Seeking God's Presence: Living the Golden Rule
Summary
In our journey through the Sermon on the Mount, we are reminded that the true insurmountable force in our lives is not our circumstances, but the presence and kingdom of God. The kingdom is about God being available and at work in our lives, and we are encouraged to seek Him actively. A personal story from a recent trip illustrates this beautifully: an unexpected encounter with my daughter at the Denver Airport reminded me of how often we might overlook God's presence and gifts in our lives. Just as I almost missed seeing my daughter, we can easily miss God's presence if we are not looking for Him.
The Sermon on the Mount, particularly in Matthew 7, teaches us about seeking God's righteousness. This righteousness is not about outward conformity but about being genuinely loving, joyful, patient, and generous. Jesus summarizes the law and the prophets with the Golden Rule: "Do unto others whatever you would have others do unto you." This encapsulates the essence of living in God's kingdom, where we are free to relate to others out of the richness of God's care for us.
James echoes this teaching by highlighting the importance of asking God and not relying on our desires, which can lead to conflict. By seeking God first, we are empowered to live generously and lovingly, reflecting the kingdom's values. We are called to look for God's presence in everyday moments, recognizing His gifts and responding with love and generosity towards others. This is the essence of living a Golden Rule life, where we are empowered by God's love to love others.
Key Takeaways:
- The kingdom of God is about His presence and work in our lives. We are encouraged to actively seek Him and recognize His gifts, just as I almost missed seeing my daughter at the airport. This teaches us to be attentive to God's presence in our daily lives. [02:55]
- True righteousness is about being genuinely loving, joyful, patient, and generous. It is not about outward conformity but about an inner transformation that reflects God's character. This is the essence of the Sermon on the Mount. [05:50]
- The Golden Rule, "Do unto others whatever you would have others do unto you," encapsulates the law and the prophets. It calls us to relate to others out of the richness of God's care for us, freeing us from relying on others for our well-being. [06:50]
- James teaches us to ask God and not rely on our desires, which can lead to conflict. By seeking God first, we are empowered to live generously and lovingly, reflecting the kingdom's values. This aligns with Jesus' teaching in the Sermon on the Mount. [09:13]
- We are called to look for God's presence in everyday moments, recognizing His gifts and responding with love and generosity towards others. This is the essence of living a Golden Rule life, where we are empowered by God's love to love others. [10:43]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:54] - The Insurmountable Kingdom
- [01:12] - A Personal Encounter
- [02:24] - Recognizing God's Presence
- [03:25] - Avoiding Manufactured God Sightings
- [04:08] - God's Deep Engagement
- [04:53] - Seeking God's Righteousness
- [06:19] - The Golden Rule
- [07:22] - Relating to Others
- [08:04] - James' Teaching on Asking
- [09:42] - Living a Golden Rule Life
- [10:11] - Finding God in Everyday Moments
- [11:01] - Conclusion and Invitation to Community
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 7:12 - "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets."
2. James 4:1-3 - "What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God."
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Observation Questions:
1. In the sermon, the pastor shared a personal story about almost missing an encounter with his daughter at the airport. How does this story illustrate the idea of being attentive to God's presence in our lives? [02:24]
2. According to the sermon, what does true righteousness entail, and how does it differ from outward conformity? [05:50]
3. How does the Golden Rule, as mentioned in Matthew 7:12, encapsulate the teachings of the law and the prophets? [06:50]
4. What does James 4:1-3 suggest about the source of conflicts and the importance of asking God? How does this relate to the sermon’s message? [09:13]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. The sermon emphasizes seeking God's presence in everyday moments. How might this practice change a person's daily interactions and outlook on life? [02:55]
2. In what ways does the concept of true righteousness, as described in the sermon, challenge common perceptions of what it means to be a "good" person? [05:50]
3. How does the Golden Rule free individuals from relying on others for their well-being, according to the sermon? What implications does this have for personal relationships? [06:50]
4. How does the teaching in James 4 about asking God first align with the values of the kingdom of God as discussed in the sermon? [09:13]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you might have overlooked God's presence or gifts in your life. How can you become more attentive to these moments in the future? [02:24]
2. Consider the qualities of true righteousness mentioned in the sermon: being loving, joyful, patient, and generous. Which of these qualities do you find most challenging to embody, and why? [05:50]
3. The Golden Rule encourages us to treat others as we would like to be treated. Identify a relationship in your life where you can apply this principle more intentionally. What specific actions can you take? [06:50]
4. James 4 highlights the importance of asking God rather than relying on our desires. Is there a specific area in your life where you need to seek God's guidance instead of pursuing your own desires? [09:13]
5. Think about a time when you experienced conflict due to unmet desires. How might seeking God first have changed the outcome of that situation? [09:13]
6. The sermon encourages us to live a "Golden Rule life." What is one practical step you can take this week to live out this principle in your community or workplace? [10:43]
7. How can you create a habit of recognizing and responding to God's gifts in your daily life? What might be a simple practice to start this week? [10:43]
Devotional
Day 1: Recognizing God's Presence in Our Lives
In our daily lives, we often become so consumed by our routines and challenges that we overlook the presence of God and His kingdom actively at work around us. The kingdom of God is not a distant reality but a present force that invites us to seek and recognize His gifts and presence in our everyday moments. Just as one might almost miss a loved one in a busy airport, we can easily miss God's presence if we are not intentionally looking for Him. By cultivating an awareness of His presence, we open ourselves to the transformative power of His kingdom in our lives. [02:55]
"Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon." (Isaiah 55:6-7, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a recent moment where you felt overwhelmed or distracted. How can you intentionally seek to recognize God's presence in similar moments today?
