Understanding God's Protective Jealousy for His People
Summary
### Summary
Today, we concluded our series on understanding the God of the Old Testament by focusing on the concept of God being a jealous God. This idea can be challenging for us to grasp because our modern, Western understanding of jealousy is often negative, associated with envy, suspicion, and possessiveness. However, the Hebrew word for jealousy, "kenah," paints a different picture. It is more about a protective, passionate, and enthusiastic love that God has for His people.
We explored how God’s jealousy is not self-centered but is rooted in His desire to protect and care for His treasured possession—us. This is akin to a bird meticulously building a nest to safeguard its young. God’s jealousy is about His commitment to us, His investment in our well-being, and His desire for an exclusive, faithful relationship with us.
We also discussed how this protective jealousy is evident in God's actions throughout the Bible, from the Old Testament to the New Testament, where we are adopted into His family through Jesus Christ. This adoption is a testament to His unwavering love and commitment to us, a love that existed even before we could offer anything in return.
Finally, we reflected on what it means for us to be known as a people who are jealous for God. This involves showing our enthusiasm for Him, coveting our relationship with Him, and gathering resources not for our own benefit but for His worship. We are called to be intentional in our relationship with God, just as He is intentional with us.
### Key Takeaways
1. God’s Jealousy is Protective, Not Possessive: Unlike human jealousy, which is often self-centered, God’s jealousy is about protecting and caring for His people. It is a passionate, enthusiastic love that seeks our well-being and safety. This protective nature is akin to a bird building a nest for its young, ensuring their safety and growth. [57:28]
2. God’s Investment in Us: God is not a distant, uninterested deity. He is deeply invested in each of our lives, feeling a passionate enthusiasm for us. This investment is evident in His actions and His desire to be known as a jealous God who fights to protect His people. [01:04:20]
3. Adoption into God’s Family: Through Jesus Christ, we are adopted into God’s family, a testament to His unwavering love and commitment. This adoption is not based on our ability to offer anything in return but is a free gift of grace, showing God’s protective and jealous love for us. [01:05:55]
4. Being Known for Our Relationship with God: Just as God chooses to be known as a jealous God, we should strive to be known for our relationship with Him. This involves showing our enthusiasm for God, coveting our relationship with Him, and being intentional in our worship and daily lives. [01:07:31]
5. Gathering for Worship: We are called to gather resources not for our own benefit but for the worship of God. This includes our time, money, and efforts. By prioritizing our relationship with God and making intentional efforts to worship Him, we reflect His love and commitment to us. [01:16:24]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[45:26] - Introduction to the Series
[46:05] - Recap of Previous Topics
[46:38] - Understanding Jealousy
[47:11] - Personal Experiences with Jealousy
[47:48] - God’s Jealousy in the Hebrew Context
[48:25] - Prayer for Clarity
[49:34] - Diving into Scripture
[50:18] - Focus on Exodus 34:14
[51:21] - Western vs. Hebrew Definitions of Jealousy
[52:26] - God’s Protective Nature
[54:57] - Reconciling Love and Jealousy
[55:27] - The Hebrew Word "Kenah"
[57:28] - Illustration of a Bird Building a Nest
[01:02:12] - Personal Story of Protection
[01:04:20] - God’s Investment in Us
[01:05:55] - Adoption into God’s Family
[01:07:31] - What Will We Be Known For?
[01:10:13] - Showing Enthusiasm for God
[01:12:17] - Coveting Our Relationship with God
[01:14:52] - Gathering for Worship
[01:18:31] - Intentional Worship
[01:20:13] - Worship Song and Reflection
[01:27:18] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Exodus 34:14: "Do not worship any other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God."
- Ephesians 1:3-7: "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace."
