Living in Greater Glory: Embracing Spiritual Urgency

Summary

Today’s focus is on the promise and reality of “greater glory” for God’s people, as prophesied in Haggai and fulfilled at Pentecost. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit marked not just a historical event, but the beginning of a new era—the “last days”—in which we now live. This season is characterized by God’s presence dwelling within His people, empowering us to live holy, purposeful lives in anticipation of Christ’s return and the coming judgment.

The imagery of waking up before an alarm clock, restless and alert, serves as a metaphor for how we are called to live: with a sense of spiritual urgency, never settling into complacency. Pentecost was not merely a festival or a one-time event; it was the inauguration of a new covenant, where God’s Spirit is poured out on all flesh—young and old, men and women, regardless of status. This is the “greater glory” Haggai foresaw: not a physical temple, but a people filled with God’s presence, radiating His power and love.

Living in the end times means recognizing that the clock is ticking. The “day of the Lord”—a day of judgment and reward—is approaching, and how we live now matters eternally. There are no do-overs; our words, actions, and motives will be tested. Yet, this is not a call to fear, but to hope and readiness. For those in Christ, judgment is not about condemnation, but about reward. We are invited to live boldly, to pursue holiness, to share the gospel, and to walk in the Spirit’s power, so that when we stand before God, we do so with confidence and joy.

The early church modeled this urgency and devotion. Their lives were marked by prayer, radical generosity, and a deep sense of community. They understood the times and lived accordingly, empowered by the Spirit to be witnesses and agents of transformation. This same Spirit is available to us, enabling us to resist the pull of the world, to love sacrificially, and to shine as lights in darkness.

The call is clear: live like the end has begun, live like you’ll be judged, and live by the Spirit. In doing so, we step into the greater glory God has promised, becoming a people who not only anticipate Christ’s return, but actively prepare for it, bringing His kingdom to bear in our world.

Key Takeaways

- Live with Spiritual Urgency, Not Complacency
The reality of the end times should awaken us from spiritual slumber. Just as the feeling of an impending alarm keeps us alert, the knowledge that Christ could return at any moment should keep us vigilant, intentional, and focused on what truly matters. Complacency robs us of reward and dulls our witness; urgency fuels devotion and purpose. [15:20]

- Judgment is Certain, but Not to Be Feared by the Righteous
Every believer will stand before Christ, not to determine salvation, but to receive reward or suffer loss based on how we lived. When we walk in the righteousness of Christ and live with integrity, we can anticipate judgment with confidence, knowing our works will stand the test. This sober reality motivates us to pursue holiness and to live with eternity in view. [09:27]

- The Power to Live Holy Comes from the Spirit, Not Ourselves
God does not leave us to strive in our own strength. The Holy Spirit empowers us to resist temptation, to love radically, and to live righteously in a dark world. Our ability to walk in the “greater glory” is not about self-effort, but about daily dependence on and filling by the Spirit, who enables us to reflect Christ authentically. [35:56]

- The Outpouring of the Spirit is for All—No One is Disqualified
Pentecost shattered every barrier: age, gender, status. God’s promise is for everyone willing to receive. Whether young or old, male or female, seasoned or new in faith, the Spirit equips each of us to prophesy, serve, and participate in God’s mission. The church is strongest when every member embraces their Spirit-given role. [37:09]

- Right Belief Produces Right Living—Eschatology Shapes Ethics
If we truly believe we are living in the last days, our lives will reflect urgency, generosity, and boldness. Wrong beliefs breed complacency and compromise, but a biblical understanding of the times compels us to live differently—to love deeply, serve sacrificially, and proclaim Christ faithfully, knowing that our choices echo in eternity. [14:35]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Reading Haggai 2:6-9 and Opening Prayer
[02:10] - The Restless Urgency of the Season
[03:48] - Pentecost: Old and New Testament Parallels
[07:56] - The Reality of Judgment Day
[10:37] - Are We Living in the End Times?
[11:11] - Peter’s Answer: God’s Timing and Patience
[13:09] - The Day of the Lord and Our Response
[15:20] - The Danger of Complacency
[17:04] - Rewards, Loss, and Living for Eternity
[19:13] - The Radical Devotion of the Early Church
[20:54] - Greater Glory: The Church’s Calling
[21:46] - Live Like the End Has Begun
[26:21] - Contending for Holiness and Urgency
[27:23] - Live Like You’ll Be Judged
[32:17] - Live Life in the Spirit
[35:56] - The Spirit’s Power to Live Righteously
[37:09] - The Spirit Poured Out on All
[41:41] - Responding to God’s Call

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Greater Glory

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### Bible Reading

- Haggai 2:6-9
“For thus says the Lord of hosts: Once more (it is a little while) I will shake heaven and earth, the sea and dry land; and I will shake all nations, and they shall come to the Desire of All Nations, and I will fill this temple with glory, says the Lord of hosts. The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine, says the Lord of hosts. The glory of this latter temple shall be greater than the former, says the Lord of hosts. And in this place I will give peace, says the Lord of hosts.”

