Ice Breaker Option: If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, but it had to be a food that you've never tried before, what ridiculous dish would you risk your taste buds for?
HOPE: Where have you seen God at work in the last week?
SERMON RECAP:
Pastor Mike Kelsey explored the holiness of God from Psalm 99, emphasizing that a true understanding of God's character involves both His holiness and His love. He highlighted that God is actively reigning over everything. He is a just and righteous King and His holiness demands a response. God's holiness not only calls us to worship but also serves as a reminder of His seriousness about sin. However, He is also full of forgiveness through Jesus, the ultimate mediator. By recognizing God's holiness, we can deepen our relationship with Him and maintain a sense of awe and gratitude for His grace.
HEART:
• Why do you think people sometimes shy away from the truth of God’s holiness?
• Reflect on your own views of God. Are there parts of your relationship with Him that you find difficult to accept or discuss? Why?
HEAD: Read Psalms 99
• How is God described in this Psalm? What is His character, what does He value, what has He done? What one overarching truth about God is the Psalmist pointing us to?
• What does the Psalmist describe as our right response to God in view of this truths?
• How does this Psalm point to the coming Messiah?
HANDS:
• How can you deepen your sense of awe in your relationship with God?
• In what ways do need to respond to God's holiness? Are there areas of your life that you have not surrendered to the authority of God's word?
• How does knowing that you have a mediator in Jesus change your perspective on prayer and your relationship with God?
HELP: Prayer
As you prepare your hearts for prayer, give space to reflect on the wonder of who God has revealed Himself to be.
• Pray for a deeper understanding of God's holiness.
• Ask for help in recognizing His power and mercy in your life.
• Seek guidance to live in a way that reflects His righteousness.
• Thank God for the access we have through Jesus.
Going Deeper: Questions to reflect upon and encourage the conversation to go deeper.
Jesus is described as the mediator between God and man in 1 Timothy 2:15. The book of Hebrews also uses this term to describe Christ’s role in our atonement: Hebrews 8:6, 9:15, 12:24. Read these verses: 1 Timothy 2:13-15; Hebrews 7:26, 8:6; Hebrews 9:11-15
• Have you ever struggled to forgive yourself for something? How does understanding God's forgiveness help you in those moments?
• Why is the word mediator used to describe Jesus’ role in our atonement? Why was Jesus the only one who could serve as mediator of the new covenant?
• How does this understanding of Jesus as your mediator give you confidence in your relationship with God and your identity as His child?