Reflecting on God's Goodness and Self-Examination

Summary

### Summary

This morning, we gathered to reflect on the goodness of God, acknowledging that His grace, mercy, and love sustain us through both our best and worst days. We were reminded that even in our trials and burdens, God remains good. As a church family, we are called to encourage one another and to be grateful for the ability to connect, whether in person or through technology.

Our focus today was on self-examination, a practice commanded in Scripture. We turned to Jeremiah 6, where God calls His people to evaluate their spiritual state. Self-examination is crucial because our hearts can deceive us. We must use the Word of God as a mirror to see ourselves clearly and to identify areas needing correction. The Bible warns us that without this self-examination, we risk becoming spiritually useless, like reprobate silver that cannot be purified.

Two key indicators help us in this self-examination: our attitude toward Scripture and our response to sin. First, we must assess our appetite for God's Word. Do we delight in it, or do we find it a reproach? Our spiritual health is reflected in our hunger for Scripture. Second, we must examine our attitude toward sin. Are we covetous, deceitful, or defiant? Do we blush at our sins, or have we become so desensitized that we no longer feel shame?

God calls us to recognize where we are, repent, and return to the right path. This involves obedience to His commands, which brings rest and peace to our souls. We must be willing to make course corrections, guided by the Holy Spirit, to experience the abundant life Jesus promised.

### Key Takeaways

1. God's Goodness in All Circumstances: Regardless of our circumstances, whether we are facing trials or enjoying blessings, God's goodness remains constant. This truth should anchor our faith and encourage us to trust Him more deeply. [44:45]

2. The Necessity of Self-Examination: Scripture repeatedly calls us to examine ourselves. This practice is essential because our hearts are deceitful. Using the Word of God as a mirror helps us see our true spiritual condition and identify areas needing repentance and growth. [47:01]

3. Attitude Toward Scripture: Our spiritual health is reflected in our attitude toward God's Word. Do we delight in it, or do we find it a reproach? A healthy appetite for Scripture indicates a vibrant relationship with God, while a lack of interest suggests spiritual stagnation. [55:09]

4. Response to Sin: We must be honest about our sins, whether they are visible or hidden. Covetousness, deceit, and defiance are indicators of a heart not aligned with God. True repentance involves recognizing these sins, feeling genuine shame, and turning back to God. [01:05:43]

5. Obedience Brings Rest: Recognizing our spiritual state and repenting is not enough; we must also return to the right path through obedience. This obedience brings rest and peace to our souls, allowing us to experience the abundant life Jesus promised. [01:16:25]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[44:45] - Opening Prayer and Praise
[45:24] - Encouragement and Community
[45:53] - Acknowledging the Tech Team
[46:24] - Introduction to Jeremiah 6
[47:01] - The Call for Self-Examination
[47:37] - Using the Word as a Mirror
[48:08] - The Importance of Self-Examination
[48:46] - Personal Reflection and Humility
[49:26] - Seeking God's Guidance
[50:18] - Avoiding Blame and Focusing on Self
[51:57] - The Imagery of Purification
[53:28] - The Danger of Becoming Spiritually Useless
[55:09] - Evaluating Our Attitude Toward Scripture
[56:32] - The Problem of Spiritual Regression
[58:07] - The Reproach of God's Word
[59:39] - The Warning Signs of Spiritual Decline
[01:01:09] - Delighting in God's Word
[01:04:06] - The Indicator of Sin
[01:05:43] - Covetousness and Desires
[01:07:12] - The Importance of Truth
[01:08:45] - The Danger of Defiance
[01:10:27] - Recognizing and Repenting
[01:11:54] - Returning to the Right Path
[01:13:31] - The Subtlety of Spiritual Drift
[01:15:02] - The Call for Revival
[01:16:25] - Obedience and Rest
[01:17:41] - The Choice to Obey
[01:18:55] - Closing Prayer and Invitation

Study Guide

### Bible Reading
1. Jeremiah 6:27-30 - "I have set you for a tower and a fortress among My people, that you may know and try their way. They are all grievous revolters, walking with slanders: they are brass and iron; they are all corrupters. The bellows are burned, the lead is consumed of the fire; the founder melts in vain: for the wicked are not plucked away. Reprobate silver shall men call them, because the Lord hath rejected them."
2. 2 Corinthians 13:5 - "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?"
3. James 1:22-24 - "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was."

