Prioritizing God's Presence: The Heart of Worship
Summary
### Summary
Today, we embarked on a spiritual heart check, examining our closeness with God. The essence of our journey with God is not about the blessings or opportunities He provides but about His presence. We often claim to feel close to God, but true closeness is mutual. Just as in human relationships, where one-sided affection is not genuine, our relationship with God requires mutual intimacy. This intimacy is the ultimate goal, more precious than any earthly gain.
Reflecting on the story of the Israelites in Exodus, we see that God's primary desire was for them to worship Him in the wilderness, not just to reach the Promised Land. The Promised Land was a byproduct of their journey, but the true goal was intimacy with God. This principle applies to us today; our ultimate aim should be closeness with God, not the material or relational milestones we achieve.
We explored three types of worshipers: those who oscillate based on their emotions, those who worship for personal gain, and those who worship solely for who God is. True worship and intimacy with God require us to understand the fear of God, remove any obstacles between us and Him, and maintain a hunger for His presence. The fear of God is not about being scared but having a deep reverence and awe for His holiness. Removing obstacles means laying down our sins and anything that hinders our relationship with Him. Maintaining hunger involves actively seeking His presence and not becoming spiritually complacent.
God's presence is what distinguishes us as His people. It is not the blessings or the Promised Land but His presence that sets us apart. As we move forward, whether in our personal lives or as a church, we must prioritize His presence above all else. This requires a listening ear and a humble spirit to obey His leading, even when it leads us to uncomfortable places.
### Key Takeaways
1. Mutual Intimacy with God: True closeness with God is mutual. Just as in human relationships, where one-sided affection is not genuine, our relationship with God requires mutual intimacy. This means both feeling close to God and God feeling close to us. This mutual intimacy is the ultimate goal, more precious than any earthly gain. [01:39]
2. The Fear of God: Understanding the fear of God is crucial for true intimacy with Him. This fear is not about being scared but having a deep reverence and awe for His holiness. The Israelites failed to grasp this, leading them to create idols. We must cultivate a holy fear to maintain a close relationship with God, recognizing that being apart from Him is the scariest place to be. [15:56]
3. Removing Obstacles: To draw close to God, we must remove any obstacles between us and Him. This involves laying down our sins and anything that hinders our relationship with Him. King David's greatest fear after sinning was being cast away from God's presence. We must have the same urgency to remove anything that separates us from God. [25:52]
4. Maintaining Spiritual Hunger: Spiritual hunger drives us to seek God's presence. Unlike physical hunger, which gets louder, spiritual hunger can become quieter if ignored. We must actively feed our spirit by seeking God's presence, ensuring that we do not become spiritually complacent. This hunger is essential for maintaining a close relationship with God. [32:11]
5. God's Presence as Our Distinction: God's presence is what distinguishes us as His people. It is not the blessings or the Promised Land but His presence that sets us apart. As we move forward, whether in our personal lives or as a church, we must prioritize His presence above all else. This requires a listening ear and a humble spirit to obey His leading, even when it leads us to uncomfortable places. [30:32]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:39] - Mutual Intimacy with God
[03:06] - The Why Questions
[05:57] - Types of Worshipers
[07:29] - Remember Your Why
[10:03] - The Exodus Journey
[11:29] - The Goal of Intimacy
[13:10] - The Wilderness Experience
[15:56] - The Fear of God
[17:44] - Mutual Respect in Relationships
[19:03] - Expanding Territory for Intimacy
[20:40] - The Israelites' Failure
[22:21] - Rejecting Lukewarm Christianity
[24:02] - Hidden Obstacles
[25:52] - Removing Sin
[27:16] - God's Promise of Communion
[28:53] - God's Detailed Instructions
[30:32] - God's Presence as Our Distinction
[32:11] - Maintaining Spiritual Hunger
[34:04] - Feeding the Spirit
[35:28] - Choosing God Above All
[37:10] - Song and Reflection
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Exodus 20:18-21 (ESV)
> "Now when all the people saw the thunder and the flashes of lightning and the sound of the trumpet and the mountain smoking, the people were afraid and trembled, and they stood far off and said to Moses, 'You speak to us, and we will listen; but do not let God speak to us, lest we die.' Moses said to the people, 'Do not fear, for God has come to test you, that the fear of him may be before you, that you may not sin.' The people stood far off, while Moses drew near to the thick darkness where God was."
