Experiencing God's Goodness Through Personal Encounter

 

Summary

In today's reflection, we are invited to embrace a profound truth: "Taste and see that the Lord is good." This simple yet powerful statement calls us to experience God not just through knowledge or description but through direct, personal encounter. The essence of this invitation is to move beyond mere intellectual understanding and to engage with God in a way that transforms our lives. Just as tasting a delicious meal provides a deeper understanding than merely reading about it, so too does experiencing God's goodness surpass knowing about Him from a distance.

The concept of "knowledge by acquaintance" versus "knowledge by description" is central to this understanding. We can know about God through scripture, teachings, and doctrine, but to truly know Him, we must experience His presence and goodness in our lives. This experiential knowledge is akin to tasting a peach or living in a city—it's about direct engagement and personal experience.

Dallas Willard's insights remind us that the goal of our spiritual communities is to foster this kind of experiential knowledge of God. By adopting the principles of the New Testament and living in a way that reflects Jesus' teachings, we become "children of light." This transformation is not about being perfect or always right but about genuinely seeking God and inviting His presence into our daily lives.

To taste and see God's goodness, we must slow down, be mindful, and invite God into our moments. This involves surrendering our will, seeking His guidance, and noticing His presence in the beauty and challenges around us. It's about connecting with God in the ordinary and extraordinary moments, allowing His presence to transform us.

Key Takeaways:

- Experiencing God requires moving beyond intellectual knowledge to personal encounter. Just as tasting a meal provides a deeper understanding than reading about it, so does experiencing God's goodness surpass knowing about Him from a distance. [02:14]

- The distinction between "knowledge by acquaintance" and "knowledge by description" is crucial. We can know about God through teachings, but true knowledge comes from experiencing His presence and goodness in our lives. [03:43]

- Dallas Willard emphasizes that the purpose of spiritual communities is to foster experiential knowledge of God. By living according to Jesus' teachings, we become "children of light," transformed by His presence. [04:57]

- To taste and see God's goodness, we must slow down, be mindful, and invite God into our moments. This involves surrendering our will, seeking His guidance, and noticing His presence in the beauty and challenges around us. [06:44]

- God is not limited to blessing only what is right. He can bless anything, and whenever there is a heart genuinely seeking Him, He is present. This understanding frees us from the pressure of perfection and invites us to seek God authentically. [09:16]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:34] - Invitation to Experience
[01:03] - Understanding God's Nature
[01:29] - The Joy of Tasting
[02:14] - Special Knowledge of God
[03:00] - Knowledge by Acquaintance
[03:58] - Personal Experiences
[04:42] - Dallas Willard's Insights
[05:24] - Jesus' Parting Instructions
[06:04] - God's Ever-Present Help
[06:44] - Mindful Engagement
[07:27] - Surrender and Obedience
[08:25] - Invitation to Pause
[09:02] - God's Unrestricted Blessings
[09:46] - Final Encouragement

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Psalm 34:8 - "Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him."
2. John 17:3 - "Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent."
3. 1 John 1:5 - "This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all."

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Observation Questions:

1. What does the phrase "taste and see that the Lord is good" suggest about the nature of experiencing God? [00:34]

2. How does the sermon describe the difference between "knowledge by acquaintance" and "knowledge by description"? [03:00]

3. According to the sermon, what role does Dallas Willard believe spiritual communities should play in our experience of God? [04:57]

4. What are some practical ways mentioned in the sermon to "taste and see" God's goodness in our daily lives? [06:44]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How might the concept of "knowledge by acquaintance" versus "knowledge by description" change one's approach to spiritual growth? [03:43]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that slowing down and being mindful can enhance our experience of God's presence? [06:44]

3. How does the idea that God can bless anything, not just what is right, challenge traditional views of God's blessings? [09:16]

