Humility and Glory: The Cost of Disobedience
Summary
In our gathering today, we explored the profound truth that God inhabits the praises of His people, creating an atmosphere where His presence can dwell. This is not merely about singing songs we enjoy, but about crafting a space where God feels welcome. We delved into the story of Moses from Deuteronomy, where despite his close relationship with God, he was denied entry into the Promised Land due to disobedience and taking God's glory for himself. This narrative serves as a powerful reminder that the blessings of God are contingent upon our obedience and humility.
Moses' story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and the importance of giving God the glory in all things. Even though Moses performed great miracles and led the Israelites out of Egypt, his moment of disobedience and self-glorification cost him dearly. This teaches us that no matter how much God uses us, we must always remember that it is His power and glory at work, not ours.
We also discussed the concept of glory in the New Testament, particularly in 2 Corinthians, where Paul speaks of the glory of God being more radiant in the ministry of the Spirit than in the ministry of the law. This glory transforms us from the inside out, changing us from glory to glory. It is a reminder that our sufficiency is from God, and any power or authority we have is a result of His presence in our lives.
The sermon concluded with a call to humility and a reminder that God uses us despite our weaknesses. We must be careful not to take credit for what God does through us, as this can lead to spiritual downfall. Instead, we should seek to be vessels through which God's glory can shine, always giving Him the praise and honor He deserves.
Key Takeaways:
1. Creating an Atmosphere for God: Our worship is not about entertainment but about creating a space where God feels welcome. When we praise Him, we invite His presence into our midst, allowing His Spirit to move and work among us. This is a sacred responsibility that requires sincerity and devotion. [01:21:09]
2. The Cost of Disobedience: Moses' story illustrates that disobedience and taking God's glory can have severe consequences. Despite his close relationship with God, Moses was denied entry into the Promised Land because he failed to honor God in the eyes of the people. This serves as a warning to us to remain humble and obedient. [01:34:35]
3. The Greater Glory of the Spirit: The New Testament ministry of the Spirit is more glorious than the Old Testament law. This glory transforms us, changing us from glory to glory, and is a testament to the power of God working within us. Our sufficiency comes from Him, and we must always acknowledge that. [01:45:11]
4. Humility in God's Service: God uses us despite our weaknesses, and we must be careful not to take credit for His work. The glory belongs to God, and we must always give Him the praise and honor He deserves. This humility is essential to being used effectively by God. [01:54:46]
5. The Paradox of Power and Weakness: While we may desire power and authority, true spiritual power comes from being broken and humble before God. Paul understood that God's strength is made perfect in our weakness, and we must be willing to die to ourselves so that Christ can be manifest through us. [02:01:18]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:21:09] - Moses' Plea and God's Denial
- [01:23:37] - The Importance of Obedience
- [01:25:08] - Moses' Mistake and Its Consequences
- [01:29:03] - The Miracle of Water from the Rock
- [01:31:27] - The Danger of Anger and Pride
- [01:34:35] - Stealing God's Glory
- [01:36:30] - The Leader's Higher Standard
- [01:37:26] - The Seriousness of Taking God's Glory
- [01:39:03] - The Desire for Power
- [01:40:13] - The Greater Glory of the Spirit
- [01:45:11] - Transformation from Glory to Glory
- [01:54:46] - Humility in God's Service
- [02:01:18] - The Paradox of Power and Weakness
- [02:15:03] - A Call to Give God the Glory
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Deuteronomy 3:23-28
2. 2 Corinthians 3:4-18
3. Numbers 20:7-12
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Observation Questions:
1. In Deuteronomy 3:23-28, what was Moses' request to God, and how did God respond to him? What does this tell us about the consequences of Moses' actions? [01:23:37]
2. According to Numbers 20:7-12, what specific instructions did God give Moses regarding the rock, and how did Moses' actions differ from those instructions? [01:32:28]
3. In 2 Corinthians 3:4-18, how does Paul describe the difference between the ministry of the law and the ministry of the Spirit? What does he say about the glory associated with each? [01:45:11]
