Embracing God's Goodness: The Path to Repentance

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound theme of God's goodness and how it leads us to repentance. The essence of the gospel is rooted in the goodness of God, yet humanity often struggles to accept this truth due to inherent skepticism and doubt. This skepticism is a manifestation of the flesh, which has been influenced by the devil's age-old tactic of making us question God's goodness. The devil's strategy is to make us believe that God is withholding something from us, thus leading us away from His perfect love.

We delved into the challenging scripture where Jesus says, "Not everyone who calls Me 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven." This passage is often misunderstood and used to instill fear, but it is crucial to understand that the will of the Father is for us to believe in Jesus. True salvation is not about mere verbal acknowledgment but about a heartfelt belief in Christ as our Savior. The will of the Father is that we see the Son and believe in Him, which grants us eternal life.

Furthermore, we discussed the importance of grace in our lives and how it should not be in vain. Grace is a divine enablement that empowers us to fulfill our God-given purposes. It is not a license for complacency but a call to action, urging us to labor abundantly in the works God has prepared for us. Our works are a reflection of how we have utilized the grace bestowed upon us.

We also addressed the topic of holiness, distinguishing it from righteousness. Holiness is about being set apart for God's purposes, not merely adhering to a list of do's and don'ts. It involves living a life that reflects God's character and values, which includes sexual purity. Sexual immorality is a sin against one's own body and has profound spiritual and physical repercussions. God calls us to live in holiness, which is a testament to His transformative power in our lives.

Finally, we emphasized the power of grace to transform lives, as evidenced by testimonies of deliverance from addictions and sin. Grace is not about condoning sin but about empowering us to overcome it. It is the strength of holiness, enabling us to live lives that glorify God in both spirit and body.

Key Takeaways:

- God's Goodness and Human Skepticism: Despite the inherent goodness of God, humanity often doubts and questions His intentions due to the influence of the flesh and the devil's deception. Recognizing and embracing God's goodness is essential for true repentance and transformation. [00:33]

- Understanding Salvation and the Will of the Father: Salvation is not about mere verbal acknowledgment of Jesus as Lord but about a genuine belief in Him as our Savior. The will of the Father is for us to believe in Jesus, which grants us eternal life. [14:42]

- The Role of Grace in Our Lives: Grace is a divine empowerment that should not be in vain. It calls us to action, urging us to labor abundantly in the works God has prepared for us. Our works reflect how we have utilized the grace given to us. [20:10]

- Holiness and Sexual Purity: Holiness is about being set apart for God's purposes and involves living a life that reflects His character. Sexual immorality is a sin against one's own body and has profound spiritual and physical repercussions. God calls us to live in holiness. [45:34]

- The Transformative Power of Grace: Grace is not about condoning sin but about empowering us to overcome it. It is the strength of holiness, enabling us to live lives that glorify God in both spirit and body. Testimonies of deliverance from addictions highlight the transformative power of grace. [01:00:51]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:13] - The Gospel and God's Goodness
- [00:33] - Human Skepticism and Doubt
- [01:25] - The Devil's Deception
- [02:00] - Addressing Common Questions
- [03:16] - Understanding Salvation
- [05:28] - The Return of Christ
- [06:44] - God's Theocracy
- [09:06] - The Millennial Rule of Christ
- [11:06] - The Hero of Heroes
- [14:42] - The Will of the Father
- [17:26] - Grace and Labor
- [26:33] - Holiness vs. Righteousness
- [45:34] - Sexual Purity and Its Importance
- [01:00:51] - Testimonies of Grace's Power

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Romans 2:4 - "Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?"
2. Matthew 7:21 - "Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven."
3. 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 - "Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies."