- Acts 2:1-4, 17-18
“When the day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance... ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams. And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; and they shall prophesy.’”

- 2 Peter 3:2-13
(For reference: Peter’s teaching on the last days, God’s patience, and the coming Day of the Lord.)

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### Observation Questions

1. According to Haggai 2:6-9, what does God promise about the future glory of the temple? How is this “greater glory” described?
2. In Acts 2:1-4, what were the signs that the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the believers at Pentecost?
3. Who does Peter say will receive the outpouring of the Spirit in Acts 2:17-18? Is anyone left out?
4. In the sermon, what metaphor did the pastor use to describe the kind of spiritual alertness we should have as believers? ([02:10])

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### Interpretation Questions

1. The prophecy in Haggai speaks of a “greater glory” for God’s people. According to the sermon, how is this fulfilled in the New Testament church? ([20:54])
2. The pastor said that Pentecost was not just a one-time event, but the start of a new era. What does it mean for us to live in the “last days” as described in Acts 2 and 2 Peter 3? ([23:45])
3. The sermon emphasized that the Holy Spirit is poured out on “all flesh”—young and old, men and women, regardless of status. Why is this significant for how we view ourselves and others in the church? ([37:09])
4. The pastor talked about the certainty of judgment, but also said it’s not something to fear for those in Christ. How does knowing we will be judged for our works (not salvation) affect the way we live? ([09:27])

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### Application Questions

1. The pastor compared living in the end times to waking up before your alarm—restless and alert. Are there areas in your spiritual life where you’ve become complacent or “fallen back asleep”? What would it look like to “wake up” in those areas? ([15:20])
2. The early church was marked by prayer, generosity, and deep community. Which of these do you find most challenging to live out, and what is one step you could take this week to grow in that area? ([19:13])
3. The sermon said that the Holy Spirit empowers us to live holy and purposeful lives, not just by our own effort. Is there a specific temptation or struggle where you need to rely more on the Spirit’s power instead of your own strength? What would asking for His help look like in that situation? ([35:56])
4. Pentecost means no one is disqualified from receiving the Spirit—regardless of age, gender, or background. Have you ever felt “disqualified” or overlooked in your faith journey? How does this truth challenge or encourage you? ([37:09])
5. The pastor said, “Right belief produces right living.” If you truly believed Jesus could return at any moment, what is one thing you would do differently this week? ([14:35])
6. Judgment for believers is about reward, not condemnation. Is there a specific area of your life where you want to live more intentionally for eternal reward rather than just “getting by”? ([09:27])
7. The early church’s urgency led them to share the gospel boldly. Who is one person in your life you feel prompted to share your faith with, and what is a practical next step you can take? ([26:21])

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit, for spiritual alertness, and for courage to live with urgency and hope as we await Christ’s return.

Devotional

Day 1: God’s Greater Glory Is for the Latter Days
God promises a greater glory for His people in these last days, surpassing even the glory of the former temple. This glory is not just a future hope but a present reality for those who walk in faith and openness to the Spirit. The Lord desires to fill His people with His presence, peace, and power, calling them to recognize the season they are in and to partner with Him for His purposes. As you open your heart to God’s promise, remember that His intention is for you to experience and reflect His greater glory in your daily life. [00:40]

Haggai 2:6-9 (ESV)
“For thus says the Lord of hosts: Yet once more, in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth and the sea and the dry land. And I will shake all nations, so that the treasures of all nations shall come in, and I will fill this house with glory, says the Lord of hosts. The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, declares the Lord of hosts. The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former, says the Lord of hosts. And in this place I will give peace, declares the Lord of hosts.”

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to invite God’s greater glory and presence today, trusting Him to do more than you’ve seen before?


Day 2: Live with Urgency—The End Has Begun
The outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost marked the beginning of the last days, calling believers to live with a sense of urgency and purpose. Just as athletes play differently in the playoffs, knowing every moment counts, so too are we called to live each day as if it truly matters for eternity. This is not a time for complacency or spiritual sleepiness, but a time to give your best, to pursue holiness, and to share the gospel boldly, knowing that the clock is ticking and the Lord could return at any moment. [23:45]

Acts 2:17-18 (ESV)
“‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy.’”

Reflection: What is one specific way you can live with greater spiritual urgency today, knowing that the end has begun?