4. How does the sermon describe the atmosphere that worship creates for God's presence? What is the significance of this atmosphere according to the pastor? [01:21:09]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does Moses' story in Deuteronomy 3:23-28 teach about the importance of obedience and humility in our relationship with God? How does this relate to the pastor's emphasis on giving God the glory? [01:34:35]
2. How does the pastor explain the concept of "stealing God's glory" in the context of Moses' actions in Numbers 20:7-12? What are the implications of this for leaders and believers today? [01:37:26]
3. In 2 Corinthians 3:4-18, Paul speaks of being transformed "from glory to glory." How does the pastor interpret this transformation, and what role does the Spirit play in it? [01:49:17]
4. The sermon discusses the paradox of power and weakness. How does the pastor relate this to Paul's experience and the idea of God's strength being made perfect in weakness? [02:01:18]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your personal worship practices. How can you create an atmosphere where God feels welcome, as discussed in the sermon? What changes might you need to make in your approach to worship? [01:21:09]
2. Consider a time when you may have taken credit for something that was God's doing. How can you ensure that you give God the glory in your daily life and interactions? [01:54:46]
3. Moses' story is a cautionary tale about pride and disobedience. How can you guard against these pitfalls in your own spiritual journey? What practical steps can you take to remain humble and obedient? [01:34:35]
4. The pastor emphasized the greater glory of the Spirit compared to the law. How can you seek to experience and reflect this glory in your life? What role does the Holy Spirit play in this transformation? [01:45:11]
5. The sermon highlighted the importance of humility in God's service. How can you cultivate a humble heart while serving others? Are there specific areas in your life where you struggle with pride? [01:54:46]
6. The pastor spoke about the paradox of power and weakness. How can you embrace your weaknesses as opportunities for God's strength to be revealed? What does this look like in your current circumstances? [02:01:18]
7. Reflect on the pastor's call to be vessels through which God's glory can shine. How can you position yourself to be used by God despite your weaknesses? What steps can you take to ensure that God receives all the glory? [02:04:31]
Devotional
Day 1: Crafting a Sacred Space for God's Presence
Creating an atmosphere for God is not about entertainment or personal enjoyment; it is about crafting a sacred space where God feels welcome. When we engage in sincere worship, we invite His presence into our midst, allowing His Spirit to move and work among us. This requires a heart of devotion and sincerity, as we seek to honor God with our praises. Worship is a sacred responsibility, and it is through our genuine praise that we create an environment where God can dwell. [01:21:09]
Psalm 22:3 (ESV): "Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel."
Reflection: How can you intentionally create a space in your daily life where God feels welcome and His presence can dwell?
Day 2: The Consequences of Disobedience and Pride
Moses' story is a powerful reminder of the cost of disobedience and taking God's glory for oneself. Despite his close relationship with God and the miracles he performed, Moses was denied entry into the Promised Land because he failed to honor God in the eyes of the people. This narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and the importance of humility. We must remain obedient and humble, recognizing that any success or achievement is due to God's power and not our own. [01:34:35]
Deuteronomy 32:51-52 (ESV): "Because you broke faith with me in the midst of the people of Israel at the waters of Meribah-Kadesh, in the wilderness of Zin, and because you did not treat me as holy in the midst of the people of Israel, for you shall see the land before you, but you shall not go there, into the land that I am giving to the people of Israel."
Reflection: In what areas of your life might you be tempted to take credit for what God has done, and how can you redirect that glory back to Him today?
Day 3: Embracing the Greater Glory of the Spirit
The New Testament reveals that the ministry of the Spirit is more glorious than the ministry of the law. This glory transforms us from the inside out, changing us from glory to glory. It is a testament to the power of God working within us, reminding us that our sufficiency comes from Him. As we embrace the Spirit's work in our lives, we are continually transformed and empowered to live out our faith with authenticity and grace. [01:45:11]
2 Corinthians 3:7-8 (ESV): "Now if the ministry of death, carved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at Moses' face because of its glory, which was being brought to an end, will not the ministry of the Spirit have even more glory?"
Reflection: How can you open yourself more fully to the transforming work of the Spirit in your life today?
