In his sermon, Teaching Pastor Adam Brock explores the central question raised in Psalm 24: who can ascend the hill of the Lord and stand in His holy place. Our deepest desire and need is to be in the presence of God, a restoration of what was lost in the fall. But if clean hands (outward actions) and a pure heart (inner thoughts and attitudes) are required to approach God, what hope is there? This message is for all of us, particularly for those burdened with a sense of their own sinfulness and shame.
Key Takeaways
- Our deepest desire is to be in the presence of God, and ascending the hill of the Lord symbolizes our access to Him.
- Clean hands (outward actions) and a pure heart (inner thoughts and attitudes) are required to approach God.
- God promises to purify us through Jesus Christ, offering us a way to be made holy and clean.
- It is crucial to distinguish between accusation (associated with guilt) and conviction (linked with restoration) when addressing sin.
- Jesus, the King of Glory, makes salvation and access to God’s presence possible.
Study Questions
- What does it mean to ascend the mountain of the Lord, and why is it significant?
- How does God’s promise of purification through Jesus Christ provide hope and encouragement in our walk with God?
- Consider the difference between accusation and conviction when facing sin. How can we respond to conviction in a Christ-honoring way?
- In what ways can we actively welcome the King of Glory, Jesus, into our daily lives?
