Hebrews 12:18-24
Introduction
Location, location, location. Most of us have heard this key real estate phrase many times. Location matters spiritually for us as believers because we need to be operating in the heavenly realm of the Spirit rather than the earthly realm of our flesh. We can claim and exercise our spiritual authority only to the extent that we are operating in the realm of the Spirit. In Hebrews 12, we see the contrast between these two environments. Mount Zion represents the heavenly realm. It stands for the time when God worked through the Mosaic covenant and the people of God lived under the law. Mount Zion represents the heavenly realm. It stands for the time we are living in now where God works through the new covenant in Christ in which the people of God live under grace.
If we do not realize that we are living in the new covenant of grace, then we will not connect with the Holy Spirit and be able to walk in the power of God. Living and operating in the realm of the Spirit allows us to connect with God’s worship, God’s government and God’s provision. First, the realm of the Spirit is a place characterized by people who devoutly praise God. Second, it is the place where God rules. In His courtroom, we, as believers, have been given the right to plead our case, exercise spiritual authority and then take back what the enemy has stolen. Third, Zion is where we experience God’s provision because He gives us rest so that we can stop trying to make things happen using our own power and, instead, allow God to work sovereignly in His power.
When you are operating in the realm of the Spirit, you have a new spiritual location, a new spiritual community and a new spiritual representative. In your new location, you are worshipping God alongside His people in His heavenly city. Jesus is your mediator and arbitrator in God’s courtroom, so you are not fighting for your case: Jesus is! With all these benefits to be enjoyed, why do we so often feel weak, tired, beaten down, discouraged and hopeless? If we feel this way, then we are not connecting with the Spirit or relying on God to do the work. Prioritize operating in the realm of the Spirit. Position yourself in the right location and operate in the power of the Holy Spirit instead of your own. Then you will begin to see the effects of your spiritual authority as you learn to exercise it properly.
Getting Started
- What comes to mind when you think of heaven or the heavenly realm?
- What things make you feel the most tired and exhausted? What things make you feel the most empowered and joyful?
Let’s Get Personal
- What does it mean to you to be living under the new covenant of grace? How has God shown you grace?
- How can you tell when you are trying to make things happen in your own power? How are things different when you rely on the power of the Holy Spirit?
- How would having a mindset of worship change your life on a daily basis? How would it change your habits or routines?
Take the Next Step
- What is one thing the enemy has stolen from you that you would like to see restored (it could be joy, hope, a broken relationship, or a missed opportunity)? Pray this week about God bringing restoration to your life as you begin to move into the realm of the Spirit and trust His sovereignty.
- What is one area in your life where you struggle most to rely on the power of the Holy Spirit? Check yourself this week each time that happens. Talk with an accountability partner about how you are working to give that area over to God.
- Set aside an hour or so this week to spend time worshipping God. Find a quiet place where you can be alone. Make a worship playlist of your favorite songs. If you like, grab a journal to write down your thoughts and prayers. Start to develop a habit of worship.
- Want to go deeper? Take time to look at the following passages: Psalm 76:1-2; 110:1-2; 132:13-14; Isaiah 2:1-4; 8:18; Ephesians 3:14-15; Philippians 3:14-15; Hebrews 1:13-14; 4:9-11; 7:25; 12:1.
Renew Your Mind
“But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, . . . and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks better than the blood of Abel.”
Hebrews 12:22, 24