Observation Questions:
1. According to the sermon, what is the devil's primary tactic in making humanity question God's goodness? [01:25]
2. How does the sermon explain the difference between verbal acknowledgment of Jesus as Lord and true belief in Him? [03:16]
3. What role does grace play in the life of a believer, according to the sermon? [20:10]
4. How does the sermon distinguish between holiness and righteousness? [27:12]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon interpret the passage where Jesus says, "Not everyone who calls Me 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven"? What does it mean to do the will of the Father? [14:42]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that grace can be in vain, and how can believers ensure they are not wasting the grace given to them? [17:26]
3. How does the sermon describe the impact of sexual immorality on one's spiritual and physical life? [45:34]
4. What does the sermon suggest is the transformative power of grace in overcoming sin and addiction? [01:00:51]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you doubted God's goodness. How did you overcome that skepticism, and what steps can you take to strengthen your trust in God's intentions? [00:33]
2. How can you ensure that your belief in Jesus is more than just verbal acknowledgment? What actions or changes in your life would reflect a genuine belief? [14:42]
3. Identify an area in your life where you feel God's grace is calling you to action. What practical steps can you take this week to respond to that call? [20:10]
4. In what ways can you set yourself apart for God's purposes in your daily life? Consider specific actions or habits that reflect holiness. [27:12]
5. If you struggle with sexual immorality, what steps can you take to flee from it and honor God with your body? Consider seeking accountability or setting boundaries. [45:34]
6. Share a testimony or story of how grace has transformed an area of your life. How can you use this experience to encourage others in your small group? [01:00:51]
7. How can you actively remind yourself of God's goodness and grace in moments of doubt or temptation? Consider creating a daily practice or ritual to reinforce this truth. [01:24:48]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing God's Goodness Amidst Doubt
The goodness of God is a central theme in the gospel, yet humanity often struggles to accept it due to skepticism and doubt. This skepticism is a result of the flesh's influence and the devil's deception, which aims to make us question God's intentions. The devil's strategy is to convince us that God is withholding something from us, leading us away from His perfect love. Recognizing and embracing God's goodness is essential for true repentance and transformation. By acknowledging His goodness, we can overcome doubt and draw closer to Him. [00:33]

Psalm 34:8-10 (ESV): "Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack! The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you find yourself doubting God's goodness? How can you actively remind yourself of His goodness today?


Day 2: Genuine Belief in Jesus as Savior
Salvation is not about merely acknowledging Jesus as Lord with words but involves a genuine belief in Him as our Savior. The will of the Father is for us to believe in Jesus, which grants us eternal life. This belief is not just intellectual assent but a heartfelt trust in Jesus and His work on the cross. It is crucial to understand that true salvation is about a relationship with Jesus, not just a verbal declaration. By believing in Him, we align ourselves with the will of the Father and receive the gift of eternal life. [14:42]

John 6:40 (ESV): "For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day."

Reflection: Reflect on your relationship with Jesus. Is your belief in Him more than just words? How can you deepen your trust in Him today?


Day 3: Grace as Divine Empowerment
Grace is a divine empowerment that should not be in vain. It calls us to action, urging us to labor abundantly in the works God has prepared for us. Our works are a reflection of how we have utilized the grace given to us. Grace is not a license for complacency but a call to fulfill our God-given purposes. By embracing grace, we are empowered to live out our faith and make a meaningful impact in the world. It is through grace that we can accomplish the works God has set before us. [20:10]

2 Corinthians 9:8 (ESV): "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."

Reflection: How have you been using the grace God has given you? What is one specific way you can use His grace to serve others today?


Day 4: Living a Life Set Apart for God
Holiness is about being set apart for God's purposes and involves living a life that reflects His character. It is not merely about adhering to a list of do's and don'ts but about embodying God's values and character. Sexual immorality is a sin against one's own body and has profound spiritual and physical repercussions. God calls us to live in holiness, which is a testament to His transformative power in our lives. By pursuing holiness, we honor God and demonstrate His work in us. [45:34]

1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 (ESV): "For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God."

Reflection: In what ways can you set yourself apart for God's purposes today? How can you pursue holiness in your daily life?


