Finding Your Personal Tent of Meeting with God
Summary
### Summary
In today's sermon, we explored the significance of the "tent of meeting" as described in Exodus 33:7-11. This tent, distinct from the formal tabernacle, was a place where anyone could meet with God. Unlike the tabernacle, which was restricted to priests and had numerous laws and rituals, the tent of meeting was accessible to all who sought the Lord. This tent symbolizes the importance of having a personal, intimate place where we can meet with God, pour out our hearts, and receive His guidance and comfort.
We discussed how life is often a wilderness filled with challenges, disappointments, and pain. Just as the Israelites needed a place to meet with God during their journey through the wilderness, we too need a place where we can encounter God amidst our life's trials. This place of meeting with God is not about the physical structure but about the presence of the Lord. It is a place where we can be honest and transparent before God, where we can find peace, direction, and strength.
The tent of meeting also serves as a reminder that God desires a relationship with us that goes beyond the formalities of religion. It is a place where true transformation happens, where we can be convicted, forgiven, and changed by the presence of God. This relationship with God can take us where the law and religious rituals cannot. It is a place where we can find true satisfaction and fulfillment in Jesus Christ.
We also looked at various biblical figures who found their place of meeting with God outside the traditional structures, such as Hagar, Moses, Joshua, David, and others. These encounters with God were transformative and equipped them for the challenges they faced. Similarly, we are encouraged to find our own place of meeting with God, where we can experience His presence and be transformed.
In conclusion, we are invited to seek our own "tent of meeting," a place where we can encounter God personally and intimately. This place is where we will find the courage to face the truth, the wisdom to walk it out, and the breakthrough we need in various areas of our lives. Whether it's at the altar, in our homes, or any other place, what matters is the posture and condition of our hearts as we seek to meet with God.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Importance of a Personal Meeting Place with God: Just as the tent of meeting was a place where anyone could encounter God, we too need a personal, intimate place where we can meet with God. This place is not about the physical structure but about the presence of the Lord, where we can be honest and transparent before Him. [04:48]
2. Life as a Wilderness: Life is often a wilderness filled with challenges, disappointments, and pain. Just as the Israelites needed a place to meet with God during their journey, we too need a place where we can encounter God amidst our life's trials. This place of meeting with God provides peace, direction, and strength. [08:05]
3. God Desires a Relationship Beyond Formalities: The tent of meeting symbolizes that God desires a relationship with us that goes beyond the formalities of religion. It is a place where true transformation happens, where we can be convicted, forgiven, and changed by the presence of God. This relationship with God can take us where the law and religious rituals cannot. [22:24]
4. Biblical Examples of Meeting God Outside Traditional Structures: Various biblical figures, such as Hagar, Moses, Joshua, and David, found their place of meeting with God outside the traditional structures. These encounters were transformative and equipped them for the challenges they faced. We are encouraged to find our own place of meeting with God, where we can experience His presence and be transformed. [29:25]
5. The Call to Seek Our Own Tent of Meeting: We are invited to seek our own "tent of meeting," a place where we can encounter God personally and intimately. This place is where we will find the courage to face the truth, the wisdom to walk it out, and the breakthrough we need in various areas of our lives. Whether it's at the altar, in our homes, or any other place, what matters is the posture and condition of our hearts as we seek to meet with God. [37:41]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:29] - Introduction to the Tent of Meeting
[03:11] - The Tabernacle vs. The Tent of Meeting
[04:48] - The Importance of a Personal Meeting Place with God
[08:05] - Life as a Wilderness
[09:26] - Israel's Journey and the Need for a Meeting Place
[11:07] - The Confrontation at the Tent of Meeting
[12:49] - The True Truth Revealed
[14:31] - The Tent of Meeting in the New Testament
[16:11] - Transition and Trauma
[18:36] - The Importance of Corporate and Private Prayer
[19:36] - God Goes with Us
[20:24] - Accessibility of God
[21:23] - The Tent Outside the Camp
[22:24] - Relationship Over Ritual
[23:15] - David's Sin and Repentance
[26:53] - The Power of Brokenness and Contrition
[28:08] - Relationship with Jesus
[29:25] - Meeting God Outside Tradition
[31:45] - People Will Watch You
[32:33] - Reasons People Don't Seek God
[33:26] - God's Desire for Us to Pursue Him
[34:31] - God of Presence
[35:38] - Raising a Generation with a Different Spirit
[36:43] - The Challenge to Seek the Tent of Meeting
[37:41] - Finding Breakthrough in God's Presence
[38:34] - Invitation to the Altar
[39:33] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Exodus 33:7-11: "Now Moses used to take the tent and pitch it outside the camp, a good distance from the camp, and he called it the tent of meeting. And it came about that everyone who sought the Lord would go out to the tent of meeting, which was outside the camp. And it came about whenever Moses went out to the tent, that all the people would arise and stand, each at the entrance of his tent, and gaze after Moses until he entered the tent. And it came about whenever Moses entered the tent, the pillar of cloud would descend and stand at the entrance of the tent, and the Lord would speak to Moses. When all the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance of the tent, all the people would arise and worship, each at the entrance of his tent. Thus the Lord used to speak to Moses face to face, just as a man speaks to his friend. When Moses returned to the camp, his son Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, would not depart from the tent."
