God's Desire to Dwell: A Journey of Connection
Summary
The sermon explores the profound relationship between God and humanity, emphasizing the desire of God to dwell with His people. The speaker shares a personal testimony of their spiritual journey, which began with a lack of personal connection to God despite a religious upbringing. A pivotal moment occurred when they heard the gospel preached by a former criminal, leading to a deep conviction and commitment to the Lord. The speaker's narrative illustrates the transformative power of understanding God's covenant and sacrifice.
The creation of humans in God's image, with His breath, signifies the potential for a close relationship with Him, akin to that of a bride and husband. Despite the fall of Adam and Eve, God's desire to dwell with His people persisted. The speaker references Revelation 21:1, which envisions a future where God resides among His people.
Daily communication with God through the Holy Spirit is highlighted as essential. The speaker uses the example of Adam and Eve to show that God desires to guide us in our daily lives, regardless of our circumstances. The Torah is presented not as a set of rules but as a means to understand and communicate with God.
God's love for humanity is described as unconditional and absolute, with the sending of Jesus as the greatest act of love. Believers are promised eternal life through faith in Jesus. The concept of resurrection is discussed, with the speaker explaining that believers will be resurrected and live with Jesus, with the Holy Spirit writing God's word on their hearts.
The "Breath of God" within humans is identified as the soul, which creates a natural desire to return to God. Humans are uniquely built for a relationship with God and are set apart as holy. The speaker encourages the audience to communicate with God through their spirit connected to the Holy Spirit.
Understanding God's character and actions is crucial, with the Torah serving as an engagement ring that allows us to know Him better. Jesus is presented as the greatest gift to deal with sin and death. The speaker reaffirms their commitment to living for Christ and acknowledges the joy found in walking with God.
The Hebrew word "shakan," meaning to dwell, is introduced to explain God's unique creation of mankind with a soul. The speaker shares a personal anecdote to illustrate this concept. The Tabernacle is discussed as a holy place where God dwells among His people, with the cloud and fire representing His presence. The Tabernacle and the Torah symbolize the betrothal between God and His people.
Finally, the speaker compares God's love to that of a child waiting to spend time with a loved one, emphasizing that God's love is enduring and embraces us despite our flaws.
Key Takeaways:
- The personal connection with God is transformative, as evidenced by the speaker's testimony. The realization of God's commitment through His covenant and the sacrifice of His son can lead to a profound personal conviction and dedication to God's purpose. [02:30]
- God's original design for humanity included a close relationship with Him, and despite humanity's fall, His desire to dwell with us remains unchanged. This is a promise of hope and restoration, as depicted in the prophetic vision of Revelation 21:1. [19:40]
- Communication with God through the Holy Spirit is integral to our daily lives. The relationship between God and humanity is meant to be interactive and personal, transcending religious rituals and extending into every aspect of our existence. [35:18]
- The concept of resurrection is not just about life after death but about a restored relationship with God. The Holy Spirit's role in writing God's word on our hearts signifies an incorruptible and complete union with God. [31:53]
- Understanding God's character through the Torah and the life of Jesus is essential for developing a close relationship with Him. Obedience to God stems from love and a desire to reflect His image, not from obligation. This relationship is akin to a betrothal, where God commits to His people as a husband to a bride. [29:14]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Revelation 21:1-3 (NIV)
> Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.
2. Genesis 2:7 (NIV)
> Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.
3. Exodus 25:8 (NIV)
> Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them.
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Revelation 21:1-3 describe about the future relationship between God and humanity?
2. According to Genesis 2:7, how did God create humans differently from other creatures?
3. What was the purpose of the sanctuary mentioned in Exodus 25:8?
4. How did the speaker describe their initial encounter with the gospel and its impact on their life? [02:30]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the imagery of a bride and husband in Revelation 21:2-3 suggest about the nature of our relationship with God? [18:03]
2. How does understanding that God breathed life into humans (Genesis 2:7) affect our perception of our relationship with Him?
3. In what ways does the concept of God dwelling among His people (Exodus 25:8) reflect His desire for a close relationship with us?
4. How does the speaker’s personal testimony illustrate the transformative power of understanding God's covenant and sacrifice? [02:30]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the idea that God wants to dwell with you personally. How does this change your daily interactions with Him? [05:21]
2. The speaker mentioned that God’s love is like a parent’s love for their child, even when the child has been difficult. How can you remind yourself of this unconditional love in your daily life? [08:47]
3. How can you incorporate more intentional communication with God through the Holy Spirit in your daily routine? What specific steps can you take? [35:18]
4. The speaker described the Torah as an engagement ring, a gift to understand God better. How can you approach reading the Bible with this perspective in mind? [25:05]
5. Think about a time when you felt distant from God. What practical steps can you take to reconnect and strengthen your relationship with Him?
