Relentless Pursuit: Encountering God's Presence Personally
Summary
Psalm 24 reminds us that God’s presence and blessing are not reserved for a select few, but are available to all who are willing to pursue Him with sincerity and humility. Throughout history, men and women like Charles Finney have experienced profound encounters with God, not because they were uniquely chosen, but because they sought Him with relentless passion and prepared themselves to receive. These stories are not meant to make us feel like outsiders, but to stir up a holy hunger within us for more of God—an invitation to move beyond secondhand faith and into firsthand experience.
God desires to be real and tangible in our lives, not just an idea or a distant theology. Yet, entering His presence is not a casual affair. The psalmist asks, “Who may ascend the hill of the Lord?” The answer is clear: those with clean hands, pure hearts, and undivided loyalty. This is not about earning God’s love, but about removing the barriers—sin, shame, and divided affections—that keep us from fully experiencing Him. Jesus has already made the way open through His sacrifice, tearing down the wall of separation and inviting us to come boldly as children into the Father’s presence.
Too often, we settle for living off the spiritual experiences of others, content with scraps when God invites us to the feast. We chase after shortcuts, hoping for impartation without transformation, or we shrink back in shame, believing the lie that we are unworthy. But God’s heart is for us to know Him personally, to taste and see His goodness for ourselves. This requires intentional pursuit—ascending the hill, seeking His face, and refusing to let go until we are changed.
Like Jacob, who wrestled with God and would not let go until he received a blessing, we are called to press on with tenacity. This is not a passive waiting, but an active, persistent seeking that transforms us from the inside out. As we pursue God, purify ourselves, and press on, we become the generation that seeks His face—a people marked by His presence, carrying His blessing into every area of life.
Key Takeaways
- Pursuit Precedes Encounter
God’s presence is not found by accident or reserved for spiritual elites; it is discovered by those who intentionally seek Him. The difference between those who experience God deeply and those who do not often comes down to the hunger and pursuit in their hearts. If we are content with what we have, we may miss the greater things God wants to reveal. The more we search for God, the more we will find Him, as He is never far from those who call on His name. [25:15]
- Holiness Opens the Door
Clean hands and a pure heart are not about perfection, but about sincerity and a willingness to let go of anything that stands between us and God. Holiness is the posture that allows us to draw near, not as a legalistic requirement, but as an act of love and trust. When we confess, repent, and turn from double-mindedness, God is faithful to lift us up and bring us into His presence. The process of purification is not to earn God’s favor, but to remove the obstacles that keep us from experiencing His fullness. [28:19]
- Reject Secondhand Faith
Living off the faith, prayers, or experiences of others will never satisfy the deep longing in our souls for God Himself. While it is good to be encouraged by the testimonies of others, God’s desire is for each of us to know Him personally. Settling for secondhand blessing keeps us at a distance, but God invites us to taste and see His goodness firsthand, to move from hearing about Him to encountering Him. [17:00]
- Jesus Has Made the Way
The barrier of sin and shame that once kept us from God’s presence has been removed by the sacrifice of Jesus. We are invited to come boldly, not because of our own worthiness, but because we are hidden in Christ. The confidence of a child is ours, and we need not fear rejection or condemnation. The only thing left is for us to accept the invitation and step into the presence that has been opened for us. [18:53]
- Press On with Tenacity
Like Jacob, we are called to wrestle with God—not in defiance, but in desperate dependence—refusing to let go until we are changed. This kind of persistence is rare, but it is the mark of those who are transformed and renamed by God. Blessing is not for the passive, but for those who press in, who are willing to be broken and changed in the process. The generation that seeks God’s face is a people who will not settle for less than His presence. [36:39]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:36] - Charles Finney and the Power of Revival
[03:54] - Finney’s Encounter with the Holy Spirit
[05:53] - God’s Encounters Are for Us Today
[07:10] - Who May Ascend the Hill of the Lord?
