Living a Life of Daily Worship and Glory
Summary
In today's gathering, I emphasized the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty and giving Him the glory in all aspects of our lives. I began by addressing the casual approach many of us take towards worship, often treating it as a secondary aspect of our church experience. However, I stressed that worship is not confined to a Sunday service; it is a daily act of acknowledging God's reign over our lives and the universe. I confessed to having been a "glory robber," taking credit for God's work in my life, and I urged us all to redirect the glory back to God, as He is the creator of all things, including the blessings we enjoy.
I reflected on the mundane moments, like eating on the run, where we often fail to give God a moment of gratitude. I encouraged us to do everything for the glory of God, as instructed by the Apostle Paul. This week, as we leave, we should carry the consciousness of God's sovereignty with us, giving Him glory in every action.
I shared the story of Elijah and his servant, illustrating how a change in perspective can reveal God's power at work around us. This story parallels the experience of John in Revelation, who was given a glimpse into the heavenly realm. I expressed my longing to hear Jesus say, "Come up here," inviting us into His presence.
I also shared a personal testimony of answered prayer through my grandson Oliver's health, demonstrating the power of our collective prayers and God's faithfulness.
The core of my message was drawn from Revelation chapter 4, where the throne of God is mentioned eleven times, signifying its central theme. I described the vision of the throne room, with its Jasper and Ruby appearance, the 24 elders representing the church, and the four living creatures that symbolize various aspects of God's nature. The creatures' continuous proclamation of God's holiness reminds us of the most important attribute of God.
I concluded by inviting anyone who has not yet accepted Christ to do so, ensuring their place in the throne room of God. For those of us who have been taking glory for ourselves, I prayed for a heart change to give all glory back to God.
Key Takeaways:
- Worship is not an activity limited to a church setting; it is a daily recognition of God's sovereignty and worthiness. We must cultivate a lifestyle of worship, acknowledging God's creative power and authority over every aspect of our lives, from the moment we wake until we lay down to rest. [01:23:30]
- Confessing our tendency to be "glory robbers" is the first step towards redirecting praise to its rightful recipient. We must examine our hearts and actions to ensure that we are not subtly taking credit for what God has done. This requires humility and a constant awareness of God's hand in our successes and blessings. [01:24:49]
- The story of Elijah and his servant teaches us the importance of spiritual perspective. We should pray for God to open our eyes to His workings around us, which often go unnoticed. This perspective shift can transform fear into confidence as we recognize the heavenly support we have in our battles. [01:01:14]
- The throne room vision in Revelation chapter 4 serves as a powerful reminder of God's majesty and the ultimate destiny of believers. The imagery of the throne, the elders, and the living creatures all point to the centrality of worship and the acknowledgment of God's holiness and authority. [54:57]
- The holiness of God is the only attribute repeated thrice consecutively in Scripture, emphasizing its significance. Understanding God's holiness as His utter uniqueness and incomparability can deepen our reverence and awe, driving us to worship Him with greater intensity and sincerity. [01:19:08]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Revelation 4:1-11 - The vision of the throne room of God.
2. 2 Kings 6:15-17 - The story of Elijah and his servant seeing the heavenly army.
3. 1 Corinthians 10:31 - "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."
#### Observation Questions
1. What is the central theme of Revelation chapter 4, and how many times is the word "throne" mentioned in this chapter? ([56:38])
2. In the story of Elijah and his servant, what did Elijah pray for his servant to see, and what was revealed? ([01:01:14])
3. According to the sermon, what does the continuous proclamation of "Holy, holy, holy" by the four living creatures signify about God's nature? ([01:19:08])
4. How did the pastor describe his personal experience of being a "glory robber"? ([01:24:49])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the vision of the throne room in Revelation 4 teach us about God's sovereignty and majesty? How does this vision impact our understanding of worship? ([57:02])
2. How does the story of Elijah and his servant in 2 Kings 6:15-17 illustrate the importance of spiritual perspective in recognizing God's presence and power in our lives? ([01:01:14])
3. Why is the attribute of God's holiness emphasized by being repeated three times in Revelation 4:8? What does this repetition tell us about the significance of God's holiness? ([01:19:08])
4. Reflecting on 1 Corinthians 10:31, how can we practically give glory to God in our everyday actions, even in mundane tasks like eating and drinking? ([01:24:22])
#### Application Questions
1. The pastor mentioned that worship is not just a Sunday activity but a daily recognition of God's sovereignty. How can you incorporate worship into your daily routine? ([01:23:30])
2. Have you ever found yourself taking credit for something that was actually God's work in your life? How can you consciously redirect the glory back to God in such situations? ([01:24:49])
3. The story of Elijah and his servant shows the power of a changed perspective. Can you recall a time when a shift in perspective helped you see God's hand in a challenging situation? How can you pray for such perspective shifts in your current struggles? ([01:01:14])
4. The vision of the throne room in Revelation 4 is filled with imagery that points to God's majesty and authority. How does this vision inspire you to approach God in worship and prayer? ([57:02])
5. The pastor shared a personal testimony about his grandson Oliver's health and the power of collective prayer. How has prayer impacted your life or the lives of those around you? ([34:45])
6. Reflecting on the holiness of God, what steps can you take to deepen your reverence and awe for God in your daily life? ([01:19:08])
7. The pastor confessed to being a "glory robber." In what areas of your life do you need to practice humility and give credit to God? How can you make this a habit? ([01:24:49])
This guide is designed to help your small group delve deeper into the themes of God's sovereignty, worship, and giving glory to God in all aspects of life. Use these questions to foster meaningful discussion and personal reflection.