6. The concept of resurrection was discussed as a restored relationship with God. How does this understanding impact your view of eternal life and your current relationship with God? [29:14]
7. The speaker shared a personal story about their spiritual journey. Reflect on your own journey. What pivotal moments have shaped your faith, and how can you share these experiences with others? [02:30]
Devotional
Day 1: Transformation Through Divine Commitment
God's covenant and sacrifice invite a transformative relationship with Him. This personal connection redefines one's purpose and aligns it with divine intention, leading to a life lived for Christ and His glory. The realization of this commitment can profoundly change one's spiritual trajectory and daily living. [02:30]
2 Corinthians 5:17 - "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"
Reflection: How has understanding God's covenant and sacrifice changed your perspective on your daily life and purpose?
Day 2: God's Unchanging Desire to Dwell With Us
Despite humanity's fall, God's original design for a close relationship with us remains. This enduring desire is a beacon of hope, promising restoration and a future where God resides among His people, as envisioned in Revelation. [19:40]
Ephesians 1:9-10 - "He made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ."
Reflection: In what ways do you experience God's presence in your life, and how can you cultivate a deeper awareness of His desire to dwell with you?
Day 3: Interactive Relationship Through the Spirit
An interactive and personal relationship with God transcends religious rituals and permeates every aspect of our existence. Daily communication with the Holy Spirit is essential, guiding us and shaping our lives to reflect God's will. [35:18]
Romans 8:14 - "For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God."
Reflection: What are some practical steps you can take to ensure you are listening to and being guided by the Holy Spirit in your daily decisions?
Day 4: Resurrection and Relationship Restoration
The resurrection is not merely about life after death but signifies a restored relationship with God. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in this restoration, writing God's word on our hearts and ensuring an incorruptible union with Him. [31:53]
Colossians 3:1-3 - "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God."
Reflection: How does the hope of resurrection influence the way you live your life today, and how can you embody this restored relationship with God?
Day 5: Betrothal Through Understanding and Obedience
Understanding God's character through the Torah and the life of Jesus is foundational for a relationship with Him. This relationship is like a betrothal, where love and a desire to reflect His image inspire obedience, not obligation. [29:14]
Hosea 2:19-20 - "I will betroth you to me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in love and compassion. I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will acknowledge the Lord."
Reflection: How can you deepen your understanding of God's character, and what are some ways you can demonstrate your love for Him through obedience today?
Quotes
"When he had finished his message, and I had heard the gospel in a way I'd never really heard it before, that was a gospel of God's commitment, his Devotion to his Covenant that he was prepared to give his very best." [02:30] (Download)
"I remember saying to the Lord, 'Lord, if this is true that you were prepared to die on a cross for me, that's full commitment, don't you reckon, don't you agree? That's full commitment.'" [02:30] (Download)
"God the creator of the universe made you for a relationship with him. He gave you the Torah not to give you a set of rules but so that you can understand what your husband is like, so that you can live with him together and communicate with this beautiful person that so desires to walk with us." [35:18] (Download)
"When God created human beings, He didn't just speak us into existence; He breathed into us, imparting a part of Himself. This divine breath makes us unique in all creation, with a soul that reflects His image." [12:26] (Download)
"God wants to dwell with us; He's given you and me everything we need to be able to do so. Now, at this point, we were unable to come into the presence of God directly, but God still wants to be our best friend." [28:33] (Download)
"When his Holy Spirit and my spirit connect, we're now communicating with God on his level; we're having conversations with the Almighty." [15:57] (Download)
"God was walking in the garden, not just in the cool of the evening, but He was journeying with Adam and Eve by the spirit of the day, doing what God does with the only creature that's ever been created with part of Him in it, the breath." [31:53] (Download)
"Why on Earth would God give the most precious gift of his Torah to his bride and then tell her I want to destroy it? It's his betrothal, the Hebrew word is 'katubah,' it's his gift to his bride." [25:05] (Download)
"Because you've got my breath in you, and because you're the only creature in the whole universe that can relate to me, and because my spirit's within you, you need to know what my nature is like, my righteousness." [25:48] (Download)
"The Tabernacle of God is with men, the house of God; he wants to live with us, to dwell with us. We see this beautiful pattern of the Tabernacle is built around the pattern of the one in heaven." [22:27] (Download)
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