Understanding God's Holiness: A Journey of Revelation

Summary

### Summary

Today, we embarked on a new series focusing on the God of the Old Testament, exploring how He reveals Himself to His people. This series will span the entire month of August, and we will delve into three core attributes of God: His holiness, sovereignty, and jealousy. Our journey began with the concept of God's holiness, a term often used but not fully understood. Holiness means being set apart for a special purpose, and while we often think of it in terms of our own lives, we must also understand what it means for God to be holy.

We examined Exodus 19 and 20, where God reveals His holiness to the Israelites at Mount Sinai. This passage illustrates the paradoxical problem of God's holiness: He is holy, but His people are not. The scene at Mount Sinai, filled with thunder, lightning, fire, and smoke, serves as a vivid illustration of the destructive power of God's holiness when it comes into contact with sin. God's holiness is not just a characteristic; it is the essence of who He is, and it cannot coexist with sin.

We also discussed how God's holiness necessitates separation from sin, not because He is petty or vindictive, but because His holiness would destroy anything unholy. This is why God gave the Israelites specific instructions on how to consecrate themselves before approaching Him. The Old Testament is filled with examples of people who failed to heed these instructions and suffered the consequences, not because God was cruel, but because they underestimated the reality of His holiness.

The ultimate solution to this paradoxical problem is found in Jesus Christ, who bridged the gap between God's holiness and our sinfulness. Through His sacrifice, we are made holy and can enter into God's presence. This series aims to deepen our understanding of who God is, beyond our own perspectives and comfort zones, so that we can truly grasp the depth of His holiness, sovereignty, and jealousy.

### Key Takeaways

1. Holiness Defined: Holiness means being set apart for a special purpose. For God, it is not just an attribute but the essence of who He is. His holiness is the perfection of all His other attributes, making Him worthy of our praise. Understanding this helps us see that our holiness is not about being separate from the world but being set apart for God. [51:39]

2. The Paradox of Holiness: God's holiness is inherently destructive to sin. This paradoxical problem means that while God desires to dwell among His people, His holiness would destroy anything unholy. This is vividly illustrated in the terrifying scene at Mount Sinai, where God's presence was accompanied by thunder, lightning, and fire. [55:32]

3. Consecration and Obedience: The Israelites were given specific instructions to consecrate themselves before approaching God. This was not about ritualistic purity but about understanding the seriousness of God's holiness. Failure to obey these instructions led to dire consequences, emphasizing that God's commands are for our protection, not His pettiness. [58:56]

4. Jesus as the Bridge: The ultimate solution to the problem of God's holiness and our sinfulness is Jesus Christ. His sacrifice on the cross bridged the gap, allowing us to be made holy and enter into God's presence. This act of grace is the most profound expression of God's love and justice, making it possible for us to commune with Him. [01:02:03]

5. Our Role in Holiness: Being set apart for God means we are also set apart from the world, but this separation is not for isolation. We are called to reach back and help others find their way to God. This involves being transformed by the renewing of our minds, feeling God's longing for restoration, and being sent into the world to share His love and truth. [01:14:53]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[37:03] - Introduction to the Series
[38:25] - God's Revelation in the Old Testament
[39:40] - Prayer for Understanding
[41:10] - The Holiness of God
[42:42] - Context of Exodus 19
[44:11] - God's Instructions to Moses
[45:34] - Consecration of the People
[47:05] - The Terrifying Scene at Mount Sinai
[48:35] - The Reality of God's Holiness
[50:00] - Holiness Defined
[51:39] - The Paradoxical Problem of Holiness
[55:32] - Consecration and Obedience
[58:56] - Examples of Disobedience
[01:02:03] - Jesus as the Bridge
[01:14:53] - Our Role in Holiness
[01:15:38] - Communion Instructions
[01:22:36] - Communion Celebration
[01:27:33] - Closing Prayer and Blessing

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Exodus 19:1-25 - The Israelites at Mount Sinai and God's instructions to Moses.
2. Exodus 20:18-21 - The people's reaction to God's presence at Mount Sinai.
3. 1 Peter 2:22-25 - Jesus Christ as the bridge between God's holiness and our sinfulness.

#### Observation Questions
1. What specific instructions did God give to the Israelites to consecrate themselves before approaching Mount Sinai? ([45:34])
2. How did the Israelites react to the thunder, lightning, and smoke on Mount Sinai? ([47:05])
3. What does the term "holiness" mean according to the sermon, and how is it different from our common understanding? ([50:00])
4. How does 1 Peter 2:22-25 describe Jesus' role in bridging the gap between God's holiness and our sinfulness? ([01:02:03])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that God’s holiness is described as inherently destructive to sin? How does this affect our understanding of His nature? ([55:32])
2. In what ways does the terrifying scene at Mount Sinai illustrate the paradoxical problem of God's holiness? ([48:35])
3. How does the concept of consecration in the Old Testament relate to our lives today as believers? ([45:34])
4. What does it mean for us to be "set apart for God" rather than just "set apart from the world"? How does this distinction impact our daily lives? ([50:00])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you underestimated the seriousness of God's holiness. How did that experience change your perspective on approaching God? ([55:32])
2. The Israelites were given specific instructions to consecrate themselves before approaching God. What are some practical ways you can consecrate yourself in your daily life? ([45:34])
3. How can you better understand and appreciate the significance of Jesus' sacrifice in bridging the gap between God's holiness and our sinfulness? ([01:02:03])
4. In what ways can you be "set apart for God" in your current environment, whether at work, home, or in your community? ([50:00])
5. How can you help others understand the seriousness of God's holiness without coming across as judgmental or harsh? ([55:32])
6. Think of a specific area in your life where you need to be more obedient to God's instructions. What steps can you take this week to align yourself more closely with His will? ([45:34])
7. How can you actively participate in helping others find their way to God, especially those who may feel unworthy or distant from Him? ([01:05:00])

