Over the past few weeks we have been learning about key attributes of God as we prepare for our study of the book of Genesis. Thus far we have learned that God is self-existent (eternal with no beginning or end), omnipotent (all-powerful), and omniscient (all-knowing). In our sermon today, we shall learn that God is omnipresent; that is to say: fully present in all places at all times.
- Omnipresence means God is always everywhere. This can be hard for us to understand because we are human beings and limited by space and time. As humans, we cannot be fully present in more than one place at one time. God, however, is different because He is a Divine being. Being Divine, God is eternal and Spirit (John 4:24) therefore is not bound by space and time. Therefore we know that God is fully present in everyplace at every time.
- Omnipresence means you are never alone. Even if no other person is around you, God is with you. In Psalm 139:5 & 7, David writes about the Lord: “You have encircled me…where can I go to escape Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence?” The answer is “Nowhere, because God is always everywhere.” What are some practical implications of God’s omnipresence? Consider:
- The Judge is watching. God’s omnipresence is a terror to non-Christians because they cannot hide from God. Jeremiah 23:24 says, “Can a man hide himself in secret places where I cannot see him? Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?” Proverbs 15:3 says, “The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, observing the wicked and the good.” In Revelation 20:12, “the dead were judged according to their works by what was written in the books.” The Judge shall call them to account for every idle word (Matt 12:36) so “be sure your sin will find you out” (Num 32:23). If you are a non-Christian consider: “because of your hardness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgment is revealed” (Rom 2:5).
- The Savior is close. God’s omnipresence is a terror to non-Christians who persist in their sin and rebellion, but a blessing to those who see their sin and repent. Isaiah 55:6 says, “seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near” (Isa 55:6). Paul wrote: “we plead on Christ’s behalf, ‘Be reconciled to God’” (2 Cor 5:20). For “everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved” (Rom 10:13). You are one sincere prayer away from salvation (Acts 17:27).
- The Lord is present. God’s omnipresence enables us to be strong and courageous. Consider Joshua in Joshua 1. Moses had died and now it is Joshua who must lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. The Lord told Joshua three times to be strong and courageous. The reason for this strength and courage is because the Lord promised to be with him. In verse 9, the Lord declared: “Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Do you believe God is always everywhere? Does this delight you or terrify you?
First Baptist Scott City, MO 