin is not merely the committal of Acts individual acts which are wrong or a flourish our transgressions of the law that is one form that sin takes but there is something else about sin and it's much more serious the terrible thing about sin is that it implies an attitude which is wrong and which is false." [00:02:54]

"The terrible thing about sin is that it implies an attitude which is wrong and which is false as he's been pointing out the ultimate word about sin is that it's folly the sinners a fool and this folly so often is the result of his ignorance that is why so constantly you find especially in the New Testament." [00:03:19]

"Like the children of Israel of old men today are seeking glory they're seeking happiness they're seeking safety they're seeking protection they're looking for a sanctuary and they're looking for centuries to this extent that they'll even make a sanctuary of an atomic bomb it's just an attempt to seek safety essentially protection some of the hide yourself anything to give you some sort of protection." [00:09:20]

"Men today are seeking glory they're seeking happiness they're seeking safety they're seeking protection they're looking for a sanctuary and they're looking for centuries to this extent that they'll even make a sanctuary of an atomic bomb it's just an attempt to seek safety essentially protection some of the hide yourself anything to give you some sort of protection." [00:10:11]

"Men was made by God and men is Benson designed to glorify God indeed everything that God has ever made was designed to glorify God to be an expression of his glory so the psalmist reminds us the heavens are telling the glory of God and the firmament likewise everything in the whole of nature and creation is a manifestation and is an exhibition of the glory of God." [00:15:54]

"Men was made by God and men is Benson designed to glorify God indeed everything that God has ever made was designed to glorify God to be an expression of his glory so the psalmist reminds us the heavens are telling the glory of God and the firmament likewise everything in the whole of nature and creation is a manifestation and is an exhibition of the glory of God." [00:16:22]

"God is the king eternal and as the king eternal he gives his laws and he exercises justice and he administers judgment and that is what makes the sin of the children of Israel so inexcusable as this prophet and all the prophets go on reminding them they cannot plead ignorance of the law of the laws been given God gave it through Moses in the tremendous manner upon the mount and the voice was heard and the commandments came the law giver the law of God is plain." [00:25:28]

"God is the king eternal and as the king eternal he gives his laws and he exercises justice and he administers judgment and that is what makes the sin of the children of Israel so inexcusable as this prophet and all the prophets go on reminding them they cannot plead ignorance of the law of the laws been given God gave it through Moses in the tremendous manner upon the mount and the voice was heard and the commandments came the law giver the law of God is plain." [00:28:47]

"The cross on Calvary's Hill do you see it what are you looking for is it glory when I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of God there is a glory to be seen radiating from that face upon the cross such as the world has never seen and never known glory the Son of God substance of the eternal substance the one who shared the eternal glory with the father from before time from everlasting for equal Caetano." [00:37:26]

"The cross on Calvary's Hill do you see it what are you looking for is it glory when I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of God there is a glory to be seen radiating from that face upon the cross such as the world has never seen and never known glory the Son of God substance of the eternal substance the one who shared the eternal glory with the father from before time from everlasting for equal Caetano." [00:37:26]

"God so loved the world that He gave and it includes all this the cross and the death and the shame He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life sorrow and love flow mingling done oh the love the flows from that cross and you see therefore finally it comes to this that our only sanctuary tonight is that cross." [00:43:05]

"God so loved the world that He gave and it includes all this the cross and the death and the shame He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life sorrow and love flow mingling done oh the love the flows from that cross and you see therefore finally it comes to this that our only sanctuary tonight is that cross." [00:43:05]

Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from May 25, 2017. Do you have any questions about it?

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