Day 3: Live Like You’ll Be Judged
Judgment Day is coming, and every believer is called to live in light of that reality—not out of fear, but with the joyful anticipation of receiving a reward from Christ. The knowledge that our words and works will be tested should inspire us to choose righteousness, love, and obedience, rejecting complacency and the ways of the world. When you live with the awareness that there are no do-overs, you prepare your heart and actions to honor God, so that when you stand before Him, you will not be ashamed but will rejoice in His reward. [29:37]

2 Peter 3:10-13 (ESV)
“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.”

Reflection: If you knew you would stand before Jesus today, what is one area of your life you would want to bring into alignment with His will?


Day 4: Rely on the Power of the Holy Spirit
God does not leave us to face the challenges of the end times in our own strength; He gives us the Holy Spirit to empower us for righteous living, bold witness, and overcoming temptation. The Spirit’s presence enables us to radiate God’s glory, to walk in love and forgiveness, and to do the works of Jesus in a dark world. Each day, we are invited to ask God to fill us afresh with His Spirit, so that our lives become a beacon that draws others to Christ and prepares us for eternity. [35:56]

Acts 1:8 (ESV)
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Reflection: How can you intentionally invite the Holy Spirit to fill and lead you today in a specific situation or relationship?


Day 5: Contend for Community and Greater Glory
The early church lived with radical devotion, unity, and love, empowered by the Spirit to care for one another and impact their world. This is the greater glory God desires for His church today—a community marked by real transformation, holiness, generosity, and the manifest presence of God. As you pursue this vision, consider how your life and your church can reflect the urgency, love, and power of the early believers, so that together you may obtain the inheritance and reward God has promised. [37:09]

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

Reflection: What is one practical way you can strengthen your connection to your church community this week, helping to build a place where God’s greater glory can be seen?

Quotes

I'm telling you that we can have confidence in the day of judgment before the Lord when we're walking in the righteousness of Christ and we're doing nothing wrong. So I don't have to fear the judgment day of the Lord. I get to anticipate that when I stand before him, he's going to try my works and what's going to be left over is a reward, not a punishment, a reward. [00:09:19] (00:00:20 seconds) Edit Clip

The Bible says we're in the end times right now. And the challenge for us is it doesn't seem like it, does it? Doesn't seem like we're in the end times. I mean, Pentecost happened nearly 2,000 years ago. And we're still here. Sin is still happening. Wickedness is still going on. [00:10:43] (00:00:20 seconds) Edit Clip

Maybe you are going to heaven, but do you want to be the person in heaven with no reward? I mean, I think about that. I don't know if you do, but 2 Corinthians 3, where it talks about this. Paul's talking about the reward and talking about gold and silver and precious oil. He says, some people will make it, their clothes smelling like smoke. They'll get in, but they'll have nothing. All of their works and all their words burned up in the fire. [00:17:18] (00:00:27 seconds) Edit Clip

The birth of the church was the beginning of the last days. The sudden outpouring of the spirit and on the people that were praying in the upper room was also the beginning of the end. I want you to get that because you need to understand we are living in the end days. It's not for a future time. The scripture says when you see this, the Holy Spirit pouring out on people, you know the end has begun and the clock is ticking. [00:23:58] (00:00:29 seconds) Edit Clip

If I know the test is coming, I need to prepare. I need to be ready. I need to live like I'm ready for that test. I need to understand that every, every opportunity I have is an opportunity to glorify Jesus, to live my life in a way that honors God. And guess what? When I stand before him, I will not be ashamed. [00:27:16] (00:00:18 seconds) Edit Clip

You choose righteousness. You choose love. You choose peace. You choose obedience to Christ. You reject wickedness. You refuse to follow the devil. You warn others of the danger that's coming, right? If we choose to live like we'll be judged, we'll be eager for Jesus to return because we know that he's coming with his reward in hand. [00:31:11] (00:00:21 seconds) Edit Clip

The power that we need to live in the end times and to live ready for judgment day is found in the indwelling presence of the Spirit of God in our lives. So we need to ask God to fill us day by day. We talked about this last week, but ask God to fill you, to continually keep you fresh, full of the Holy Spirit, to lead you day by day so you can have power to live in your purpose and you'll be prepared for eternity. [00:35:29] (00:00:28 seconds) Edit Clip

The Holy Spirit doesn't just give us gifts. The Holy Spirit doesn't just give us wisdom. The Holy Spirit gives us power to do right. This is the difference between every religion and Christianity is God doesn't leave us alone to figure it out on our own. He actually comes in and helps us. [00:35:56] (00:00:17 seconds) Edit Clip

On Pentecost the church was born, the promise of greater glory began to be fulfilled. How was that possible? Because God would now be with his people and in his people. The sign that this that this was true was God pouring out his spirit on his sons and daughters, on young and old, on male and female. They would receive his spirit, they would prophesy, they would walk in his power and purity and prepare the world for his coming. [00:37:20] (00:00:29 seconds) Edit Clip