Experiencing the Profound Goodness of God
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound goodness of God and how it permeates every aspect of our lives. We began by acknowledging that King Jesus sits on the throne, and His presence brings healing and restoration. We prayed for those suffering from nervous system issues, believing in the healing power of Jesus. The essence of today's message is that God is inherently good, and His goodness is far beyond our comprehension. This goodness is not just about receiving material blessings but experiencing His presence, love, and guidance in our lives.
We shared personal stories and experiences from recent travels, highlighting the beauty of God's creation and the unexpected ways He reveals His goodness. From the migration of monarch butterflies to the life cycle of salmon, we see God's intricate design and care in nature, which reflects His goodness towards us. We also discussed the importance of having a foundational belief in God's goodness, as it shapes our understanding of our circumstances and helps us navigate life's challenges.
We delved into the concept of blessings, emphasizing that they come in various forms—spiritual, relational, and material. Experiencing God's presence, having meaningful relationships, and receiving material provisions are all manifestations of His goodness. However, blessings are not always about receiving what we want; sometimes, they come through hardships and trials that deepen our faith and character.
We also touched on the transformative power of God's love and redemption, sharing the story of St. Moses the Black, a former robber who became a saint through the love and hospitality of Christian monks. This story serves as a reminder that no one is beyond redemption and that God's love can transform even the most hardened hearts.
Finally, we encouraged everyone to hold on to hope and trust in God's faithfulness. He who began a good work in us will carry it to completion. We concluded with a call to respond in gratitude, recognizing the many ways God has shown His goodness in our lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Goodness is Foundational: Understanding that God is inherently good is crucial for interpreting our circumstances correctly. Without this foundation, we may misinterpret life's challenges as punishments or neglect from God. Starting with the belief that God is good helps us see His hand in every situation, even in trials and hardships. [01:12:10]
2. Blessings Come in Various Forms: God's blessings are not limited to material wealth. They include spiritual enrichment, relational connections, and experiencing His presence. Recognizing these diverse forms of blessings helps us appreciate God's goodness in every aspect of our lives, even when material blessings seem scarce. [01:15:49]
3. Hardships Can Be Blessings in Disguise: Trials and difficulties can deepen our faith and character. They force us to cling to God and trust in His goodness. While not popular in some circles, this perspective helps us see hardships as opportunities for growth and deeper reliance on God. [01:27:03]
4. No One is Beyond Redemption: The story of St. Moses the Black illustrates that God's love and redemption are available to everyone, regardless of their past. This powerful transformation reminds us that it's never too late to turn to God and experience His redeeming love. [01:36:30]
5. God is Faithful to Complete His Work: God is committed to finishing the good work He started in us. Even when we feel lost or off track, His faithfulness ensures that He will guide us back and complete His purpose in our lives. This assurance encourages us to keep trusting and not give up. [01:41:30]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:03:37] - Healing Prayer
[01:05:26] - Return from Travels
[01:06:05] - The Goodness of God
[01:07:15] - Vacation Slideshow
[01:09:18] - God's Unexpected Blessings
[01:09:57] - Monarch Butterflies and Salmon
[01:12:10] - Foundation of God's Goodness
[01:15:49] - Understanding Blessings
[01:19:12] - Experiencing God's Presence
[01:23:14] - Relational and Material Blessings
[01:27:03] - Blessings Through Hardships
[01:31:23] - Trials as Perfect Gifts
[01:36:30] - Story of St. Moses the Black
[01:41:30] - God's Faithfulness
[01:42:58] - Responding in Gratitude
[01:45:48] - Closing Prayer and Ministry Time
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 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."
2. James 1:2-4, 12-18 - "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything... Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him."