### Observation Questions
1. What does Exodus 34:14 reveal about God's character and how He wants to be known?
2. How does the Hebrew word "kenah" differ from the modern Western understanding of jealousy? [55:27]
3. According to Ephesians 1:3-7, what are some of the blessings we receive through our adoption into God's family?
4. How does the sermon illustrate God's protective nature using the example of a bird building a nest? [57:28]
### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean for God to be jealous in a protective, rather than possessive, way? How does this change our understanding of His love for us? [54:57]
2. How does the concept of God’s jealousy challenge or affirm your current understanding of His character? [51:21]
3. In what ways does our adoption into God's family through Jesus Christ demonstrate His unwavering love and commitment to us? [01:05:55]
4. How can we reconcile the idea of God being jealous with the description of love in 1 Corinthians 13, which states that love does not envy? [54:57]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt protective over someone or something you love. How does this experience help you understand God's jealousy for you? [57:28]
2. How can you show your enthusiasm for God in your daily life? Think of specific actions you can take to demonstrate your love and commitment to Him. [01:10:13]
3. What steps can you take to be more intentional in your relationship with God, similar to how He is intentional with us? [01:18:31]
4. Identify one area in your life where you can gather resources (time, money, efforts) not for your own benefit but for the worship of God. How will you implement this change? [01:16:24]
5. How can you make your relationship with God more evident to those around you? What specific changes can you make to ensure that others see your commitment to Him? [01:07:31]
6. Consider the ways you currently invest in your relationship with God. What new practices or habits can you adopt to deepen this relationship? [01:12:17]
7. Reflect on the idea of being known for your relationship with God. What would you like others to say about your faith and commitment? How can you work towards this goal? [01:08:39]
Devotional
Day 1: God’s Jealousy is Protective, Not Possessive
God’s jealousy is fundamentally different from human jealousy. While human jealousy often stems from insecurity, envy, or possessiveness, God’s jealousy is rooted in His deep love and commitment to His people. The Hebrew word for jealousy, "kenah," conveys a sense of protective, passionate love. This is akin to a bird meticulously building a nest to safeguard its young, ensuring their safety and growth. God’s jealousy is about His desire to protect and care for His treasured possession—us. He is not self-centered but is deeply invested in our well-being and safety. This protective nature is a testament to His unwavering love and commitment to us. [57:28]
Deuteronomy 4:24 (ESV): "For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God."
Reflection: Think of a time when you felt God’s protective presence in your life. How did it change your perspective on His love and care for you?
Day 2: God’s Investment in Us
God is not a distant, uninterested deity. He is deeply invested in each of our lives, feeling a passionate enthusiasm for us. This investment is evident in His actions throughout the Bible, where He consistently shows His commitment to His people. God’s jealousy is a reflection of His desire to protect and nurture us, ensuring our well-being and growth. He fights to protect us, not out of possessiveness, but out of a deep, protective love. This understanding of God’s jealousy helps us see Him as a loving Father who is deeply involved in our lives, always working for our good. [01:04:20]
Isaiah 43:4 (ESV): "Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you, I give men in return for you, peoples in exchange for your life."
Reflection: Reflect on how you can recognize and appreciate God’s investment in your daily life. What are some specific ways you can respond to His love and commitment?
Day 3: Adoption into God’s Family
Through Jesus Christ, we are adopted into God’s family, a testament to His unwavering love and commitment. This adoption is not based on our ability to offer anything in return but is a free gift of grace. God’s protective and jealous love for us is evident in this act of adoption, where He brings us into His family and calls us His own. This relationship is marked by God’s desire for an exclusive, faithful relationship with us, where He is deeply invested in our well-being and growth. Understanding this helps us see the depth of God’s love and the lengths He goes to protect and nurture us. [01:05:55]
Ephesians 1:5 (ESV): "He predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will."
Reflection: How does knowing you are adopted into God’s family change the way you view your relationship with Him? What steps can you take to deepen this relationship?
