Experiencing God's Goodness Through Abiding and Faithfulness
Summary
### Summary
This morning, we gathered to worship God in spirit and truth, expressing our gratitude for the gift of salvation and the fellowship of believers. We acknowledged our need for God's presence and confessed our sins, seeking His mercy and grace. We prayed for God's help in our brokenness and for His strength to take the gospel to a lost and hurting world. We then turned to Psalm 34, reflecting on the goodness of God and how we experience it in our lives.
Psalm 34 teaches us that we experience God's goodness when we abide in Christ, walk in His ways, and recognize His unwavering faithfulness. Abiding in Christ means dwelling in His presence, communing with Him, and trusting Him in all circumstances. It leads to a life of continual praise and a deep sense of God's presence, even in the midst of trials. Walking in God's ways involves living according to His commandments, turning away from evil, and seeking peace. It is a life marked by righteousness and a desire to reflect Christ's character.
Recognizing God's unwavering faithfulness means acknowledging that He is always with us, caring for us, and delivering us from our troubles. It involves trusting in His promises and understanding that He is good, regardless of our circumstances. We are reminded that God's faithfulness is ultimately demonstrated in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, who purchased our salvation and promises to never leave us nor forsake us.
As we partake in the Lord's Supper, we remember Christ's sacrifice and the grace we have received. This sacred ordinance is a picture of the deeper reality of our union with Christ and the hope of eternal life. We are called to examine ourselves, confess our sins, and celebrate the goodness of God as we look forward to the marriage supper of the Lamb.
### Key Takeaways
1. Abiding in Christ: Abiding in Christ means dwelling in His presence and communing with Him daily. It involves a deep, personal relationship with Jesus, where we trust Him in all circumstances and continually praise Him. This abiding leads to a life marked by the radiance of God's presence, even in the midst of trials. [12:22]
2. Walking in God's Ways: Walking in God's ways involves living according to His commandments, turning away from evil, and seeking peace. It is a life marked by righteousness and a desire to reflect Christ's character. This obedience to God's ways brings about a deeper experience of His goodness and blessings. [35:17]
3. Recognizing God's Faithfulness: Recognizing God's unwavering faithfulness means acknowledging that He is always with us, caring for us, and delivering us from our troubles. It involves trusting in His promises and understanding that He is good, regardless of our circumstances. God's faithfulness is ultimately demonstrated in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. [13:25]
4. The Importance of Praise: Continual praise is a natural response to experiencing God's goodness. As we abide in Christ and walk in His ways, our lives should be marked by a rhythm of need, crying out to God, and then praising Him for His faithfulness. This pattern of life helps us to remain focused on God's goodness and to share our testimony with others. [41:19]
5. The Role of the Lord's Supper: The Lord's Supper is a sacred ordinance that reminds us of Christ's sacrifice and the grace we have received. It is a time to examine ourselves, confess our sins, and celebrate the goodness of God. This ordinance points us to the hope of eternal life and the marriage supper of the Lamb, where we will feast with all the saints for all time. [01:14:09]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[12:22] - Opening Prayer and Confession
[12:52] - Seeking God's Presence
[13:25] - Cry for Mercy and Grace
[13:58] - God's Glory and Our Transformation
[14:26] - Reflecting on God's Faithfulness
[28:20] - Introduction to Psalm 34
[29:28] - The Emotions in the Psalms
[30:57] - Experiencing God's Goodness
[32:25] - Reading Psalm 34
[33:49] - Abiding in Christ
[35:17] - Walking in God's Ways
[41:19] - The Importance of Praise
[45:22] - Trusting God's Promises
[46:50] - The Healing Power of Jesus
[48:26] - Boasting in the Lord
[49:56] - Radiance from God's Presence
[51:32] - The Poor in Spirit
[53:07] - Taste and See the Lord is Good
[56:32] - Contentment in Christ
[58:31] - Walking in Christ's Ways
[01:00:00] - Hungering for Righteousness
[01:03:14] - Guarding Our Tongues
[01:06:15] - Recognizing God's Faithfulness
[01:09:24] - The Fulfillment in Christ
[01:12:05] - Conclusion and Prayer
[01:13:40] - Invitation to Communion
[01:14:09] - The Lord's Supper
[01:22:14] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Psalm 34
### Observation Questions
1. What does Psalm 34:1-3 say about the psalmist's attitude towards praising God? How often does he commit to praising God? [30:57]
2. According to Psalm 34:4-7, what are the results of seeking the Lord and trusting in Him? [38:25]
3. In Psalm 34:8, what invitation does David extend to the readers, and what promise does he give to those who take refuge in the Lord? [53:07]
4. How does Psalm 34:15-18 describe God's relationship with the righteous and the brokenhearted? [01:06:15]
### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to "abide in Christ" according to the sermon, and how does this concept relate to Psalm 34:1-7? [41:19]
2. How does walking in God's ways, as described in Psalm 34:8-14, lead to experiencing His goodness? What practical steps can believers take to walk in His ways? [53:07]
3. The sermon emphasizes recognizing God's unwavering faithfulness. How does Psalm 34:15-22 illustrate this faithfulness, and why is it important for believers to acknowledge it? [01:06:15]
4. How does the Lord's Supper serve as a reminder of Christ's sacrifice and God's goodness, as mentioned in the sermon? [01:14:09]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily routine. How can you incorporate more time to "abide in Christ" and dwell in His presence? What changes might you need to make to prioritize this? [41:19]
2. Think about a recent trial or difficulty you faced. How did you respond? Did you seek God's presence and trust in His faithfulness? How might you respond differently in the future? [43:40]
3. Psalm 34:8 invites us to "taste and see that the Lord is good." What are some practical ways you can "taste and see" God's goodness in your daily life? [53:07]
4. The sermon mentioned the importance of continual praise. How can you develop a habit of praising God in both good times and bad? What specific steps can you take to make praise a regular part of your life? [42:55]
5. Reflect on your speech and interactions with others. Are there areas where you need to guard your tongue and avoid speaking deceit? How can you seek peace and pursue it in your relationships? [01:03:14]
6. The Lord's Supper is a time for self-examination and confession. How can you prepare your heart for communion in a way that honors Christ's sacrifice? What steps can you take to ensure you are walking in obedience to Him? [01:14:09]
7. Consider the ways God has been faithful in your life. How can you share your testimony of His goodness with others? What opportunities do you have to encourage someone else with your story of God's faithfulness? [49:56]
Devotional
### Day 1: Abiding in Christ
Abiding in Christ means dwelling in His presence and communing with Him daily. It involves a deep, personal relationship with Jesus, where we trust Him in all circumstances and continually praise Him. This abiding leads to a life marked by the radiance of God's presence, even in the midst of trials. Abiding in Christ is not just a passive state but an active engagement with His Word, prayer, and worship. It is about making Christ the center of our lives and allowing His love and grace to transform us from the inside out. When we abide in Christ, we experience a peace that surpasses all understanding and a joy that is not dependent on our circumstances.
This deep connection with Jesus helps us to remain steadfast in our faith, even when we face challenges and difficulties. It is through abiding in Christ that we find the strength to persevere and the courage to face whatever comes our way. As we dwell in His presence, we are reminded of His promises and His faithfulness, which gives us hope and assurance. Abiding in Christ is a daily commitment to seek Him, trust Him, and follow Him wholeheartedly. [12:22]
John 15:4-5 (ESV): "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to deepen your relationship with Jesus and abide in His presence more fully?
### Day 2: Walking in God's Ways
Walking in God's ways involves living according to His commandments, turning away from evil, and seeking peace. It is a life marked by righteousness and a desire to reflect Christ's character. This obedience to God's ways brings about a deeper experience of His goodness and blessings. Walking in God's ways is not just about following a set of rules but about aligning our hearts and actions with God's will. It requires a commitment to live a life of integrity, honesty, and love, even when it is difficult or inconvenient.
As we walk in God's ways, we become more attuned to His voice and His guidance. We learn to discern what is right and wrong, and we develop a sensitivity to the leading of the Holy Spirit. This journey of obedience is a continuous process of growth and transformation, where we become more like Christ in our thoughts, words, and actions. Walking in God's ways also involves seeking peace and reconciliation in our relationships, striving to live in harmony with others, and being peacemakers in a world that is often filled with conflict and division. [35:17]
Psalm 119:1-3 (ESV): "Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord! Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways!"
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to align more closely with God's commandments and seek His peace?
### Day 3: Recognizing God's Faithfulness
Recognizing God's unwavering faithfulness means acknowledging that He is always with us, caring for us, and delivering us from our troubles. It involves trusting in His promises and understanding that He is good, regardless of our circumstances. God's faithfulness is ultimately demonstrated in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Recognizing God's faithfulness requires us to look beyond our immediate circumstances and see the bigger picture of His work in our lives. It is about remembering the ways He has been faithful in the past and trusting that He will continue to be faithful in the future.
