A New Heart to Obey

Text: Ezekiel 36:26–28

The Christian life often raises a crucial question: How does obedience actually happen in us? Is it sheer human willpower? Is it simply determination to do better? Or is there something deeper, something that God Himself provides?

In Ezekiel 36:26–28, God speaks directly to this question. Through the prophet, He says:

“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances. You will live in the land that I gave to your fathers; so you will be My people, and I will be your God.”

Notice already: obedience is not presented as something we generate, but something God creates within us.

The Human Promise vs. the Human Problem
If we go back to Israel’s covenant experience at Sinai, we hear the people say in Exodus 19:8, “All that the Lord has spoken we will do.” Later, when Moses read the Book of the Covenant, they answered again in Exodus 24:3, 7, “All that the Lord has said we will do, and be obedient.”

This was a bold promise! But as the rest of the story shows, Israel could not keep it. Their lips said, “We will obey,” but their hearts were still hardened.

This is our problem too. We may promise God in our prayers, “Lord, I will do better.” We may make resolutions and commitments. But without a transformed heart, our obedience quickly falters.

God’s Power in Our Weakness
So how then does obedience take place? Paul gives us insight in 2 Corinthians 12:10: “When I am weak, then I am strong.” Obedience is not the fruit of our strength, but of our weakness surrendered to God’s power.

When we admit our inability, when we confess our weakness, then the Spirit works in us to produce what we could never manufacture on our own. Obedience is not us straining harder—it is God filling our weakness with His Spirit’s strength.

The “I Will” of God
Return now to Ezekiel 36:26–28 and notice the repeated “I” statements from God:

• “I will give you a new heart.”

• “I will put a new spirit within you.”

• “I will remove the heart of stone.”

• “I will give you a heart of flesh.”

• “I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes.”

Do you see it? The secret of obedience is not “we will” but “I will.” God Himself takes the initiative. He changes our heart. He fills us with His Spirit. He causes us to walk in His ways.

Obedience is not something we achieve—it is something we receive. It is God’s work, planted in us, producing the fruit of faithfulness.

God Working in Us
And so, we return to Paul’s words in Philippians 2:13:

“For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.”

Our calling is not to strive in our own power but to surrender, to trust, and to yield to the One who has promised: “I will give you a new heart.”

The question of obedience is answered not by human promises, but by divine power. We can live faithfully, because God Himself lives in us.

Reverence in the Presence of God

 

Reverence in the Presence of God

Text: Exodus 19:9–25; Hebrews 4:16

When Israel stood at Mount Sinai, God prepared them to receive His holy law. They were told to wash their clothes, consecrate themselves, and even set boundaries around the mountain. Thunder, lightning, and the sound of a trumpet filled the air. All of this was meant to teach the people reverence—a deep sense of awe before the Almighty.

Today, we must ask ourselves: in our church life, where is that same sense of reverence? Have we perhaps lost it in our casual age? Or do we still come before the Lord with hearts filled with awe and respect?

The Purpose of Preparation

God’s instructions at Sinai were not simply about outward rituals. They were meant to shape the people’s hearts, to remind them that they were approaching the Holy One. The washing, the waiting, the trembling—all pointed to the fact that God is not to be taken lightly.

In our worship today, we no longer prepare with those same external rituals, but the principle remains. Do we take time to prepare our hearts before worship? Or do we rush in casually, forgetting that we are entering the presence of the King of kings?

Jesus Broke Down the Barriers

At Sinai, boundaries were set around the mountain: “Do not come near.” But when Jesus came, He tore the veil in the temple from top to bottom. The message was clear: through Christ, we now have access to the very throne of God.

Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence.” No longer do we tremble in fear at the base of the mountain; we are welcomed as children into the Father’s presence. Christ removed the barriers, not so that reverence would vanish, but so that awe could now be joined with intimacy.

Outward and Inward Reverence

Some may ask: does reverence mean we must always wear our finest clothing? Not necessarily. God has always looked upon the heart. David was chosen over his brothers because, as 1 Samuel 16:7 reminds us, “Man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”

Yet there is nothing wrong with desiring to look our best for church. Dressing with care can be a reflection of respect. But true reverence is not in polished shoes or pressed clothes—it is in humble hearts, lifted in worship, seeking God with sincerity.

Recovering Reverence in Our Churches

Have we lost the sense of awe? Sometimes church can feel routine—songs, announcements, sermons—until we forget that God Himself is present with His people. Reverence is not stiffness, nor is it empty formality. Reverence is a posture of the soul that says: “God is here, and He is holy.”

We recover reverence by preparing our hearts before we gather, by treating worship as sacred, by coming not as consumers but as worshipers. When we sing, we sing as if before His throne. When we pray, we pray as children speaking to their Father. When we listen to His Word, we lean in as though God Himself were addressing us.

