Longing for God's Glory: Embracing His Presence
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound theme of longing for God's glory, a continuation of our series "Glory in the Highest." As we approach the Christmas season, we are reminded of the significance of the birth of Jesus, the Messiah, who broke the silence of 400 years and brought the glory of God to earth. This moment in history was not just about a baby in a manger but about the arrival of the King of Kings, the Savior of the world. The glory of God, as described in the New Testament, is His presence, His majesty, and His splendor. It is the essence of who He is, and it is what we were created to experience and live in.
The story of the shepherds and the multitude of heavenly hosts in Luke 2 illustrates the awe-inspiring moment when God's glory was revealed. These simple men, tending their sheep, were witnesses to a divine worship service, a sign that the Messiah had come. This glory is not just a historical event but a present reality that we can experience today. It is seen in the transformation of lives, in healings, and in the moments of worship where we feel a deep connection with God.
We also reflected on the lives of Simeon and Anna, who exemplified a life of longing and waiting for God's glory. Simeon, a devout and righteous man, recognized Jesus as the Messiah because he had positioned his life to welcome God's presence. Anna, a prophetess, spent decades in the temple, worshiping and fasting, holding on to the promises of God. Their stories remind us that God's glory comes where it is welcomed, and it is available to all who seek it with a sincere heart.
As a church, we are called to be a people who welcome God's glory, not out of a desire for emotional experiences, but out of a longing for the person of Jesus. We are encouraged to live in His presence, to be aware of His glory around us, and to position ourselves to receive more of Him. This is not just for a select few but for everyone who desires to encounter the living God.
Key Takeaways:
- The glory of God is His presence, His majesty, and His splendor. It is the essence of who He is, and it is what we were created to experience and live in. Our lives suffer when we live outside of His presence, much like a fish out of water. We were designed to thrive in His glory. [07:38]
- The story of the shepherds in Luke 2 reminds us that God's glory is not just a historical event but a present reality. It is seen in the transformation of lives, in healings, and in moments of worship where we feel a deep connection with God. We are invited to recognize and welcome His glory in our lives today. [11:48]
- Simeon and Anna exemplified a life of longing and waiting for God's glory. Their stories teach us that God's glory comes where it is welcomed, and it is available to all who seek it with a sincere heart. We are encouraged to position our lives to receive His presence. [15:41]
- As a church, we are called to be a people who welcome God's glory, not out of a desire for emotional experiences, but out of a longing for the person of Jesus. We are encouraged to live in His presence, to be aware of His glory around us, and to position ourselves to receive more of Him. [19:07]
- The deepest longing of the human heart is to know and enjoy the glory of God. We were made for this, and nothing else will satisfy. When we encounter His presence, everything changes, and we are reminded of our purpose to live in His glory. [21:14]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[02:33] - Introduction to the Series
[07:38] - The Glory of God Explained
[11:48] - The Shepherds' Encounter
[15:41] - Simeon's Longing Fulfilled
[17:26] - Welcoming God's Glory
[19:07] - Indifference vs. Welcoming
[21:14] - The Deepest Longing
[24:53] - Anna's Faithful Waiting
[35:43] - Responding to God's Call
[36:14] - Invitation to Salvation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Longing for God's Glory
Bible Reading:
- Luke 2:13-20
- Hebrews 1:3
- John 1:14
---
Observation Questions:
1. In Luke 2:13-20, what was the shepherds' initial reaction to the appearance of the heavenly host, and how did they respond to the message they received? [02:33]
2. How does the sermon describe the concept of God's glory, and what Greek word is used to explain it? [07:38]
3. What role did Simeon and Anna play in recognizing Jesus as the Messiah, according to the sermon? [15:41]
4. What examples from the sermon illustrate the present reality of God's glory in our lives today? [11:48]
---
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon suggest that the glory of God is more than just a historical event, but a present reality we can experience? [11:48]
2. What does the sermon imply about the importance of positioning oneself to welcome God's glory, as seen in the lives of Simeon and Anna? [15:41]
3. How does the sermon describe the relationship between longing for God's glory and experiencing transformation in our lives? [19:07]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that indifference can prevent us from experiencing God's glory? [19:07]
---
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt a deep connection with God during worship. What specific actions or attitudes helped you experience His presence? [11:48]
2. Simeon and Anna were described as longing and waiting for God's glory. How can you cultivate a similar longing in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to position yourself to welcome God's presence? [15:41]
3. The sermon mentions that God's glory is available to all who seek it with a sincere heart. What might be hindering you from seeking His glory more earnestly, and how can you address these obstacles? [19:07]
4. How can you become more aware of God's glory in your everyday life, beyond church services and worship gatherings? Identify one area in your life where you can intentionally seek His presence this week. [21:14]
5. The sermon challenges us to not be indifferent to God's glory. What are some signs of indifference in your spiritual life, and how can you actively combat them? [19:07]
6. Consider the story of the shepherds in Luke 2. How can you be more like them in recognizing and responding to God's glory in unexpected places or situations? [02:33]
7. The sermon emphasizes the importance of longing for the person of Jesus rather than just emotional experiences. How can you shift your focus to deepen your relationship with Jesus this week? [19:07]
Devotional
Day 1: Created to Thrive in God's Glory
The glory of God is His presence, majesty, and splendor, and it is the essence of who He is. Humans were created to experience and live in this glory, much like a fish is designed to thrive in water. When we live outside of His presence, our lives suffer, as we are not fulfilling our intended purpose. The glory of God is not just a concept but a reality that transforms lives, bringing healing and a deep connection with Him. We are invited to recognize and welcome His glory in our lives today, understanding that it is not just a historical event but a present reality. [07:38]
"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 lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.'" (Isaiah 57:15, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel like a fish out of water? How can you invite God's presence into these areas today to experience His glory and thrive?