3. Philippians 1:3-6 - "I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does 1 John 1:5 say about the nature of God? How does this align with the sermon’s emphasis on God's inherent goodness? [01:12:10]
2. According to James 1:2-4, what is the purpose of facing trials and hardships? How does this relate to the sermon’s point about hardships being blessings in disguise? [01:27:03]
3. In Philippians 1:3-6, what assurance does Paul give about the work God has started in believers? How does this connect to the sermon’s message about God’s faithfulness to complete His work in us? [01:41:30]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding that "God is light" with "no darkness at all" (1 John 1:5) help us interpret our life circumstances, especially during difficult times? [01:12:10]
2. James 1:2-4 encourages believers to consider trials as "pure joy." How can this perspective change the way we view our personal hardships and challenges? [01:27:03]
3. Reflecting on Philippians 1:3-6, what does it mean for God to carry on His good work in us to completion? How does this promise impact our daily walk with God, especially when we feel off track? [01:41:30]
#### Application Questions
1. The sermon emphasized the importance of having a foundational belief in God's goodness. How can you cultivate a deeper understanding and belief in God's goodness in your daily life? [01:12:10]
2. Reflect on a recent hardship you faced. How did you see (or how can you now see) God’s goodness and purpose in that situation? [01:27:03]
3. The story of St. Moses the Black illustrates that no one is beyond redemption. Is there someone in your life who you feel is beyond redemption? How can you change your perspective and actions towards them? [01:36:30]
4. The sermon mentioned that blessings come in various forms, including spiritual, relational, and material. Identify one non-material blessing in your life and share how it has impacted you. [01:15:49]
5. How can you hold on to hope and trust in God's faithfulness when you feel lost or off track? Share a specific strategy or practice that helps you stay focused on God's promises. [01:41:30]
6. The sermon concluded with a call to respond in gratitude. Take a moment to list three specific ways God has shown His goodness in your life recently. How can you express your gratitude this week? [01:42:58]
7. How can you support someone in your small group or community who is currently facing a trial, helping them to see it as a potential blessing in disguise? [01:27:03]
Devotional
Day 1: The Foundation of God's Goodness
Understanding that God is inherently good is crucial for interpreting our circumstances correctly. Without this foundation, we may misinterpret life's challenges as punishments or neglect from God. Starting with the belief that God is good helps us see His hand in every situation, even in trials and hardships. This foundational belief shapes our worldview and influences how we respond to both blessings and difficulties.
When we acknowledge God's goodness, we can trust that He is working all things for our benefit, even when we don't understand His ways. This trust allows us to navigate life's ups and downs with a sense of peace and assurance, knowing that God's intentions for us are always rooted in His love and goodness. [01:12:10]
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 recent challenge you faced. How might your perspective change if you start with the belief that God is inherently good and has your best interests at heart?
Day 2: Diverse Forms of Blessings
God's blessings are not limited to material wealth. They include spiritual enrichment, relational connections, and experiencing His presence. Recognizing these diverse forms of blessings helps us appreciate God's goodness in every aspect of our lives, even when material blessings seem scarce. This broader understanding of blessings allows us to see God's hand in the everyday moments and relationships that enrich our lives.
By focusing on the various ways God blesses us, we can cultivate a heart of gratitude and contentment. This perspective helps us to not only seek material blessings but also to value the spiritual and relational gifts that God provides. [01:15:49]
Ephesians 1:3 (ESV): "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places."
Reflection: Identify a non-material blessing in your life today. How can you express gratitude to God for this specific blessing?
Day 3: Hardships as Opportunities for Growth
Trials and difficulties can deepen our faith and character. They force us to cling to God and trust in His goodness. While not popular in some circles, this perspective helps us see hardships as opportunities for growth and deeper reliance on God. Embracing this mindset allows us to find purpose and meaning in our struggles, knowing that God is using them to refine and strengthen us.
When we view hardships through the lens of God's goodness, we can endure them with hope and perseverance. This approach transforms our trials into experiences that draw us closer to God and develop our spiritual maturity. [01:27:03]
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: Think of a current or past hardship. How can you see this situation as an opportunity for growth and deeper reliance on God?
Day 4: The Power of Redemption
The story of St. Moses the Black illustrates that God's love and redemption are available to everyone, regardless of their past. This powerful transformation reminds us that it's never too late to turn to God and experience His redeeming love. No matter how far we may feel from God, His grace is always sufficient to bring us back and transform our lives.
This truth encourages us to extend grace and forgiveness to others, knowing that God's redemptive power can change even the most hardened hearts. It also gives us hope for our own lives, assuring us that God's love can heal and restore us completely. [01:36:30]
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Reflection: Is there someone in your life who seems beyond redemption? How can you pray for them and show them God's love and grace today?
