THE TRANSFORMING POWER OF GOD'S PRESENCE

BIBLE STUDY: THE TRANSFORMING POWER OF GOD'S PRESENCE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 2 Corinthians 3:17-18
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”

Supporting Texts:

Exodus 33:14-16
Psalm 16:11
Isaiah 6:1-8
Acts 4:13
1 Samuel 10:6
John 15:4-5

INTRODUCTION
The presence of God is transformative. Whenever people encounter God in a tangible way, their lives are changed forever. From the Old Testament to the New Testament, we see that those who entered into the presence of God were never the same. His presence brings freedom, healing, empowerment, and a deeper sense of purpose. This Bible study explores the transformative power of God’s presence and how we can experience it in our lives, leading to profound spiritual growth and change.

1. UNDERSTANDING THE PRESENCE OF GOD

The presence of God refers to His manifest reality in the lives of His people. While God is omnipresent, His manifest presence is often experienced in deeper ways through worship, prayer, and intimate fellowship with Him.

a) God's presence brings freedom: Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty—freedom from sin, fear, and spiritual bondage (2 Corinthians 3:17).

b) God’s presence brings fullness of joy: David declared that in God's presence, there is fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore (Psalm 16:11).

c) God's presence distinguishes His people: Moses understood that without God’s presence, Israel would be no different from any other nation (Exodus 33:15-16).

d) God’s presence brings conviction of sin: When Isaiah encountered God's presence, he was convicted of his own sinfulness (Isaiah 6:5).

e) God’s presence is personal and intimate: Jesus desires us to abide in Him, and in His presence, we are transformed (John 15:4-5).

Biblical Example:
Moses and the Israelites (Exodus 33:14-16) depended on God's presence as their source of guidance and identity. Moses understood that God’s presence was what set Israel apart, and without it, they would lose their uniqueness and purpose.

2. THE IMPACT OF GOD’S PRESENCE IN OUR LIVES

When we experience God’s presence, it brings about radical transformation in our character, mindset, and outlook on life.

a) Transformation into God's image: In God’s presence, we are being transformed into the image of Christ from glory to glory (2 Corinthians 3:18).

b) Empowerment for service: God’s presence empowers us for ministry and boldness, as seen in the lives of the apostles after Pentecost (Acts 4:13).

c) Healing and restoration: The presence of God brings physical, emotional, and spiritual healing (Psalm 107:20).

d) Renewed purpose and calling: God often reveals His purpose and calling in moments of deep encounter, as with Isaiah in the temple (Isaiah 6:8).

e) Boldness and courage: God’s presence emboldens believers to stand firm in faith, even in the face of adversity (Acts 4:13).

Biblical Example:
Isaiah's encounter with God (Isaiah 6:1-8) in the temple led to a powerful transformation. Isaiah was convicted of his sin, cleansed, and then commissioned to be a prophet. His life and ministry were completely transformed by this one encounter with God’s holy presence.

3. KEYS TO EXPERIENCING GOD'S PRESENCE

Experiencing the transforming power of God's presence requires intentionality and a heart that seeks after Him.

a) Seek God with all your heart: God promises to be found by those who seek Him with all their hearts (Jeremiah 29:13).

b) Live a life of holiness: Sin separates us from experiencing the fullness of God's presence (Isaiah 59:2). A life of holiness invites God's presence.

c) Cultivate a lifestyle of worship: Worship draws us closer to God and ushers us into His presence (Psalm 22:3).

d) Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit reveals God's presence to us, and we must be sensitive to His leading (John 14:16-17).

e) Abide in the Word of God: God’s Word illuminates His presence and guides us into deeper fellowship with Him (John 15:7).

Biblical Example:
David’s heart for God (Psalm 27:4) exemplifies the kind of pursuit that brings us into the presence of God. David's desire was to dwell in the house of the Lord and to seek His face, which resulted in a life marked by God’s favour and presence.

4. THE RESULTS OF LIVING IN GOD’S PRESENCE

A life lived in God’s presence brings lasting results that shape every area of our lives, leading to spiritual fruitfulness and deep intimacy with God.

a) Peace in the midst of storms: God's presence brings a peace that surpasses understanding, even in difficult circumstances (Philippians 4:7).

b) Continual transformation: As we remain in God’s presence, we are continually changed and renewed (2 Corinthians 3:18).

c) Fruitfulness and effectiveness: Abiding in God's presence produces spiritual fruit and effectiveness in ministry (John 15:4-5).

d) Clarity and direction: In God's presence, we receive clarity and guidance for life’s decisions (Proverbs 3:5-6).

e) Authority over the enemy: Walking in God's presence gives us spiritual authority to overcome the schemes of the enemy (Luke 10:19).

Biblical Example:
The apostles after Pentecost (Acts 4:13) were bold and fearless, and their lives reflected the power of the Holy Spirit’s presence. The religious leaders recognised that they had been with Jesus, which was the source of their transformation and boldness.

5. STAYING IN THE TRANSFORMING PRESENCE OF GOD

Once we have experienced the transforming power of God’s presence, it is essential to cultivate that presence and remain in it daily.

a) Daily fellowship with God: Regular time in prayer, worship, and meditation on God's Word keeps us connected to His presence (Matthew 6:6).

b) Obey the promptings of the Holy Spirit: Obedience keeps us in alignment with God's will and presence (Acts 5:32).

c) Walk in humility: God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). Humility invites more of God’s presence.

d) Develop a heart of gratitude: Thanksgiving and praise open the door to God's presence (Psalm 100:4).

e) Stay connected to the body of Christ: Fellowship with other believers strengthens our spiritual walk and keeps us accountable (Hebrews 10:25).

Biblical Example:
Samuel (1 Samuel 3:19) walked closely with God from a young age, and as a result, God’s presence was with him throughout his life. Samuel’s obedience and sensitivity to God’s voice allowed him to live a life marked by divine favour and transformation.

CONCLUSION:

The transforming power of God’s presence is available to every believer who desires a deeper walk with Him. His presence changes our character, empowers us for service, and brings healing and restoration. As we seek to live in God’s presence daily, we will experience ongoing transformation that reflects His glory in every area of our lives.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, draw me closer into Your presence every day.

2. Father, transform me into Your image as I seek Your face.

3. Holy Spirit, help me to live a life that attracts Your presence.

4. Lord, remove anything in my life that hinders me from experiencing Your presence.

5. Father, empower me for service as I dwell in Your presence.

6. Holy Spirit, give me boldness to walk in the authority of God’s presence.

7. Lord, let Your presence bring peace and joy into my life.

8. Father, open my eyes to see the fullness of Your glory in my life.

9. Holy Spirit, guide me into deeper intimacy with God.

10. Lord, let Your presence transform every area of my life.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

1. I declare that I am continually transformed by the presence of God.

2. I decree that the presence of God empowers me for great exploits.

3. I declare that I will abide in God’s presence and experience His peace and joy.

4. The presence of God will set me apart and distinguish me in every area of my life.