4. What does it mean to be "children of light" as described in the sermon, and how does this relate to living according to Jesus' teachings? [04:57]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a recent moment when you felt rushed or distracted. How might you have invited God into that moment to experience His presence more fully? [06:44]

2. Think of a time when you relied on intellectual knowledge of God rather than personal experience. How can you seek a more direct encounter with God this week? [02:14]

3. Identify a specific area in your life where you feel the pressure to be perfect. How can the understanding that God blesses genuine seekers, not just the "right," bring you freedom? [09:16]

4. Consider a daily routine or habit. How can you incorporate a practice of mindfulness to notice God's presence in the ordinary moments? [06:44]

5. Reflect on a challenge you are currently facing. How can you invite God into this situation and seek His guidance and presence? [07:27]

6. Think of a person in your life who may not know God personally. How can you share your experience of God's goodness with them in a meaningful way? [05:24]

7. Choose one teaching of Jesus that you find challenging to follow. What steps can you take this week to practice obedience in that area? [07:27]

Devotional

Day 1: Experiencing God Beyond Knowledge
Experiencing God requires moving beyond intellectual knowledge to personal encounter. Just as tasting a meal provides a deeper understanding than reading about it, so does experiencing God's goodness surpass knowing about Him from a distance. This concept invites individuals to engage with God in a way that transforms their lives. It emphasizes the importance of direct, personal encounters with God, rather than relying solely on scripture, teachings, or doctrine. By experiencing God's presence and goodness, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of Him, similar to how tasting a delicious meal provides a richer experience than merely reading about it. [02:14]

Psalm 34:8 (ESV): "Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!"

Reflection: Think of a moment in your life where you felt God's presence in a tangible way. How can you create space in your daily routine to invite more of these encounters with God?


Day 2: Knowledge by Acquaintance
The distinction between "knowledge by acquaintance" and "knowledge by description" is crucial. We can know about God through teachings, but true knowledge comes from experiencing His presence and goodness in our lives. This understanding encourages individuals to seek a deeper relationship with God, moving beyond intellectual understanding to personal experience. By engaging with God directly, individuals can develop a more profound connection with Him, similar to how living in a city provides a richer experience than merely reading about it. [03:43]

Jeremiah 9:23-24 (ESV): "Thus says the Lord: 'Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.'"

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you learned something new about God through personal experience rather than study. How can you seek more of these experiences in your spiritual journey?


Day 3: Transformation Through Community
Dallas Willard emphasizes that the purpose of spiritual communities is to foster experiential knowledge of God. By living according to Jesus' teachings, we become "children of light," transformed by His presence. This transformation is not about being perfect or always right but about genuinely seeking God and inviting His presence into our daily lives. Spiritual communities play a vital role in supporting individuals on this journey, encouraging them to live in a way that reflects Jesus' teachings and fosters a deeper connection with God. [04:57]

Ephesians 5:8-10 (ESV): "For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord."

Reflection: Consider how your spiritual community supports your journey toward knowing God more deeply. What is one way you can contribute to fostering a community that encourages experiential knowledge of God?


Day 4: Mindful Engagement with God
To taste and see God's goodness, we must slow down, be mindful, and invite God into our moments. This involves surrendering our will, seeking His guidance, and noticing His presence in the beauty and challenges around us. By connecting with God in both ordinary and extraordinary moments, individuals can allow His presence to transform them. This mindful engagement encourages individuals to be present in their daily lives, inviting God into every moment and seeking His guidance in all situations. [06:44]

Psalm 46:10 (ESV): "Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"

Reflection: Identify a daily routine or task where you can intentionally invite God's presence. How can you practice being more mindful of His presence in that moment?


Day 5: Authentic Seeking of God
God is not limited to blessing only what is right. He can bless anything, and whenever there is a heart genuinely seeking Him, He is present. This understanding frees individuals from the pressure of perfection and invites them to seek God authentically. By recognizing that God is present in all situations, individuals can approach their spiritual journey with authenticity, knowing that God is with them regardless of their circumstances. [09:16]

Isaiah 55:6-7 (ESV): "Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon."

Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where you feel the pressure to be perfect. How can you invite God into that area and seek Him authentically, trusting in His presence and guidance?

Quotes

"Now this is inexpressibly good news that the creator of everything that is the god who is behind reality and undergird your life and mine is not capricious it is not mean is not a bully never think anything bad about god dallas used to say jesus's message is summarized by john and first john is that the lord is light in him there is no darkness at all but how are you going to know this well you must first taste that means to actually experience." [00:00:48]

"Now when it comes to god this actually involves a special kind of knowledge you might know if you're a bible person in the 17th chapter of john in the third verse is the only time in the bible where eternal life is actually defined and it's very interesting it's not going up to heaven and and you know getting a mansion up there after you die jesus says this is eternal life that people know you the living god and that doesn't mean know about you." [00:02:14]

"One has a knowledge by description knowledge about can recite certain facts those things at kind of a distance but has never from the inside experienced the goodness of what this thing is my wife grew up in california and she knew about chicago by description but we got married and i took her back there and we lived in chicago for nine years she tasted chicago and she did not believe it was good she thought the weather was bad she thought the topography was bad like god took an iron and flattened everything out." [00:03:43]

"Dallas willard renovation of the heart we're walking through it coming towards the end of it now on page 240. he says this is the central goal aim purpose why churches congregations communities of people who love and care for each other spiritually what we're about if we would just adopt what he calls the principles and absolutes of the new testament that is that we are to come to know god in this experiential way and be changed by him and to live together with him if we would do that the natural outcome would be to produce children of light." [00:04:57]

"Lo i am with you always to the end of the age and every once in a while when somebody is afraid of flying they will be told just remember what jesus said lo i am with you always then the response sometimes come back no no jesus said lo i am with you always but of course that's just an l and an o without the w there are no qualifications wherever i am whenever it is he is there but then the invitation for you for me today is taste and see." [00:06:04]

"Well it's kind of like with eating i i just need not to rush through it i just need not to be mindless but to be mindful so i invite god god this moment right now when i get to look into this camera and i think of you mary and i think of you ted and i think of you kevin and i think of you tom and what you're walking through and somehow now i get to speak and we get to be connected god help me to say the right thing god is here if i invite him to be here." [00:06:44]

"And then if i offer him a full surrender your will be done any time in the day when i pause part of the way that we know that god is good is when we actually do the things that jesus told us to do or even just simply seek to do them and then ask him for his help and his power so i invite and i surrender and then i notice the beauty of a little cloud in the sky that i'm looking at right now the friends that i get to be with i'm with old friends part of the board at fuller seminary fuller has been part of my life for more than 40 years." [00:07:27]

"I get to be with them and look into their faces and talk with them and learn with them and laugh with them i just pause and notice god's presence in each moment in the joy in the very deep pain which only god can redeem so today taste and see just stop instead of rushing through and invite god would you be present to me and to offer surrendered obedience and when i don't when i really want to sin when i really want to do what i know i'm not supposed to let god know about that too talk about that with him talk about that with my good friends and remind me to be my best self." [00:08:25]

"Dallas writes as long as we do what these words say we can do anything else that's helpful towards this end the rest doesn't even have to be right for god to bless us though no doubt it's always even better to be right as long as we don't put our confidence in that rightness anyone who thinks god only blesses what is right has had a very narrow experience and probably does not really understand what god has done for them so i don't even have to be right you don't even have to be right god is not restricted to blessing what is right he can bless anything and whenever there is a heart that genuinely seeks out after him he's there he's there he's there he's there." [00:09:16]

"So today just stop right now just stop this is no ordinary life it is a gift of heaven that you are alive to think and listen right now taste knowledge by acquaintance taste and see the lord is good guard your heart see you next time." [00:09:46]

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Transcript
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