Examining Our Spiritual State: Good Figs vs. Bad Figs

In today's message, I explored the vision of the prophet Jeremiah, who saw two baskets of figs—one filled with good figs and the other with bad figs. This vision serves as a metaphor for the spiritual state of people. God asked Jeremiah to look closely, emphasizing the importance of seeing beyond the surface. The good figs represent those who are obedient and faithful to God, while the bad figs symbolize those who are rebellious and disobedient. This vision is a call to self-examination, urging us to consider which basket we belong to.

The story of the Jews exiled to Babylon illustrates that even in difficult circumstances, obedience to God brings blessings. God promised to bless those who listened to His word, even in exile, and to eventually bring them back home. Conversely, those who remain disobedient, even if they are in their homeland, will face curses. This highlights the importance of spiritual vitality and obedience to God's word, regardless of our physical location.

I also shared a poignant story of a woman who, upon reading the Bible, was convicted of her past sins of abortion. Her story is a powerful reminder of the weight of sin and the transformative power of God's forgiveness. The Bible assures us that though our sins be as scarlet, they can be made white as snow if we confess and repent.

Furthermore, I recounted the experience of a missionary who struggled with anger and frustration over stolen pineapples. It was only when he fully surrendered everything to God, including the pineapples, that peace and transformation occurred. This story illustrates the importance of complete surrender to God, not just in words but in action.

Finally, I emphasized the necessity of fully surrendering our lives to God, as exemplified by William Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army. True surrender means not taking back what we have given to God. This complete surrender leads to a life of blessing and fulfillment.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Seeing Beyond the Surface: Just as God asked Jeremiah to look closely at the baskets of figs, we are called to examine our own lives. Are we living in obedience to God, or are we like the bad figs, rebellious and disobedient? This self-examination is crucial for spiritual growth. [01:19]
• 2. Obedience Brings Blessing: The story of the Jews in exile teaches us that obedience to God brings blessings, even in difficult circumstances. Our physical location does not determine our spiritual state; rather, it is our obedience to God's word that brings true blessing. [04:23]
• 3. The Power of Conviction and Forgiveness: The story of the woman convicted of her past abortions highlights the power of God's word to convict and transform. No sin is too great for God's forgiveness if we come to Him with a repentant heart. [19:04]
• 4. Complete Surrender to God: The missionary's story of surrendering his pineapples to God illustrates the peace and transformation that comes from fully surrendering our lives to God. True surrender means letting go of control and trusting God completely. [36:23]
• 5. Living a Life of Surrender: William Booth's life exemplifies the blessings that come from fully surrendering to God. When we give everything to God and do not take it back, we experience a life of fulfillment and purpose. [42:16]
  ** [42:16]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:18] - Introduction to Jeremiah's Vision
• [00:41] - The Two Baskets of Figs
• [01:19] - Seeing Beyond the Surface
• [02:21] - The Metaphor of the Figs
• [03:10] - Obedience and Blessing
• [04:23] - Blessings in Exile
• [05:01] - Spiritual Vitality
• [06:06] - The Basket of Bad Figs
• [07:07] - God's Promise of Restoration
• [08:15] - A Heart That Knows God
• [09:03] - The Consequences of Disobedience
• [10:27] - The Story of Conviction
• [19:04] - The Power of Forgiveness
• [36:23] - The Missionary's Surrender
• [42:16] - William Booth's Example

1. Jeremiah 24:1-10 - The Vision of the Two Baskets of Figs
2. Isaiah 1:18 - "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow."
3. Romans 12:1 - "Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship."

1. What did Jeremiah see in his vision, and what did God ask him to do with what he saw? ([00:41])
2. How does the story of the Jews in exile illustrate the relationship between obedience and blessing? ([04:23])
3. What was the woman's reaction upon reading the Bible in the doctor's waiting room, and what specific commandment convicted her? ([13:20])
4. How did the missionary's attitude change after he surrendered his pineapples to God, and what was the community's reaction? ([36:23])

1. In Jeremiah's vision, what do the good and bad figs symbolize about people's spiritual states? How does this relate to self-examination? ([01:19])
2. How does the story of the Jews in exile challenge the idea that physical location determines spiritual blessing? What does this imply about the nature of obedience? ([04:23])
3. What does the woman's story about her past abortions reveal about the power of God's word to convict and transform? How does this relate to the concept of forgiveness? ([19:04])
4. How does the missionary's story illustrate the concept of complete surrender to God? What does this teach about the relationship between surrender and peace? ([36:23])

1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you might be like the bad figs, rebellious and disobedient? What steps can you take to align more closely with God's will? ([01:19])
2. Consider a difficult situation you are currently facing. How can you practice obedience to God in this situation, trusting that it will bring blessing? ([04:23])
3. Have you ever experienced conviction from reading the Bible or hearing a sermon? How did you respond, and what changes did you make in your life as a result? ([19:04])
4. Is there something in your life that you need to fully surrender to God, like the missionary with his pineapples? What practical steps can you take to let go of control and trust God completely? ([36:23])
5. Think about a time when you took back something you had previously surrendered to God. What was the outcome, and how can you ensure that your surrender is complete and lasting? ([42:16])
6. How can you cultivate a heart that knows God, as promised in Jeremiah's vision? What daily practices can help you grow in your relationship with Him? ([08:15])
7. Reflect on William Booth's example of complete surrender. What is one area of your life where you can follow his example and experience the blessings of full surrender? ([42:16])