How to See God
Hebrews 12:14
Hebrews 12:14 (ESV)
Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.
1. The Problem when Holiness is Absent
Hebrews 12:14 (ESV)
Strive... for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.
You can’t see God’s nearness like you would want.
Psalm 15:1–2 (NIV)
Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous
You can’t see God make you effective in your calling.
2 Timothy 2:21 (NLT)
If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work. You can’t see God’s favor on your life.
“The world is at this day full of poor withering professors. How few are there that walk in any beauty or glory! How barren, how useless are they, for the most part! Amongst the many reasons that may be assigned of this sad estate, it may justly be feared that this is none of the least effectual — many men [and women] harbor spirit-devouring lusts in their [hearts], that lie as worms at the root of their obedience, and corrode and weaken it day by day. All graces, all the ways and means whereby any graces may be exercised and improved, are prejudiced by this means; and as to any success, God blasts such [a person’s] undertakings.”
-John Owen, Overcoming Sin and Temptation
You can’t see God’s favor on your life.
James 4:6b (NIV)
God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” (sin at its essence is pride)
You can’t see God answer your prayers like you would desire.
Psalm 66:18 (NIV)
If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened
2. The promise when Holiness is Pursued
Hebrews 12:14 (ESV)
Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.
Strive for holiness and YOU WILL see the Lord.
Matthew 5:8 (NIV)
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Hebrews 12:14 (ESV)
Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.
To draw near to us, God doesn’t require sinlessness, but he does
require seriousness about sin.