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the purpose of the tent of meeting as described in Exodus 33:7-11?
2. How did the Israelites respond when Moses went to the tent of meeting? [01:29]
3. What made the tent of meeting different from the tabernacle according to the sermon? [03:11]
4. Who were some of the biblical figures mentioned in the sermon that found their place of meeting with God outside traditional structures? [29:25]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God instructed Moses to set up the tent of meeting outside the camp rather than within it? [21:23]
2. How does the concept of the tent of meeting illustrate the idea that God desires a personal relationship with us beyond religious formalities? [22:24]
3. What can we learn from the examples of biblical figures who met God outside traditional structures about finding our own place to meet with God? [29:25]
4. How does the sermon suggest that meeting with God in a personal space can provide peace, direction, and strength during life's trials? [08:05]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current "tent of meeting" with God. Do you have a specific place where you feel you can be honest and transparent before Him? If not, where could that place be for you? [04:48]
2. Life is often described as a wilderness filled with challenges. How can you make time to meet with God amidst your daily struggles and trials? [08:05]
3. The sermon emphasized that God desires a relationship with us beyond religious rituals. How can you cultivate a more personal and intimate relationship with God in your daily life? [22:24]
4. Think about a time when you felt transformed by an encounter with God. What steps can you take to seek more of these transformative experiences? [29:25]
5. The sermon mentioned that people often watch how we deal with life's challenges. How can your personal relationship with God serve as a testimony to others? [31:45]
6. What are some practical ways you can encourage others in your small group or community to find their own "tent of meeting" with God? [37:41]
7. Identify one area in your life where you need a breakthrough. How can you seek God's presence and guidance to find the courage, wisdom, and strength to face this challenge? [37:41]
Devotional
Day 1: The Importance of a Personal Meeting Place with God
In Exodus 33:7-11, the "tent of meeting" was a place where anyone could encounter God, distinct from the formal tabernacle which was restricted to priests and filled with numerous laws and rituals. This tent symbolizes the importance of having a personal, intimate place where we can meet with God, pour out our hearts, and receive His guidance and comfort. It is not about the physical structure but about the presence of the Lord, where we can be honest and transparent before Him. This personal meeting place with God is essential for our spiritual growth and well-being.
In our busy lives, it is easy to neglect this personal time with God. However, just as the Israelites needed a place to meet with God during their journey through the wilderness, we too need a place where we can encounter God amidst our life's trials. This place of meeting with God provides peace, direction, and strength. It is a sanctuary where we can be ourselves, free from the distractions and pressures of the world, and where we can experience the transformative power of God's presence. [04:48]
Exodus 33:7-11 (ESV): "Now Moses used to take the tent and pitch it outside the camp, far off from the camp, and he called it the tent of meeting. And everyone who sought the Lord would go out to the tent of meeting, which was outside the camp."
Reflection: Where can you create a personal meeting place with God in your daily routine? How can you ensure that this time is protected and prioritized?
Day 2: Life as a Wilderness
Life is often a wilderness filled with challenges, disappointments, and pain. Just as the Israelites needed a place to meet with God during their journey, we too need a place where we can encounter God amidst our life's trials. This place of meeting with God provides peace, direction, and strength. It is a refuge where we can find solace and guidance, a place where we can lay down our burdens and receive the comfort and encouragement we need to keep going.
In the wilderness of life, it is easy to feel lost and overwhelmed. However, God promises to be with us in the midst of our struggles. He invites us to come to Him, to seek His presence, and to find rest for our souls. By creating a personal meeting place with God, we can experience His peace and strength, even in the most difficult circumstances. This place of meeting with God is a reminder that we are not alone, and that He is always with us, guiding us and providing for our needs. [08:05]
Isaiah 43:19 (ESV): "Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."
Reflection: What challenges are you currently facing in your life? How can you seek God's presence and guidance in the midst of these challenges?
Day 3: God Desires a Relationship Beyond Formalities
The tent of meeting symbolizes that God desires a relationship with us that goes beyond the formalities of religion. It is a place where true transformation happens, where we can be convicted, forgiven, and changed by the presence of God. This relationship with God can take us where the law and religious rituals cannot. It is a place where we can find true satisfaction and fulfillment in Jesus Christ.
God's desire for a personal relationship with us is evident throughout the Bible. He longs for us to know Him intimately, to experience His love and grace, and to be transformed by His presence. This relationship is not about following a set of rules or rituals, but about knowing and loving God with all our hearts. By seeking a personal meeting place with God, we can experience the depth of His love and the power of His transforming grace. [22:24]
Jeremiah 31:33 (ESV): "For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people."
