Jeremy Utley - Discerning Your True Spiritual Appetite

Jeremy UtleyDecember 4, 201716mWatch on YouTube

Speaker: Jeremy Utley Title: Discerning Your True Spiritual Appetite Date: 12-03-2017 Our Goal as Christians is this: To be an exact reflection of Jesus, the Son of God (Romans 8:29) We do this individually by growing in purity in our personal lives (1 John 3:2-3) We do this corporately by becoming fully functioning members of a local Church (Ephesians 4:11-16)

Summary

The speaker suggests that a person's spiritual appetite can be tested by examining their attraction to others, drawing parallels between this and the need to be drawn to Christ for the right reasons. He argues that being drawn to Jesus's purity and humility, rather than sensational signs or miracles, is the true measure of faith. Ultimately, the speaker encourages the audience to proactively choose to be attracted to godly people, recognizing that our affections reveal the true state of our hearts.

Outline

The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.

Why we should never withhold rejoicingBelievers should never withhold rejoicing because nothing in life can thwart God's ultimate purpose for them.Luke 10:20

The fellowship of the saints as a test of spiritual appetiteA person's attitude toward fellowship with other believers is a practical test of their own spiritual health and appetite.

The wrong reason to come to JesusPeople often seek out Jesus for the wrong reasons, such as chasing sensational signs and wonders rather than being drawn to His purity and humility.

Are we drawn to submitted people?A simple test of spiritual appetite is whether we are naturally drawn to people who demonstrate radical yieldedness and humility, or simply to those who are talented and gifted.

Your heart is reflected by your friendsJust as a mirror reflects a person's face, the kinds of friends a person chooses reveal what their heart is truly like.

Humility as a magnetMagnets attract and repel, and humility acts like a magnet that reveals the spiritual metal inside our own hearts.

Making the godly our heroesBelievers are not helpless victims of their natural affections; they can proactively choose to make godly people their heroes and seek spiritual purity.

Observing godly patternsPaul instructs believers to observe those who walk according to the right pattern, which requires spending intentional time with godly people even when it exposes our own discomfort.Philippians 3:17

Do you find yourself running from fellowship?Just as magnets have a repulsive force, a low spiritual appetite can cause someone to secretly rush away from times of godly fellowship with relief rather than regret.

Delighting in the saintsTrue spiritual growth begins when we honestly admit our lack of appetite to the Lord and learn to view the saints on earth as the majestic ones in whom we delight.Psalm 16:3

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Jeremy Utley - Discerning Your True Spiritual Appetite

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