From Fear to Faith: Embracing God's Invitation

Devotional

Day 1: God’s Holiness: From Unapproachable to Welcoming

In the days of Moses, God’s presence on Mount Sinai was so holy and overwhelming that even Moses trembled with fear, and the people were warned not to approach lest they die. The fire, darkness, and trumpet blasts all served as reminders that God is not to be taken lightly or reduced to something manageable or familiar. Yet, through Jesus, God has made a way for us to come near—not with terror, but with awe and gratitude. The God who once seemed distant and unapproachable now welcomes us into His presence, inviting us to draw near through Christ. [04:59]

Hebrews 12:18-24 (NASB)
For you have not come to a mountain that can be touched and to a blazing fire, and to darkness and gloom and whirlwind, and to the blast of a trumpet and the sound of words which sound was such that those who heard begged that no further word be spoken to them. For they could not bear the command, “If even a beast touches the mountain, it will be stoned.” And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, “I am full of fear and trembling.” But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks better than the blood of Abel.

Reflection: In what ways have you made light of God’s holiness or treated Him casually? How can you intentionally approach Him with greater reverence and awe today?

Day 2: Jesus, Our Mediator and the Better Covenant

Unlike the old covenant, where repeated sacrifices were needed and access to God was limited, Jesus stands as the perfect mediator between God and humanity. His blood was shed once for all, making a way for complete forgiveness and reconciliation. The sacrifices of animals could only cleanse for a moment, but Jesus’ sacrifice is sufficient for all sin, for all time, for all who receive Him. This is the heart of the gospel: Jesus’ finished work is enough, and He invites us to trust in Him as the only way to be made right with God. [21:44]

Hebrews 12:24 (NASB)
And to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks better than the blood of Abel.

Reflection: Is there any part of you still trying to earn God’s acceptance or forgiveness? What would it look like to rest fully in Jesus’ finished work for you today?

Day 3: Don’t Give Up—God’s Kingdom Cannot Be Shaken

Life as a believer can be difficult, and the temptation to give up is real, especially when we face hardship or discouragement. But God’s kingdom is unshakeable, and He calls us to persevere, knowing that only what is of Him will remain. The same God who welcomes us is also the righteous Judge, and there will come a day when He shakes all things, leaving only what is eternal. We are urged not to refuse His voice or turn away, but to hold fast, trusting that He is faithful and His promises are sure. [27:54]

Hebrews 12:25-27 (NASB)
See to it that you do not refuse Him who is speaking. For if those did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape who turn away from Him who warns from heaven. And His voice shook the earth then, but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth, but also the heaven.” This expression, “Yet once more,” denotes the removing of those things which can be shaken, as of created things, so that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel tempted to give up on God? How can you take a step of perseverance and trust in His unshakeable kingdom today?

Day 4: Show Gratitude and Serve God with Reverence

Because we have received a kingdom that cannot be shaken, our response should be one of deep gratitude, expressed not just in words but in action. True gratitude overflows into service—offering our lives, our time, and our gifts back to God as an act of worship. Serving God is not about comparing ourselves to others or feeling inadequate, but about giving Him our best with a thankful heart. Reverence for God is shown in our obedience, our generosity, and our willingness to honor Him in all things, big and small. [34:06]

Hebrews 12:28-29 (NASB)
Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire.

Reflection: What is one practical way you can show gratitude to God today—through your words, your actions, or your service to others?

Day 5: Responding to God’s Invitation—A Life of Faith and Surrender

God’s invitation is not just to a moment of decision, but to a life of following Jesus—turning from sin, trusting in His grace, and surrendering our will to His. This journey may require hard choices, letting go of things or relationships that pull us away from God, and stepping out in faith even when it’s difficult. But the God who welcomes us also empowers us to walk with Him, offering forgiveness, guidance, and hope. He calls us to respond not with empty words, but with a heart and life surrendered to Him. [43:49]

Romans 12:1-2 (NASB)
Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

Reflection: Is there a specific area where God is calling you to surrender or make a hard decision in order to follow Him more closely? What step of faith can you take today in response to His invitation?

Sermon Summary

Hebrews 12 paints a vivid contrast between the God who was once unapproachable on Mount Sinai and the God who now welcomes us to Mount Zion, the city of the living God. In the days of Moses, God’s holiness was so overwhelming that even touching the mountain meant death. The Israelites trembled in fear, and even Moses was full of terror. This was a God who could not be approached lightly, whose presence was marked by fire, darkness, and the sound of a voice that shook the earth. Yet, through Jesus, everything has changed. God now invites us into His presence, not as terrified outsiders, but as welcomed citizens of His unshakable kingdom.

