Revering God's Holiness: Lessons from the Reformation
Summary
The sermon delves into the transformative power of the Reformation, which redefined the church's approach to worship and communion, emphasizing the interconnectedness of God's word and the sacrament of the Lord's Supper. The reformers, including the Puritans and figures like John Knox, advocated for a high view of God, warning against the perils of idolatry and the necessity of living a life that honors Jesus Christ. The Gutenberg Press was instrumental in spreading these revolutionary ideas across Europe.
Drawing from Isaiah's vision in the temple, the speaker illustrates the profound holiness of God and the human recognition of sinfulness in His presence. Isaiah's encounter with the seraphim and the subsequent atonement of his sins symbolize the transformative power of God's forgiveness. Despite the people's inability to comprehend or be healed, Isaiah's willingness to deliver God's message underscores the importance of steadfastness in faith and action.
Prophets, as depicted in the sermon, are disruptors whose messages can lead to repentance or further iniquity. The speaker connects this to the Reformation, where the preaching of Holy Scripture became central to church life, offering hope even amidst destruction. The sermon also touches on the importance of humility and the avoidance of self-aggrandizement, urging believers to focus on God's holiness and mercy, and to view Jesus Christ as precious and beautiful.
The speaker emphasizes the necessity of revering God's holiness for His kingdom to come, as articulated by theologian R.C. Sproul. A diminished view of God's holiness can lead to despondency and distrust in His sovereignty. The sermon concludes with a call to recognize God's infinite power and to approach Him with reverence.
Key Takeaways:
- The Reformation brought about a significant shift in worship, highlighting the importance of every believer's participation in the Lord's Supper and the centrality of God's word. This change was rooted in a desire to honor God's holiness and to combat the idolatry that had crept into the church. The reformers' vision for a church that lives out the gospel in every aspect of life remains a powerful reminder of the need for continual reformation. [28:14]
- Isaiah's vision of God's holiness serves as a pivotal reminder of our own sinfulness and the need for atonement. The seraphim's act of touching Isaiah's lips with a burning coal is a powerful symbol of God's cleansing and forgiveness. This encounter with the divine leads to a willing response to God's call, despite the knowledge that the message may not be received. This narrative encourages believers to be faithful in their witness, regardless of the outcome. [01:41]
- The role of prophets as divine agitators is crucial in challenging the status quo and leading people to repentance. The Reformation echoed this prophetic tradition by restoring the preaching of Scripture to its rightful place. The hope of restoration, even after judgment, is a testament to God's mercy and the resilience of a faithful remnant. This historical parallel inspires believers to value the disruptive yet redemptive power of God's word. [23:47]
- A proper understanding of God's holiness is essential for a healthy spiritual life. The speaker's reference to R.C. Sproul's assertion that God's kingdom is contingent on His holiness being revered reminds us that our attitudes and actions must reflect a deep respect for God. The sermon challenges believers to maintain a reverential disposition towards God in all aspects of life, recognizing His purity and power. [30:07]
- The story of Isaiah's commission to minister to a spiritually blind and deaf Israel highlights the importance of perseverance in sharing the truth. The speaker's emphasis on the necessity of proclaiming God's message, even in the face of unfavorable responses, serves as a call to courage and conviction for modern-day believers. This narrative encourages Christians to remain steadfast in their mission, trusting in God's sovereignty over the results. [21:08]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Isaiah 6:1-13
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Isaiah's reaction when he saw the vision of the Lord in the temple? ([01:41])
2. How did the seraphim interact with Isaiah, and what was the significance of the burning coal? ([01:41])
3. What message was Isaiah given to deliver to the people, and what was their expected response? ([02:15])
4. How does the sermon describe the role of prophets in relation to the people and their message? ([07:31])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is the vision of God's holiness in Isaiah 6 significant for understanding our own sinfulness and need for atonement? ([01:41])
2. How does the sermon connect the Reformation's emphasis on Scripture with the role of prophets like Isaiah? ([25:02])
3. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between God's holiness and the necessity of reverence in worship? ([28:50])
4. How does the concept of God's holiness challenge our everyday attitudes and actions according to the sermon? ([29:32])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt a deep sense of God's holiness. How did it impact your view of your own sinfulness and need for forgiveness? ([01:41])
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of a high view of God. What practical steps can you take to cultivate a higher view of God in your daily life? ([26:19])
3. Isaiah was willing to deliver God's message despite knowing it might not be received well. How can you demonstrate similar faithfulness in sharing your faith, even when it seems futile? ([21:08])
4. The Reformation restored the centrality of Scripture in worship. How can you ensure that God's word remains central in your personal and communal worship practices? ([25:02])
5. The sermon warns against idolatry and self-aggrandizement. Are there areas in your life where you might be placing something or someone above God? How can you address this? ([26:58])
6. How can you develop a more reverential attitude towards God in your prayers, singing, and meditation on His word? ([29:32])
7. The sermon calls for a renewed vision of God's holiness. What specific changes can you make in your life to better reflect God's holiness in your actions and decisions? ([30:07])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Reformation in Worship
The Reformation's legacy is a call to honor God through participatory worship and the Word. The shift in worship practices during the Reformation was not merely about changing rituals but about a profound recognition of God's holiness and a rejection of idolatry. The Lord's Supper and the preaching of Scripture became central, reminding believers of their direct relationship with God and the importance of living out the gospel. This historical shift continues to challenge the church to seek continual reformation in its worship and life. [28:14]
Acts 17:11 - "Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true."