Day 2: True Righteousness as Inner Transformation
True righteousness is not about adhering to external rules or appearances but about an inner transformation that reflects God's character. This transformation manifests as genuine love, joy, patience, and generosity, aligning with the essence of the Sermon on the Mount. It calls us to move beyond superficial conformity and embrace a deeper, more authentic expression of faith that mirrors the heart of God. By focusing on inner transformation, we allow God's righteousness to shape our actions and interactions with others. [05:50]
"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." (Romans 14:17, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you tend to focus on outward appearances. How can you invite God to transform this area from the inside out?
Day 3: Living the Golden Rule
The Golden Rule, "Do unto others whatever you would have others do unto you," encapsulates the essence of the law and the prophets. It invites us to relate to others from the abundance of God's care for us, freeing us from the need to rely on others for our well-being. By living out this principle, we embody the values of God's kingdom, fostering relationships that are rooted in love, respect, and mutual care. This way of living challenges us to consider how our actions impact others and encourages us to act with empathy and compassion. [06:50]
"So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets." (Matthew 7:12, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a relationship where you struggle to apply the Golden Rule. What is one practical step you can take today to treat this person as you would like to be treated?
Day 4: Seeking God First
James teaches us the importance of asking God and not relying solely on our desires, which can lead to conflict. By seeking God first, we align ourselves with His will and are empowered to live generously and lovingly, reflecting the values of His kingdom. This teaching resonates with the Sermon on the Mount, emphasizing the need to prioritize our relationship with God over our personal ambitions. By doing so, we find the strength and guidance to navigate life's challenges with grace and integrity. [09:13]
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." (James 1:5, ESV)
Reflection: Consider a decision or desire you are currently facing. How can you seek God's wisdom and guidance in this situation today?
Day 5: Finding God in Everyday Moments
We are called to look for God's presence in everyday moments, recognizing His gifts and responding with love and generosity towards others. This practice of attentiveness allows us to live a Golden Rule life, where we are empowered by God's love to love others. By being mindful of God's presence, we cultivate a heart of gratitude and a spirit of generosity, transforming ordinary moments into opportunities for divine encounters. This way of living invites us to see the world through the lens of God's love and to respond with kindness and compassion. [10:43]
"Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." (Philippians 4:5-6, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a mundane task you do regularly. How can you invite God into this task and use it as an opportunity to practice gratitude and generosity today?
Quotes
The kingdom is just God being available, God at work, and God is always at work, and we can look for him. [00:00:58]
I almost missed my daughter. It was such a gift, and especially to have it be something where we hadn't planned on it, we hadn't orchestrated this, it just happened. And so we had dinner together there, and it was like we couldn't talk fast enough to catch each other up. [00:02:44]
I think how many times do I walk past, here's God present, here is Jesus in my life, here is his gift. Here is a flower growing in the field, and God gave that as a gift to the Earth, and I get to enjoy that. [00:02:59]
Seek First Look for God every good and perfect gift. Look for those. Where am I walking right now? How is Jesus present here? How can I see his goodness to me? Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. [00:04:42]
True righteousness is not about outward conformity. It's a person who is genuinely loving and joyful and patient and generous. [00:05:42]
Therefore, do unto others whatever you would have others do unto you, for this sums up the law and the prophets. [00:06:46]
We are free now to relate to other people out of the richness and the goodness of God's care for us. I am not relying on the response of other people for my own well-being. [00:07:45]
You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you don't receive because you ask with the wrong motive so that you can spend whatever you want on your pleasures. [00:08:38]
I live a life where I'm seeking to be generous, to give as God does, to bless. And then because God is blessing me, God Is Watching Me Like he does the birds in the air and clothing the grass the field, then I'm able to be generous with other people. [00:09:20]
Look for the Kingdom. You're walking through the food court in terminal B, and there's somebody that you love that could see you, and that's Jesus, and he's here. [00:09:57]
Seek first the kingdom and his righteousness. Do unto others what you would have others do unto you because you know that the heavenly father is the one that's watching out for you, so you can have the power and freedom to love other people. [00:10:37]
This is so much more than a YouTube channel. It's really a community of people who are brought together not by our strengths or our ability to achieve but by our weaknesses and our need for help from God. [00:11:24]
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