Day 2: Recognizing God's Glory in Everyday Life
The story of the shepherds in Luke 2 serves as a reminder that God's glory is not confined to the past but is a present reality. These simple men witnessed a divine moment that signified the arrival of the Messiah. Today, God's glory is seen in the transformation of lives, in healings, and in moments of worship where we feel a deep connection with Him. We are encouraged to be aware of His glory around us and to position ourselves to receive more of Him, recognizing that His presence is available to all who seek it with a sincere heart. [11:48]
"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." (2 Corinthians 3:18, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a recent moment where you felt a deep connection with God. How can you cultivate an awareness of His glory in your daily routine to experience more of these moments?
Day 3: Longing and Waiting for God's Glory
Simeon and Anna exemplified a life of longing and waiting for God's glory. Simeon, a devout and righteous man, recognized Jesus as the Messiah because he had positioned his life to welcome God's presence. Anna, a prophetess, spent decades in the temple, worshiping and fasting, holding on to the promises of God. Their stories teach us that God's glory comes where it is welcomed, and it is available to all who seek it with a sincere heart. We are encouraged to position our lives to receive His presence, understanding that this longing is a deep desire to know and enjoy the glory of God. [15:41]
"Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!" (Psalm 27:14, ESV)
Reflection: What are you currently waiting on God for? How can you position your life to welcome His presence and glory during this season of waiting?
Day 4: Welcoming God's Glory with a Sincere Heart
As a church, we are called to be a people who welcome God's glory, not out of a desire for emotional experiences, but out of a longing for the person of Jesus. We are encouraged to live in His presence, to be aware of His glory around us, and to position ourselves to receive more of Him. This is not just for a select few but for everyone who desires to encounter the living God. The deepest longing of the human heart is to know and enjoy the glory of God, and when we encounter His presence, everything changes. [19:07]
"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." (James 4:8, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on your motivations for seeking God's presence. Are there areas where you seek emotional experiences over a genuine relationship with Jesus? How can you shift your focus to truly welcome His glory?
Day 5: Encountering God's Glory and Finding Purpose
The deepest longing of the human heart is to know and enjoy the glory of God. We were made for this, and nothing else will satisfy. When we encounter His presence, everything changes, and we are reminded of our purpose to live in His glory. This encounter is not just a one-time event but a continual journey of experiencing His majesty and splendor. As we live in His presence, we find our true purpose and are transformed into His image, reflecting His glory to the world around us. [21:14]
"Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you." (Isaiah 60:1-2, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel a lack of purpose? How can encountering God's glory help you find and fulfill your true purpose in this area?
Quotes
"You were created by the creator for a purpose and a reason, and that is to be in the glory and presence of God, to live in the presence of the almighty God. This is what you were created for. And this may be a revelation to someone today. You wake up sometimes and you're like, what is the meaning of life? Like, what am I supposed to do? I can't do another day. Lord, your purpose, the reason why you were designed is to live in the glory and the presence of God." [00:09:34] (29 seconds)
"And I could sense like this warmth over my body. And it might sound weird to someone, but you may have experienced this before, but just this warmth started to come and it felt like there's either something or someone that almost like felt like an embrace, like this love and this purity. And I just, nobody told me, nobody put their hand on me. I just got on my knees in the back of this room filled with all these people worshiping. And I just began to weep in the presence of God." [00:13:24] (25 seconds)
"Now, we don't know a lot about Simeon, but what we do know, even right here in this text, is that he was devout and righteous. Meaning he lived a life of worship. He lived a life focused on God, set apart for God. He wasn't, you know, just doing whatever he wanted, headed to the bar. No, he was literally set apart. And he was waiting and expectant for the coming of Christ. He was longing for Jesus, the Messiah." [00:13:56] (27 seconds)
"And it was because he welcomed him. And I want to tell you today that this isn't just for some, this isn't just for a few, this is for all of us. And I love that Simeon, we don't know much about him. Here he is. He's holding Jesus. He gets to be in the canon of scripture. The Lord literally used him in scripture to declare and proclaim that Christ had come. Just this guy, this, just this guy, a little Sim over here. You know what I mean?" [00:16:12] (24 seconds)
"Will we be indifferent to the glory of God? The glory of God and his presence and what he is doing, or will we welcome him? Will we just float through life and through our Christian journey indifferent to what's going on? Oh, baptism today. Oh, that bless our hearts. That's so cool. Next. Oh, this song. Okay. Will we be indifferent when the glory is literally in front of us? When a move of God is literally happening all around us, you can be smack dab in a middle of a revival and miss." [00:18:38] (29 seconds)
"She never left the temple, but stayed there day and night worshiping God with fasting and prayer. She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph. Began praising God. She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem, for God to rescue his people, for God to rescue the world. We find this woman, and I just picture her, this sweet grandma of the church, you know." [00:21:48] (31 seconds)
"She could have got tired a decade in. All right, I'm going to go out. I'm going to start sewing some clothes or something. No, she stayed in the temple. She stayed in the house, waiting, perseverance, holding on to what God had spoken. She had a longing in her heart man when I read about Anna something resonates in my spirit I'm like oh God let me be I mean I don't want to wait till I'm 84 to see it come to pass but Lord I'm willing but she waited and she was desperate and longing for the Messiah and then he comes and it says that when she saw him again she knew that's the king as she began to worship." [00:22:41] (42 seconds)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?