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Scripture Reading:  Exodus 3:1-10

On Holy Ground

 

Intro.

1.  Holy (hagios) – Separated (set apart, dedicated) & hence, separated from sin & consecrated to God, sacred (Vine, 307).

2.  Exo. 3:2-6 – God called Moses (who was standing on holy ground).

3.  We stand on holy ground, having been called by God into the fellowship of His Son – 1 Cor. 1:9; 2 Cor. 6:16; 1 Cor. 3:16-17; 1 Pet. 1:15-16.

4.  How do we present ourselves before the Lord:  Humble reverence or neglectful disregard of God?

 

I.  HOLY GROUND INDICATES…

  A.  The Presence of God – Exo. 3:5.

    1.  God is omnipresent – Psa. 139:7.  So, we are to show reverence everywhere we are because God is there!

    2.  “Holy ground” emphasizes (points out) the presence of the:

      a.  Person of God – Psa. 89:7.

      b.  Word of God – Exo. 3:5 (Mk. 12:26).

      c.  Power of God – Josh. 5:13-15.

  B.  An Undeniable Contrast Between Man & God – cf. Isa. 6:1-7.

    1.  Whenever man comes into the presence of God, man must be struck with the awesome holiness of the Almighty!

    2.  Jer. 10:6-7 – Man’s reverence is God’s rightful due.

  C.  That Serving God must be Reverently Regarded by All Who Approach Him.

    1.  Lev. 26:1-2 – God’s sanctuary was to be reverenced, not defiled.

    2.  The tabernacle with its holy place was holy ground for the priests, & could only be entered in purity / according to God’s instruction.

      a.  PurityExo. 30:17-21.  (Priests performed services barefooted, cf. Exo. 29:20.)

      b.  They were before the Lord! – Exo. 28:29-30, 31-35, 40-43

 

II.  THE DEMANDS OF HOLY GROUND.

  A.  HolinessExo. 3:5.

    1.  Remove of shoes signified removal of contaminants (i.e., shoes before entering a house).

    2.  2 Cor. 7:1; Jas. 4:8 – Approach God by cleansing ourselves!

  B.  HumilityExo. 3:6; cf. Lk. 18:13; cf. Hab. 2:20.

        -Submit silently (reverently) to Him!

  C.  Homage (reverence, high regard) – Rev. 15:4 (Psa. 86:8-10).

 

III.   WE ARE ON HOLY GROUND…

  A.  In the Church1 Cor. 3:16-17 (Eph. 2:21-22).

    1.  Defilement of the local church occurs through moral impurity &/or doctrinal errorRev. 2:4-5, 14-16.

    2.  As the temple of God, we must keep ourselves pure.

  B.  When We Worship God – Jno. 4:23-24.

    1.  We must show humble reverence for God when we worship.

    2.  Eliminate distractions & give our attention to God & His worship!

  C.  When We Teach His Word – Psa. 19:14.

    1.  Sound doctrine1 Tim. 1:10; 6:3-5.

    2.  Right spirit2 Tim. 1:7; 2:24-26 (Boldness, love & soundness; with gentle patience correcting those in opposition).

  D.  In Our MarriagesHeb. 13:4.

    1.  Its lifelong commitment deserves careful consideration & unwavering commitment to God & one’s spouse – Matt. 19:6.

    2.  To deal recklessly with your marriage is to defile the holy ground God intends for it to be! – Eph. 5:22, 25

  E.  As We Live in this World – 2 Cor. 6:17-7:1; 1 Pet. 1:13-17.

 

Conclusion

1.  We stand on holy ground: in the temple of God (the church of Christ), as we worship God, as we teach the gospel, in our marriages & in daily living.

2.  Will we take off our sandals (humble ourselves before God, repent & obey His gospel)?

3.  Or, will we defile & dishonor the presence of God by coming before Him with sinful impurities?