Discussion Session 1

His Holiness to Experience the Power of His Presence

1) How does the presence of the Lord illuminate the subject of God’s holiness in light of Gen. 3:8; 4:16?

Illuminates our sin and makes us uncomfortable
- Unworthy in our natural state to be in God’s presence
Ps 139:7
Ps 84:1-4
Ex. 33:15; we can’t go anywhere without the Lord being with us
Jn. 8: God is light, holy; when His light is shed on men, they have a choice to make. God shows Adam where he is and invites him to come back.
- Adam left that place of praise (Ps. 84:4)
We are all uncomfortable in God’s presence initially (whether believer or unbeliever; Cain, Joshua, Moses). The faithful ones continue in the presence of the Lord and the Lord teaches them there
Both in the cases of Adam and Cain we see that sin separates from the presence of God. Adam hides himself (with an opportunity for return), but Cain “went” (complete separation). There is a sense of willfulness and no interest in return to the Lord

2) Identify some verses from the Psalms which show the effect God’s presence ought to have upon His people

Ps. 84:1-4 fits here too
Ps. 140 (last vs) – upright will dwell in your presence, not just on Sunday morning
Ps. 16:11 – in your presence is fullness of joy
- John 20:19-20 – Disciples were filled with joy and peace in his presence
Ps. 73:3, 17 – discernment, wisdom are in the presence of the Lord
Ps. 34:16 – the holiness of God makes sinners hide and flee and God’s face is against them; in contrast, Adam was like vs. 15, covered by God, and now God’s face was towards him Ps. 27:4 – to gaze upon his beauty and dwell upon him
Ps. 51:11ff – restoration to fellowship in the face of God’s holiness
Ps. 145:3,8 – Don’t take us if your presence doesn’t go with us.
- We should appreciate God’s presence, especially in times of departure
If you’re uncomfortable in the presence of the Lord, it may not be because you’re an unbeliever. You should continue in the presence of the Lord until we are taught by the Lord and acquire His peace

3) We live in the world, just as Moses was brought up in Egypt in the house of Pharaoh. How can we morally live “in the wilderness” so we can stand on holy ground?

Ps. 16:8 – I have set the Lord ALWAYS before me; because He IS at my right hand I will not be moved.
- I am walking with the Lord 24 hours a day
Ps. 16:7 – “my reins also instruct me in the night season”. Reins control a horse, or the inner man, the affections. Are my affections set on Christ, and he occupies my heart and is my object?
- Turn to God from idols
- Col. 3:2-4 – the affections, mind, heart are on things above
  - Positionally we know this is true
  - Practically we should ask ourselves if it’s so
  - Tozer: “The most important thing about you is your thoughts about God.”
  - The greater our theology (knowledge of God), the greater our doxology (praise to God)
Heb. 7:25 – He saves us both eternally and daily
1 John – We should be in fellowship with him
We should be cognizant of the reality that it’s not two separate worlds (“here” and “there”). We live in the heavenlies, but function here. Our mind is set above and let that mind govern what we practically do here.
1 Cor 5:7-8
- Passover brings us out of Egypt into the presence of the Lord
- Feast of unleavened bread keeps us there
Ps 63 – David was truly in the wilderness in Ps. 63 where he experiences God as being “my God.” David’s experience does not discourage him, but he looks for God in the sanctuary, even though he is in the wilderness
Question: can we apply the armor of God in this scenario? Where does it fit?
- Being in the presence of God helps me to see myself as God sees me, not as the world sees me
  - There’s a moral effect upon myself when I see myself as God sees me.
  - When I have this vision, I can stand fast
  - Otherwise, I give place to the Devil to build strongholds in my mind and life. The only way to avoid that is by being in the presence of God.

4) What other Scriptures show examples of men, women, and children who displayed power (outside of their own strength) because they were in the presence of God?

1 Samuel 3:19-4:1 – Samuel
1 Kings 17:1 – Elijah stood in the presence of Ahab but spoke as one who stands in the presence of God
- Jonah – counter example
So many times we think that if I’m strong or good enough, we can stand in the presence of God. But in Acts 7 God appeared to Abraham while in his homeland (away from God’s presence). The Lord can appear to me even in that state and make me qualified to be in His presence.

