As we heard the first message on 2 Corinthians 3.18, Joey encouraged us to remove the veil. To summarize his message, the first step to experiencing gospel transformation is to be honest, bring our sin into the light, and remove the veils we hide behind. The passage this morning from Psalm 19 brings about a great truth of how God graciously reveals himself in creation.
So how is this connected to our series entitled “unveiled faces”? Well, if you think about it, people have two reactions when it comes to creation and humanity as a whole. Some lift their eyes to heaven and bask in the majesty of the creator, while others suppress the truth, claiming that there is no god at all. For believers, creation should bring about a healthy fear of the Lord. When we take a step back and admire the works of His hands, and bask in the grace and freedom given through Christ, we can confidently take off our veils and know that the creator of the universe has the desire and ability to transform us from one degree to another, into His very own image.
According to Romans, this requires a response from every human being.
Romans 1.20
For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.
Psalm 19.1
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.
1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?
+ What does it mean to say the heavens declare the glory of God? How does the sky show His handiwork?
+ What do the heavens (ie. the design of the placement of stars to indicate seasons and provide light at night, etc) reveal about our God?
+ Have you been awestruck by the handiwork of God? Where? When? Remind yourself of that feeling, and then ask “What veils do I need to remove?”
[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?
+ Is there a sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?
+ How should we respond when we consider the incomprehensible vastness of the heavens and the perfect design of the earth’s sky?
+ How does knowing He created & perfectly designed the heavens affect my understanding of His power and mightiness? How does that understanding affect my worship of Him? My trust of Him? My determination to remain faithful in painful and difficult situations?
[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?
+ What is my next step?
+ How does my understanding of God’s power and might help me to share Him with others, even when it may affect my social status/popularity or career?