1. This morning we are paying particular attention to the statement found in vs.4a -- "And they shall see His face." 2. According to this statement, certain people will see God's face. 3. In our lesson we are studying passages that will help us to be among those who will enjoy this great blessing. 4. Let us begin by pointing out that . . .
Discussion:
I. NO ONE IN THE FLESH HAS SEEN GOD
A. This truth was declared by: 1. Jesus (John 1:18) 2. the apostle John (1 John 4:12). B. Not even Moses was allowed to see God's face (Exodus 33:17-23). 1. This is interesting because Deuteronomy 34:10 says that the Lord knew Moses "face to face." 2. This expression simply refers to the way that God communicated with Moses (Exodus 33:11a). C. The Scriptures teach very clearly that no one in the flesh has seen God. D. Let us turn our attention to the fact that . . .
II. CERTAIN PEOPLE WILL SEE GOD'S FACE
A. Where will this occur? [In heaven -- Revelation 22:1-5] B. Who will see God's face in heaven? [His servants -- Revelation 22:3b-4a] C. What does the Lord require of us so we can see God's face? [He requires us to be "pure in heart" -- Matthew 5:8] D. Since being pure in heart is so important, let us examine . . .
III. SOME PRINCIPLES THAT RELATE TO PURITY IN HEART
A. God knows the condition of our hearts (Psalm 44:21). B. The things we say and the things we do reflect the condition of our hearts (Matthew 12:34-37; 15:18-19). C. How is the heart purified? 1. God is the One who makes the heart pure (Psalm 51:10) 2. God purifies our hearts when we obey the Gospel. a. 1 Peter 1:22-23 b. Romans 6:17-18, 3-4 D. In order for our hearts to remain pure we must: 1. invite God to search our hearts regularly (Psalm 139:23-24) 2. hide God's Word in our hearts (Psalm 119:11) 3. allow Christ to dwell in our hearts (Ephesians 3:17a) 4. think on the right things (Philippians 4:8; Proverbs 23:7) 5. not allow our hearts to become hardened (Hebrews 3:12-13) 6. maintain our focus on the Lord's return (1 John 3:2-3).
Conclusion:
1. We began by pointing out that no one in the flesh has seen God. 2. It is clear from other verses we covered that certain people will see God's face in heaven. 3. Are you among those certain people?
