Distinct Privilege

Text: Matt. 17:1-13

We did discuss the dangers of the presence of God last week, but today we are moving to the next teachings today. Let us consider the privilege we enjoy in His presence. Let us consider two very distinct privileges we enjoy in His presence. Some people in life just wants the good things in life and not necessarily God. If they are happy, they do not think they needed God.

A. The privilege of God’s presence is that we might have fellowship with the invisible God. The people of Israel were promised enough things of life, but without God’s presence Exodus 33:3. But the people knew the benefit of the presence of God and they requested for it and mourned for their sins. In vs 15-17, Moses interceded for the people and they asked for the way of God. The way of God is how he deals with his own. (Exod. 33:20) showed the Moses had face to face talk with God, but that is not a literal interpretation. This is intimacy. There are three ways to this which are:

1. First, there are different levels of intimacy with God. Moses knew God in a way that even Aaron and their sister, Miriam, did not (Num. 12:1-8). Paul had the unique experience of being caught up to the third heaven where he heard things that he was not permitted to speak (2 Cor. 12:4). Peter, John and James also experienced a new thing they must not say in our text.

2. Second, those who seek the Lord must go through the Mediator. Paul says (Eph. 2:18), “for through Him we both [Jews and Gentiles] have our access in one Spirit to the Father.” Hebrews 13:13 exhorts, “So, let us go out to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach.”

3. Third, it’s helpful to have a specific place and time where you meet with God. If you can, have a designated spot where you can get alone with God to fellowship with Him through His Word and prayer. His ways so that you may know Him (Exod. 33:13; Ps. 25:4). God’s ways are how He deals with people, and His ways are not our ways (Isa. 55:8). The sacrifice of Isaac was typology of Jesus (Gen. 22:1-14). Joseph had to experience life in the dungeon despite been faithful to Potiphar’s wife but for a bigger purpose (Ps. 105:16-19; Gen. 50:20). You must understand His ways. So, make sure to obey Psalm 105:4.

B. The privilege of God’s presence is so that we might be distinct from all other people. As God’s people, we are to be in the world, but not of the world (John 17:15-16). God’s ultimate objective is the New Jerusalem, where (Rev. 21:3), “The tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them.” God’s presence would distinguish Israel from all the other people who were on the face of the earth (v. 16). Paul asks (1 Cor. 3:16), unbelievers must see God in our midst (1 Cor. 14:25); Then he commands (2 Cor. 6:17), “Therefore, ‘Come out from their midst and be separate,’ says the Lord.” Paul concludes (2 Cor. 7:1), “Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”