Living the Good Life Through Compassion and Trust

Devotional

Day 1: Extending God's Comfort to Others

In a world filled with hostility and brokenness, God remains a source of compassion and comfort. He calls us to extend this same comfort to others, reflecting His love in our actions. This is not just about feeling good but about being a tangible source of God's love in a hurting world. Our self-centeredness often leads to conflicts and brokenness, both in our personal lives and on a global scale. We were made to live under God's guidance, and His desire for us is always good, even if it looks different for each person. Our brokenness and stubbornness often prevent us from fully embracing the resources God has provided. Jesus carried our sins and brokenness to the cross, offering us a path to wholeness and maturity. [31:10]

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (ESV): "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."

Reflection: Think of someone in your life who is currently going through a difficult time. How can you be a source of God's comfort to them today?

Day 2: Trusting in God's Definition of the Good Life

The good life is not about the pursuit of personal happiness but about living under God's guidance and extending His comfort to others. Our self-centered desires often lead to conflict, but God's way leads to peace and wholeness. Trusting in His goodness, even when it looks different for each person, is key to living the good life. We are not in control, and that is a relief. Trusting God in the ups and downs of life is crucial. Even in suffering and temptation, we are called to trust in God's goodness. Our suffering can be a testimony to others, showing them the joy and peace that come from trusting in God. [34:48]

Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV): "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from trusting God's plan? What would it look like to fully trust Him in this area today?

Day 3: Surrendering to God's Will

While confessing our sins is important, living the good life requires a deeper surrender to God's will. Saying "Not my way, Lord" and trusting in His plan helps us break the cycle of sin and shame. This surrender leads to a life of wholeness and maturity, as we continually align ourselves with God's purposes. Jesus carried our sins and brokenness to the cross, offering us a path to wholeness and maturity. Living the good life involves constant surrender to God's will, rather than merely confessing our sins. It means saying, "Not my way, Lord," and trusting in His goodness. [40:00]

Romans 12:1-2 (ESV): "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?

Day 4: Finding Joy in Trials

James 1 teaches us to count it all joy when we face trials, as these trials test our faith and produce endurance. This endurance leads to completeness and maturity, helping us live a life lacking in nothing. Trusting God in the ups and downs of life is crucial for spiritual growth. Our suffering can be a testimony to others, showing them the joy and peace that come from trusting in God. Temptation, on the other hand, is a test of our desires, and enduring it leads to a crown of life. [43:02]

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 recent trial you have faced. How can you reframe this experience to see it as an opportunity for growth and joy in your faith journey?

Day 5: The Importance of Community and Support

Living the good life involves being in community, where we support and comfort each other. Together, we can endure trials and temptations, reflecting God's love and comfort in a broken world. This communal support helps us stand firm in our faith and live out the good life God has planned for us. In community, we find the strength to endure and support each other. Each morning, remind yourself that "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." This affirmation helps us endure and live the good life God has planned for us. [54:51]

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."

Reflection: How can you actively contribute to your faith community this week? What specific actions can you take to support and encourage someone in your church or small group?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

In today's world, we are constantly reminded of its hostility and brokenness. From political turmoil to personal conflicts, the world is in desperate need of comfort and compassion. Yet, amidst this chaos, God calls us to live the good life—a life defined not by the pursuit of personal happiness but by the comfort and compassion we extend to others. The concept of the "paraclete," introduced last week, is central to this calling. The Holy Spirit, our advocate and helper, comes alongside us in our times of need, and we are called to do the same for others.

Psalm 103 and 2 Corinthians 1 remind us of God's compassion and comfort. However, our self-centeredness often leads to conflicts and brokenness, both in our personal lives and on a global scale. We were made to live under God's guidance, and His desire for us is always good, even if it looks different for each person. Our brokenness and stubbornness often prevent us from fully embracing the resources God has provided. Jesus carried our sins and brokenness to the cross, offering us a path to wholeness and maturity.

Living the good life involves constant surrender to God's will, rather than merely confessing our sins. It means saying, "Not my way, Lord," and trusting in His goodness. James 1 teaches us to count it all joy when we face trials, as these trials test our faith and produce endurance. This endurance leads to completeness and maturity, helping us to live a life lacking in nothing.

We are not in control, and that is a relief. Trusting God in the ups and downs of life is crucial. Even in suffering and temptation, we are called to trust in God's goodness. Our suffering can be a testimony to others, showing them the joy and peace that come from trusting in God. Temptation, on the other hand, is a test of our desires, and enduring it leads to a crown of life.

In community, we find the strength to endure and support each other. The good life is not about individual happiness but about living in relationship with God and others, reflecting His love and comfort in a broken world. Each morning, remind yourself that "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." This affirmation helps us endure and live the good life God has planned for us.

###

Key Takeaways

1. centered desires often lead to conflict, but God's way leads to peace and wholeness. Trusting in His goodness, even when it looks different for each person, is key to living the good life. [34:48]
3. Surrender Over Confession: While confessing our sins is important, living the good life requires a deeper surrender to God's will. Saying "Not my way, Lord" and trusting in His plan helps us break the cycle of sin and shame. This surrender leads to a life of wholeness and maturity, as we continually align ourselves with God's purposes.

4. Enduring Trials with Joy: James 1 teaches us to count it all joy when we face trials, as these trials test our faith and produce endurance. This endurance leads to completeness and maturity, helping us live a life lacking in nothing. Trusting God in the ups and downs of life is crucial for spiritual growth.

5. Community and Support: Living the good life involves being in community, where we support and comfort each other. Together, we can endure trials and temptations, reflecting God's love and comfort in a broken world. This communal support helps us stand firm in our faith and live out the good life God has planned for us.

