From Fear to Joy: Embracing God's Relational Nature
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, church. Today, we explored the relational nature of God, focusing on the contrast between the "mountain of fear" and the "mountain of joy" as depicted in Hebrews 12. We began by discussing the significance of Joshua stones as testaments to God's faithfulness. We then delved into the Old Testament's portrayal of God as directly relational with His people, despite His overwhelming holiness. This was illustrated through the imagery of Mount Sinai, where God's presence was so powerful that even Moses trembled with fear. This mountain, surrounded by God's holiness, was a place of awe and reverence, yet it was also a testament to God's proximity to His people.
We then transitioned to the New Testament, where the writer of Hebrews connects these Old Testament references to the new covenant mediated by Jesus. This new covenant transforms the "mountain of fear" into the "mountain of joy," where believers can approach God with confidence and joy. The presence of God remains the same, but our access to Him has changed through Jesus' sacrifice. This shift from fear to joy is a matter of perspective, emphasizing that God's plan has always been about the redemption and relational closeness of His creation.
We concluded by discussing practical steps to deepen our relationship with God: approaching His throne boldly, changing our posture in worship, and being a sent group of people who share this relational joy with the world. The essence of our worship and service to God is measured by the depth of our intimacy and reverence for Him. This reverence transforms our relationship with God from one of fear to one of joy, allowing us to live out our faith in a way that honors and glorifies Him.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Proximity and Holiness: The imagery of Mount Sinai illustrates God's overwhelming holiness and His proximity to His people. Despite the fear and reverence His presence commands, God chose to dwell near His people, demonstrating His desire for a relational connection. This proximity, despite the separation required by His holiness, reveals a deeper relational quality of God. [57:39]
2. Transformation Through Jesus: The shift from the "mountain of fear" to the "mountain of joy" is made possible through Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant. This new covenant allows us to approach God with confidence and joy, transforming our perspective of God's presence from one of fear to one of relational closeness. [01:00:54]
3. Reverence and Worship: True worship involves more than just outward expressions; it requires a heart of reverence and awe for God. This reverence is deeply felt and outwardly demonstrated, recognizing God's power and choosing His will over our own. Jesus exemplified this in the Garden of Gethsemane, submitting to God's will despite His suffering. [01:06:51]
4. Intimacy with Christ: Intimacy with Christ is about taking Him with us wherever we go, allowing Him into every aspect of our lives. This deep, personal relationship transforms our service to God from mundane tasks to acts of great honor and reverence. It is through this intimacy that we truly understand the depth of our relationship with God. [01:13:44]
5. Being a Sent People: Our relationship with Christ should overflow into our actions, leading us to share this relational joy with the world. We are called to be a sent group of people, making disciples of all nations and letting our actions honor and glorify God. This mission is rooted in the unshakable kingdom of God, which is built on relational foundations. [01:16:54]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[49:05] - Introduction to Joshua Stones
[49:50] - Series Overview: The God of the Old Testament
[50:19] - Characteristics of God: Relational, Sovereign, Jealous
[50:42] - Prayer and Introduction to Hebrews 12
[51:15] - Old Testament vs. New Testament Relationality
[51:41] - Background of Hebrews
[52:41] - Reading Hebrews 12:18-24
[54:17] - The Mountain of Fear: Mount Sinai
[55:50] - The Paradox of God's Holiness
[57:39] - God's Proximity to His People
[59:21] - The Mountain of Joy: Mount Zion
[01:00:54] - Jesus as the Mediator of a New Covenant
[01:02:26] - God's Plan for Redemption
[01:03:59] - The Unshakable Kingdom of God
[01:06:51] - Reverence and Worship
[01:10:04] - Approaching God's Throne Boldly
[01:11:55] - Changing Your Posture in Worship
[01:13:44] - Intimacy with Christ
[01:16:54] - Being a Sent People
[01:18:49] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Hebrews 12:18-24 (NIV)
> "You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm; to a trumpet blast or to such a voice speaking words that those who heard it begged that no further word be spoken to them, because they could not bear what was commanded: 'If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.' The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, 'I am trembling with fear.' But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel."