Day 4: Being Known for Our Relationship with God
Just as God chooses to be known as a jealous God, we should strive to be known for our relationship with Him. This involves showing our enthusiasm for God, coveting our relationship with Him, and being intentional in our worship and daily lives. Our relationship with God should be evident in the way we live, reflecting His love and commitment to us. By prioritizing our relationship with God and making intentional efforts to worship Him, we show the world the depth of our commitment to Him. This intentionality in our relationship with God helps us grow closer to Him and reflect His love to others. [01:07:31]
Jeremiah 9:24 (ESV): "But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord."
Reflection: What are some practical ways you can show your enthusiasm for God in your daily life? How can you make your relationship with Him more evident to those around you?
Day 5: Gathering for Worship
We are called to gather resources not for our own benefit but for the worship of God. This includes our time, money, and efforts. By prioritizing our relationship with God and making intentional efforts to worship Him, we reflect His love and commitment to us. Gathering for worship is a way to show our dedication to God and to build a community that supports and encourages each other in our faith. It is an opportunity to come together and focus on God, giving Him the honor and praise He deserves. This intentional worship helps us grow in our relationship with God and strengthens our faith. [01:16:24]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: How can you prioritize gathering for worship in your life? What steps can you take to ensure that your time, money, and efforts are dedicated to honoring God?
Quotes
1. "We talked about him as being relational. That he has always been relational from the beginning until now and until their end that will never come. He has always been relational. And it's our perspective of him that sometimes needs to change. We talked last week about his sovereignty. That he is a sovereign God and he is worthy and does deserve covenant worship. And we have this incredible opportunity. We have been given this incredible gift to step into that relationship and have that covenant with him." [46:05] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I've been asking you to pray a prayer that through his word we could see him clearer. Right? That through his word not see the part of him that we want to see the most not to see just the parts of him that we're the most comfortable with but that through his word we can see him clearer. How has he revealed himself to us? To his people? And then from that understanding from that clarity we can have a deeper connection with him a deeper relationship with him a deeper reliance on him a deeper trust in him a deeper ability to show him to other people." [48:25] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We have a hard time with attributing jealousy to God because we're looking at it through this self centered romantic envious lens and we're missing the reality of him being this protective jealous for his people God. 1 Corinthians 13 actually does a great job of explaining this because it also says love always protects and that's that word Kana that's that same mindset and concept of God being this aggressive at times but passionate enthusiastic protector of his people." [01:03:17] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We have this infinite God of the universe that is choosing to be known as a jealous God over his people but what will we choose to be known for it a hard worker that's great it's a good thing is it a great earner that's a good thing is it the one with the biggest investment retirement account is it the one with the biggest house on the street is it the one with the most successful business is it the one that does the most ministry is it the one that is so over busy all the time that somehow that's a measure of success is it just being a good mother or father good things or are we known as a jealous people not as a well I want what I want because of me I want to say I want as much of God as I possibly can I want to gather for him I want people to know who I am in him what are we going to choose to be known for what are they going to write on our tombstone if I were to follow you around how long would it take me to guess who is the most important person in your life how many conversations would I have to listen to for me to be able to guess who is the most important person in your life" [01:07:31] (91 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We have an incredible advantage that we have a God that invests in your relationship with him every day every day he's available and not just available pursuing right every day think of the links that God went to for us to be able to spend quality time with him and if you need an example of that go do some research on this the links that God went to to preserve this that we could use it for quality time is incredible I think about this sometimes I remember when I first started using Spotify and it was so frustrating because I couldn't find any Christian music I like the stuff on the radio but it gets too repetitive so I like to go find different things and at first it was really annoying because there just wasn't a lot out there and in the last 10-15 years it's just boom like there's so many believers that worship the Lord and put their stuff out there that we can use it in our relationship isn't that incredible that he would inspire somebody to write a song and go through all the effort of recording it and putting it on something like that that you could then use it for your relationship with God that's just incredible use it invest in it covet it" [01:13:19] (81 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "We want to show you that you are ours. We want to show our community that you are ours. We want to show our neighbors, co-workers and our children. That you are ours. you can be theirs daily. too. thank you, Lord, for you are a whole. In Jesus Christ's name I pray. Amen. God bless." [01:29:09] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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