2. Psalm 51:10-11 (ESV)
> "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me."
3. Matthew 6:33 (ESV)
> "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
### Observation Questions
1. What was the reaction of the Israelites when they saw the manifestations of God on Mount Sinai? (Exodus 20:18-21)
2. According to Psalm 51:10-11, what was King David's greatest fear after sinning?
3. What does Matthew 6:33 instruct us to seek first, and what is promised as a result?
4. In the sermon, what are the three types of worshipers described? [05:57]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the Israelites were so afraid of God's presence on Mount Sinai? How does this fear relate to the concept of the fear of God discussed in the sermon? [15:56]
2. How does King David's plea in Psalm 51:10-11 reflect the importance of God's presence in our lives? What does this tell us about the consequences of sin?
3. What does it mean to seek first the kingdom of God according to Matthew 6:33, and how does this align with the sermon’s emphasis on prioritizing God's presence? [30:32]
4. The sermon mentions that true intimacy with God requires removing obstacles. What are some examples of obstacles that might hinder our relationship with God? [25:52]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Do you feel mutually close to God? What steps can you take to ensure that your relationship with God is not one-sided? [01:39]
2. How can you cultivate a deeper reverence and awe for God's holiness in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to understand and live out the fear of God? [15:56]
3. Identify any obstacles or sins that might be hindering your relationship with God. What actions can you take this week to remove these obstacles and draw closer to Him? [25:52]
4. How can you maintain and nurture your spiritual hunger for God's presence? What specific practices or habits can you incorporate into your routine to avoid spiritual complacency? [32:11]
5. In what ways can you prioritize God's presence over material or relational milestones in your life? How can you remind yourself daily that God's presence is the ultimate goal? [30:32]
6. Think about a time when you felt distant from God. What were the contributing factors, and how did you overcome them? How can this experience help you stay close to God in the future?
7. How can you encourage others in your small group or community to seek mutual intimacy with God? What role can you play in fostering a culture that prioritizes God's presence above all else? [19:03]
Devotional
Day 1: Mutual Intimacy with God
True closeness with God is mutual. Just as in human relationships, where one-sided affection is not genuine, our relationship with God requires mutual intimacy. This means both feeling close to God and God feeling close to us. This mutual intimacy is the ultimate goal, more precious than any earthly gain. Mutual intimacy with God is not just about us feeling close to Him, but also about Him feeling close to us. This relationship requires effort and dedication from both sides. We must seek His presence actively and ensure that our actions and thoughts align with His will. This mutual closeness is more valuable than any material possession or achievement we might gain in this world.
In our daily lives, we often get caught up in the pursuit of success, relationships, and other worldly goals. While these are not inherently wrong, they should not take precedence over our relationship with God. True fulfillment comes from being in His presence and experiencing His love and guidance. As we strive for mutual intimacy with God, we must prioritize our spiritual growth and make time for prayer, worship, and reading His Word. This will help us cultivate a deeper connection with Him and ensure that our relationship is not one-sided.
James 4:8 (ESV): "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to draw closer to God and ensure that your relationship with Him is mutual and not one-sided?
Day 2: The Fear of God
Understanding the fear of God is crucial for true intimacy with Him. This fear is not about being scared but having a deep reverence and awe for His holiness. The Israelites failed to grasp this, leading them to create idols. We must cultivate a holy fear to maintain a close relationship with God, recognizing that being apart from Him is the scariest place to be. The fear of God involves recognizing His power, majesty, and holiness, and responding with reverence and awe. It is not about being terrified of God, but about respecting and honoring Him as the Creator and Sustainer of all things. This holy fear helps us stay humble and obedient, ensuring that we do not stray from His path.
The Israelites' failure to understand the fear of God led them to create idols and turn away from Him. We must learn from their mistakes and cultivate a deep reverence for God in our own lives. This involves acknowledging His greatness and submitting to His will, even when it is difficult or uncomfortable. By doing so, we can maintain a close and intimate relationship with Him, free from the distractions and temptations of the world.
Proverbs 9:10 (ESV): "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight."
Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper reverence and awe for God's holiness in your daily life? What changes can you make to ensure that you are living in a way that honors and respects Him?