Coming Boldly as We are

The Israelites trembled at Sinai, but we come boldly to the throne of grace. Yet boldness does not cancel reverence—it deepens it. We stand in awe, not out of fear, but out of love, because the God of holiness is also the God of mercy.

So let us come as we are, through Christ. Let us come with hearts prepared, with spirits humble, with a renewed sense of awe. For the God who gave His law is the same God who gave His Son, and He is worthy of our deepest reverence. Amen.

The Glory of God and the Law Written on Our Hearts

 "The Glory of God and the Law Written on Our Hearts"

Scripture Readings:

• Exodus 33:18–23

• Exodus 34:1–7

• Psalm 119:55

Today, we reflect on a divine encounter between Moses and the living God—an encounter that reveals not only God's glory but also His heart. In Moses’ request to see God's glory, we are drawn into a longing that echoes in every human soul: to see, to know, and to be near to the one true God. In God's response, we find both awe and intimacy, majesty and mercy.

Moses’ Bold Request and God’s Merciful Reply (Exodus 33:18–23):

In Exodus 33:18, Moses says to the Lord, “Please, show me Your glory.” It is a daring request, born not from arrogance but from a deep yearning for God’s presence. Moses had seen miracles—plagues, parting seas, bread from heaven—but he wanted something more: to see God's very essence.

How does God respond? Not with denial, but with a promise:
“I will make all My goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you My name ‘The LORD.’ I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy.” (v. 19)

Notice—Moses asks to see God's glory, and God promises to show His goodness and proclaim His name. This is a profound shift. God equates His glory not primarily with splendor or power, but with His character—His goodness, grace, and mercy.

But God also sets a boundary: “You cannot see My face, for man shall not see Me and live.” (v. 20) And so, God hides Moses in the cleft of a rock and allows him to see His back—a glimpse, not the full radiance. Even this partial view is overwhelming.

The Revelation of God’s Name (Exodus 34:1–7):

After preparing two new tablets of stone—the symbols of covenant and law—Moses ascends Sinai again. This time, God fulfills His promise:

“The LORD descended in the cloud and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the LORD.” (v. 5)

Then comes one of the most powerful declarations in all of Scripture:

“The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin…” (vv. 6–7)

Here we see the glory that Moses asked to see: not in dazzling light, but in relational faithfulness; not in thunder, but in compassion and truth. God reveals His name, and His name is a testimony of His moral and spiritual character.

But this declaration does not ignore justice: “…but who will by no means clear the guilty.” God’s holiness is inseparable from His mercy. He is both just and the justifier (cf. Romans 3:26).

Remembering and Internalizing God’s Law (Psalm 119:55):

Psalm 119:55 says, “I remember Your name in the night, O LORD, and keep Your law.”
The psalmist connects remembering God's name—His character—with a response of obedience. It is not merely intellectual recall; it is a relational remembering that compels us to live rightly before God.

As Moses received the Law written on stone, so God intends to write His Law on a deeper surface: our hearts.

The Law Written on Our Hearts:

Throughout Scripture, we find this theme—God desiring not just external obedience, but inward transformation:

• Jeremiah 31:33: “I will put My law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be My people.”

• Ezekiel 36:26–27: “I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you... I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes and be careful to obey My rules.”

• Hebrews 10:16 echoes this new covenant promise, reminding us that in Christ, we receive both forgiveness and the inner renewal to obey.

God’s goal is not just to instruct us but to transform us. Just as He proclaimed His name to Moses and engraved His commands on stone, He now proclaims His grace in Christ and engraves His truth on our hearts through the Spirit.

How About Us?

Moses’ request was bold: “Show me Your glory.” And God’s answer was beautiful: “I will show you My goodness. I will proclaim My name.”

We, too, long to see God. And in Jesus Christ—the Word made flesh—we behold the fullness of God’s glory (John 1:14): “full of grace and truth.” Through Him, the name of the Lord is proclaimed to us in love, mercy, and holiness. And by His Spirit, the Law is no longer external but living within us.

So let us, like the psalmist, remember God’s name—even in the night—and walk according to His ways. Let us seek not just to see God’s glory, but to reflect it in lives shaped by His mercy and truth.

More: Lesson 8 In the Psalms: Part 1

The Sin of Favoritism and the Call to Love

 Scripture: James 2:1-9

Brothers and sisters in Christ, today we reflect on James 2:1-9, a passage that warns us against favoritism and calls us to love as God loves. James, the brother of Jesus, speaks directly and powerfully, challenging us to examine our hearts and actions.

The Sin of Favoritism (James 2:1-4)
James begins with a stark warning: "My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism." He then paints a vivid picture of two men entering a gathering—one rich and well-dressed, the other poor and in rags. The rich man is given a place of honor, while the poor man is told to stand or sit at someone’s feet.

What is the problem here? It is not merely an issue of hospitality but of partiality—treating people differently based on their outward appearance or social status. James calls this behavior evil because it contradicts the very nature of God, who shows no favoritism (Romans 2:11).

