Relentless Pursuit: Encountering God's Transformative Presence
Summary
Psalm 24 calls us to consider who may ascend the hill of the Lord and stand in His holy place. The answer is not just anyone, but those with clean hands and pure hearts, who have not lifted their souls to idols or sworn deceitfully. God’s presence is not a distant, abstract idea; He desires to be known and experienced by His people. Throughout history, men and women like Charles Finney and Jacob have encountered God in powerful, transformative ways—not because they were uniquely chosen, but because they pursued God with relentless hunger and humility. These encounters are not reserved for a select few; they are available to all who will seek, purify, and press on.
It is easy to settle for secondhand blessings—living off the faith and prayers of others, chasing after the anointing that someone else carries, or believing the lie that we are unworthy to come near to God. But Jesus has made a way for us through His sacrifice, tearing down every barrier and inviting us to come boldly before the throne of grace. The abundant life is not found in shortcuts or spiritual passivity, but in a wholehearted pursuit of God, a willingness to lay aside every weight and sin, and a determination to press on until we encounter Him for ourselves.
Pursuing God means moving toward Him, seeking Him with all our heart and soul. As we do, we discover that He is not far from us—He is present in every moment, waiting to reveal Himself. But this pursuit also requires purification: clean hands, pure hearts, and undivided loyalty. Holiness is not about perfection, but about removing anything that stands between us and God, confessing our sins, and allowing His grace to transform us. Like Jacob, we are called to wrestle with God, to refuse to let go until He blesses us, to press on with tenacity and faith. In doing so, we become the generation that seeks His face, transformed by His presence, and marked by His blessing.
Key Takeaways
- God’s Presence Is for the Pursuer
God does not withhold Himself from those who earnestly seek Him. The difference between those who experience God’s nearness and those who do not is often the willingness to pursue Him with all their heart, refusing to be satisfied with secondhand stories or blessings. The invitation is open, but it requires intentional movement toward God, a hunger that will not settle for less than His presence. [27:32]
- Holiness Is the Pathway to Encounter
Ascending the hill of the Lord is not about religious performance, but about purity of heart and life. Clean hands, a pure heart, and a soul undivided by idols are the prerequisites for standing in God’s holy place. Holiness is not a legalistic burden, but a loving response to God’s invitation—removing anything that would hinder intimacy with Him, so that we can experience the fullness of His blessing. [49:04]
- Refuse Secondhand Blessings
It is tempting to rely on the faith, prayers, or spiritual experiences of others, but God desires each of us to know Him personally. Living off someone else’s relationship with God will never satisfy the deep hunger of the soul. The call is to taste and see for ourselves, to move beyond hearing about God to encountering Him directly, and to refuse to settle for anything less than firsthand revelation. [37:48]
- Jesus Has Made a Way—Approach Boldly
Feelings of unworthiness and shame often keep us at a distance from God, but Jesus has removed every barrier through His sacrifice. We are invited to come boldly, like children, into the presence of our Father—not because of our merit, but because of His grace. The only thing that can keep us away now is our own reluctance to believe and receive what Christ has accomplished for us. [40:44]
- Press On with Tenacity—Don’t Let Go
Jacob’s story teaches us the power of persistence in seeking God. Blessing and transformation come to those who refuse to let go, who wrestle in prayer and faith until God meets them. This is not a casual pursuit, but a determined pressing in—a willingness to be changed, to walk differently, and to become part of the generation that seeks God’s face above all else. [57:54]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[20:52] - God Inhabits the Praises of His People
[21:53] - Reading Psalm 24:1-6
[23:12] - Charles Finney and the Power of Revival
[24:23] - Finney’s Encounter with the Holy Spirit
[26:35] - The Reality of Experiencing God
[29:05] - Who May Ascend the Hill of the Lord?
[30:56] - Encounters Are Not Random
[32:27] - God Rewards Those Who Seek Him
[33:46] - The Danger of Secondhand Blessings
[39:01] - Jesus Removes Every Barrier
[44:25] - Pursue God: Ascending the Hill
[46:51] - Purify Yourself: Clean Hands and Pure Heart
[56:06] - Press On: The Example of Jacob
[01:03:17] - Prayer for a Generation That Seeks God
[01:08:24] - Worship, Giving, and Final Encouragement
[01:11:50] - Closing and Announcements
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Psalm 24 – Pursuing God’s Presence
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### Bible Reading
Psalm 24:1-6 (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?
> 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.
> He will receive blessing from the Lord
> and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
> Such is the generation of those who seek him,
> who seek the face of the God of Jacob. Selah
---
### Observation Questions
1. According to Psalm 24:3-4, what are the requirements for someone to “ascend the hill of the Lord” and “stand in his holy place”?
