Bible Reading
Revelation 4:8 “And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say, 'Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!”
[47:57]Ezekiel 47:1-5 “Then he brought me back to the door of the temple, and behold, water was issuing from below the threshold of the temple toward the east (for the temple faced east). The water was flowing down from below the south end of the threshold of the temple, south of the altar. Then he brought me out by way of the north gate and led me around on the outside to the outer gate that faces toward the east; and behold, the water was trickling out on the south side. Going on eastward with a measuring line in his hand, the man measured a thousand cubits, and then led me through the water, and it was ankle-deep. Again he measured a thousand, and led me through the water, and it was knee-deep. Again he measured a thousand, and led me through the water, and it was waist-deep. Again he measured a thousand, and it was a river that I could not pass through, for the water had risen. It was deep enough to swim in, a river that could not be passed through.”
[01:35:23]Malachi 3:2-3 “But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the LORD.”
[01:33:59]Observation questions
- In Revelation 4:8, what aspects of God’s character are at the center of heavenly worship? How do these connect with the repeated declarations of his worthiness? [51:38]
- In Malachi 3:2–3, who is being purified, and what is the intended result? What things were named as needing to be burned away as people return to God? [01:34:16]
- In Ezekiel 47:1–5, where does the water begin, and how does its depth change as the man leads Ezekiel farther along?
Interpretation questions
- How might the picture of God’s holiness and eternal reign in Revelation 4:8 help a believer keep worship centered on God rather than on a preferred experience? [01:09:50]
- In Malachi 3:2–3, why is refining a fitting picture of God’s work among his people? How does the purpose of purification help a believer understand the call to surrender things that compete with God? [01:34:22]
- Ezekiel 47:1–5 describes water that eventually becomes too deep to walk through. How does this picture help explain the difference between trusting God and insisting on remaining in control? [01:35:35]
Application questions
- Where is the way ahead unclear for you right now? What would placing your confidence in Jesus look like this week, even if you receive no immediate answers? [31:47]
- Thanksgiving begins with who Jesus is, not only with what he gives. What aspect of his character and what example of his past faithfulness could help you bring a present worry to him? [01:25]
- What most easily draws your attention away from Jesus during worship—your preferences, distractions, concern about others’ opinions, or something else? What might a sincere return to him look like for you? [01:10:23]
- Can you recall a time when a strong spiritual feeling faded? What helped—or could have helped—you continue loving and following Jesus after that moment passed? [01:30:27]
- Is there a habit, attachment, or attitude you sense God inviting you to surrender? As you consider his refining work, what makes surrender difficult, and what restoration are you hoping for? [01:34:32]
- Where might you be staying in the shallows because deeper trust feels risky? What is one concrete step of obedience you could take, and how could this group support you without pressuring you? [01:36:19]
