Untitled Sermon (6)

God is an unknowable mystery

· Gregory of Nazianzus (329-389): “It is difficult to conceive God, but to define Him in words is an impossibility…”[1]

· Gregory of Nyssa (330-395): “Now the divine nature, as it is in itself, according to its essence, transcends every act of comprehensive knowledge, and it cannot be approached or attained by our speculation.”[2] 

· Evagrius (345-399): “God cannot be grasped by the mind. If He cold be grasped, He would not be God”[3]

God is a Knowable personal being

Isaiah 6

1. “high and lifted up”

2. The train of the Lord’s robe fills the temple.”

3. Seraphim cry out “Holy, holy, holy!” The foundations shake.

4. Smoke fills the air. What does Isaiah do?

OUR RESPONSE

1. Isaiah 6—Repent: “Woe is me! I am ruined! … For my eyes have seen the King!”

· Why?

o Because Isaiah saw something no sinner can survive—the glory of the Holy One.

o He knew instantly that he was not worthy to be in that presence.

· But here’s the miracle: Isaiah doesn’t die.

o Instead, a burning coal touches his lips—symbolizing purification.

o God draws him into glory not to destroy him, but to cleanse him.

2. Revelation 4—Worship

· John the apostle, exiled on Patmos, is caught up in the Spirit and sees a vision similar to Isaiah’s—a throne, a rainbow, flashes of lightning, living creatures, elders casting crowns.

· Again, the cry goes out: “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty…”

· But now notice: this throne room is filled with worship and invitation.

o Instead of silence (“Like we saw with Isaiah”) there is loud praise.

o The elders are casting their crowns—saying, “You are worthy, our Lord and God.”

· John, like Isaiah, is being drawn into glory.

o But now he’s seeing what the whole church is meant for: to join in the eternal worship of the Triune God.

· Rev 5 – differnce from Isaiah 6 – now the the second person is included

3. John 16—Follow

· Jesus tells His disciples: “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth…”

· Live a life of curiosity and growth.

· I knew someone from the past:

o Christian for 60 years.

o Knew nothing.

o They had been a Christian for 1 year and then lived that same year 60 times.

NOTICE THE ACTIVITY OF THE TRIUNE GOD

Isaiah 6 – God the Father (He plans redemption and sends the Son)

Rev 4-5 – God the Son

· He reveals the Father (John 1:18), becomes incarnate, and reconciles us to God (Col 1:19–20).

· After rising from the dead, He sends the Spirit (John 15:26; 16:7).

John 16—God the Holy Spirit

· leads us into truth (John 16:13).

· The Spirit brings us into living contact with the Son and the Father.

God doesn’t draw us into His glory to destroy us…

…but to cleanse us, forgive us, and include us in His eternal life.

· Like Isaiah, we repent.

· Like the elders in heaven, we worship.

· Like the disciples, we follow.

The Trinity is not just a doctrine to believe—it’s a reality to live in.

· Start each day by asking the Holy Spirit to guide you.

· Walk through your day in fellowship with Jesus, your Savior and Lord.

· End your day resting in the love of the Father, who knows you and calls you His own.

“Holy Spirit, open my eyes to Jesus today. Jesus, lead me to the Father’s heart. Father, help me live in your love.”

[1]On the Beatitudes 6.

[2]Beatitudes 6

[3]Evagrius of Pontus (Roman province), 4th century monk