### Observation Questions
1. What are the two mountains mentioned in Hebrews 12:18-24, and how are they described differently?
2. According to the sermon, what does the "mountain of fear" represent, and how is it connected to the Old Testament? [54:17]
3. How does the "mountain of joy" differ in its representation from the "mountain of fear," and what does it signify for believers? [59:21]
4. What role does Jesus play in transforming the "mountain of fear" into the "mountain of joy"? [01:00:54]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the imagery of Mount Sinai in Hebrews 12:18-21 illustrate God's holiness and proximity to His people? [55:50]
2. In what ways does the new covenant mediated by Jesus change our perspective of God's presence from one of fear to one of joy? [01:00:54]
3. What does it mean to approach God's throne boldly, and how does this reflect our relationship with Him under the new covenant? [01:08:35]
4. How does the concept of reverence and awe in worship, as discussed in the sermon, deepen our intimacy with God? [01:06:51]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. How can the understanding of God's proximity and holiness, as illustrated by Mount Sinai, change your perspective on that experience? [55:50]
2. How can you practically approach God's throne boldly in your daily life? What steps can you take to cultivate a prayerful mindset beyond Sunday mornings? [01:08:35]
3. In what ways can you change your posture in worship to ensure it is not just an outward expression but a heartfelt act of reverence and awe? [01:11:55]
4. Think about your current relationship with Christ. How can you invite Him into every aspect of your life to deepen your intimacy with Him? [01:13:44]
5. How can you share the relational joy you have with Christ with others in your community? Identify one person you can reach out to this week. [01:16:54]
6. What specific actions can you take to ensure your worship and service to God are rooted in reverence and honor? [01:06:51]
7. Reflect on the idea of being a sent group of people. How can you actively participate in making disciples and sharing the unshakable kingdom of God with others? [01:16:54]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Proximity and Holiness
God's overwhelming holiness is balanced by His desire to be near His people. The imagery of Mount Sinai in the Old Testament illustrates this paradox. Despite the fear and reverence His presence commands, God chose to dwell near His people, demonstrating His desire for a relational connection. This proximity, despite the separation required by His holiness, reveals a deeper relational quality of God. The mountain of fear, Mount Sinai, was a place of awe and reverence, yet it was also a testament to God's proximity to His people.
In the New Testament, this relational nature of God is further emphasized through Jesus, who bridges the gap between God's holiness and humanity's sinfulness. Through Jesus, we can approach God with confidence and joy, transforming our perspective of God's presence from one of fear to one of relational closeness. This shift from fear to joy is a matter of perspective, emphasizing that God's plan has always been about the redemption and relational closeness of His creation. [57:39]
Hebrews 12:18-21 (ESV): "For you have not come to what may be touched, a blazing fire and darkness and gloom and a tempest and the sound of a trumpet and a voice whose words made the hearers beg that no further messages be spoken to them. For they could not endure the order that was given, 'If even a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned.' Indeed, so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, 'I tremble with fear.'"
Reflection: Think about a time when you felt distant from God. How can you invite His presence into that area of your life today, acknowledging both His holiness and His desire to be near you?
Day 2: Transformation Through Jesus
The shift from the "mountain of fear" to the "mountain of joy" is made possible through Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant. This new covenant allows us to approach God with confidence and joy, transforming our perspective of God's presence from one of fear to one of relational closeness. The presence of God remains the same, but our access to Him has changed through Jesus' sacrifice. This transformation is not just a change in how we view God, but a fundamental shift in our relationship with Him.
Through Jesus, we are no longer bound by the fear that characterized the old covenant. Instead, we are invited into a relationship marked by joy and confidence. This new covenant is a testament to God's unchanging desire for a close relationship with His creation, a relationship that is now fully realized through Jesus. [01:00:54]
Hebrews 12:22-24 (ESV): "But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and to the assembly 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 that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel."
Reflection: Reflect on how Jesus' sacrifice has transformed your relationship with God. How can you live out this transformation in your daily life, approaching God with confidence and joy?
Day 3: Reverence and Worship
True worship involves more than just outward expressions; it requires a heart of reverence and awe for God. This reverence is deeply felt and outwardly demonstrated, recognizing God's power and choosing His will over our own. Jesus exemplified this in the Garden of Gethsemane, submitting to God's will despite His suffering. Our worship should mirror this attitude, prioritizing God's will and acknowledging His sovereignty in our lives.
Reverence in worship is not about fear, but about a deep respect and awe for who God is. It transforms our relationship with God from one of fear to one of joy, allowing us to live out our faith in a way that honors and glorifies Him. This reverence is the foundation of true worship, guiding our actions and attitudes as we seek to honor God in all that we do. [01:06:51]
Hebrews 12:28-29 (ESV): "Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire."
