THE JOURNEY TO THE FATHER

THE JOURNEY TO THE FATHER

A Destiny City Church Devotional & Small Group Discussion Guide

Theme: From Salvation to Surrender, from Surrender to Intimacy

Key Scripture: Hebrews 10:19–22 (NKJV)

“Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith.”

Devotional: Beyond the Veil

God has never simply desired our obedience, our service, or even our spiritual experiences. From the beginning, His desire has been to dwell with His people and invite them into a personal, intimate relationship with Him.

Throughout Scripture, we see this invitation unfold. God walked with Adam and Eve in the garden. He instructed Moses to build a tabernacle so He could dwell among Israel. And ultimately, He sent Jesus Christ to reconcile us to Himself, making His dwelling place within us through the Holy Spirit.

The tabernacle provides a beautiful picture of our spiritual journey toward deeper fellowship with God.

The Gate — Accepting the Invitation

The tabernacle had one entrance, reminding us that Jesus is the way to the Father (John 14:6). Salvation begins when we respond to His invitation, turn from our old life, and surrender to His lordship.

But accepting the invitation is only the beginning of a lifelong relationship.

The Brazen Altar — A Life of Surrender

At the altar, we remember the sacrifice of Jesus, who gave Himself once and for all for our sins. In response to His mercy, we present ourselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1).

Here, we surrender our pride, bitterness, unforgiveness, sin, and the false identities we have carried. God invites us to release what has kept us bound so that His truth can transform our lives.

The Bronze Laver — Cleansed by His Word

The laver represents cleansing and renewal. Just as the priests washed before ministering, we are called to allow God’s Word to examine our hearts and renew our minds.

Through Scripture, God replaces the lies we have believed with the truth of who He is and who we are in Christ (Ephesians 5:26).

The Holy Place — A Life Led by the Spirit

Inside the Holy Place stood the golden lampstand, the table of showbread, and the altar of incense.

These elements offer a picture of the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives. He illuminates God’s Word, sustains our fellowship with Him, empowers us with spiritual gifts, and leads us into deeper worship and prayer.

Yet even wonderful spiritual experiences are not the ultimate goal.

We can become so focused on experiencing God’s power that we neglect the simple invitation to know His heart.

The Holy of Holies — Knowing the Father

Beyond the final veil stood the Ark of the Covenant, representing God’s covenant presence among His people.

Under the old covenant, access to this sacred place was restricted. But through the sacrifice of Jesus, the veil was torn, and believers were given access to God.

We no longer approach Him as strangers or outsiders. Through Christ, we are welcomed as beloved children.

Romans 8:15 reminds us that we have received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry, “Abba, Father.”

For some, knowing God as Father comes naturally. For others, the word father brings memories of abandonment, rejection, disappointment, or pain.

But our Heavenly Father is not defined by the failures of earthly fathers.

He is faithful where others have failed. He is present where others were absent. He loves us without requiring us to earn His acceptance.

And He has been at work in our lives, even in seasons when we could not recognize His hand.

The journey through the tabernacle reminds us that Jesus did not come merely to forgive our sins, and the Holy Spirit does not dwell within us merely to give us spiritual experiences. Through Jesus, by the Holy Spirit, we have been brought into fellowship with the Father.

We do not have to remain at a distance.

The veil has been torn.

The invitation has been extended.

Our Father is calling us into a deeper relationship with Him.

Personal Reflection

Are we content with knowing about God, or are we intentionally pursuing a relationship with Him?

It is possible to attend church faithfully, serve in ministry, study Scripture, and experience powerful moments in worship while still struggling to trust God personally.

Sometimes the greatest barrier to deeper intimacy with God is not a lack of knowledge but an unwillingness to surrender our fears, wounds, expectations, and misconceptions about who He is.

God is not asking us to earn our way into His presence. Jesus has already opened the way.

He is inviting us to draw near.

Small Group Discussion Guide

Suggested Duration: 45–60 minutes

Opening Discussion — The Invitation (5–10 minutes)

Read John 14:6 and Hebrews 10:19–22.

The tabernacle can serve as an illustration of spiritual growth, but its central message points us to Jesus, whose sacrifice has already opened access to God’s presence.

Discussion Questions

* When you hear the word Father, what characteristics or emotions come to mind?
* How have your experiences with earthly relationships influenced the way you see God?
* What is the difference between knowing about God and truly knowing Him?

Part 1 — The Outer Court: Salvation, Surrender & Cleansing (10–15 minutes)

Read: Romans 12:1–2; 1 John 1:9; Ephesians 5:25–27

The brazen altar reminds us of sacrifice and surrender, while the bronze laver illustrates cleansing. Both point us toward a life transformed by the grace and truth of Jesus Christ.

Discussion Questions

* Why is surrender an ongoing part of the Christian life rather than a one-time decision?
* What are some things believers tend to hold onto even after giving their lives to Christ?
* How do unforgiveness, bitterness, pride, or false beliefs about ourselves interfere with spiritual growth?
* What does it practically mean to allow God’s Word to cleanse and renew our thinking?