Day 5: Trusting in God's Faithfulness
God is committed to finishing the good work He started in us. Even when we feel lost or off track, His faithfulness ensures that He will guide us back and complete His purpose in our lives. This assurance encourages us to keep trusting and not give up, knowing that God is always at work in us and through us.
Trusting in God's faithfulness allows us to face the future with confidence, knowing that He will never abandon us. It also motivates us to remain faithful in our walk with Him, trusting that He will bring His plans for us to fruition. [01:41:30]
Philippians 1:6 (ESV): "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt off track in your spiritual journey. How did God guide you back, and how can you trust in His faithfulness for your future?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "You know who sits on the throne? King Jesus sits on the throne. Right now. King Jesus is sitting on the throne. As I was preparing, I felt like the Lord, he always wants to heal me. But I feel like there's something special today on healing." [01:03:37] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The one thing that, obviously, you could tell by the theme of all the worship songs we're talking about, the goodness of God. He is so good. He is so good. He is better than we think he is. He's not just a little bit good, like he's, you know, maybe he gives us nice things every now and again. But his very essence is good. He is so, so good." [01:06:05] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "God always has more for you than what you expect, right? Especially if you show up not expecting something specific, right? But if you show up with expectations. If you show up with, like, kind of no expectations, not in a bad way, but in the way of, like, God, I know you got something for me up here because you're good. Because you're always good. There is nothing towards you from him that is not good. Even if it doesn't feel good, right?" [01:09:18] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Seeing his goodness shifts our entire internal world. If you're struggling right now in this place of like, whatever, disappointment, wherever you're at, if you can just get to the place of seeing his goodness, it's going to shift your internal world completely." [01:14:49] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God is good. His energies, the ways his presence and power are manifested in the world and experienced by us. We can experience God in this world. We experience him as provider. We experience him as friend, as healer, disciplinarian, as father. He's so good. We experience his love, his grace, his mercy. We experience his voice. We experience his guidance, his leading." [01:20:32] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "If we don't start with the foundation of God is good, then we're going to interpret our circumstances in a completely different way. Right? God is punishing me. God doesn't love me. God. God blesses others. He doesn't bless me. God doesn't see me. Or we can get totally disappointed. Right? We had expectations. We really believed God was going to do something for us, and it didn't happen. If we don't start with the foundation that God is good, then we're not going to see the picture clearly. We're not going to see our circumstances clearly." [01:12:10] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Everything that God does is out of love, period. Everything. You know, even his judgment is out of love. You know, even the really hard stories in the Old Testament that we don't like to talk about, that we kind of like sweep under the rug, even those were out of love. Even Adam and Eve in the garden and getting kicked out of the garden. And then, because of disobedience and sin, was out of love. Because God knew if they stayed in that state, if they ate from the tree of life in that sinful state, they would be crystallized in that state." [01:13:56] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We experience the goodness of God in material blessing. You know God knows what you need? You know Jesus said that God clothes the lilies and he feeds the sparrows, and how much more important are you? A lot of people I'm talking to are really struggling financially. Everyone. Everyone. Everyone pretty much is struggling financially. You know, there's just circumstances. You know, there's inflation, and there's all this stuff, and, you know, work could be slow, whatever. But God is good, and he clothes the lilies, and he feeds the sparrows. And you're super important to him, and I'm super important to him. God will make a way for you." [01:25:00] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Honestly, sometimes blessings can be a withholding of something and we've said it often, like God's not holding anything back from you. Yeah, he's not holding anything back from you that you're supposed to have, but sometimes he holds things back from us because they could either destroy us or just totally get us off track for destiny." [01:32:53] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Everything he does, everything he allows, everything that he allows you to go through, every circumstance, he is still good. And I know it's hard to say because there's some horrible things that happen in this world. But, but he is good. And we need to start there. We need to build our foundation on the fact that he is good. Because if we don't, we're going to see everything around us in the wrong light. If we don't, we're not going to receive what we need to receive. Not because he doesn't want to give it, but because we'll walk away." [01:42:25] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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