Day 5: The Transformative Power of Grace
Grace is not about condoning sin but about empowering us to overcome it. It is the strength of holiness, enabling us to live lives that glorify God in both spirit and body. Testimonies of deliverance from addictions and sin highlight the transformative power of grace. By embracing grace, we can experience true freedom and transformation in our lives. It is through grace that we are empowered to live in a way that honors God and reflects His love to the world. [01:00:51]

Titus 2:11-12 (ESV): "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need God's grace to bring transformation? How can you invite His grace into that area today?

Quotes


The gospel is all about God’s goodness. When God’s goodness is being preached, it is amazing how man responds. Now we say that we respond to the goodness of God, but actually man in the natural I’m speaking about man in the flesh, they cannot receive the goodness of God. They suspect, they doubt, they do anything but receive the goodness of God. [00:11:34]

The devil has throughout the years down through history, ever since he tempted the first man, the number one way that he causes man to leave the presence of perfect love is to put the thought that God is not that good. He’s holding out something He doesn’t want you to have, when God gives you restrictions, it’s because God is not interested in you. [00:70:94]

Salvation is not about mere verbal acknowledgment of Jesus as Lord but about a genuine belief in Him as our Savior. The will of the Father is for us to believe in Jesus, which grants us eternal life. What is the will of the Father? Everyone believes in the Son. And be careful of people who try to say that the will of the Father, there is your works again, your behaviour. [14:42]

Grace is a divine empowerment that should not be in vain. It calls us to action, urging us to labor abundantly in the works God has prepared for us. Our works reflect how we have utilized the grace given to us. If you use the grace there’ll be the fruits. In fact, it shows, my assessing your works tells me you have been using the grace, that the grace has not been in vain! [20:10]

Holiness is actually being set apart. The opposite of holiness is not sin. The opposite of holiness is commonness. You are like anyone in the world. The people of the world sleep around with no compunction of sin, they indulge and eat and eat. Let me give a word of advice to the believers here, okay. Something is wrong if you have a passion for eating, eating. [26:33]

God gave food, say amen. God gave sex, say amen. But sex is something that God wants us to have within the confines. Sometimes when you confine something it explodes. When you don’t confine something it dissipates. Use it all the time, it dissipates, have self-control, self-control, and then when you use it, explosive. [28:40]

God’s ways are best. God had a smile on His face I believe when God created sex. God made sex. In fact technically speaking God’s first commandment He said, “Go have sex.” God told man Adam, his first commandment to Adam, “Be fruitful and multiply and replenish the earth.” What? Just stand down there and throw up, and then Seth comes, and then Cain comes, Abel comes? [29:45]

When you sin against your body, it’s different from sinning other sins. I’m gonna prove that from Scripture. Look at 1 Corinthians 6, “Do you not know that he who was joined to a harlot”... a prostitute is one body with her for the two, He said, shall become one flesh. But He who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with him... next, flee, flee sexual immorality. [40:43]

Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. Friend, do you know something? God is showing some sins have certain like effects, some sins have other effects. You know what affects your body and gives you chronic sickness and problems? [45:34]

The testimonies that we have received, is always the same, “It is not me. It is not me.” They always say it is not me. “In addition I was asked to preach for six months in my church. Everybody knows I am not an experienced preacher, but using one of Pastor Prince’s books as my guide on what to preach, I was able to finish the task. [01:00]

The result was that our pastor rediscovered the gospel, and he is now preaching pure grace messages instead of a mixture of law and grace.” Hallelujah. Now sit back and watch this most recent testimony that I only got to see yesterday because I, we showed a small part of it. Praise God. [01:02]

Grace is the strength of holiness. Perhaps you are not saved, perhaps you have no assurance if your heart stops beating, heaven is your home, God is your Father, your sins are forgiven, my friend believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, Christ died for your sins and rose again without them, and the Father has glorified Him and sat Him at His own right hand. [01:31]

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Transcript
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