Reflection: Consider your current posture in worship. How can you cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and awe for God in your daily worship practices?
Day 4: Intimacy with Christ
Intimacy with Christ is about taking Him with us wherever we go, allowing Him into every aspect of our lives. This deep, personal relationship transforms our service to God from mundane tasks to acts of great honor and reverence. It is through this intimacy that we truly understand the depth of our relationship with God. Jesus desires to be a part of every moment of our lives, guiding us and transforming us through His presence.
This intimacy is not just about spending time with Jesus, but about integrating Him into every part of our lives. It means seeking His guidance in our decisions, relying on His strength in our struggles, and celebrating His presence in our joys. This deep, personal relationship with Christ is the foundation of our faith, transforming our service to God and allowing us to live out our faith in a way that honors Him. [01:13:44]
John 15:4-5 (ESV): "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."
Reflection: Reflect on how you can invite Jesus into every aspect of your life. What specific steps can you take to deepen your intimacy with Christ today?
Day 5: Being a Sent People
Our relationship with Christ should overflow into our actions, leading us to share this relational joy with the world. We are called to be a sent group of people, making disciples of all nations and letting our actions honor and glorify God. This mission is rooted in the unshakable kingdom of God, which is built on relational foundations. As we grow in our relationship with Christ, we are called to share this joy and transformation with others.
Being a sent people means living out our faith in a way that impacts those around us. It means being intentional about sharing the love and joy of Christ with others, both through our words and our actions. This mission is not just about evangelism, but about living a life that reflects the relational nature of God, inviting others into the same joy and transformation that we have experienced. [01:16:54]
Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV): "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Reflection: Think about how your relationship with Christ can impact those around you. What specific actions can you take to share the relational joy of Christ with others today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "God's plan all along was for the redemption of his creation. It was not meant to be a mountain of fear. It was meant to be a mountain of joy. And all along he was working toward this greater purpose to fulfill this, that we could have perfect relationship with God himself. That's amazing." [01:02:26] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The kingdom of God is about relationship. The kingdom of God is about our relationship with God himself. The vertical. The horizontal relationship. But it's also about the horizontal relationship between us as believers. That is the kingdom of God. It is a relational kingdom." [01:05:15] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "God is promising that all things will be shaken. The heavens and the earth, all created things will be shaken. So, imagine this. Imagine we have this table here. We have a nice tablecloth over it. It's set for a nice fancy dinner. We have glassware and silverware and plates and cups. And you might have seen this in videos where people try to pull out the tablecloth and let everything remain on the top. But imagine I pull out the tablecloth as hard as I can and I shake it. What's going to be left on the table? Nothing." [01:04:00] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The lasting worth of our service to God is measured by the depth of intimacy of our private fellowship and oneness with him. Is there depth and intimacy in your relationship with Christ?" [01:13:44] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Your reverence will transform this relationship from something that seems mundane, that's something that doesn't leave this building into this great honor, knowing that you have a relationship with the creator of all things." [01:15:26] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The mountain where he chose to dwell was near to his people. In Deuteronomy 31 6, it's a verse that many of us are familiar with, even if you don't know the number. God says this about his people. He says, the Lord your God goes with you, he will never leave you nor forsake you. The Lord your God goes with you, he will never leave you nor forsake you." [57:39] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus's flesh was the veil that was torn so that we could enter into the most holy place. Think of the tabernacle, the most holy place. Jesus's flesh was like the veil that was torn so that we could enter into it, that there needed to be no gap of separation between us and God any longer." [01:02:26] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The mountain of fear and the mountain of joy. So if we come back to look at this, we're going to see that the contrast broadly, it might seem a little confusing at this point, but if we come to look at it broadly, I really feel like we see that in this story, the way we view the mountain, the way that we we see what we're walking up to as a mountain of fear, a mountain of joy, is about our perspective." [01:01:00] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The kingdom of God is not a building. The kingdom of God is not a geographic location. It's not a mountain. The kingdom of God is about relationship. The kingdom of God is about our relationship with God himself. The vertical. The horizontal relationship. But it's also about the horizontal relationship between us as believers. That is the kingdom of God. It is a relational kingdom." [01:05:15] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The lasting worth of our service to God is measured by the depth of intimacy of our private fellowship and oneness with him. Is there depth and intimacy in your relationship with Christ?" [01:13:44] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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