Revering God's Glory: Lessons from the Transfiguration
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound experience of Peter, James, and John witnessing the Transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain. This event is a powerful reminder of the importance of revering the glory of God and adhering to His Word. The Transfiguration reveals Jesus' divine nature, as His face shone like the sun and His clothes became dazzling white. This moment was not just a visual spectacle but a spiritual revelation of Jesus' majesty and glory.
Peter's reaction to this divine encounter was to suggest building shelters for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. However, God interrupted Peter, emphasizing the need to listen to Jesus. This highlights a crucial lesson: our response to God's glory should not be based on our assumptions but on His guidance. We must seek to understand and follow God's will rather than acting on our own impulses.
The sermon also delved into the importance of recognizing and adhering to God's Word. The Pharisees and Sadducees had the right doctrine but failed to recognize John the Baptist as the Elijah who was to come, and they missed the glory of God in Jesus. This serves as a warning that having correct theology is not enough; we must also revere and act upon God's Word.
In conclusion, the Transfiguration teaches us to honor and respect the glory of God by listening to and following His Word. It is a call to move beyond mere knowledge and into a life of obedience and reverence for God's divine revelation.
### Key Takeaways
1. Reverence for God's Glory: The Transfiguration of Jesus reveals His divine nature and calls us to revere His glory. This reverence is not just about acknowledging His majesty but also about letting it transform our lives. We must approach God's glory with humility and awe, allowing it to shape our actions and attitudes. [55:13]
2. Listening to God's Voice: Peter's suggestion to build shelters was interrupted by God's command to listen to Jesus. This teaches us that our primary response to God's revelation should be to listen and adhere to His Word. We must seek God's guidance and be attentive to His voice, rather than acting on our own assumptions. [58:16]
3. The Danger of Right Doctrine Without Reverence: The Pharisees and Sadducees had the correct doctrine but failed to recognize John the Baptist and Jesus. This serves as a warning that having the right beliefs is not enough; we must also revere and act upon God's Word. True discipleship involves both correct theology and a heart that honors God's glory. [01:32:35]
4. Unique Relationships with God: Each of us has a unique relationship with God, and we should not compare our spiritual experiences with others. Some may have profound spiritual encounters, while others may not, but this does not determine the authenticity of our discipleship. What matters is our faithfulness in following Christ. [01:03:32]
5. Acting on God's Word: Knowledge of God's Word must translate into action. We are called to live out our faith through obedience, confession, and repentance. Mere intellectual assent to doctrine is insufficient; we must demonstrate our faith through our actions, aligning our lives with the teachings of Christ. [01:39:02]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[0:53] - Importance of Family Worship
[1:54] - Personal Story of Seeking God's Voice
[3:06] - Introduction to the Sermon Series
[4:44] - Deconstructing and Reconstructing Traditions
[6:17] - The Problem of Recognizing God's Glory
[7:46] - The Importance of Physical Bibles
[8:16] - Main Question: How Do We Revere God's Glory?
[9:46] - Prayer for Humility and Reverence
[10:25] - The Connection Between Stories in Matthew
[11:01] - The Inner Circle of Disciples
[12:17] - Unique Relationships with God
[13:32] - The Transfiguration of Jesus
[15:27] - Peter's Misguided Response
[17:57] - The Importance of Listening to God
[19:07] - Reverence for God's Word
[21:01] - The Difference Between Hearing and Adhering
[23:03] - Acting on God's Word
[25:22] - The Fear and Reverence of God
[27:22] - The Role of John the Baptist
[29:38] - The Danger of Right Doctrine Without Reverence
[32:35] - The Importance of Confession and Action
[35:52] - Religion That Magnifies God's Glory
[37:07] - Final Story and Call to Action
[39:02] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 17:1-9 (ESV)
> "And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. And Peter said to Jesus, 'Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.' He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, 'This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.' When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, 'Rise, and have no fear.' And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. And as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, 'Tell no one the vision, until the Son of Man is raised from the dead.'"
2. 2 Peter 1:16-18 (ESV)
> "For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, 'This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,' we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain."
3. Exodus 34:29-30 (ESV)
> "When Moses came down from Mount Sinai, with the two tablets of the testimony in his hand as he came down from the mountain, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God. Aaron and all the people of Israel saw Moses, and behold, the skin of his face shone, and they were afraid to come near him."