Day 3: Removing Obstacles
To draw close to God, we must remove any obstacles between us and Him. This involves laying down our sins and anything that hinders our relationship with Him. King David's greatest fear after sinning was being cast away from God's presence. We must have the same urgency to remove anything that separates us from God. Removing obstacles in our relationship with God requires us to identify and address the sins and distractions that hinder our spiritual growth. This may involve confessing our sins, seeking forgiveness, and making a conscious effort to turn away from behaviors and habits that distance us from God. By doing so, we can create a clear path for a deeper connection with Him.
King David's fear of being cast away from God's presence highlights the importance of maintaining a close relationship with Him. We should have the same urgency and determination to remove anything that separates us from God. This may involve making difficult choices and sacrifices, but the reward of experiencing His presence and guidance is worth it. As we strive to remove obstacles, we must also seek God's help and strength, trusting that He will guide us and provide the grace we need to overcome our struggles.
Psalm 51:10-11 (ESV): "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me."
Reflection: What obstacles or sins are currently hindering your relationship with God? How can you take practical steps to remove these obstacles and draw closer to Him?
Day 4: Maintaining Spiritual Hunger
Spiritual hunger drives us to seek God's presence. Unlike physical hunger, which gets louder, spiritual hunger can become quieter if ignored. We must actively feed our spirit by seeking God's presence, ensuring that we do not become spiritually complacent. This hunger is essential for maintaining a close relationship with God. Maintaining spiritual hunger involves a conscious effort to seek God's presence and nurture our relationship with Him. Unlike physical hunger, which becomes more intense when ignored, spiritual hunger can diminish if we do not actively pursue it. We must be intentional in our spiritual practices, such as prayer, worship, and reading the Bible, to keep our hunger for God alive.
Spiritual complacency can lead to a stagnant and distant relationship with God. To avoid this, we must continually seek His presence and remain open to His guidance and direction. This may involve setting aside dedicated time for spiritual activities, surrounding ourselves with a supportive faith community, and being mindful of the ways in which we can grow closer to God. By maintaining our spiritual hunger, we can ensure that our relationship with Him remains vibrant and fulfilling.
Matthew 5:6 (ESV): "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied."
Reflection: How can you actively feed your spiritual hunger and ensure that you do not become complacent in your relationship with God? What specific practices can you incorporate into your daily routine to seek His presence?
Day 5: God's Presence as Our Distinction
God's presence is what distinguishes us as His people. It is not the blessings or the Promised Land but His presence that sets us apart. As we move forward, whether in our personal lives or as a church, we must prioritize His presence above all else. This requires a listening ear and a humble spirit to obey His leading, even when it leads us to uncomfortable places. God's presence is the defining characteristic of His people. It is not the material blessings or achievements that set us apart, but the fact that we are in a close and intimate relationship with Him. As we navigate our personal lives and our journey as a church, we must prioritize His presence above all else, seeking His guidance and direction in all that we do.
Prioritizing God's presence requires a willingness to listen to His voice and obey His leading, even when it is difficult or uncomfortable. This may involve stepping out of our comfort zones, making sacrifices, and trusting in His plan for our lives. By doing so, we can experience the fullness of His presence and the unique distinction that comes from being His people. As we move forward, let us commit to seeking His presence and allowing it to guide and shape our lives.
Exodus 33:15-16 (ESV): "And he said to him, 'If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here. For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? Is it not in your going with us, so that we are distinct, I and your people, from every other people on the face of the earth?'"