Discussion Session 2

His Holiness to Enter into His Blessings

1. In Joshua 5:13-14, how do Joshua’s actions prepare the way for him to stand on holy ground? Based on Ephesians 2:5-6 and other passages, how can we link his actions with the believer’s position today?

Joshua lifted his eyes; our position is in the Lord Jesus seated in the heavenlies
Before this passage Israel crossed the Jordan and placed 12 stones. Reminder of the Lord Jesus’ death and resurrection.
- If we are away from his death and resurrection there is no foundation for our faith
- It’s Joshura who puts the stones in the riverbed, but the children of Israel had to carry the stones there; we can’t acquire our position, but we can make ourselves available to take advantage of that position we’ve been placed into
Actions
- Lifted up his eyes and looked
- Went to him
- Said to him
- Fell on his face
- Sought after him
Vs 13: Progression – when we lift up our eyes, all sorts of things open up to us
- Then he looked and saw the Lord
- We need to be looking specifically for Him, “beholding” him with intention
“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.”
- Victory comes from looking unto Jesus
2 Cor. 3:18 “We all, looking unto the glory of the Lord… are transformed from glory unto glory…”
- There is a contrast between the two passages: Joshua approaches the Lord but we are placed in that position.
  - Do we enjoy that position?
- Lazarus is raised up, but in John 12 he’s dining with the Lord Jesus, spending time with him, seated in heavenly places: enjoying the presence of the Lord
Joshua draws near: when he received light, he did not run away, but went to him and talked with Him. The Father draws men to the Son, and this is what the Lord does when people are looking to see Him.
What’s something that we see a believer has in Ephesians that Joshua does not do?:
- Being seated – this is a privilege that we have as believers that Joshua and the other OT saints did not have. We can be seated because of the work that Christ has done (1 Cor. 1:30).

2. According to Deuteronomy 4:7-10, how should our identity as God’s people affect our enjoyment of His blessings?

Children and grandchildren watch us as we enjoy the presence of the Lord and what He has given us in His word. Do they see that we love the word of God and His assembly? The greatest teacher is example!
1 Peter 2:9 – “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light;”
The Lord is set before us as the Redeemer, … The Lord sets a challenge throughout the book of Deuteronomy: remember the way of the Lord, forget not the way, if you at all forget… etc., throughout the book. We are prone to forget His works, so the remedy is to be occupied with them constantly and in the enjoyment of the good of them.
- If we’re going to teach them (children) we have to be in the good of God’s blessings.
- Don’t forget God’s ways!
Christians are dead to the world when they are born into Christ.
A contrast is made between the great nation, God’s people, and others. There should also be a contrast in enjoyment. Moses and Joshura enjoyed the Lord’s presence, who had different interests than the rest of the people (unfortunately).
- If I have this great standing, why am I not enjoying that position but still occupied with the things of this world.
Two important points:
- We are a special people for the Lord. We are His.
- We are small in number; let’s be sure to pass on this truth to our children, that despite our small numbers we are special in the eyes of the Lord, and we are His, and His forever.

3. What connections can be made between the experience of Joshua and the battle of Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20? Note especially verses 1, 3-4, 10-11, and 20-21.

End of vs. 15: the battle is not yours but God’s
Fundamental contrast: in Joshua’s day it was to take possession of the land, whereas here it’s being thrown out of the land.
- Parallels:
  - It was the Lord’s battle in both cases, and the victory was given by God
  - Sang God’s praises (compare with Jericho; Joshua 6)
  - Sought the face of the Lord
They didn’t try to make their own plans, but turned to seek the will of the Lord.
- Admitted their own powerlessness and dependence upon him
- Contrast with the battle of Ai (where there was no seeking the Lord, and there was defeat)
- All came into the spiritual exercise of the battle (the whole congregation) – they all sought his mind and bowed before him.
  - The Lord sees us as a complete company (and individuals obviously). This includes the little ones. How else will they learn? They need to see the example of looking to the Lord
The clue in 2 Chron. 20:20 – trust and believe. These are the two important parts of our fight with the enemy.
- Just like Joshua: he saw the angel and fell on his face, asked who he was, and received the answer in faith, trusting His word and claims

4. Is there blessing without holiness? How does the truth of God’s love and grace fit in when there’s a lack of holiness?