When we recognize God's faithfulness, we are filled with gratitude and hope. We are reminded that we are not alone and that God is always with us, guiding us and providing for us. This recognition helps us to trust Him more deeply and to rely on His strength and wisdom. It also encourages us to share our testimonies of God's faithfulness with others, so that they too can be encouraged and strengthened in their faith. [13:25]
Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV): "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
Reflection: How has God shown His faithfulness in your life recently, and how can you share this testimony with someone who needs encouragement?
### Day 4: The Importance of Praise
Continual praise is a natural response to experiencing God's goodness. As we abide in Christ and walk in His ways, our lives should be marked by a rhythm of need, crying out to God, and then praising Him for His faithfulness. This pattern of life helps us to remain focused on God's goodness and to share our testimony with others. Praise is not just about singing songs or saying words of thanks; it is about cultivating a heart of gratitude and worship. It is about recognizing God's hand in every aspect of our lives and giving Him the glory He deserves.
When we make praise a regular part of our lives, we are reminded of God's greatness and His love for us. It helps us to keep our eyes on Him, even in the midst of challenges and difficulties. Praise also has the power to lift our spirits and to bring us into a deeper sense of God's presence. It is a way of expressing our trust in Him and our confidence in His promises. As we praise God, we are also strengthened in our faith and encouraged to continue walking in His ways. [41:19]
Psalm 34:1-3 (ESV): "I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!"
Reflection: What are three specific things you can praise God for today, and how can you make praise a regular part of your daily routine?
### Day 5: The Role of the Lord's Supper
The Lord's Supper is a sacred ordinance that reminds us of Christ's sacrifice and the grace we have received. It is a time to examine ourselves, confess our sins, and celebrate the goodness of God. This ordinance points us to the hope of eternal life and the marriage supper of the Lamb, where we will feast with all the saints for all time. The Lord's Supper is not just a ritual but a profound act of worship and remembrance. It is a time to reflect on the depth of God's love for us and the incredible sacrifice that Jesus made on our behalf.
As we partake in the Lord's Supper, we are reminded of the unity we have with Christ and with one another as believers. It is a time to come together as a community of faith, to support and encourage one another, and to renew our commitment to follow Jesus. The Lord's Supper also serves as a reminder of the hope we have in Christ and the promise of eternal life. It is a foretaste of the heavenly banquet that awaits us, where we will be in the presence of God forever. [01:14:09]
1 Corinthians 11:26 (ESV): "For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes."
Reflection: As you prepare to partake in the Lord's Supper, what sins do you need to confess, and how can you celebrate the grace and hope you have in Christ today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We have a great need. We also have a great savior. We love you. Help us love you more. We trust you. Help us trust you more." [14:26] (8 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We experience God’s goodness when we abide in Christ, we walk in His ways, and we recognize His unwavering faithfulness." [01:12:05] (8 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Taste and see that the Lord is good. Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. Oh, fear the Lord, you as saints, for those who fear him have no lack." [32:25] (10 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "God is good. He’s not good because you’re good. He’s not good because you’ve obeyed. God is good. Though we are faithless, He is faithful." [51:32] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Do you want to experience what it means to know God personally and walk in goodness and love and grace and forgiveness and safety? Then come to Christ. There is no other refuge." [01:10:40] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "We experience God’s goodness when we abide in Christ, communing with your Savior, knowing Him personally as Moses knew Him face to face. We now have the mediator who can bring us to God." [41:19] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The rhythm of the Christian life is a rhythm of need and crying out and waiting and looking and searching and longing and then God answering and then thanking Him for His goodness and then as we’ll see telling others and inviting them to come and worship." [42:55] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We taste and see that God’s ways are better. We taste and see that His law is good. We taste and see that His design is perfect. We taste and see that fearing Him leads to a life of holy living." [01:01:41] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We experience God’s goodness when we abide in Christ, we walk in His ways, we recognize His unwavering faithfulness. So may we as a church pursue the Lord Jesus. May we fight for holiness. And may we look for ways to declare the Lord’s perfect trustworthiness to a watching world." [01:12:43] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We must abide in fellowship with Christ. And before you answer the question, ask yourself, when we say we fellowship with Christ, we abide with Christ, we commune with Christ, would our calendars reflect lives that are consumed with knowing God?" [45:22] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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