Day 4: Humility as a Vessel for God's Glory
God uses us despite our weaknesses, and it is crucial that we do not take credit for His work. The glory belongs to God, and we must always give Him the praise and honor He deserves. Humility is essential to being used effectively by God, as it allows us to be vessels through which His glory can shine. By acknowledging our dependence on God, we position ourselves to be instruments of His grace and love in the world. [01:54:46]
1 Peter 5:6 (ESV): "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you."
Reflection: What steps can you take to ensure that you remain humble and give God the glory in all areas of your life?
Day 5: The Paradox of Power and Weakness
True spiritual power comes from being broken and humble before God. While we may desire power and authority, it is in our weakness that God's strength is made perfect. Paul understood this paradox, recognizing that we must be willing to die to ourselves so that Christ can be manifest through us. By embracing our weaknesses, we allow God's power to work through us, transforming us into vessels of His love and grace. [02:01:18]
2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
Reflection: In what ways can you embrace your weaknesses today, allowing God's strength to be made perfect in you?
Quotes
1. "The blessings of God are contingent upon obedience. Moses, you're not going to get the promised land. Moses, you disobeyed me. It's worse than that. Moses, you stole my glory. You were to glorify me and you glorified yourself. You were to make me look great, and all you did was make you look great. You were to make me look powerful and all you did was try to show your power. You stole my glory. You took my glory. Amen. And so you're not going in the promised land." ([01:34:35] (61 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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2. "It's a serious matter to take the glory that only belongs to the Lord. Amen. It cost Lucifer everything when he did it. And it'll cost us. It'll cost us when we do it. It cost Moses a promised land. It's serious. Now, now that I got everybody scared to I want to take our attention." ([01:40:52] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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3. "And we have such trust through Christ toward God, not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being of ourselves for our sufficiency is of God. It's so important to realize that though we can do all things, we only can do them through Christ. And that our sufficiency, our completeness is of God. God makes us." ([01:41:37] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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4. "The glory of God is in this earthen vessel. Think about that. Hallelujah. We have this treasure in an earthen vessel, in clay, in dirt, an earthen vessel. Amen. Amen. That the excellency of the power. The excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. You know what? God's in me. Yeah, he is. He is. And you, God's in you." ([01:54:35] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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5. "We can't go around thinking, oh, I'm special, I'm great, I know so much, God's shown me so much, I'm better than other people. No, you're not. The excellency of the glory is of God and not of us and it's to God be the glory. Moses lost it all because he took God's glory." ([01:55:19] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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6. "I'm telling you, God built this church. God saved you. God brought you in here. God raised all this up for his glory. For his glory. For his glory. He saved all of us for his glory. God gave us this building. That he might be glorified. And it's so important that we do that." ([01:56:29] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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7. "And so look what Paul does this is this is so amazing he says we got this treasure the glory of god in an earthen vessel that the action of the power may be a god not us we are we're hard pressed on every side every direction pressure's hitting us oh everything's going wrong we're pressed in where it's closing in on us on every side isn't that interesting yet not crushed walls are closed in on me but it won't crush me we're perplexed we're confused we absolutely don't know what's going on life around us is crushing us it's confusing i'm perplexed i don't know how to deal with all these problems that i'm facing but i'm not destroyed amen or rather i'm not in despair persecuted people attack us now how did he go from all this glory to this this is the only way we can handle the glory it's not until the natural man is broken that a spiritual man can reign in christ" ([01:58:12] (82 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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8. "For that glory to shine, I've got to be broken. You know, Paul had a problem with this. Paul kind of was like Moses too. He besought the Lord thrice that this thing, this thorn in the flesh might depart from him. Three times, and God told him, shut up too. God said, no, sorry. My grace is sufficient for you, hear it, for my strength, my glory, my might, my power is made perfect in human weakness." ([02:00:22] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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9. "I want you to know, with any gift, any blessing, any authority, any ministry, any way God uses us, it will mess you up if the man is not broken. Paul said, I die daily. Look how mightily, look at the books in your Bible, folks. Paul wrote. Thirteen of those. And the revelations in them are mind-boggling." ([02:01:55] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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10. "And so here we are in the paradox of humanity. I'm a spiritual man. I'm a man. They glory of God is in me, but I got this body. The 70 plus year old body a 70 plus year old body that is my biggest problem. And I gotta keep it in line." ([02:07:31] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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