[08:20] - The Reality of Divine Encounters
[09:35] - The Authority of God’s Word and Experience
[10:51] - God Rewards Those Who Seek Him
[12:10] - The Danger of Secondhand Blessing
[13:05] - Chasing Shortcuts and the Anointing
[14:56] - Israel at Sinai: Fear and Distance
[17:00] - Taste and See: Firsthand Experience
[17:54] - Jesus Opens the Way to God’s Presence
[22:03] - Determined to Receive God’s Blessing
[22:53] - Pursue God: Ascending the Hill
[25:15] - The Power of Pursuit
[26:33] - Purify Yourself: Clean Hands and Pure Heart
[28:19] - Holiness and Drawing Near
[30:16] - The Story of Ananias and Sapphira
[32:26] - The Fear and Awe of God’s Presence
[35:15] - Jacob’s Encounter: Wrestling for Blessing
[36:39] - Tenacity in Seeking God
[38:54] - The Narrow Road to Blessing
[39:35] - Transformation and a New Name
[41:10] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Psalm 24 – Pursuing God’s Presence
---
### Bible Reading
- Psalm 24:1-6
"The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters. Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god. They will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God their Savior. Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, God of Jacob."
- James 4:8-10
"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up."
- Genesis 32:24-30
(Jacob wrestles with God and refuses to let go until he receives a blessing.)
---
### Observation Questions
1. According to Psalm 24, what kind of person is able to “ascend the hill of the Lord” and stand in His holy place? What do “clean hands” and a “pure heart” represent?
(see [26:33])
2. In the story of Jacob wrestling with God (Genesis 32:24-30), what was Jacob’s attitude as he sought God’s blessing?
(see [35:15])
3. The sermon mentioned that many people settle for “secondhand faith” or blessing. What are some examples given of what this looks like in real life?
(see [12:10])
4. What does James 4:8-10 say is required for God to “lift us up” and draw near to us?
(see [28:19])
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. The psalmist asks, “Who may ascend the hill of the Lord?” Why do you think God requires clean hands and a pure heart, rather than just good intentions or religious activity?
(see [26:33])
2. The sermon says that Jesus has already made a way for us to enter God’s presence, but we still need to “remove the barriers.” What are some of these barriers, and why do they matter if Jesus already paid the price?
(see [17:54])
3. Why do you think so many people are content with “secondhand faith” instead of seeking a firsthand encounter with God? What are the dangers of living off someone else’s spiritual experiences?
(see [12:10])
4. Jacob’s persistence in wrestling with God led to a new name and a new identity. What does this teach us about the kind of pursuit God desires from us?
(see [36:39])
---
### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenged us not to settle for living off the faith or prayers of others. Are there areas in your life where you’ve been content with “secondhand faith”? What would it look like for you to seek God for yourself this week?
(see [12:10])
2. “Clean hands and a pure heart” are required to enter God’s presence. Is there anything in your actions (hands) or your motives/affections (heart) that you sense God is asking you to surrender or purify? How can you take a step toward that this week?
(see [28:19])
3. The sermon talked about removing barriers like sin, shame, and divided affections. Is there a specific barrier that keeps you from drawing near to God? What practical step can you take to address it?
(see [17:54])
4. Jacob refused to let go of God until he was blessed. Is there an area in your life where you need to press in with more persistence in prayer or seeking God? What would it look like to “wrestle” with God in that area?
(see [36:39])
5. The pastor mentioned that sometimes we don’t experience more of God simply because we’re content with what we have. Are you spiritually hungry right now, or have you become comfortable? What could you do to stir up a greater hunger for God’s presence?
(see [25:15])
6. Jesus has made a way for us to come boldly into God’s presence, like children. Do you struggle with feelings of unworthiness or shame that keep you from approaching God? How can you remind yourself of your identity in Christ this week?
(see [18:53])
7. The sermon said, “Blessing is not for the passive, but for those who press in.” What is one area where you need to move from passivity to active pursuit of God? What’s a first step you can take?