Devotional

Day 1: The Essence of Holiness
Holiness means being set apart for a special purpose. For God, it is not just an attribute but the essence of who He is. His holiness is the perfection of all His other attributes, making Him worthy of our praise. Understanding this helps us see that our holiness is not about being separate from the world but being set apart for God. [51:39]

Leviticus 20:26 (ESV): "You shall be holy to me, for I the Lord am holy and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be mine."

Reflection: In what ways can you set yourself apart for God today, not by isolating yourself from the world, but by dedicating your actions and thoughts to Him?

Day 2: The Paradox of Holiness
God's holiness is inherently destructive to sin. This paradoxical problem means that while God desires to dwell among His people, His holiness would destroy anything unholy. This is vividly illustrated in the terrifying scene at Mount Sinai, where God's presence was accompanied by thunder, lightning, and fire. [55:32]

Exodus 19:18 (ESV): "Now Mount Sinai was wrapped in smoke because the Lord had descended on it in fire. The smoke of it went up like the smoke of a kiln, and the whole mountain trembled greatly."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt the weight of God's holiness. How did it change your perspective on sin and your relationship with God?

Day 3: Consecration and Obedience
The Israelites were given specific instructions to consecrate themselves before approaching God. This was not about ritualistic purity but about understanding the seriousness of God's holiness. Failure to obey these instructions led to dire consequences, emphasizing that God's commands are for our protection, not His pettiness. [58:56]

Exodus 19:10-11 (ESV): "The Lord said to Moses, 'Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their garments and be ready for the third day. For on the third day the Lord will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people.'"

Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to consecrate yourself and prepare your heart to meet with God?

Day 4: Jesus as the Bridge
The ultimate solution to the problem of God's holiness and our sinfulness is Jesus Christ. His sacrifice on the cross bridged the gap, allowing us to be made holy and enter into God's presence. This act of grace is the most profound expression of God's love and justice, making it possible for us to commune with Him. [01:02:03]

Hebrews 10:19-22 (ESV): "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water."

Reflection: How does understanding Jesus as the bridge between God's holiness and our sinfulness change the way you approach God in prayer and worship?

Day 5: Our Role in Holiness
Being set apart for God means we are also set apart from the world, but this separation is not for isolation. We are called to reach back and help others find their way to God. This involves being transformed by the renewing of our minds, feeling God's longing for restoration, and being sent into the world to share His love and truth. [01:14:53]

Romans 12:1-2 (ESV): "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

Reflection: Identify one person in your life who needs to experience God's love and truth. How can you reach out to them this week in a way that reflects God's holiness and love?

Quotes

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "We are not holy because we set ourselves apart from the world. We're holy because we set ourselves apart for him. You see, it's not holiness away from the world. It's holiness unto the Lord for his special purpose." [50:00] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Holiness is the perfection of all of his other attributes. His power is holy power. His mercy is holy mercy. His wisdom is holy wisdom. It is his holiness more than any other attribute that makes him worthy of our praise." [51:39] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "The most violent expression of God's wrath and justice is seen in the cross. If ever a person had room to complain for injustice, it was Jesus. He was the only innocent man to ever be punished by God. If we stagger at the wrath of God, let us stagger at the cross. Here is where our astonishment should be focused." [01:02:03] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "We are naturally set apart from others. Right? That happens. You lose relationships. Don't you? You hurt people. Because. You don't share. In what they're doing. But you're not sharing in what they're doing. Not because you're judging them. But because you want to be closer to your God." [01:04:23] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "One of the most profound gifts. That God could give you. That he would use you. To teach his truth to other people. Through you. Not with all the answers. But because you're holy. Set apart for him. Not better than other people. He's better." [01:06:13] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "My prayer for a while was to talk about grace. It was to talk about... some of the harder parts of the old testament and we're going to talk about how we can see God's grace in those moments. And as I was preparing for that the Lord asked me a question which really shifted my whole perspective. He said how are they going to understand what I do if they don't understand who I am." [37:03] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Holiness is destructive to things that aren't holy. Sin cannot be in the presence of a holy God not because it's going to make him dirty but because his power will destroy it and it's a truth that we see taught in the old testament." [53:16] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "We get comfortable in holiness. That's the... paradoxical problem of holiness. Because if we're supposed to be set apart unto the Lord. Set apart for the Lord. Well let's just move to a mountain. And lots of people have done that. Let's just pack up our stuff. And move to the mountain. And forget that the rest of the world even exists. Right? I mean that's what it means to be set apart. No it doesn't." [01:12:21] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Being a holy nation is not about power. It's not about being special or above. Or getting the loitered over people. Or any of those things. Being a holy nation is about being his. And something I should have added there. Was also being on. Was being about his mission. Being sent to his world." [01:14:53] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "We need that right. We're not looking at you through our own lens. We're looking through your lens. Help me better understand these passages that I'm struggling with. Because I'm not bringing my own filter. I'm letting that be transformed." [01:08:56] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?