Living in Awareness of God's Kingdom Presence

 

Summary

In our journey through life, we often forget the profound reality that surrounds us—the presence of God. The heavens, as described in the Bible, are not just distant realms but are filled with God's presence, always open to those who seek to see. This evening, we explored the concept of living before open heavens, a life where we are constantly aware of God's presence and His kingdom. This awareness is not just a mystical experience but a practical reality that influences our daily choices and actions.

The kingdom of God is not manifest in its overwhelming reality because it would be too much for us to handle. Instead, God gives us the freedom to choose, to seek Him or to ignore Him. This choice is a daily one, affecting how we live, work, and interact with others. Our spiritual reality is often hidden, much like how we hide behind our physical bodies. Yet, God invites us to see beyond the physical, to understand the spiritual reality that is always present.

Fasting is a practice that helps us connect with this spiritual reality. It teaches us to rely on God's sustenance rather than physical food, illustrating the kingdom of God as the basis for death to self. Fasting is not about deprivation but about learning to be content and strong when we don't get what we want. It is a discipline that helps us overcome the self-will that demands its own way.

The true drama of life is found in the kingdom of God, not in the fleeting thrills of the world. Our souls hunger for holiness, righteousness, and goodness, and when we don't find these, we often settle for substitutes. But the real meaning of death to self is life in Christ, stepping into the dramatic life of God. This is where we find true fulfillment and purpose.

Ultimately, the life of God is what's truly happening in the universe. He is bringing forth a redeemed people, and we are invited to be part of this grand narrative. Death to self is not a loss but the greatest bargain, as it leads us to life in God's kingdom.

Key Takeaways:

1. Living Before Open Heavens: The concept of open heavens invites us to live with an awareness of God's constant presence. This awareness transforms our daily choices, encouraging us to seek God in all aspects of life. It is a reminder that the spiritual reality is always present, even when hidden from our physical eyes. [01:38]

2. The Freedom of Choice: God gives us the freedom to choose Him or ignore Him, a choice that impacts every aspect of our lives. This freedom is a gift, allowing us to decide how we will live each day, whether in alignment with God's kingdom or in pursuit of our own desires. [03:10]

3. Fasting as Spiritual Sustenance: Fasting is a practice that teaches us to rely on God's sustenance rather than physical food. It is a discipline that helps us overcome self-will and learn to be content and strong when we don't get what we want. [06:49]

4. The Drama of God's Kingdom: Our souls hunger for drama, and the true drama is found in the kingdom of God. This eternal struggle of good and evil invites us to be part of something greater than ourselves, offering fulfillment and purpose beyond worldly substitutes. [15:24]

5. Death to Self as Life in Christ: The real meaning of death to self is life in Christ. It is not about deprivation but about stepping into the dramatic life of God, where true fulfillment and purpose are found. This is the greatest bargain, leading us to life in God's kingdom. [16:14]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:29] - The Reality of Open Heavens
- [01:02] - Visions of God
- [01:38] - Seeing the Unseen
- [02:22] - God's Presence in Our Lives
- [03:10] - The Freedom to Choose
- [04:16] - The Hidden Spiritual Reality
- [06:04] - Understanding Fasting
- [06:49] - Spiritual Sustenance Through Fasting
- [08:19] - The Joy of Fasting
- [10:11] - Fasting and Death to Self
- [12:05] - Reflective Will and God's Kingdom
- [13:13] - The Drama of Life in God
- [15:24] - The Hunger for Drama
- [16:14] - Life in Christ Through Death to Self
- [19:22] - The Life of God in the Universe
- [21:29] - The Greatest Bargain

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Ezekiel 1:1 - "In the thirtieth year, in the fourth month on the fifth day, while I was among the exiles by the Kebar River, the heavens were opened and I saw visions of God."
2. Matthew 6:16-18 - "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."
3. John 4:34 - "My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work."