Personal Application: Is there something you have been holding onto that God is inviting you to release?

Part 2 — The Holy Place: Growing in the Holy Spirit (10–15 minutes)

Read: John 14:26; John 16:13; Galatians 5:22–25; 1 Corinthians 12:4–7

The lampstand, table of showbread, and altar of incense remind us of illumination, nourishment, fellowship, prayer, and worship.

The Holy Spirit leads us into truth, empowers us for service, transforms our character, and deepens our relationship with God.

Discussion Questions

* What is the difference between learning about God through others and developing a personal habit of studying His Word?
* How does the Holy Spirit help us understand and apply Scripture?
* Why is it important that we pursue both the gifts of the Spirit and the fruit of the Spirit?
* Can we become more focused on spiritual experiences than on developing intimacy with God? What might that look like?

Personal Application: What is one way you can become more intentional about spending time with the Holy Spirit through Scripture, prayer, and worship?

Part 3 — The Holy of Holies: Intimacy with the Father (10–15 minutes)

Read: Romans 8:14–17; Hebrews 4:14–16; Psalm 139:1–18; Luke 15:11–24

The Holy of Holies reminds us that God’s ultimate desire is fellowship with His people. Through Jesus, we have received access to the Father, not as fearful strangers but as His beloved children.

Discussion Questions

* Why do you think some Christians struggle to see God as a loving Father?
* How does knowing that we are adopted into God’s family change our identity?
* What can the parable of the prodigal son teach us about the Father’s heart?
* Have you ever recognized God’s faithfulness in a past season when you initially thought He was absent?
* If God is inviting you into a deeper relationship with Him, what might your next step look like?

Personal Application: What would change in your daily life if you truly lived with the confidence that your Heavenly Father knows you, loves you, and welcomes you into His presence?

Group Prayer & Ministry: Drawing Near to God

Allow approximately 10–15 minutes, or longer as the group feels led.

Invite participants to reflect prayerfully on the different elements of the tabernacle. These are not spiritual barriers that must be passed to earn access to God, but reminders of what Christ has accomplished and how we can respond to Him.

1. The Gate — Renew Your Commitment

Thank Jesus for salvation. Renounce agreement with lies that contradict God’s Word and reaffirm His lordship over your life.

Prayer: “Jesus, You are my Savior and Lord. I choose Your truth over every lie I have believed.”

2. The Altar — Surrender

Confess sin, release unforgiveness, and surrender anything that has taken priority over God.

Prayer: “Lord, I surrender every burden, hurt, and area of my life that I have tried to control.”

3. The Laver — Receive His Truth

Ask God to cleanse your thinking and replace harmful lies with the truth of Scripture.

Prayer: “Renew my mind through Your Word. Help me see myself the way You see me.”

4. The Holy Place — Welcome the Spirit’s Work

Invite the Holy Spirit to lead, strengthen, teach, and empower you. Spend time in thanksgiving and worship.

Prayer: “Holy Spirit, fill me afresh. Illuminate Your Word, transform my heart, and lead me into deeper fellowship with God.”

5. The Holy of Holies — Rest in the Father’s Love

Spend time in quiet prayer, receiving the truth that through Christ you are loved, accepted, and welcomed by your Heavenly Father.

Prayer: “Father, teach me to know You as You truly are. Heal the places where fear has replaced trust. Help me rest in Your love and walk as Your beloved child.”

Participation should be voluntary. Allow room for quiet reflection, especially for those whose experiences with earthly fathers have been painful.

Closing Encouragement

The Christian life is not simply about making it to heaven someday. It is about knowing God today.

Jesus has made the way. The Holy Spirit leads us in truth. And the Father welcomes us into fellowship with Him.

We were never created merely to experience God’s blessings, exercise spiritual gifts, or fulfill religious obligations.

We were created to know Him, to love Him, and to walk in relationship with Him.

The invitation remains open.

The veil is torn. Draw near to your Father.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us and inviting us into Your presence. Forgive us for the times we have been satisfied with knowing about You instead of pursuing a deeper relationship with You. Heal the wounds that have distorted our understanding of Your love. Through Jesus, remind us that we are forgiven and accepted. Through Your Holy Spirit, renew our minds and teach us to walk in truth. May we never settle for a distant relationship when You have invited us to draw near. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Leader’s Note — Biblical Context

The tabernacle journey is a helpful devotional illustration rather than a required progression through different levels of Christianity. Scripture teaches that all believers have access to the Father through Jesus by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 2:18). Jesus, the Spirit, and the Father are not confined to separate areas of our spiritual lives. The bridal imagery is also a thematic application, not a prescribed interpretation of every tabernacle furnishing. For additional study, see Exodus 25–30, Hebrews 9–10, and Ezekiel 16, which contains the bridal imagery referenced in the original testimony.