Reflection: How can you move beyond the formalities of religion to cultivate a deeper, more personal relationship with God? What steps can you take to experience His transforming presence in your life?
Day 4: Biblical Examples of Meeting God Outside Traditional Structures
Various biblical figures, such as Hagar, Moses, Joshua, and David, found their place of meeting with God outside the traditional structures. These encounters were transformative and equipped them for the challenges they faced. For example, Moses met with God at the burning bush, Joshua encountered the commander of the Lord's army, and David found solace in God's presence while tending sheep. These encounters with God were not confined to a specific place or ritual but were marked by a deep, personal connection with Him.
We are encouraged to find our own place of meeting with God, where we can experience His presence and be transformed. This place can be anywhere – in nature, in a quiet room, or even in the midst of our daily activities. What matters is the posture and condition of our hearts as we seek to meet with God. By following the examples of these biblical figures, we can learn to recognize and respond to God's presence in our own lives. [29:25]
Genesis 16:13 (ESV): "So she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, 'You are a God of seeing,' for she said, 'Truly here I have seen him who looks after me.'"
Reflection: Where have you experienced God's presence outside of traditional religious structures? How can you create more opportunities to encounter God in your daily life?
Day 5: The Call to Seek Our Own Tent of Meeting
We are invited to seek our own "tent of meeting," a place where we can encounter God personally and intimately. This place is where we will find the courage to face the truth, the wisdom to walk it out, and the breakthrough we need in various areas of our lives. Whether it's at the altar, in our homes, or any other place, what matters is the posture and condition of our hearts as we seek to meet with God.
Creating a personal meeting place with God requires intentionality and commitment. It means setting aside time and space to be with Him, to listen to His voice, and to respond to His leading. This place of meeting with God is not just a physical location but a spiritual posture of openness and surrender. By seeking our own tent of meeting, we can experience the fullness of God's presence and the transformative power of His love. [37:41]
Psalm 27:8 (ESV): "You have said, 'Seek my face.' My heart says to you, 'Your face, Lord, do I seek.'"
Reflection: What steps can you take to create a personal meeting place with God in your life? How can you cultivate a heart that is open and surrendered to His presence?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "This tabernacle reminds us that God is holy, and those who draw near to him must do so out of a holy heart, with clean hands and a pure heart. This tabernacle reminds us that God is not God far off, but he's God right in the middle of every circumstance and situation." [02:30] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "It's important for us to have what I call a safe place, or even a happy place. To have that place where we meet with God and we can pour our heart out. That place where we can meet with God and we can be honest and transparent, authentic before him." [04:48] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You will never find satisfaction in anything nor anyone other than Jesus. Anytime you try to look, whether it's a marriage or a relationship or money or a job, you will never be truly satisfied until your heart is surrendered to Jesus." [12:49] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "God is accessible to his people. We have a prayer team. And at the end of this service, we're going to call for the prayer team to come up. And they want to pray for you. But can I tell you, you don't need a prayer team to access God. Jesus has already made a way so that you can go to the Father in his name and there open your heart to him and let him minister to you." [20:24] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God wants to meet with you outside of the traditional and the ordinary. The next thing that we see is that people are going to watch you. Saved people are going to watch you. Pre-saved folks are going to watch you. Your children are going to watch you. Your grandchildren are going to watch you. They are going to watch how you deal with life in the furnace. They're going to see how you deal with life in the desert." [31:45] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "If you've never found your place to meet with God, I encourage you to begin to ask the Lord to show you where that meeting place might be, where your tent of meeting just might be. Here's what we learn from verses 7 through 11. This tent is portable. I love that. It could be set up and taken down in order to go with Israel as she made her journey through the wilderness. God was going to go with them and their ability to meet with God, their designated place to meet with God was also going to go with them." [18:36] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "This place, this tent of meeting, is a reminder that God wants a relationship with his people, and that relationship will take us where the law cannot. Paul's going to say it like this. The law was weak in the flesh, but where the law was weak in the flesh, Christ in his own body made a way for you and made a way for me." [28:08] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The place where you meet with God becomes, your altar. And if you'll remember, the altar is the place where man meets with God and flesh has to die. God wants to meet with you outside of the traditional and the ordinary." [31:01] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "There is a place we can go and meet with God. A place where we are brought up a little bit higher. God is raising up a generation that loves His presence. And even though chronologically I might not be in the NextGen, I do want to be a part of that generation that loves His presence. And I know you do as well." [36:43] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "In that place of meeting with God where His presence dwells. In that place of meeting with God, you will find the courage to face the truth. In that place of meeting with God, you'll find the wisdom to walk that truth out. In that place of meeting with God, you will find breakthrough." [37:41] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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