Observation Questions:
1. What does Ezekiel see when the heavens are opened, and how does this relate to the concept of "open heavens" discussed in the sermon? [01:38]
2. How does the sermon describe the purpose of fasting, and what biblical example is given to illustrate this practice? [06:49]
3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of Jesus' statement about having "meat to eat" that others do not know about? [08:59]
4. What are some of the substitutes people settle for when they do not find fulfillment in the kingdom of God, as mentioned in the sermon? [15:24]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of "open heavens" challenge the way individuals perceive God's presence in their daily lives? [01:38]
2. In what ways does fasting serve as a discipline to overcome self-will, and how does this relate to the idea of "death to self"? [10:29]
3. How does the sermon suggest that the drama of God's kingdom provides true fulfillment compared to worldly substitutes? [15:24]
4. What does the sermon imply about the relationship between "death to self" and "life in Christ," and how is this considered the "greatest bargain"? [21:29]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your daily life. How often do you consciously live with an awareness of God's presence, as described in the concept of "open heavens"? What changes can you make to increase this awareness? [01:38]
2. Consider a time when you had to make a choice that aligned with God's kingdom rather than your own desires. How did that decision impact your life, and what did you learn from it? [03:10]
3. Have you ever practiced fasting as a spiritual discipline? If so, what was your experience, and how did it affect your reliance on God? If not, what might be a first step to try this practice? [06:49]
4. Identify a substitute you might be settling for instead of seeking fulfillment in God's kingdom. What steps can you take to redirect your focus towards the true drama of God's kingdom? [15:24]
5. Reflect on the idea of "death to self" as a pathway to "life in Christ." What is one area of your life where you can practice letting go of self-will to embrace God's will more fully? [16:14]
6. How can you incorporate the practice of reflective will, as described in the sermon, into your decision-making process this week? [12:51]
7. Think of a situation where you can extend forgiveness or grace to someone, as exemplified by the story of Helen in the sermon. How might this act of forgiveness impact both you and the other person? [20:31]

Devotional

Day 1: Living with Awareness of God's Presence
In our daily lives, we often overlook the profound reality of God's presence surrounding us. The concept of living before open heavens invites us to cultivate an awareness of this divine presence, transforming our daily choices and actions. This awareness is not merely a mystical experience but a practical reality that influences how we live, work, and interact with others. By seeking to see beyond the physical, we can understand the spiritual reality that is always present, even when hidden from our physical eyes. This awareness encourages us to seek God in all aspects of life, reminding us that the spiritual realm is always open to those who choose to see. [01:38]

Psalm 19:1-2 (ESV): "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge."

Reflection: How can you intentionally create moments in your day to pause and acknowledge God's presence around you?


Day 2: Embracing the Freedom to Choose
God grants us the freedom to choose Him or ignore Him, a choice that impacts every aspect of our lives. This freedom is a gift, allowing us to decide how we will live each day, whether in alignment with God's kingdom or in pursuit of our own desires. The choices we make daily reflect our spiritual priorities and shape our journey. Embracing this freedom means recognizing the responsibility that comes with it and choosing to align our lives with God's will, seeking His guidance in our decisions and actions. [03:10]

Deuteronomy 30:19-20 (ESV): "I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days."

Reflection: What is one decision you face today where you can choose to align more closely with God's will?


Day 3: Fasting as a Path to Spiritual Strength
Fasting is a spiritual discipline that teaches us to rely on God's sustenance rather than physical food. It is not about deprivation but about learning to be content and strong when we don't get what we want. Through fasting, we learn to overcome self-will and develop a deeper reliance on God, illustrating the kingdom of God as the basis for death to self. This practice helps us connect with the spiritual reality, reminding us that true strength and contentment come from God, not from satisfying our physical desires. [06:49]

Isaiah 58:6-7 (ESV): "Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?"

Reflection: How can you incorporate fasting or another spiritual discipline into your life to deepen your reliance on God?


Day 4: Finding Fulfillment in God's Kingdom
Our souls hunger for drama, and the true drama is found in the kingdom of God. This eternal struggle of good and evil invites us to be part of something greater than ourselves, offering fulfillment and purpose beyond worldly substitutes. The kingdom of God is where we find true meaning, as it aligns with our deepest desires for holiness, righteousness, and goodness. By participating in this divine drama, we discover a purpose that transcends the fleeting thrills of the world, leading us to a life of eternal significance. [15:24]

Matthew 6:33 (ESV): "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

Reflection: What worldly pursuits are you currently prioritizing over seeking God's kingdom, and how can you shift your focus?


Day 5: Embracing Life in Christ Through Death to Self
The real meaning of death to self is life in Christ. It is not about deprivation but about stepping into the dramatic life of God, where true fulfillment and purpose are found. This is the greatest bargain, as it leads us to life in God's kingdom. By dying to our own desires and self-will, we embrace the life that Christ offers, finding our true identity and purpose in Him. This transformation invites us to participate in the grand narrative of God's redeeming work in the universe, becoming part of His redeemed people. [16:14]

Galatians 2:20 (ESV): "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to die to self and allow Christ to live through you?

