Martyn Lloyd-Jones: Do you have His Presence?

Summary

The script explores the profound realization of the Israelites that God's presence is more valuable than any material blessing. It narrates their dismay when God, who had been their guide and protector, decides not to accompany them into Canaan, offering only an angel instead. The narrative underscores the spiritual understanding that true fulfillment lies in God's fellowship, not in worldly success or possessions. It challenges modern believers to reflect on their personal relationship with God, questioning whether they truly value His presence over all else.

Takeaways

• 😔 The people realized that God's absence due to their sins was a more significant issue than any physical blessings or victories.
• 😳 The fear of being without God's presence was greater than the fear of being consumed, highlighting the importance of divine companionship.
• 🙏 The realization that material prosperity and success are meaningless without God's presence is a profound spiritual understanding.
• 🌟 The presence of God is considered more valuable than any other blessings, even the Promised Land itself.
• 🔍 The script questions the modern church's focus on success and prosperity, urging a return to seeking God's presence and fellowship.
• 📢 The narrative emphasizes that true satisfaction comes from knowing God, not from achievements or material gains.
• 🙌 The call to prioritize a personal relationship with God over external signs of spiritual success is a central theme.
• 😢 The script describes a deep longing for God's presence, akin to physical thirst, indicating the necessity of divine connection.
• 🤔 It challenges believers to introspect about the presence of God in their lives, beyond mere religious activities and rituals.
• ⚠️ The warning against trading a deep relationship with God for temporary worldly gains is a stark reminder of spiritual priorities.

Q & A

What realization did the people in the script come to regarding God's presence?

The people realized that without the presence of God, all other blessings and successes hold no value. They understood that God's fellowship and company were infinitely more important than anything else.

What was the 'evil tiding' that caused the people to mourn in the script?

The 'evil tiding' was the message that God would not accompany them to the land of Canaan, but would only send an angel. The absence of God's presence was what truly alarmed and saddened them.

How did the people react to the news that God would not be going with them to Canaan?

The people refused to go to Canaan without God's presence, expressing that they would rather not have the blessings of the Promised Land if it meant being without God.

What does the script suggest is the essence of spiritual understanding?

The essence of spiritual understanding, as suggested by the script, is the profound realization that the presence of God is more valuable than any material blessings or successes.

What comparison is made between the physical journey of the Israelites and the spiritual journey of believers?

The script compares the physical journey of the Israelites through the Red Sea and into Canaan with the spiritual journey of believers, emphasizing the necessity of God's presence for both.

What does the script imply about the value of material blessings without God's presence?

The script implies that material blessings such as prosperity, success, and even the Promised Land itself hold no value if one does not have the presence and fellowship of God.

How does the script relate the Israelites' experience to the modern church?

The script relates the Israelites' experience to the modern church by suggesting that even if the church experiences outward success and prosperity, it is essential to have God's presence in the midst of it.

What question does the speaker pose to the audience regarding their relationship with God?

The speaker asks the audience whether they have a personal relationship with God, and whether they are aware of His presence in their lives, rather than focusing on outward religious activities.

What does the script suggest is the ultimate desire of a spiritually awakened person?

The script suggests that the ultimate desire of a spiritually awakened person is not material blessings or success, but rather the presence, fellowship, and relationship with God.

How does the script use the Psalm 106 reference to emphasize the importance of God's presence?

The script uses the reference to Psalm 106 to show that even when God granted the children of Israel their requests, He sent leanness into their souls, highlighting that without God's presence, even blessings can lead to spiritual emptiness.

What is the central message of the script regarding the importance of God's presence?

The central message of the script is that the presence of God is essential and that no amount of material success or prosperity can compensate for His absence in one's life.