No
As we see in 1 Peter 2, we are a holy nation. But to enjoy holy ground we still need to go to the laver. We need the daily purifying of our hearts, judging our hearts before God.
- Ex 30:18
God’s love for His children leads Him to chasten us. Our natural parents chasten us for their own pleasure but our heavenly Father chastens us so we can be partakers of His holiness.
1 Thes 3 – God’s desire is for holiness in our lives. 1 Thes 4 – brings it to walking pleasing to God;
- 1 Thes 4:5,7 – Holiness found throughout this section
- Blessing of unity comes in the next section of 1 Thes 4:9-11
- One of the reasons we have so many divisions is because individually we’ve lost sight of the holiness of God
  - This affects our harmony
God’s love and grace are the flags often waved when believers are found living in sin. How do we deal with this in our entitled society?
- Titus 2:11-12 – The grace of God that brings salvation teaches us to deny ungodliness (not to practice godlessness)
- 1 John 3:3 – He’s our personal hope even as he is pure
Hebrews 12:14 – The basis of our relationship with the Lord, one another, and the world: pursue peace and holiness without which no one will see the Lord. The holiness of God is paramount. His glory He will give to no man.
- When Joshua saw the Lord he fell on his face, as did John in Revelation 1.
- God’s holiness should be part of our whole lives
We need to differentiate between practical holiness which we all need and positional holiness which the Lord gave us. We should enjoy our position, but be careful that we practice it in our daily life.

Discussion Session 3

His Holiness Enabling Me to Be His Mouthpiece

1. How does Paul’s testimony in Acts 26:15-20 illustrate the relationship between our vision of God and our speaking for Him?

Saul didn’t know who he was fighting against: an idea, a teaching that contradicted everything he taught and believed. But when he had a face-to-face encounter with the light, that was the change that brought about the transformation
Vs. 17 (Darby): I am taking thee out of… reminds us of the characteristic of the assembly as being called out ones, and we see the Lord as the One who calls us to Him, and as we fellowship with Him we speak of Him
Saul/Paul had heard a testimony of the Lord Jesus before he had his own experience (at Stephen’s stoning).
- He couldn’t handle hearing Stephen’s testimony, but more so he couldn’t handle seeing the Lord himself.
- Afterwards, the glorified Christ characterized Paul’s ministry
Acts 9 gives us Paul’s ministry in seed form
- The “grace of God”
- The “Lordship of Christ”
- The “one body” (“why persecutest Thou me”: the glorified head speaking.)
- Vs 22-26 – Paul’s appreciation of who is speaking to him grows over time (brighter and brighter description): light, bright light, a light brighter than the noon sun
Paul realized that there was a road map for his ministry (repent, return).
- If we’re going to have a path to follow we have to have a heavenly vision

2. According to Jeremiah 25:1-3, Jeremiah’s ministry was probably quite discouraging. What principles likely helped him continue giving God’s message despite that outcome?