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace Daily Worship as a Lifestyle
Worship is often confined to the walls of a church, but it is meant to be a continuous expression of reverence and adoration for God's sovereignty. It is a lifestyle that recognizes God's authority and worthiness in every moment of life. From the moment one wakes up to the moment one rests, acknowledging God's creative power and presence is essential. This act of worship is not just about singing praises; it involves every decision, action, and thought, aligning them with the acknowledgment of God's reign over the universe and one's personal life. It is a conscious choice to live in a way that honors God, making every task, no matter how small, an offering to Him. [01:23:30]
1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV)
"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."
Reflection: How can you transform a routine activity into an act of worship today?
Day 2: Redirecting Glory to the Rightful Owner
The human heart often swells with pride, taking credit for successes and blessings that are not of our own doing. This tendency to be "glory robbers" can be subtle, manifesting in the way one speaks of personal achievements or responds to compliments. It is crucial to examine one's heart and actions, ensuring that God is receiving the glory for the work He has done. This requires a posture of humility and a constant awareness of God's hand in every good thing that comes into one's life. By redirecting the glory back to God, one acknowledges His supreme role as the creator and sustainer of all things. [01:24:49]
Daniel 2:20-21 (ESV)
"Daniel answered and said: 'Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.'"
Reflection: In what recent situation could you have given God more glory, and how can you do so moving forward?
Day 3: Seeking Spiritual Perspective
The story of Elijah and his servant is a powerful example of the importance of spiritual perspective. It is easy to become consumed by the physical realm and overlook the spiritual forces at work. Praying for God to open one's eyes to His workings can shift one's perspective from fear to confidence. Recognizing the heavenly support in life's battles can transform the way one faces challenges, knowing that God's power is always at work, even when it is not immediately visible. This change in perspective can lead to a deeper trust in God's sovereignty and a greater peace in the midst of turmoil. [01:01:14]
2 Kings 6:17 (ESV)
"Then Elisha prayed and said, 'O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.' So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha."
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you need to ask God to help you see His presence and power at work?
Day 4: The Majesty of God's Throne Room
The vision of God's throne room in Revelation chapter 4 is a vivid reminder of God's majesty and the ultimate destiny of believers. The imagery of the throne, the elders, and the living creatures all point to the centrality of worship and the acknowledgment of God's holiness and authority. This vision serves as a powerful inspiration for believers to live in a way that is worthy of the calling to be part of God's eternal kingdom. It is a call to set one's sights on the heavenly reality and to live with a sense of purpose and reverence for the One who sits on the throne. [54:57]
Revelation 4:8 (ESV)
"And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say, 'Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!'"
Reflection: How does the vision of God's throne room influence your understanding of worship and your daily walk with God?
Day 5: Understanding and Revering God's Holiness
The holiness of God is a unique attribute, emphasized in Scripture by its thrice-repeated proclamation. It speaks of God's utter uniqueness and incomparability. Understanding this aspect of God's nature can deepen one's reverence and awe, driving a more intense and sincere worship. It is a call to recognize God's otherness and to respond in worship that is reflective of His perfect purity and power. This understanding should permeate every aspect of a believer's life, inspiring a worshipful heart that seeks to honor God in all things. [01:19:08]
Isaiah 57:15 (ESV)
"For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: 'I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite.'"
Reflection: What does God's holiness mean to you, and how can it shape the way you approach Him in prayer and worship?
Quotes
1) "And so here's Jesus giving us this invitation. He's not forcing himself on us, he's just saying here I am. Here I am, I'm here for you. I'm here, you want me? Open that door, let me come in. Let me be part of your relationship." [43:39]
2) "Because I have to confess to you, I've been a glory robber. I've been a glory robber. The glory goes to God. And I've given myself glory. I've been a glory robber. I've robbed God of his glory. And I want us today to stop being glory robbers." [01:24:49]
3) "Calm down. And he prays. He's calm. And he prays. And he says, Lord, open his eyes so he can see what I see. Open up his eyes. And God grants that prayer. And the servant's eyes are opened up. And he sees the whole host of heaven surrounding the Armenian army." [01:01:14]
4) "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty who was and is and is to come. Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives forever and ever, the 24 elders fall down before him who sits on the throne." [01:19:08]
5) "And so let's continue on. And at once I was in the spirit and there before me was a throne at once. It happened. In fact, it says in scripture that when the rapture does take place, it's going to be in the twinkling of an eye. Everybody blink your eye." [01:04:40]
6) "And then we go on, and surrounding the throne were 24 other thrones, and seated on them were 24 elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads. Now, I researched through the preparing of this sermon, and I researched and found there's a lot of people who didn't have a theory on what those 24 elders are." [01:10:24]
7) "The throne, right? Well, here I'm going to give you what Revelation chapter 4 is about. God is on the throne. And he is worthy of worship. So now you see what I was talking about? Because I know some of you, you're going, oh, who were those creatures?" [57:42]
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