This invitation is not just for a select few, but for all who trust in Christ. The city of God is filled with people from every tribe, tongue, and nation, all made righteous by the blood of Jesus, the mediator of a new and better covenant. Unlike the old sacrifices that had to be repeated, Jesus’ sacrifice is sufficient for all time. His blood speaks a better word than the blood of Abel, offering forgiveness and reconciliation to all who believe.

But this privilege comes with a warning: do not refuse the One who speaks. The God who welcomes is also the God who judges. Just as those who ignored God’s warnings in the past faced consequences, so too will those who turn away from Him now. There will come a day when God will shake not only the earth but also the heavens, removing all that is temporary so that only what is eternal remains.

In light of this, the call is to live with gratitude, to serve God with reverence and awe, and to persevere in faith. Gratitude is not just a feeling but an action—serving God with what we have, respecting Him, and obeying His commands. We are not called to give up, even when life is hard, because Jesus is too good to give up on. The God who was once unapproachable now welcomes us, and our response should be a life of worship, service, and unwavering trust.

Key Takeaways

1. The Holiness and Nearness of God: God’s holiness once made Him unapproachable, instilling fear and awe in those who encountered Him. Yet, through Christ, the same holy God now invites us into His presence, not as strangers but as beloved children. This tension between reverence and intimacy should shape our worship and daily walk, reminding us never to take God’s nearness for granted. [04:59]
2. The Sufficiency of Christ’s Sacrifice: Unlike the repeated sacrifices of the Old Testament, Jesus’ blood is sufficient for all sin, for all time. His sacrifice is effective only for those who receive it by faith, but its power is limitless. This truth calls us to rest in Christ’s finished work and to share this hope with a world that desperately needs it. [21:44]
3. The Unshakable Kingdom: Everything in this world can be shaken and removed, but God’s kingdom is eternal and unshakable. Our security and identity are not found in what is temporary, but in belonging to this kingdom. Living with this perspective enables us to endure hardship and remain steadfast, knowing that only what is of God will last. [27:54]
4. Gratitude Expressed Through Service: True gratitude is not just a private feeling but is expressed in how we serve God and others. We honor God by giving Him our best—our time, talents, and resources—not out of obligation, but as a joyful response to His grace. Serving God is not about comparing ourselves to others, but about faithfulness with what He has entrusted to us. [33:17]
5. Perseverance in Faith: The call to not give up is rooted in the reality that God is both the welcoming Father and the righteous Judge. Life will have seasons of difficulty and temptation to quit, but Jesus is too good to give up on. Our perseverance is fueled by remembering who God is, what He has done, and the unshakable hope we have in Christ. [39:50]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:59] - Introduction: Running the Race of Faith
[04:59] - The Unapproachable God of Sinai
[06:03] - Reverence for God’s Name and Presence
[09:06] - God’s Love and Judgment
[12:36] - The Welcoming God of Zion
[16:43] - Standing Before the Judge
[18:08] - The Church and the Saints of Old
[20:35] - Jesus, the Mediator of a Better Covenant
[22:29] - Our Calling: Sharing the Good News
[24:12] - Don’t Give Up: The Same God, New Access
[27:54] - The Coming Shaking and What Remains
[28:58] - Living with Gratitude
[33:17] - Serving God with What You Have
[36:17] - Reverence, Respect, and Obedience
[39:50] - Perseverance and Invitation to Respond
[46:08] - Closing Prayer and Invitation

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Hebrews 12:18-29 (NASB) —
> 18 For you have not come to a mountain that can be touched and to a blazing fire, and to darkness and gloom and whirlwind,
> 19 and to the blast of a trumpet and the sound of words which sound was such that those who heard begged that no further word be spoken to them.
> 20 For they could not bear the command, “If even a beast touches the mountain, it will be stoned.”
> 21 And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, “I am full of fear and trembling.”
> 22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels,
> 23 to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect,
> 24 and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks better than the blood of Abel.
> 25 See to it that you do not refuse Him who is speaking. For if those did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape who turn away from Him who warns from heaven.
> 26 And His voice shook the earth then, but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth, but also the heaven.”
> 27 This expression, “Yet once more,” denotes the removing of those things which can be shaken, as of created things, so that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.
> 28 Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe;
> 29 for our God is a consuming fire.

Observation Questions

What are some of the differences between Mount Sinai and Mount Zion as described in Hebrews 12:18-24?
According to the passage, what does Jesus’ blood accomplish that the old sacrifices could not?
What warning does the writer of Hebrews give in verses 25-27 about refusing God’s voice?
In verse 28, what is the response we are called to have because we are receiving an unshakable kingdom? How is this response described?