In Jer. 31:31-34, we see that despite all the pronounced judgements, God tells him that there will be ultimate blessing
- Jer. 46:27-28
- We also know that the world is going from bad to worse, but the Lord remains faithful to both the assembly and Israel (“all Israel [the remnant] will be saved”).
The start of Jeremiah’s ministry (Jeremiah 1) is very similar to Isaiah’s: do not say that I am a youth.
- First: he was dependant on the Lord for direction to where he was to go
- Second: he didn’t speak what he thought best, of his own mind, but what the Lord gave him
- Third: (Jeremiah 1:8) confidence. As we spend time in the Lord’s presence, we no longer fear men, but only the Lord.
- Fourth: (vs 9) “my words in your mouth”
Jer. 1:4-5 – Jeremiah held the vision that he was given throughout his service for the Lord. He was set apart to this ministry from before he knew it.
- Eph. 1: we too were also called from before the foundation of the world.
Question: how do we handle discouragement in our own experience?
- We’ve all been there!
- Elijah (1 Ki. 19) – had an “I” problem– the “only one left”
  - Can lead to depression, despair, and death.
    - Affects our future ministry
  - We often get there because we can’t construct the future– that’s out of our hands
  - The Lord shows him His great power, but He encourages him by the still, small voice
- David (1 Sam. 30) – all those he was serving turned against him.
  - 1 Sam 30:6 – David was in great distress, but he strengthened himself in the “Lord his God.” He got into the presence of the Lord!
  - Sometimes we get discouraged by our brothers and sisters, but other times the Lord sends our brothers and sisters to encourage us. In (1 Sam. 23:16..) David was encouraged by Jonathan.
  - As a type of the Lord Jesus, in vs. 18 David recovered all. All that is done for Christ has an eternal value: HE will recover all that is done for Him!
- We need to get our eyes off the results. Focus on what the Lord has asked you to do. When you get discouraged, others working with you also get discouraged.
- Jeremiah went to the Lord with his pain. When we’re discouraged, tell it to the Lord. The Lord will provide and perform his word!
  - Jer. 32 – The Lord asked him to buy a piece of land despite the siege, and his response was “There’s nothing too hard for Thee.” The Lord tested that statement to see if Jeremiah really believed that the Lord could do anything “is there anything too hard for me?”
Jeremiah was a prophet in a difficult time. In Jer. 15:16, we learn
- who he was (called)
- he ate with joy and earnestness the word of God
- Dwelt in God’s presence
- Separation from evil for God
- Obedience – Jer 32:25 – absolute obedience and faithfulness to God despite what we see around us
- Trust the word and faithful promises of God – Jeremiah 29:11
Isaiah, Jeremiah, Moses, all saw the Lord’s holiness and were called from that place.
- Jeremiah had a vision for the future (Jer. 31:31)
- In the present the Lord is faithful (Jer. 1:4-8)
- Isaiah had the same experience: his call (Ch. 1, 6); a vision for the future (Isaiah 40ff)
- Moses: called at the burning bush (God’s holiness); future: the Lord will raise from among you a prophet to whom you listen. Present: if your presence go not with us
- Paul: the heavenly vision (first question) in the present, and brings the future rapture and reign of Christ. All his epistles bring to us the present and the future.
- We are in time but God is eternal. We need to remain in the sphere of where God is, the eternal, so we can serve!

Note:
Questions 3 and 4 were not addressed in the discussion time, but perhaps they will provide encouraging studies on our own.

In Exodus 4:10-13, Moses is slow to speak; in Matthew 17:4, Peter is quick to speak. How would an appreciation of God’s holiness adjust our mouth’s response rate to be more in tune with the Lord’s?
In James 1, verses 19 and 21 connect our mouths and our holiness (or lack thereof). What comes first: holiness, or being the mouthpiece for God?

Discussion Session 4

His Holiness for Effective Service

1. Note the expression “partakers of His holiness” in Hebrews 12:10. How does the larger passage here (verses 7-14) prepare us for effective service?

Old Testament has more than 30 references to “sanctify yourselves”
- Only once in the New Testament: 1 Thes. 5:23 is the very referenced
- In the NT, God sees as already sanctified in Christ
- There’s lots of encouragement to then follow this positional sanctification in our own lives practically
- He has already called us to be partakers of His holiness (Heb. 12). That is by His grace. Now He wants to establish us in it and to be blameless in it.
  - Each person ought to possess his own vessel in this practical sanctification
  - He has called IN holiness
  - It’s not that we can do anything to sanctify ourselves, except to be in His presence
    - John 15:5
Mal. 3:3 – By application, to us in the New Testament, he is the one who refines us to be pleasing to him.
- It’s not about condemning and casting out, but that we might draw near for his glory
(From Ironside) In Hebrews 11 we have the “cloud of witnesses.” In Hebrews 12:1-2 the weight we are to set aside (in light of the faith of the cloud of witnesses) is the sin of doubt and feeling weak.
- The solution is to gaze on Christ, the One who is able to purify us to be partakers of His holiness
Nothing can be brought before God without having been sanctified: the clothes, the priests, etc. He is Holy so all must be sanctified to come before him.
- The mouth is sanctified: we can’t say just anything
- Where we go is sanctified: we can’t go to places we can’t take Him with us
- Soul, spirit, body to be sanctified