(see [36:39])
---
Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for a greater hunger for God, courage to remove barriers, and persistence to seek Him until they experience His presence and blessing personally.
Devotional
Day 1: Pursue God with Zeal and Expectation
God invites each of us to ascend the hill of the Lord, to seek His presence with intentionality and hunger. The blessing of God is not reserved for a select few, nor is it a matter of luck or spiritual pedigree. Instead, it is available to those who choose to pursue Him, to move beyond complacency and the comfort of secondhand faith. When you set your heart to seek God, you will find that He is not far from you—He is waiting for you to draw near, to rise up from the ordinary and reach for the extraordinary life He offers. The more you pursue Him, the more you will discover His nearness in every aspect of your life. [24:07]
Psalm 24:1-3 (ESV)
The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof,
the world and those who dwell therein,
for he has founded it upon the seas
and established it upon the rivers.
Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?
And who shall stand in his holy place?
Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to intentionally pursue God’s presence, rather than settling for a secondhand experience of faith?
Day 2: Purify Yourself to Enter God’s Presence
To stand in the holy place of God and receive His blessing, we must come with clean hands and a pure heart. This means examining our actions, motives, and affections, and turning away from anything that defiles or distracts us from wholehearted devotion. God calls us to lay aside sin, double-mindedness, and anything that competes for our loyalty. As we humble ourselves, confess our sins, and seek to live in holiness, God promises to lift us up and draw us near. Holiness is not about perfection, but about a sincere desire to please God and a willingness to let go of anything that stands in the way of deeper intimacy with Him. [28:19]
Psalm 24:4 (ESV)
He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not lift up his soul to what is false
and does not swear deceitfully.
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to “wash your hands” or purify your heart before God today?
Day 3: Press On with Tenacity Like Jacob
The blessing of God is often found on the other side of persistence. Jacob’s story reminds us that those who experience transformation and favor are those who refuse to let go of God, even in the midst of struggle. When you press on in prayer, worship, and seeking God—refusing to settle or give up—you position yourself for breakthrough and a new identity. God honors those who wrestle with Him, who say, “I will not let you go until you bless me.” This kind of tenacity leads to lasting change, a deeper relationship with God, and a life that carries His presence to others. [36:39]
Genesis 32:24-30 (ESV)
And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day. When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob’s hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. Then he said, “Let me go, for the day has broken.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” And he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” Then he said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.” Then Jacob asked him, “Please tell me your name.” But he said, “Why is it that you ask my name?” And there he blessed him. So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel, saying, “For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been delivered.”
Reflection: Where in your life do you need to press on in prayer or faith, refusing to let go until you encounter God’s blessing?
Day 4: Jesus Has Made a Way—Approach God Boldly
Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, the barrier of sin and shame has been removed, and you are invited to come boldly into God’s presence. No longer do you need to stand at a distance, feeling unworthy or condemned. Through the blood of Christ, you are adopted as a child of God and can approach Him with the confidence of a beloved son or daughter. Let go of the lies that say you are not good enough, and instead, draw near with faith, knowing that God desires you in His presence and has made every provision for you to come. [18:53]
Hebrews 10:19-22 (ESV)
Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
Reflection: What lie or feeling of unworthiness do you need to surrender today so you can approach God with the boldness Jesus has given you?
Day 5: Be Transformed—Carry God’s Presence to Others
God’s desire is not just for you to have a personal encounter, but to be transformed so that you carry His presence wherever you go. As you pursue Him, purify yourself, and press on, you become part of the generation that seeks His face and is changed by His glory. This transformation is not just for your benefit, but so that others may experience God through your life—through your peace, your joy, and your love. Let your hunger for God lead you to a life that impacts those around you, as you go from glory to glory, carrying the blessing and presence of the Almighty. [41:53]
2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV)
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.
Reflection: How can you intentionally bring God’s presence and blessing into one specific relationship or environment this week?
Quotes
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Jun 29, 2025. Do you have any questions about it?