Interpretation Questions

The sermon described God as both unapproachable in the Old Testament and welcoming through Jesus. How should this tension between God’s holiness and His nearness shape the way believers approach worship and daily life?
The preacher said, “Jesus’ blood is good enough for all our sin. Did you know Jesus’ blood was shed on the cross for the sins of the world? Sadly, though, it’s only effective for those who receive it.” What does it mean to “receive” Jesus’ sacrifice, and why is this distinction important?
The passage warns not to “refuse Him who is speaking.” What are some ways people might refuse God’s voice today, and what are the consequences according to the text?
The sermon says, “Gratitude is not just a feeling but an action—serving God with what we have, respecting Him, and obeying His commands.” What does it look like to express gratitude to God in practical ways?

Application Questions

The sermon talked about how God’s holiness should lead us to both reverence and awe, not taking His nearness for granted. Is there an area in your life where you have become too casual with God? What is one step you could take this week to approach Him with more reverence?
The preacher shared a personal story about wanting new things and how God challenged him to be grateful for what he already had. Is there something in your life you’ve been wanting or chasing that might be distracting you from gratitude? How can you practice contentment this week?
Hebrews 12:28 calls us to “offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe.” What is one specific way you can serve God or others this week as an act of gratitude?
The sermon emphasized that serving God is not about comparing yourself to others, but about being faithful with what you have. Are there gifts, time, or resources you’ve been holding back because you feel they’re not enough? What would it look like to offer them to God anyway?
The preacher asked, “How are you expressing your respect for God?” Think about your daily routines—are there habits or practices you could add or change to show more respect and honor to God?
The message warned not to “give up” even when life is hard, because Jesus is too good to give up on. Is there an area of your faith or life where you feel like giving up? What encouragement from this passage or sermon can help you persevere?
The sermon said, “Our security and identity are not found in what is temporary, but in belonging to this kingdom.” Are there things in your life you are holding onto that are “shakable”? What would it look like to let go and trust God with those things?

Sermon Clips

``But now that I'm a follower of Christ, like the apostle Paul, I look forward to that day. Because we're told that we will be changed to be like him so we'll see him as he is. Can you imagine? Can you imagine? Walking up to the judge knowing that he's going to say not guilty. Why? Because Jesus took my sin. Has he taken yours? [00:18:08] (36 seconds) #NotGuiltyBecauseOfJesus

We must remember it's the same God. The God who welcomes us is also the God awesome enough to destroy us. The God, the judge who welcomes us and says, come on in, is also the God who has every right to say to every single person, depart from me, I never knew you. For all fall short of the glory of God. And the wages of that sin is death. But the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Lord. [00:25:43] (33 seconds) #GodWelcomesAndJudges

And I know that's hard because, again, I want the warm, fuzzy part of God, right? Can we just be honest? That's what we want, right? We want the God who comforts us. We want the God who holds us up. We want the God who protects us. But we also need to realize he is an awesome and terrible God if you're on the other side. Maybe instead of saying terrible, I should have said terrorful. No one can escape him. He's going to rock your world. What do I mean by that? Look at verse 26. It just says it. His voice shook the earth then, but now he's promised yet once more I'm going to shake not only the earth, but the heaven too. Be very careful that you don't give up because no one's going to escape him. And there's going to come a day when he's going to shake, think of it this way, he's going to shake out what doesn't belong and only leave what does. and only his will remain. Don't give up. [00:27:22] (84 seconds) #GodIsAwesomeAndTerrifying

So, first of all, show gratitude. Second, serve Him. And I'm not making this up. Look at verse 28. Therefore, since we receive...receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken. Since we're part of what's going to be left behind, let us show gratitude by which we may offer to God an acceptable service. That acceptable service includes changing our thoughts. Be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. So you may prove what the acceptable will of God is, that which is good, acceptable, and perfect, for this is your reasonable service. Serve God. [00:33:33] (44 seconds) #GratitudeForEveryBlessing

God just wants you to give him your best. Your best heart, your best focus, your best attention. Respect him, revere him. How do we respect him and revere him? Jesus said this, this is how we respect God, we obey him. Oh, by the way, he also said this is how you love God, you obey him. So respecting and revering God means loving God. Why? Because he's a consuming fire. [00:37:14] (35 seconds) #ServeWithYourBest

If you're here today and you say, I know I'm a follower of Jesus, I know that I've started that journey, but I also know that somewhere along the way, I gave up. Don't give up. Jesus is too good to give up on. And maybe God brought you here today because he knows that you're right on the edge and you're about to lead your life into total destruction and he loves you so much. He said, please don't do it. I'm the God who welcomes. Let's walk together. [00:44:23] (36 seconds) #RespectObeyLoveGod

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