2. In Nehemiah 13:15-22, Nehemiah insisted on keeping the Sabbath day holy. What lessons in that passage can be applied to our service for the Lord today?

Just to be clear: the question is not “What are Christians allowed to do on Sunday?”
We should prayerfully consider our schedule: how do we spend our time to honor the Lord, especially on the Lord’s Day
- Hospitality
- Service
- We should always consider local constraints when considering things like meeting schedules
  - It’s more a matter of the heart
- Consider if how we treat our Sunday schedule is a reflection of our general spiritual condition
Nehemiah was willing to obey the Lord’s commandment
- He makes a decision, alone, to come back to the commandment of the Lord. “I should do something different in my life, not in my brethren.”
- There is a change
- But the change is only halfway (they still come to buy and sell, to the outside of the city)
  - The spirit of the commandment is disregarded here, but Nehemiah was after the heart, the thrust, of the commandment
Even if we do all the outward stuff, but our heart isn’t right, the outward obedience will be ineffective. It’s truly a matter of the heart.
- There’s a change in Nehemiah 8 – the word of God had an impact on them
  - Nehemiah 9 – there’s a real confession
  - Nehemiah 12 – there’s real thanksgiving
  - By the time we get to Nehemiah 13, the heart has been changed
Before we come to the Sabbath in Ch. 13, we have the House of God. If we apply 1 Peter (holy and royal priesthood); if the holy priesthood (lack of being in the presence of God) has been ignored, there’s not the possibility of a royal priesthood in testimony
- Eph. 2
We are not under the law but under grace
“Far be it from me, for they that honor me, I will honor.”
We will not see collective holiness if we have no personal holiness that results in true service

Note:

Question 3 was not addressed in the discussion time, but perhaps it will provide encouraging studies on our own.

3. Haggai 2:11-19 gives us prerequisites for rebuilding the house of God. Discuss how it relates to holiness in service.

4. Does our service to the Lord depend on our holiness or His holiness?

Addition to the question: does it require his holiness and ours
1 Peter 1:16 – Be holy for I am holy
We are instructed to abide in Him and He is holy (Jn 15)
Eph 4:1-2 – emphasizes the worthy walking according to the holy calling to which we have been called
- The walking is consistent with the calling
- vs 2 points us to the Lord Jesus who perfectly fulfilled this. He is the perfect example.
Heb 12:14 – Holiness is the common denominator when we deal with the father and when we deal with one another.
1 Peter 1:3ff – it starts with our position. based on our position we practise from that position. Our practise is based on our position in Christ
- We need to understand this position so we can arrange our practice accordingly
- This is howPaul also directs the Corinthians when he was correcting them
There are two dangers when talking about our practical holiness
- –
- There is a danger we never feel holy enough to serve the Lord.
  - None of us are ever fully holy enough to serve the Lord, but his grace covers us
1 Peter 2: the holy priesthood and royal priesthood. If a priest were to enter the holy place, he had to pass first by the laver. This is practical sanctification.
- The priests were anointed – positional sanctification
- They had to wash – practical sanctification
- The priest could then go in to the presence of the Lord and spends time there, which further equips him for service
  - The royal priesthood goes out into the world, from having been in the presence of the Lord
Ezra 8:28 – “ye are holy unto the Lord.” Who feels holy enough to serve the Lord? None of us! But that encourages us to be further challenged to more holiness.
Is it really “our” service? – it’s really His service