### Observation Questions
1. What imagery does God use in Jeremiah 6:27-30 to describe the spiritual state of His people? ([51:57])
2. According to 2 Corinthians 13:5, what are believers instructed to do, and why is this important? ([47:01])
3. In James 1:22-24, what is the difference between being a hearer of the word and a doer of the word? ([47:37])
4. How does the sermon describe the attitude of God's people towards His word in Jeremiah 6:10? ([55:09])

### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to be "reprobate silver" as described in Jeremiah 6:30, and how can this apply to our spiritual lives today? ([53:28])
2. How can self-examination, as instructed in 2 Corinthians 13:5, prevent us from becoming spiritually useless? ([47:01])
3. Why is it important to not only hear the word of God but also to act on it, according to James 1:22-24? ([47:37])
4. How does our attitude towards Scripture reflect our spiritual health, and what are the consequences of finding God's word a reproach? ([55:09])

### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent trial or blessing in your life. How did you see God's goodness in that situation? How can this reflection strengthen your faith? ([44:45])
2. When was the last time you conducted a self-examination of your spiritual state? What did you discover, and how did you respond? ([47:01])
3. How do you currently engage with Scripture? Do you find delight in it, or do you struggle to find time and interest? What changes can you make to improve your engagement with God's word? ([55:09])
4. Think about a sin that you have become desensitized to. How can you regain a sense of shame and repentance for this sin? ([01:05:43])
5. What steps can you take to ensure that your obedience to God's commands brings rest and peace to your soul? How can you make these steps a regular part of your spiritual practice? ([01:16:25])
6. Identify one area in your life where you need to make a course correction. What practical steps will you take this week to start moving in the right direction? ([01:11:54])
7. How can you encourage someone in your church family who might be struggling with their spiritual state? What specific actions can you take to support them? ([45:24])

Devotional

Day 1: God's Goodness in All Circumstances
Description: Regardless of our circumstances, whether we are facing trials or enjoying blessings, God's goodness remains constant. This truth should anchor our faith and encourage us to trust Him more deeply. In times of hardship, it is easy to question God's goodness, but Scripture assures us that His nature does not change based on our situation. His grace, mercy, and love are steadfast, providing us with a firm foundation even when everything else seems unstable. Reflecting on God's unchanging goodness can help us maintain a perspective of gratitude and trust, knowing that He is always working for our good.

In moments of joy, recognizing God's goodness can deepen our worship and appreciation for His blessings. It reminds us that every good and perfect gift comes from Him, and it encourages us to share His love and kindness with others. By focusing on God's goodness, we can cultivate a heart of thankfulness and a spirit of encouragement within our church family. [44:45]

Psalm 100:5 (ESV): "For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations."

Reflection: Think of a recent trial or blessing in your life. How can you acknowledge and thank God for His goodness in that situation today?

Day 2: The Necessity of Self-Examination
Description: Scripture repeatedly calls us to examine ourselves. This practice is essential because our hearts are deceitful. Using the Word of God as a mirror helps us see our true spiritual condition and identify areas needing repentance and growth. Self-examination is not about self-condemnation but about seeking God's truth and allowing it to transform us. It involves a humble and honest assessment of our spiritual health, guided by the Holy Spirit.

Without regular self-examination, we risk becoming spiritually complacent and drifting away from God's purposes for our lives. By evaluating our attitudes, actions, and motivations in light of Scripture, we can make necessary course corrections and grow in our relationship with God. This process requires courage and humility, but it ultimately leads to greater spiritual maturity and alignment with God's will. [47:01]

Lamentations 3:40 (ESV): "Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the Lord!"

Reflection: Take a moment to reflect on your spiritual life. What is one area where you sense God calling you to make a change or seek His guidance?

Day 3: Attitude Toward Scripture
Description: Our spiritual health is reflected in our attitude toward God's Word. Do we delight in it, or do we find it a reproach? A healthy appetite for Scripture indicates a vibrant relationship with God, while a lack of interest suggests spiritual stagnation. The Bible is not just a book of rules but a living and active guide that reveals God's character, His promises, and His will for our lives.

When we approach Scripture with a heart of reverence and a desire to learn, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God's Word. It becomes a source of wisdom, comfort, and direction. Conversely, if we neglect or dismiss Scripture, we miss out on the spiritual nourishment and growth it provides. Cultivating a love for God's Word is essential for maintaining a strong and dynamic faith. [55:09]

Psalm 119:103-104 (ESV): "How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way."

Reflection: Reflect on your current engagement with Scripture. How can you intentionally increase your time and delight in God's Word this week?

Day 4: Response to Sin
Description: We must be honest about our sins, whether they are visible or hidden. Covetousness, deceit, and defiance are indicators of a heart not aligned with God. True repentance involves recognizing these sins, feeling genuine shame, and turning back to God. Sin separates us from God and hinders our spiritual growth, but repentance restores our relationship with Him and brings healing to our souls.