Quotes

"you see he lived before they opened heavens constantly we're invited to live before the open heavens constantly sometimes some pretty scary things are there when we look I don't think it scared him but it scared his equal and if you remember you remember here in Ezekiel the very first verse of the Book of Ezekiel now it came about on the 13th year the fifth day of the fourth month while I was by the river key bar among the exiles the heavens were open and I saw visions of God" [00:00:44]

"when the Bible speaks of the heavens being opened it is talking about us being able to see what is there all the time that's what's in the heavens and the heavens are opened that's an opportunity for human beings to get a glimpse of what is there of what Ezekiel saw is what is there right now what Steven saw when he was being stoned to death it's there right now there is no empty space one of the great illusions of the contemporary period is that there's all this empty space it's all filled with God" [00:01:30]

"the reason that the kingdom of God is not manifest in its overwhelming reality with God and all that comes unto him is because we would not be able to live our lives if it happened and this is God's arrangement for us to be able to make a choice to decide what we're going to seek and if we decide against him to decide against him we all have that choice I have that choice every day how am I going to live my day how am I going to do my work how am I going to teach my classes how am I going to deal with people" [00:02:59]

"fasting from one point of view is simply a discipline that teaches us to be sweet and strong when we don't get what we want that's what it does it teaches us to be sweet and strong when we don't get what we want and the monster that is in our breasts that will destroy us is self we'll you know self-will is not just will self will is the will to have it the way I want it and if I don't get it the way I want it there's something wrong" [00:10:24]

"being a disciple of Jesus living in the kingdom of God means that we have accepted the fact that we don't have to have our way and we've accepted it at a level where we are not upset and angry when we don't get our way see there are two kinds of will and in the child you see above all impulsive will and will is impulsive will is just the raw assertion to have things my way and alternatively anger screaming kicking protesting if I don't get it my way" [00:12:03]

"the human soul is hungry drama drama is the name of it drama you were built to be dramatic that's true isn't it you know what we want drama we want to be involved in some great sweeping good that is happening and you know all the substitutes sports unfortunately sports has been perverted so now here in Los Angeles we're all waiting to see what Dennis Rodman is going to do I take that as a dissenting vote no I mean many people build their lives around sports others don't build them around romance novels" [00:14:01]

"the person who is not grounded in the drama of the kingdom of God in the eternal universe wide struggle of good and evil the person who does not see their lives as a part of that is a setting duck for the devil he's got a lot of stuff to show you you don't have to be dr. Faust and sell your soul to the devil you know take it a little piece at a time the human soul hungers for drama and you see the real meaning of death to self is life in Christ that's the drama" [00:15:36]

"death to self does not mean ice-t-- Altaf I myself I shut myself down and I become a nothing and nobody an idjit death to self is the back side of the positive thrust of the soul that is stepping into the dramatic life of God in this universe the reason why we don't sin is not because of a strong will against sin but we see that sin is slop compared to what we're involved in it's not even interesting it's not even interesting" [00:16:21]

"our souls hunger for holiness our souls hunger for righteousness our souls hunger for goodness and to be involved in the struggle for good and to have the power to bring it to pass and when we can't find it we take all the substitutes and I haven't even begun to touch on many of them this evening but I hope you have the idea we touched on we taken all those substitutes and that is why the mill of evil keeps turning in human life" [00:17:46]

"what's really going on in the universe is the life of God that's what's going on in the universe that's what's going on in human history and he is bringing out of human history a redeemed people that will forever stand in this universe as an eloquent testimony to the greatness and wisdom of God now then that's where you belong you don't belong anywhere else I don't belong anywhere else my enemies don't belong anywhere else" [00:19:29]

"death to self is the greatest bargain you'll ever hear Lord won't you please give us grace to receive these beautiful words of your son that if we try to save our lives we'll lose it but if we give up our lives into your kingdom they will be gloriously saved now for each one of us here myself included I pray for the wisdom and the grace to apply this constantly in everything that we do and draw us together as a body that is capable of receiving the glory of God" [00:21:34]

"the ability to repent and to step in it's a gift to all of us it's a gift that says to us day by day and moment by moment this is your place this is where home is I am with you and you are a part of my life so death to self is the greatest bargain you'll ever hear Lord won't you please give us grace to receive these beautiful words of your son that if we try to save our lives we'll lose it but if we give up our lives into your kingdom they will be gloriously saved" [00:21:59]

Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Jun 26, 2020. Do you have any questions about it?

Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?