"A Magnificent Obsession"

“If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.” C. S. Lewis

1. We need glory; we need filling; we need awesomeness; we all get glory by something or someone, Genesis 1:26-27; 2:15; Genesis 11:1-9; Isaiah 43:7.

2. The only experience of glory that will satisfy is God, Psalm 16:1-11; 73:25-28.

3. The experience of God is a community discovery and outcome, and a personal apprehension, 1 Kings 8:1-5; 1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 2 Corinthians 6:19.

4. The majesty of God requires a priest, a mediator, a sacrifice – there is no direct access to Him; He requires His own working, 1 Kings 8:7, 10-11; 1 Corinthians 2:9-16; 1 Timothy 2:5.

5. When you see His glory, you instinctively quit, automatically rest, unconsciously stop, intuitively wonder, impulsively fear, spontaneously worship, Ephesians 2:8-9; 1 Kings 8:11; Isaiah 6:1-8; Luke 5:8-10; Isaiah 8:12-14; John 20:28.

Questions for discussion:
1. What are some common ways we seek glory?
2. What’s the difference between diversions, vacations, and the things they promise, and seeing the glory of God?
3. Why do we stop when we see His glory? What does it feel like to see the glory? Describe an instance when you saw it? How did you feel? What prompted those feelings?
4. What are some ways we can regularly see His glory?
5. What kinds of thoughts should go through our minds when we sit down to read the Bible? Should we keep reading until we see the glory?
6. What’s the difference between seeing the glory and finding “to do” lists? Are they both necessary?