### [34:48]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[31:10] - Living in a Hostile World
[32:37] - The Paraclete: Our Helper
[33:51] - God's Compassion and Comfort
[34:48] - Redefining the Good Life
[35:40] - Self-Centeredness and Conflict
[36:17] - God's Desire for Our Good
[37:38] - God's Grief and Our Stubbornness
[38:47] - Jesus' Sacrifice and Our Wholeness
[40:00] - Surrender Over Confession
[40:45] - The Benefits of God's Goodness
[41:23] - Living as Saints
[42:14] - Understanding Trials and Temptations
[43:02] - Counting Trials as Joy
[45:09] - Trusting God in Uncertainty
[46:10] - God's Control in History
[47:19] - Suffering and God's Goodness
[49:42] - Comforting Others
[50:53] - Understanding Temptation
[52:35] - Enduring Temptation
[53:29] - Joy in Trials
[54:51] - Community and Support
[56:21] - The Good Life and Endurance
[56:51] - The Lord is My Shepherd

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

According to Psalm 103, how does God view and treat us? ([33:51])
What is the role of the Holy Spirit, or "paraclete," as described in the sermon? ([32:37])
In 2 Corinthians 1, what is the purpose of the comfort we receive from God? ([33:51])
What does James 1 say about the outcome of enduring trials? ([43:02])

Interpretation Questions

How does understanding God's compassion in Psalm 103 help us in our daily lives? ([33:51])
What does it mean to live the "good life" according to the sermon, and how does it differ from the world's definition? ([34:48])
How can the concept of "surrender over confession" change our approach to dealing with sin and brokenness? ([40:00])
Why is community important in enduring trials and temptations, as discussed in the sermon? ([54:51])

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you experienced God's comfort. How can you extend that same comfort to someone else this week? ([33:51])
The sermon emphasizes living the good life by surrendering to God's will. What is one area of your life where you need to say, "Not my way, Lord"? ([40:00])
James 1 encourages us to count it all joy when facing trials. How can you shift your perspective to see a current challenge as an opportunity for growth? ([43:02])
Think about a recent conflict you had. How did self-centeredness contribute to it, and what could you have done differently to reflect God's peace and wholeness? ([34:48])
The sermon mentions the importance of community in enduring trials. How can you be more intentional in supporting someone in your small group or church community this week? ([54:51])
The idea of "surrender over confession" was highlighted. What practical steps can you take to surrender a recurring sin or struggle to God? ([40:00])
Each morning, the pastor suggests reminding yourself that "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." How can this daily affirmation change your outlook and actions throughout the day? ([56:51])

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "But we also know that God has called us to live the good life. And if I was to ask you to describe your good life, what does the good life look like, what would you say? What does the good life look like for you? Today, I really do want to concentrate on how we can enjoy the good life while living in a hostile and broken world. Because in this world, our God is still a God of compassion. A God of consolation. A God of mercies. And for that, we're thankful." [31:10] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "We were made to live by God, under God, his way. And this God of love's desire for you and me is good and best. And if you don't remember anything else today, and if my voice fades out, remember that. God wants the best for you. But that will look different from the best for someone else. And that's what we find hard, isn't it?" [36:17] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "God sent Jesus to take our warped thinking, our self-centeredness, our brokenness and our hurts, our disappointments and ugliness, our unknowingly and knowing. And Jesus carried this all on his body to the cross. When you think of Jesus on the cross, see your ugliness and brokenness there. Broken for us. So that we can live in his wholeness or goodness. In a way that brings our healing. Our completeness. Our maturity. And fullness of life." [38:47] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "I can have shalom. I can have the deep. Peace of God. That passes all understanding. And I can be anxious free. And I don't have to fear death. Because Jesus has tasted death for every one of us. And taken it out." [50:13] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want. I lack nothing. If I know that I can endure. I can stand up under. The Lord is my shepherd. I shall I shall not want. Come on, say it. The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want." [56:51] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "And we are so thick at times. So dumb that we forget to call upon our God who is our helper. The advocate. The one who is there fighting for us and wanting us to live the good life. Wanting us not just to live the good life and to know his goodness in us. But he also wants us to learn that we who have been paracleted, helped by God, can also do that to ourselves. And to others." [32:37] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Unfortunately, we live in this broken world. And the good life that God has ordained for us and wants us to enjoy has been redefined and substituted for the pursuit of happiness. My happiness. Usually at your expense. Because self becomes the king. Self becomes the ruler. For me and for you. My self usually wants my way. My happiness and my satisfaction. The trouble is you too want your way. Your satisfaction. your happiness. And when that collides, we either avoid each other. Or have conflict with each other. Or just plain fight." [34:48] (66 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "We need to go back over and over. Day after day after day and say, you're God. I'm not. I'll go your way. Not my way. So help me God. And that's a continuum. Mostly, we spend our time saying, sorry I sinned. And that's okay if you've sinned. But usually we need to say, not my way Lord. I surrender. I give myself anew and afresh to you today. There is a difference." [40:00] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "The good life is the result. Knowing that the testing of our faith causes endurance. Endurance when it completes its work brings a completeness, a wholeness. That's the meaning of good. Lacking in nothing. Testing our faith. Proving it. We're in good company when we're tested because Jesus himself was tested. Okay? And Hebrews actually said that although Jesus was a son, he learned obedience through the things he suffered and was tested in. He did not sin." [55:21] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Now, abiding sometimes means I can't do it alone. I've got to do it with others. That's community. Knowing that together we're in this and we can share and we can stand up for each other. The good life is the result. Knowing that the testing of our faith causes endurance. Endurance when it completes its work brings a completeness, a wholeness." [54:51] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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