Reflection: How does your current worship practice reflect a high view of God's holiness and a commitment to Scripture?
Day 2: Encountering God's Holiness
The burning coal from the altar in Isaiah's vision is a symbol of purification and forgiveness. In the presence of God's overwhelming holiness, Isaiah became acutely aware of his sinfulness and the sinfulness of his people. The seraphim's act of touching his lips with a burning coal represents the cleansing power of God's forgiveness, leading to a transformation that prepares us for His service. This narrative invites believers to acknowledge their sin and receive God's grace, readying themselves to respond to His call. [01:41]
Leviticus 10:3 - "Then Moses said to Aaron, 'This is what the Lord spoke of when he said: Among those who approach me I will be proved holy; in the sight of all the people I will be honored.' Aaron remained silent."
Reflection: When have you felt convicted of your sin in God's presence, and how did it transform your approach to service?
Day 3: Prophetic Voices of Reformation
Prophets serve as God's instruments, challenging the status quo and calling for repentance. The Reformation echoed this prophetic role, with reformers disrupting established religious norms to restore the centrality of Scripture. This prophetic voice brought hope and the possibility of restoration, even in the face of judgment. Believers today are inspired by this tradition to value the transformative power of God's Word in their lives and communities. [23:47]
Jeremiah 1:9-10 - "Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, 'I have put my words in your mouth. See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.'"
Reflection: In what ways can you be a prophetic voice in your community, advocating for truth and justice?
Day 4: Revering God's Infinite Holiness
Understanding and revering God's holiness is foundational for a healthy spiritual life. The kingdom of God is realized when His holiness is revered, as it shapes our attitudes and actions. This reverence leads to a life marked by humility, mercy, and a deep respect for God's purity and power. Believers are called to maintain a posture of awe and worship towards God, recognizing His sovereignty in every aspect of their lives. [30:07]
1 Peter 1:15-16 - "But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'"
Reflection: What are practical ways you can cultivate a deeper reverence for God's holiness in your daily routine?
Day 5: Perseverance in Proclaiming Truth
Isaiah's commission to minister to a spiritually blind and deaf Israel underscores the importance of perseverance in sharing God's truth. Despite knowing that the message may be rejected, Isaiah's commitment to proclaiming God's word is a model for believers. This narrative encourages Christians to remain steadfast in their mission, trusting in God's sovereignty and the power of His message, regardless of the immediate outcomes. [21:08]
Ezekiel 2:5 - "And whether they listen or fail to listen—for they are a rebellious house—they will know that a prophet has been among them."
Reflection: How can you persist in sharing the gospel, even when faced with indifference or opposition?
Quotes
"Holy, holy, holy is Yahweh of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory." This profound declaration captures the essence of God's pure and overwhelming holiness, a central theme in Christian theology. [01:00] (Download)
"Woe is me, for I am ruined, for I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, Yahweh of hosts." This quote reflects the human recognition of sinfulness in the presence of divine holiness and the transformative encounter with God. [01:41] (Download)
"Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?' Then I said, 'Here I am. Send me!'" This passage illustrates the willingness to serve and the response to God's call, a powerful example of commitment and discipleship. [02:15] (Download)
"The Reformation means a lot of things, but at its root it means a return to the scriptures as our Authority." [04:18] (Download)
"Your God is always too small. How do I know? Do you ever worry? Are you fraught with anxiety? Do you stress out at the simplest things? Then your God is too small." [06:57] (Download)
"Prophets were prosecutors, their main job was to take the word of God and bring it to bear on the people, to remind them of God's covenant promises and the ferocity of his judgments." [07:31] (Download)
"The Lord is high and lifted up which speaks of his sovereignty and transcendency, we are confronted with a God who is far above us, far above us he is Holy other, he is entirely distinct and wholly perfect." [14:21] (Download)
"God's kingdom will never come where his name is not considered holy. It just won't because the Holiness of God goes before all of that." [28:50] (Download)
"Our sins though they are many, his Mercy is indeed more." [35:20] (Download)
"God wants a holy people... to maximize His Holiness in our lives, to look upon Him with wonder and excitement, to find His Son gloriously beautiful and precious." [34:42] (Download)
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