Acknowledging our sins requires humility and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths about ourselves. It is not enough to simply feel remorse; we must also take action to change our behavior and align our lives with God's standards. This process is ongoing and requires the support of the Holy Spirit and the encouragement of our church community. [01:05:43]

James 4:8-9 (ESV): "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom."

Reflection: Identify a specific sin in your life that you need to address. What steps can you take today to seek God's forgiveness and make a change?

Day 5: Obedience Brings Rest
Description: Recognizing our spiritual state and repenting is not enough; we must also return to the right path through obedience. This obedience brings rest and peace to our souls, allowing us to experience the abundant life Jesus promised. Obedience to God's commands is not about legalism but about aligning our lives with His perfect will and experiencing the fullness of His blessings.

When we choose to obey God, we demonstrate our trust in His wisdom and goodness. Obedience leads to spiritual rest because it frees us from the burden of sin and the anxiety of self-reliance. It allows us to live in harmony with God's design and purpose for our lives, resulting in true peace and fulfillment. [01:16:25]

Isaiah 30:15 (ESV): "For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, 'In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.' But you were unwilling."

Reflection: Consider an area of your life where you struggle with obedience to God. What practical steps can you take to align your actions with His commands and experience His rest?

Quotes

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "Lord, even those here this morning who are going through difficult times and trials, you're still good. Lord, those who are carrying burdens and grief, you're still good. And Lord, on our best days as well as our worst, help us to be reminded that we can only survive because of your goodness. Thank you for your grace, your mercy, your love. Thank you that all of this is everlasting and that we get to worship you in it this morning." [44:45] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "You look around, you may see some smiling faces, but that remember behind some of those smiling faces are people that need encouragement and need a word from you. So this morning, don't do it right now during while I'm preaching, but find somebody nearby you and give them a word of encouragement and let them know that you're glad they're here, that you love them and that you're praying for them." [45:24] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "God Oh in Jesus' name. God comes down and He sets me free. God comes in through Father John in and He gives us these ways. He opened up the next door to open for us. He brought us here into His kingdom, He brought us to the church of the Lord just like a man that sows his noxious fruit. He brought us here into this new life excuse for all sorts of things." [50:18] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "You can't feast at the trough of this world. You can't feast at the pig trough of this world and expect to be hungry when you sit at God's table. What we fill our minds with will satisfy us and we'll have no room for it. We'll have no room for appetite for the things of God. And what you consume on a regular basis will be what you develop an appetite for." [01:03:35] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Jesus said, I have come that they might have life, and that you might have it, what, more abundantly. But we're not enjoying the rest for our souls, because we're on the wrong path. Where are you? And what do you need to do about it? Are you praying that prayer? Are you asking God right now, God? And maybe God's already showed you some things. Maybe you didn't even have to pray. You already know." [01:16:25] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "Repeated commands are given in scripture to self-examination, to see where we stand. In 2 Corinthians chapter 13, the Bible says, examine yourselves, examine yourselves. We're to look and we're to contemplate where we are with God. In James chapter one, he says that we're to use the word of God. You see, the problem is when we start examining ourselves, we can deceive ourselves. The heart of man is deceitful above all things. It's desperately wicked. Who can know it?" [47:01] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "God gives us His Word. God gives us His Spirit to do that work in our lives, to show us where we are wrong, and what we need to do about it. Too often we're so busy, we're so involved in our lives that we don't take the time to evaluate where we are. And God says, there's fire. They're putting the precious silver, the precious metal into the fire, but the wickedness is not purged out." [53:28] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "God, show me where I am, and then ask the Lord to do this. God, as we hear this word from your word, I want you to show me what I need to do. Show me where I am, and show me what I need to do. It's a time of self-examination. It is done with the Scriptures, and it is done by the aid of the Holy Spirit, but every one of us needs to do this." [50:18] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "God says, look at the word of God. What's your attitude? What's your appetite for it? Look at the sins in your life. Your sin may not be covetousness. Your sin may not be deceit, but I'll guarantee you every one of us has sins in our lives. God is using a one phrase from a verse of scripture in the last three to four weeks. And the Holy Spirit's convicting me about that." [01:10:27] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "God says, first of all, I want you to recognize where you are. Thus sayeth the Lord, stand ye in the ways and see. I want you to stop and I want you to become aware of where you are. You see, sometimes we find ourselves into sinful situations and we got there without really thinking about it. And we'd suddenly look around like, oh, wait, how did I get here? I'm in a bad, I'm not in a good spot." [01:11:54] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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