Reflection: How can you prioritize God's presence in your daily life and ensure that it is the defining characteristic of your identity as His follower? What steps can you take to listen to His voice and obey His leading, even when it is uncomfortable?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The presence of God has to be the thing, the goal that we are going for. And it has to be so much more precious to us than absolutely anything else God can give us. And so, as you're walking through your own seasons, as you're living your big life, as you're running the race, as you're doing the thing, and as you're being the person that God's called you to be, or maybe you feel quite the opposite, just remember this. It's both, both apply. The God is the whole point of this whole thing, is the presence of God. And nothing is more important than, no opportunity, no blessing, nothing afforded to us is more important than making sure that you and I are close to the presence of God." (55 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Remember your why. When we're standing here and we're worshipping, when we're doing an offering, when we're doing all the things, when we're building an office, when we're standing knee deep in furniture and paint, remember your why. And if you forget every single thing I say today, remember this, that as we move forward, whether it's in your family, in your friendships, in your work life, God's presence is not worth sacrificing for things that you want or the things that we need. Or the place you find yourself. His presence is way more valuable. And any place that you find yourself with God is better than every other place without him, regardless of how good it is. Trust me." (55 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "God's presence is the thing that distinguishes us. God's presence is not blessing, not favor, not promised land, not the marriage, not the kids. It's his presence. And so we have to be so obsessed with staying close to God. How do we do that? By ensuring that we have that holy fear, by ensuring that nothing separates us." (30 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We have to be so careful to feed the spirit man. God is waiting to draw near to his people. And so the question today that I want to ask each and every one of us is, are you close, mutually close to God? Do we understand the fear of God? Do we know that if there is, are we able to admit if there is anything separating us from his presence, stopping us from drawing close? And are we honing in? And fanning into flame the hunger of our spirit." (54 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God is coming to draw close. No matter where you are in the season of life that you're in, he wants to draw closer that we can understand the fear of God so that nothing can separate us for his love and his goodness, but that we can fan into flame, be a church that is just, always hungry for more. Hungry for more of his presence, of his word, of his power, of communion, to just enjoy him, just to be with God." (32 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "In my experience, I've met probably three different types of worshipers. The first is the one that's sincere and genuine, but they oscillate, right? Between fire hot and stone cold. And never the two shall meet, based on their emotional state. And so when you meet them, you don't know which one you're going to get. Because they are like this. And because life is doing this to them. The second is the sincere, also very sincere worshiper. But they worship so that they can become a better person. They worship because it gives them peace. They worship because they're trying to get God to help them become good, meet their needs, help God, help them, help, allow God to help them meet the demands of life that it's placing on them. Second type of worshiper. The third type of worshiper is a beautifully sincere worshiper also. But they uphold a discipline that their worship is based solely on who God is, regardless of how they feel, regardless of what's going on in their life." (69 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The goal was always intimacy, closeness, communion. And so, as we're going into this journey, as we're doing all the stuff, remember that no matter where you find yourself, God's goal for your life has always been and will always be intimacy with you, wherever you find yourself. The promised land and all the things is just part and parcel. And someone might need to hear this. No one might need to hear this, but maybe you do. For my single people, marriage is not the goal. Don't think, or anything, or that job, it's not the goal. The goal is always, has always been, let me get you to a place where you can be close. To me. I feel close to you, and you feel close to me. Marriage may well be in the story. The job may well be in the story, but that wasn't the goal. God wants us." (70 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The fear of God is the most important part of understanding and experiencing true closeness with God. And so whether you're in the oasis, it's all about you. It's all about intimacy. It's all about understanding the fear of God. If you are in the desert, it's all about the fear of God. It's all about understanding the awe. And so three questions based on those three things to ensure that you have this life, this mutual closeness. Not just me feeling close to God because I read my Bible, but God feeling like he can draw close to us. I don't know if you noticed in this passage in 20, um, the people stood far off whilst Moses drew near. Do we truly know the fear of God? Question one. Because the joy of knowing the fear of God is greater than any false pleasure that sin can offer us." (63 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We cannot in this church settle for Luke warm Christianity. We will not settle for Luke warm leaders who just want to do what people want them to do, who do not want to sit under the fear of God. People that want to sugarcoat holiness or people who want to give false promises or give false hope and not the true God and not present the true God. That's not the church of the Bible. That's not this church. We have to align ourselves with God's word because God's word, you read more than three words and it will challenge you. It will get in your face and it will call us to holy fear. Why? For the sake of union. God, when God came, he said, listen, you've got to consecrate yourself for I am holy, right? And so the God of heaven is asking us to understand deep awe and reverence because we have to acknowledge that being apart from God, there is nothing scarier." (65 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The truth is we will never have or experience a close relationship because our spirit is craving it. We all want it deep down. We want to be close to God, but we just don't know how. Something's stopping us. If we're unwilling to think about it, it's normally the sin that stops us, right? King David, when he sinned, the very thing that he said after he, laid with someone else's wife, he wasn't, he wasn't trying to hide it. He wasn't trying to, he wasn't even afraid of being found out. What did he say? He said in Psalm 51, I'll go straight to verse 10. Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a right spirit in me. What was his greatest fear? Cast me not away from your presence. Take not your spirit from me. Take not your Holy Spirit. Moses understood the revelation that sin, the scariest place to be is not the sin, it's actually just being without God." (62 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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