### Observation Questions
1. What was the physical transformation that Jesus underwent during the Transfiguration? (Matthew 17:2)
2. How did Peter react to the Transfiguration, and what did he suggest? (Matthew 17:4) [01:11:57]
3. What did the voice from the cloud say during the Transfiguration? (Matthew 17:5)
4. How did Peter describe the experience of witnessing Jesus' majesty in 2 Peter 1:16-18?
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Peter suggested building shelters for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah during the Transfiguration? (Matthew 17:4) [01:11:57]
2. What is the significance of God interrupting Peter to emphasize listening to Jesus? (Matthew 17:5) [01:15:20]
3. How does the Transfiguration reveal Jesus' divine nature, and why is this important for our faith? (2 Peter 1:16-18)
4. In what ways does the story of Moses' shining face in Exodus 34:29-30 parallel the Transfiguration of Jesus?
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you acted on your own assumptions rather than seeking God's guidance. How can you be more attentive to God's voice in your daily life? [01:13:58]
2. How can you cultivate a deeper reverence for God's glory in your personal worship and daily activities? [01:15:59]
3. In what ways can you ensure that your knowledge of God's Word translates into action? Identify one specific area where you can improve. [01:39:02]
4. How do you handle feelings of spiritual inferiority or superiority when comparing your experiences with others? What steps can you take to focus on your unique relationship with God? [01:03:32]
5. Think of a recent situation where you had the right beliefs but failed to act on them. What can you do differently next time to ensure your actions align with your faith? [01:32:35]
6. How can you better listen to and adhere to God's Word in your life? Identify one practical step you can take this week to improve in this area. [01:21:48]
7. Consider the importance of confession, repentance, and obedience in your faith journey. What specific actions can you take to demonstrate these principles in your life? [01:39:37]
Devotional
Day 1: Reverence for God's Glory
The Transfiguration of Jesus is a profound event that reveals His divine nature and calls us to revere His glory. This reverence is not merely about acknowledging His majesty but also about allowing it to transform our lives. When Peter, James, and John witnessed Jesus' face shining like the sun and His clothes becoming dazzling white, they were given a glimpse of His divine majesty. This moment was a spiritual revelation that should inspire us to approach God's glory with humility and awe. We must let this reverence shape our actions and attitudes, leading us to live lives that honor and reflect His divine nature. [55:13]
2 Peter 1:16-17 (ESV): "For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, 'This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,'"
Reflection: How can you allow the reverence for God's glory to transform a specific area of your life today? What practical steps can you take to honor His majesty in your daily actions?
Day 2: Listening to God's Voice
Peter's suggestion to build shelters for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah during the Transfiguration was interrupted by God's command to listen to Jesus. This teaches us that our primary response to God's revelation should be to listen and adhere to His Word. Often, we may act on our own assumptions or impulses, but God calls us to seek His guidance and be attentive to His voice. By prioritizing listening to God over our own ideas, we align ourselves with His will and purpose for our lives. This requires a posture of humility and a willingness to be led by His Spirit. [58:16]
Deuteronomy 18:15 (ESV): "The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers—it is to him you shall listen—"
Reflection: In what ways can you create space in your daily routine to listen more attentively to God's voice? How can you ensure that His guidance takes precedence over your own assumptions?
Day 3: The Danger of Right Doctrine Without Reverence
The Pharisees and Sadducees had the correct doctrine but failed to recognize John the Baptist as the Elijah who was to come, and they missed the glory of God in Jesus. This serves as a warning that having the right beliefs is not enough; we must also revere and act upon God's Word. True discipleship involves both correct theology and a heart that honors God's glory. It is possible to know the Scriptures and yet miss the essence of God's revelation if our hearts are not aligned with His. We are called to move beyond mere intellectual assent to a living faith that reveres and responds to God's divine revelation. [01:32:35]
Isaiah 29:13 (ESV): "And the Lord said: 'Because this people draw near with their mouth and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me, and their fear of me is a commandment taught by men,'"
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you have correct beliefs but lack reverence and action? How can you bridge the gap between your theology and your daily practice of faith?
Day 4: Unique Relationships with God
Each of us has a unique relationship with God, and we should not compare our spiritual experiences with others. Some may have profound spiritual encounters, while others may not, but this does not determine the authenticity of our discipleship. What matters is our faithfulness in following Christ. The Transfiguration was a unique experience for Peter, James, and John, but it did not make them superior to the other disciples. Similarly, our individual journeys with God are distinct, and we must focus on being faithful in our walk with Him rather than comparing ourselves to others. [01:03:32]
1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (ESV): "Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone."