How often do we judge by appearances? Do we favor those who can offer us something in return while overlooking the weak and needy? James reminds us that this is not the way of Christ.

God's Heart for the Poor (James 2:5-7)
James then asks a rhetorical question: "Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom?" This echoes Jesus’ teaching in the Beatitudes: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3).

The world may despise the poor, but God sees them differently. He often uses those who seem insignificant to do great things. The rich, on the other hand, can be tempted by power and self-sufficiency, forgetting their need for God. James warns against honoring those who exploit others while neglecting those whom God esteems.

The Royal Law of Love (James 2:8-9)
James then shifts from favoritism to the law of love, saying, "If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing right." This law, given by God and affirmed by Jesus, is the foundation of true righteousness.

Yet, if we show favoritism, we violate this law and fall into sin. James does not soften his words—favoritism is not a small mistake; it is a transgression against God’s will. To love as Christ loves means to treat all people with dignity, regardless of status, wealth, or appearance.

A Call to Examine Our Hearts
This passage calls us to self-examination: Do we judge others by their wealth, status, or appearance? Do we overlook the poor and the needy? The kingdom of God does not operate like the world. In Christ, all are equal, and our worth is found in Him alone.

Let us ask God to remove favoritism from our hearts and replace it with genuine love. Let us live out the royal law, seeing others as God sees them, and extending grace to all.

Lord, forgive us for showing favoritism and for valuing people based on worldly measures. Help us to love as You love and to honor all people with the dignity You have given them. May we live out Your royal law of love in our daily lives. Amen.

More: Lesson 13 Love Is the Fulfillment of the Law

Next Quarter: Allusions, Images, Symbols: How to Study Bible Prophecy 

Dying to Self and Living for Christ

Today, we’re diving into a topic central to the Christian journey: dying to self. This concept is at the heart of discipleship and echoes the words of Jesus in Luke 9:23: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” But what does it mean to die to self, and how can we, as followers of Christ, overcome selfishness to live in the fullness of His love and purpose?

Let us explore this together under three main points: understanding the call, practicing self-denial, and depending on God’s grace.

Understanding the Call to Die to Self

The Bible is rich with teachings about surrendering our own desires to align with God’s will. Galatians 2:20 declares, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

This isn’t just a poetic statement; it’s a call to action. To die to self means to let go of our selfish ambitions, pride, and sinful desires. It’s about surrendering control and allowing Christ to take His rightful place as Lord of our lives.

Jesus Himself is the ultimate example. Philippians 2:5-8 reminds us that Jesus humbled Himself, taking the nature of a servant and becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross. If our Savior could lay down His divine privileges for our sake, how much more should we strive to follow in His footsteps?

Practicing Self-Denial

Dying to self is not a one-time event but a daily commitment. Jesus said we must take up our cross daily. What does that look like in our everyday lives?

Resist Sinful Desires: Colossians 3:5 tells us to “Put to death whatever belongs to your earthly nature.” This means recognizing the habits, thoughts, and attitudes that prioritize self over God and others. It might be pride, greed, or anger. Whatever it is, we must turn away from it and turn toward Christ.

Serve Others: Jesus summarized the greatest commandments as loving God and loving others (Matthew 22:37-39). One of the most practical ways to die to self is by putting others’ needs before our own. Whether it’s through small acts of kindness, giving generously, or offering our time and resources, selflessness is love in action.

Sacrifice Comfort: Sometimes, God calls us to step out of our comfort zones. It might be sharing the Gospel, forgiving someone who hurt us, or persevering through trials with faith. Each act of obedience draws us closer to God and away from self-centeredness.

Depending on God’s Grace

Let’s be honest: dying to self is hard. Our sinful nature pulls us toward selfishness, but we are not called to do this alone. God provides the strength we need through His Spirit.

Empowered by the Holy Spirit: Galatians 5:22-23 reminds us of the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These fruits counteract selfishness and help us live in alignment with God’s will. Pray daily for the Spirit to guide and transform you.

Renewing Our Minds: Romans 12:2 urges us to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Spend time in God’s Word, allowing His truth to shape your thoughts and actions. Meditate on Scripture that speaks to areas where you struggle with selfishness.

Grace for the Journey: Remember, this is a lifelong process. You will stumble, but God’s grace is sufficient. Philippians 1:6 reassures us that “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.” Trust in His faithfulness.

As we reflect on dying to self, let’s remember that this is not about losing ourselves but about finding true life in Christ. Jesus said in Matthew 16:25, “Whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.”

Let us commit today to:

Surrender our will to God daily.

Serve others with humility and love.

Depend on the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance.

As we take these steps, we’ll not only grow in selflessness but also experience the abundant life Christ promises. 

More on: Lesson 4: God is Passionate and Compassionate.