2. In the sermon, what does the pastor say is the difference between those who experience God’s nearness and those who do not? [[27:32]]
3. What does the phrase “clean hands and a pure heart” mean in the context of this Psalm and the sermon? [[46:51]]
4. How does the story of Jacob in Genesis relate to the idea of seeking God’s face, as mentioned in Psalm 24:6 and the sermon? [[56:06]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon says, “God does not withhold Himself from those who earnestly seek Him.” What does it look like to earnestly seek God, and how is this different from spiritual passivity? [[27:32]]
2. The pastor warns against “secondhand blessings”—relying on the faith or experiences of others. Why do you think it’s tempting to settle for secondhand blessings, and what are the dangers of doing so? [[37:48]]
3. The sermon describes holiness not as perfection, but as “removing anything that stands between us and God.” How does this understanding of holiness challenge or encourage you? [[49:04]]
4. Jacob’s story is used as an example of persistence in seeking God. What does it mean to “wrestle with God” in our own spiritual lives? [[57:54]]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon says, “It is easy to settle for secondhand blessings—living off the faith and 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 pursue God for yourself this week? [[37:48]]
2. “He who has clean hands and a pure heart…” (Psalm 24:4). Is there anything in your actions (“hands”) or your heart that you sense is standing between you and God right now? What is one step you can take to address it? [[49:04]]
3. The pastor said, “Jesus has made a way for us through His sacrifice, tearing down every barrier and inviting us to come boldly before the throne of grace.” Do you struggle with feelings of unworthiness or shame that keep you from approaching God? How can you remind yourself of the truth of what Jesus has done? [[40:44]]
4. The sermon challenges us to “press on with tenacity—don’t let go.” Is there an area in your life where you need to persist in prayer or seeking God, even if you haven’t seen breakthrough yet? What would it look like to “wrestle with God” in that area? [[57:54]]
5. The pastor shared stories of people who encountered God in powerful ways because they pursued Him with hunger and humility. What does it look like for you to pursue God with hunger and humility in your daily life? [[27:32]]
6. The sermon says, “Holiness is not a legalistic burden, but a loving response to God’s invitation.” How can you shift your mindset from seeing holiness as a burden to seeing it as a response to God’s love? [[49:04]]
7. The pastor asked, “Are you willing to pay the price? Are you willing to purify yourself?” What is one practical thing you can do this week to move toward God and away from anything that hinders your relationship with Him? [[01:04:58]]
---
Close in prayer, asking God to give your group a greater hunger for His presence and the courage to pursue Him wholeheartedly.
Devotional
Day 1: Pursue God with All Your Heart
God invites each of us to seek Him earnestly, not settling for secondhand experiences or relying on the faith of others, but to move toward Him with intentionality and hunger. When you pursue God, you discover that He is not distant or reserved for a select few; rather, He is near to all who call on His name and desires to reveal Himself to you personally. The more you seek Him, the more you will notice His presence in every area of your life, transforming ordinary moments into encounters with the living God. Don’t be content with hearing about God—determine today to pursue Him for yourself, to ascend the hill of the Lord, and to experience His blessing firsthand. [45:15]
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 relying on someone else’s faith or experience?
Day 2: Purify Yourself to Enter God’s Presence
Approaching God requires more than desire; it calls for clean hands and a pure heart, a life marked by holiness and sincerity. God is holy, and He asks us to lay aside anything that defiles—our actions, our affections, and our loyalties—so that nothing stands between us and Him. This means confessing sin, turning away from double-mindedness, and humbling ourselves before the Lord. As you purify yourself, God promises to lift you up, drawing you closer into His presence and blessing you with His nearness. Let today be a day of honest self-examination and surrender, trusting that God’s forgiveness and grace are more than enough to cleanse and restore you. [49:04]
James 4:8-10 (ESV)
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.
Reflection: What is one area of your life that needs to be surrendered or cleansed so you can draw nearer to God today?
Day 3: Press On with Tenacity Like Jacob
Blessing and transformation come to those who refuse to let go of God, who persist in seeking Him even when it’s difficult or costly. Jacob’s story reminds us that real encounters with God often require wrestling through the night, holding on in prayer, and not giving up until God moves. This kind of tenacity changes us—it gives us a new identity, a new walk, and a testimony of God’s faithfulness. Don’t settle for a casual relationship with God; press on, persist in prayer, and refuse to let go until you receive what He has promised. Your breakthrough may be just on the other side of your persistence. [56:47]
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 persist in prayer or faith, refusing to let go until God brings breakthrough or blessing?
Day 4: Receive God’s Blessing Through Christ’s Finished Work
Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, the barrier of sin and shame has been removed, and you are invited to come boldly into God’s presence as His beloved child. No longer do you need to stand at a distance, feeling unworthy or disqualified; Christ has made a way for you to draw near, to receive mercy, and to experience the fullness of God’s blessing. Let go of the lies that say you are not enough, and embrace the truth that you are welcomed, loved, and made righteous through Jesus. Approach God today with confidence, knowing that He delights in you and desires to bless you abundantly. [39:52]
Hebrews 4:16 (ESV)
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Reflection: What lie about your worth or God’s love do you need to reject today so you can approach Him boldly and receive His blessing?
Day 5: Be Transformed and Carry God’s Presence
God’s desire is not just for you to have a momentary encounter, but to be transformed into someone who carries His presence and impacts the world around you. As you pursue, purify, and press on, God changes your identity and fills you with His Spirit, so that others can see that you have been with Jesus. This is the abundant life—to know God, to be changed by Him, and to become a vessel of His love, peace, and power wherever you go. Let your life be marked by the presence of God, so that your story inspires others to seek Him as well. [01:03:17]
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 create space today for God to transform you, so that His presence is evident to those around you?
Quotes
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