Reflection: How can you embrace your unique relationship with God without comparing it to others? What steps can you take to cultivate faithfulness in your personal walk with Christ?
Day 5: Acting on God's Word
Knowledge of God's Word must translate into action. We are called to live out our faith through obedience, confession, and repentance. Mere intellectual assent to doctrine is insufficient; we must demonstrate our faith through our actions, aligning our lives with the teachings of Christ. The Transfiguration reminds us that witnessing God's glory should lead to a transformed life. It is not enough to hear God's Word; we must also act upon it, allowing it to shape our decisions, behaviors, and interactions with others. True discipleship is marked by a life that reflects the teachings and character of Jesus. [01:39:02]
James 1:22-24 (ESV): "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like."
Reflection: What specific actions can you take today to live out the teachings of Christ in your life? How can you ensure that your knowledge of God's Word translates into tangible expressions of faith?
Quotes
1. "Brothers and sisters, each one of us has unique relationships with God. And they're not all exactly the same. Some are revealed much glory, some are revealed less, and Christ has just allowed it to be so for the time. Some of us have great spiritual experiences, visions, dreams, prophetic words, and others do not. But these experiences are not the substance of whether or not you're a follower of Christ. Just because God chose these three and had a wonderful experience does not mean that the other nine were no longer disciples." [01:03:32] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The practical application I want to give, and Kim already kind of touched on this, but we shouldn't assume to understand what God wants us to do, but in fact, we should let Him reveal it to us. Brothers and sisters, God has revealed His glory to you in Christ, and if you believe in Him by faith, you've been up in the holy mountain sorts, but in response to that glory that has been revealed, we must not assume what I need to be doing for God, but instead, it's the other way around. God, what it is that you would have me do for you? What is the purpose of my being here?" [01:13:15] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "God has a purpose for you, and it's specific to the way that He created you. Point two, revering the glory of God. Go back now with me to verse five. While He was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud covered them, and the voice from heaven said, This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased. So you can see there, while He's still speaking, so Peter's still blabbing away what he should be doing, and God has to step in halfway through and just put a stop to whatever you're trying to do." [01:15:20] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Brothers and sisters, answer me truly. If God were to speak with you with a thunderous crack and a whip, like the hairs on the back of my neck stood up, with just my little daughter speaking to me, would you not pay the utmost attention give the highest gravity and weight to the words that were about to proceed out of the mouth of the Lord? I want you to consider on Mount Sinai, God speaks the words of the Ten Commandments, Exodus 20. He finishes the Ten Commandments, the Lord says, and it says in verse 18, all the people witnessed the thunder and the lightning, the sound of the ram's horn and the mountain surrounded by smoke." [01:17:13] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "There's a difference between hearing and adhering. So many of us have it going into our ears, but it's not doing anything. Do we see this? Are you listening? God's not saying, hey, Peter, make sure you stick next to Jesus and just hear everything he says. He's already been doing that. Adhere. How does someone revere the glory of God? How do we show our honor, respect to the glory revealed in Christ, they revere his glory by following his word. And that doesn't mean just the portions you like. That is why we must preach the whole counsel of God's witness." [01:21:48] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "You know, after I got saved, I had a lot of zeal for God, wanted to do all this stuff. As you do, you get that big, fiery, burning chest. And for about four years, I felt like every attempt I tried to do things for God, it just kind of got snatched away from me. And I felt very disappointed. And I still believe to this day that the reason that that was happening was because I was trying to build shelters. Just trying to do something for God. And I think he was just saying, just learn from me. Would you just kind of shut up, actually pick up your Bible, and just learn from me first. Know who I am. Know what I have for you. And then go." [01:23:03] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Brothers and sisters there are Christians today and I pray that we are not them who know God's word. They have all the right doctrine in the church but they lack reverence and honor to his glory and because of this they destroy the glory of God believing all the right things because it's just a belief system. What's the point of knowing all the Nicene Creed if it doesn't translate into anything? You know and you normally see it in scoffing. Christians that scoff." [01:33:14] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Religion understands God's word and it magnifies Jesus' glory. You see in verse 13, then the disciples understood that he had spoken to them about John the Baptist. Now they've rightly perceived who John is. John was the Elijah who had come to restore the work through repentance and baptism. You see religion just doesn't understand. It does what it's taught. And this glorifies God. John's ministry of restoration to God through baptism and repentance was given to him by God and it was carried on and carried on and into the church. And we are to do the same." [01:36:25] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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