Preparing to Meet God: Humility and Readiness
Summary
In this sermon, I was reminded of the importance of preparing to meet God. The speaker referenced Ecclesiastes 5, where Solomon provides instructions on how to approach God. The first point made was the need to prepare to meet God, emphasizing the importance of being spiritually, mentally, and emotionally ready to encounter God. The speaker encouraged us to pray, sleep, and read God's word before coming to worship, so our hearts would be soft and ready to receive God's message.
The sermon also highlighted the need to prevent idle ears from pridefulness. The speaker pointed out that pride is often the reason why people don't worship God, as they feel they have everything figured out on their own. The speaker shared a personal experience of counseling a couple who were struggling in their marriage, emphasizing the importance of humility and the dangers of pride.
Key takeaways from this sermon include:
- The importance of preparing to meet God, not just physically but also spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. This involves praying, sleeping, and reading God's word before coming to worship ([34:14]).
- The danger of pride in preventing us from truly worshipping God. The speaker emphasized that pride can lead to a lack of humility and a resistance to submitting to God ([43:11]).
- The need for humility when approaching God. The speaker reminded us that God is in heaven and we are on earth, and we should approach Him with a sense of awe and respect ([49:21]).
- The importance of being alert and ready to receive God's message. The speaker encouraged us to come to worship prepared and expecting God to work ([42:34]).
- The danger of making vows to God and not fulfilling them. The speaker referenced Ecclesiastes 5, where Solomon warns against making vows to God and not paying them ([35:28]).
Study Guide
Main Points from the Sermon:
1. We should approach God with humility and reverence, recognizing His place over all creation. We are not God, and we should not approach Him with pride or arrogance, but with a humble heart ready to submit to His will. [49:58]
2. We need to prepare ourselves to meet God. This preparation involves guarding our steps and being mindful of our actions and words. We should not be rash or hasty in our words before God, but instead, we should listen and be attentive to His voice. [34:52]
3. Entering God's presence is a serious matter. It's not a mundane trip but a memorable journey. Our reaction should not be casual or indifferent, but filled with awe and reverence for the God of the universe. [01:06:29]
4. Worship is not just about attending a service or reading a passage of scripture. It's about preparing our hearts and minds to encounter God, to listen to His word, and to respond to it in obedience and submission. [29:40]
Bible Chapters for the Group to Read:
1. Ecclesiastes Chapter 5
2. Isaiah Chapter 6
Discussion Guide:
Observation Questions:
1. What does it mean to approach God with humility according to the sermon?
2. How does the sermon describe the preparation needed to meet God?
3. What does the sermon say about the seriousness of entering God's presence?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Ecclesiastes Chapter 5 support the main points of the sermon about preparing to meet God and approaching Him with humility?
2. How does Isaiah Chapter 6 illustrate the awe and reverence we should have when we encounter God?
3. How can we apply the concept of preparing ourselves to meet God in our daily lives?
Application Questions:
1. Can you recall a time when you approached God with humility? How did that experience impact your relationship with Him?
2. What steps can you take to prepare yourself to meet God in your daily life?
3. How can you cultivate a sense of awe and reverence for God in your worship and daily life?
Devotional
Day 1: Keep Your Commitments to God
In our walk with God, we are often called to make commitments and vows to Him. These commitments can range from dedicating time for prayer and Bible study, to serving in the church or community, to living a life of integrity and righteousness. However, keeping these commitments can sometimes be challenging due to various obstacles and distractions. Yet, it is crucial to remember that our faithfulness in keeping our commitments to God is a reflection of our love and reverence for Him.
Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 - "When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it."
Reflection: Reflect on a commitment you've made to God recently. Have you been able to keep it? If not, what obstacles have hindered you and how can you overcome them to honor your vow?
Day 2: Come Prepared to See God's Agenda
As believers, we are called to align our lives with God's agenda rather than our own. This requires us to approach God with an open heart, ready to hear His voice and follow His guidance. However, this can be challenging, especially when His plans differ from ours. Yet, it is in surrendering our plans and desires to God that we truly experience His peace and joy.
Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
Reflection: When was the last time you approached God with an open heart, ready to hear His agenda instead of yours? How can you better prepare yourself to receive His guidance and follow His will in your daily life?
Quotes
1. "Entering God's presence is not a joking matter. It's serious business. Worship is not an endurance contest, it's a marvelous adventure in which we get to enter into the presence of the God of the universe. It's not business as usual, but it's a wonder-filled ride into a new dimension of life." - 01:06:29
2. "God is in heaven and you are on the earth. God is in the realm of the infinite. He will penetrate that which is inaudible to the human ear. He will peer into what's invisible to the human eyes. God is God and you are not. We should awe over the one who created us and when we prepare for worship, we need to remember that we're approaching God and we should do so in the state of humility." - 49:21
3. "When we make a commitment, we should be people who keep it. Making commitments is just like flying on an airplane. Once you're in the air, there's no turning back. When we come to worship, it's better not to vow at all than to fail to keep your word." - 57:42
4. "One of the greatest benefits of gaining a proper perspective of God is that not only do we gain a perspective of His throne but we gain the view from His throne. When we enter into God's presence, we are able to look at the world around us from His perspective." - 52:18
5. "Words may not mean a lot to you, but they mean a lot to God. In God's eyes, a promise is a promise. It's one that if you vow it, you keep it. It is better to have full adoration of our spirit and the true obedience of our heart because this is what God's demand is for our life and that is what He delights in." - 55:38
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